Solo Travel Selfies: 10 Easy Ways to Photograph Yourself (No Awkward Asking Required)

Taking photos of yourself while travelling solo can feel like trying to pat your head and rub your tummy, while holding a croissant, in a crowd, in the wind.

The good news: solo travel selfies don’t have to be grainy arm shots or sad “proof-of-life” snaps that your mum’s asked for. Elevate your solo travel photography with a few simple tricks, like using timer apps and golden hour lighting, and you can come home from your weekend break with photos that actually look like you were having a great time (because you were, obviously!).

This guide is for the working-week travellers, including the solo female traveller, and the ones squeezing joy out of short trips. And yes, anyone travelling around a full time job who still wants cute photos in cute places to daydream about during their next boring Teams meeting.

The 30-second solo photo set-up (so you don’t waste your weekend)

Before you start faffing with angles, remember smart prep with your existing camera gear beats buying fancy equipment. Do these once and you’ll thank yourself later:

• Clean your smartphone camera lens (honestly, half of “bad lighting” is just thumb grease)
• Turn on grid lines so you can line things up quickly
• Set your camera to a timer or burst mode
• Pre-pick one “hero spot” per location so you’re not stopping every six steps

If you’re travelling solo and hopping between viewpoints, this tiny set-up saves loads of time on your weekend.

10 easy ways to take photos of yourself while solo travelling

1) Use the back camera, not the selfie camera

Your phone’s back camera is usually much sharper, and it handles tricky light better.

Prop your phone, use a timer, and let the better lens do the heavy lifting. The difference is wild, especially in dimly-lit rooms, and bright spots like snowy streets, beaches, or pale stone buildings.

2) The “lean your phone” hack to take photos of yourself (no tripod needed)

No gear, no problem!

I’ve balanced my phone against a water bottle, a book, a folded scarf, and once (with full respect) a very sturdy public bench.

Angle it slightly upwards for a more flattering look, and avoid placing it on busy ledges where someone could knock it.

3) Turn on Live Photos (then steal the best frame)

If you’re on iPhone, the Live Photo mode can rescue you from blink-face.

Hit the shutter with a timer, move naturally for a couple of seconds, then pick the best still from the clip. It’s basically “burst mode”, but less chaotic.

Just bear in mind, changing the frame this way does reduce the image’s quality. But unless you’re planning on getting a huge print, this shouldn’t really be an issue. If you need full quality, use Burst mode, which you can activate by voice via the iPhone’s accessibility settings.

To set this up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control > Commands > Custom > Create New Command. Choose a phrase to use to activate it (I used “Burst”), in the ‘Application’ field select ‘Camera’, then in the ‘Action’ field select ‘Run Custom Gesture’. Then press, hold and drag your finger to the left of the screen, and release, just as you would to take a burst of photos. Click ‘Stop’ and ‘Save’, and ‘Save’ again. Then just turn on Voice Control when you want to use it and say your chosen phrase.

4) Timer apps = your invisible travel buddy

Your phone’s built-in timer is fine, but timer apps can give you more control (longer delays, multiple shots, intervals) with self-timer mode. No more running back and forth to your phone after each shot!

For a simple option, Lens Buddy is my go-to app because it’s specifically designed for hands-free shooting with customisable timers and quantities.

5) Get height to take photos of yourself: use railings, bins, and low walls

The fastest way to make a solo shot look “intentional” is to vary the angle.

A slightly higher camera angle can be flattering, while a low angle makes landmarks look bigger and more dramatic. You can even use just your arm for this by holding your phone up and angling it downwards. Just don’t block walkways or perch your phone somewhere it could fall into a canal. Nobody needs that stress on a weekend away!

6) Use the “walk through the frame” method

This is my favourite because it feels less posed, and more natural.

Set your camera up, start recording a video (or use burst mode), then simply walk through the scene like you’re on your way to buy an overpriced coffee. Later, screenshot or select and keep the best frame. Movement makes photos feel real, not staged.

7) Make “tiny you” the point (wide shot, big scenery)

Not every photo needs to show your face perfectly. Sometimes the best solo traveller selfies are the ones where you’re small in the frame, surrounded by mountains, a giant cathedral, or a moody coastline in wide-angle shots. It tells the story of the place, not just your eyebrows.

If you’re travelling solo and love hunting for scenic backdrops on quick city breaks, you’ll enjoy Riga’s most photogenic landmarks for easy, walkable spots that work brilliantly with wide shots.

8) Ask a stranger, but do it like a pro (and safely)

Asking someone to take your photo doesn’t have to be awkward, but do it with a plan.

Just ask, “Hi, sorry, could you take one photo of me with this building? Just press this button, and I’ll stand here. Thank you!”

