Useful travel videos answer real questions
The most useful travel videos answer what a visitor wants to know: how to get there, what it costs, how long to stay and what to skip. Beautiful shots draw people in, but specific details are what they save for later. Put prices and dates on screen, since both change.
Steady shots on the move
Shaky footage is the most common problem in travel video. Use your camera's stabilisation or a gimbal for walking shots. When you pan across a view, move twice as slowly as feels natural.
Drones: check the rules first
Drone rules differ by country, and many parks, cities and airports ban flights. Many countries ask you to register a drone, and some require a test. Check the local aviation authority before you pack one.
Phone HDR and washed-out colour
Many phones record HDR by default. VideoBB's streams are H.264 in SDR, so HDR clips can look flat or grey after upload. Turn HDR recording off, or convert to SDR in your editor. Our HDR basics guide explains why.
Uploading from hotels and cafés
Hotel wifi is slow and drops out. VideoBB uploads are resumable: if the connection drops, the upload carries on where it stopped when you come back within 48 hours in the same browser.
On a very slow link, scale a 4K file down to 1080p with the resize tool and upload the full version when you get home.
Choosing a resolution for travel footage
Our comparison of 4K, 1440p and 1080p goes deeper.
| Resolution | Who can watch it | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 2160p (4K) | Premium members | Landscapes, cities, drone shots |
| 1440p | Premium members | More detail than 1080p in a smaller file |
| 1080p | Everyone | Talking to camera, uploads on slow connections |
Small things that make travel videos better
- Record a few seconds of clean ambient sound at each place. It smooths over cuts.
- Carry spare batteries and cards. Cold weather drains batteries fast.
- Film signs and maps. They tell viewers where they are without a voice-over.
- Ask before you film people up close, and follow the rules at religious sites, museums and markets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload travel videos over hotel wifi?
Yes. Uploads resume if the connection drops, as long as you return within 48 hours in the same browser. Each file can be up to 4 GB.
Why do my phone's HDR clips look washed out after upload?
VideoBB delivers H.264 video in SDR. Turn off HDR recording, or convert clips to SDR in your editor before upload, to keep colours predictable.
Do I need permission to fly a drone for travel videos?
Often, yes. Rules vary by country and by place, so check with the local aviation authority before you fly.