A few safety and sanity tips:

• Hand your phone over with the camera already open
• Ask families or other tourists (they’re often more willing, especially if you offer to take one of them too)
• Trust your gut, if it feels off, don’t do it

Just accept that sometimes, you’ll get a great photo (like this one a lovely group of girls offered to take for me in Lisbon) and sometimes you won’t! It’s why I tend to avoid asking my boyfriend to take my photo, because he somehow almost always managed to chop my feet off!

Alternatively, I’ve had some beautiful photos taken of myself while travelling solo by booking a photography tour through my favourite experience provider, Get Your Guide. My favourites so far have been this vintage Fiat 500 photo tour in Rome, and a pedicab photo tour of Central Park in New York.

There are similar experiences available at almost every picturesque destination. Donwload and search the Get Your Guide app, then use discount code TRAVELMOREWITHNAT5 for 5% off your total basket.

9) Bring a compact tripod or grip to take photos of yourself (and actually use it!)

If you take short trips and extreme day trips often, a small tripod is worth it. It fits in your bag and saves loads of asking. Look for one that’s stable, light, and works with your phone (like the one I recommend further down this post).

Personal confession: I once carried a mini tripod around all day and didn’t use it because I felt “silly”. Then I left it on the bus (urgh, thanks so much, ADHD travel tax!). When I finally used one, I got my favourite shot of the trip in under two minutes. Lesson learned. Travelling solo gets easier with these reliable tools, once you stop worrying what other people think!

10) Use light like a cheat code (golden hour wins)

Light can make a basic spot look cinematic.

Aim for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, shadows are kinder, and the world looks a bit more romantic than it has any right to during golden hour.

If you’re doing extreme itineraries (hello, flights at sunrise!), the bonus is you’re already out at the best time for photos. This style of travel is exactly why I love extreme one-day European adventure ideas, quick, punchy, and weirdly photogenic.

Bonus: Solo Photo Ideas

Often I find that when I’m travelling solo, it’s inspiration I lack as well as confidence.

So I’ve listed some additional ideas for easy, picturesque shots you can take of yourself when you don’t have a second pair of hands.

• Sitting by your hotel window, looking outside
• Standing on a balcony at sunrise
• Walking away from the camera down a quiet street
• Sitting alone at a café with a coffee
• Reading a book in a beautiful spot
• Watching trains pass from a platform
• Sitting on steps with a landmark behind you
• Looking out to sea or over a viewpoint
• Sitting on a park bench people-watching
• Looking up at architecture from below
• Sitting at the bar with a drink
• Watching the sunset from behind
• Standing in a doorway or arch
• Sitting on public transport by the window
• Walking with a tote bag or coat flowing
• Sitting at a table with a journal open
• Looking into a shop window reflection
• Sitting on the floor with your luggage

If you already have the shot in mind, it usually doesn’t take long to get. And if you were doing the activity anyway, then getting some nice photos of yourself doesn’t have to seriously eat into your travel and sightseeing time.

I also recommend learning how best to ‘pose’, and I mean in a way that looks natural but is also flattering to your body type. I follow Bia Beible on Instagram, because I love her quick, simple tips on how to improve photos of yourself. And don’t feel like you have to look at the camera. Often looking away or slightly to the side looks softer and more natural.

Phone camera accessories that make solo travel photos way easier

If you want better solo shots without turning your long weekend break into a full film production, these small accessories like a tripod and remote do most of the work for you.

I take all of these following items on every trip and pack them in my under-seat-size backpack. And believe me, they earn their keep fast!

I also frequently buy some of these as gifts for people who also love to travel as much as I do!

1) A compact travel tripod (underseat-bag friendly)

For stable framing and better low light shots, a tripod is essential. Plus you can use the back camera without guesswork, especially when paired with a remote.

These work great for city scapes, view points, cafés, and early morning “no crowds” shots.

This is the exact tripod I have, and it’s the best I’ve had yet. Its four feet make it stable (even in wind), it fits in my under-seat-size bag, and it’s so quick and easy to adjust.

2) A suction mount (for glass, tiles, mirrors, windows)

A suction mount is like having a tripod when there’s nowhere to put a tripod, like on a train window, hotel balcony, or bathroom mirror.

I have this twist-to-lock suction mount, which not only comes in useful for photography but is also ideal for using Google Maps if hiring a car abroad.

3) A Bluetooth shutter button (tiny, cheap, brilliant)

With a Bluetooth remote, you can start the shot without sprinting back and forth. It acts as a remote shutter, and it feels much less awkward in public.

These are great for tripod shots, “walk through the frame” shots, and taking multiple pictures without touching your phone.

I love this Bluetooth button as it pairs almost instantly, stays connected, and comes with a second button (for when you inevitably lose the first one!).

4) A phone grip or mini handle (for steadier video and better angles)

A grip or handle on your phone gives you a steadier hold, makes overhead or low angle shots easier, and feels less like you’re about to drop your phone.

These make taking pictures in markets, narrow streets and busy places much less intimidating.

I find my PopSocket is a super handy selfie accessory. Just pop it out, and instantly you have a more secure way of holding your phone at arm’s length.

5) A small clip-on light (for cafés, evening streets, indoor shots)

Help your face look alive in dim indoor lighting without relying on harsh flash by investing in a small clip-on light.

These are ideal for dinner shots, darker indoor attractions and winter trips when it gets dark by 4pm (but you haven’t finished sightseeing yet!).

Make sure you go for one with adjustable brighteness, warm and neutral light modes, and a soft diffuser (so it doesn’t look like you’re being interrogated!). This one ticks all those boxes, and more:

6) A gimbal (for street scenes and tracking movement)

A gimbal is a small hand-held support that helps to stabilise your photos and capture smoother video footage by rotating on multiple axes.

These work great for shots involving movement, such as city street views or following a moving vehicle or object.

I absolutely adore my DJI Osmo for taking photos and video when travelling solo. Not only can I attach it to my taller tripod for height, but it automatically pans and follows me to keep me centred in the frame as I walk past it.

7) A power bank and a short cable (the unglamorous MVP)

Solo photo setups eat battery, especially if you’re using video, stabilisation, and screen brightness outdoors. So a power bank is an essential piece of kit to pack for any trip.

As well as a wireless Magsafe power bank, I also love this version for faster charging with its built-in cables. It has three different types, so you charge multiple devices at the same time too.

8) A small microfiber cloth (because “bad lighting” is often smudges)

A clean lens is the cheapest photo upgrade you’ll ever get. And you’ll be surprised at just how quickly your camera lenses get smudged by fingerprints.

Keep a small microfiber cloth in your pocket, and use it to wipe your phone’s lenses before setting up each scene. I love this pack of 8, and keep them in all different places so I always have handy.

Want to go solo beyond your phone? Small cameras that give “how did you get that shot?” results

If you’re traveling solo and love content that looks a bit more cinematic (without bringing a full camera kit), these are popular options. They’re not essential, but they can deliver high-end results worthy of a professional photographer, and be very fun.

1) 360 cameras (like Insta360-style cameras)

Why they’re great for solo travel: You can capture everything, then choose the best angle later. It’s brilliant for “tiny you, big scenery” shots, fake drone footage and underwater images (the Insta360 is waterproof).

Best for: Scenic viewpoints, hikes, bike rides, fast-paced weekends where you don’t want to keep resetting your phone. I’ve used mine to capture some fantastic footage of me taking that vintage Fiat 500 photo tour of Rome, and while snorkelling with tropical fish in Kenya’s clear turquoise waters.

2) Hands-free flying cameras (like HoverAir-style devices)

Why they’re great for solo travel: They can follow you and get aerial-style angles without you holding anything. I love my HoverAir X1 because it’s so small, light and quiet, and has ready-to-go presets like ‘bird’s eye view’, ‘zoom out’ and ‘follow me’.

Best for: Beaches, quiet open spaces, scenic trails, wide plazas.

I love my HoverAir X1 because it’s so small, light and quiet, and has ready-to-go presets like ‘bird’s eye view’, ‘zoom out’ and ‘follow me’.

3) Action cameras (like GoPro)

Why they’re great: Small, tough, good stabilisation, and great for video. If your trips include kayaking, winter weather, or chaotic adventures, these handle it.

Best for: Active trips, rain, snow, water, and anything that would make you nervous with your phone out.

I made great use of this GoPro and got some great footage of me whizzing down a Swiss mountain coaster!

4) Compact cameras (small point-and-shoot style)

Why they’re great: Some compact cameras handle zoom and low light better than a phone (unlike bulkier DSLR cameras), and they feel more intentional for travel photography.

Best for: City breaks at night, portraits with background blur, details like food and street scenes.

I bought this digital camera as I find it less risky sometimes using this on a tripod or handing it to a stranger, rather than my expensive iPhone that contains my entire life.

FAQ: solo travel selfies

Wrap-up: you can take great photos, even on tight timelines

You don’t need a photographer, a fancy camera, or heaps of time off work to get photos you love. With a timer, a bit of confidence, and a plan, solo travel selfies can look polished and still feel like you.

Next time you’re travelling solo on a quick getaway, try just two of these methods and see what sticks. Solo travel photos make treasured memories and wonderful souvenirs from travelling solo, so capture them well, whether your Team Tripod, Team Stranger, or Team “Balance Phone on Water Bottle and Pray”.