In some sections of our blog, you have the opportunity to purchase various products and services online from other merchants, not directly from us. When you see links on our blog, please be aware that some of them may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, Where’s Holly may receive an affiliate commission.

Starting a travel adventure? You need the right gear. With so many cameras to pick from, we all ask: Which GoPro is best for travel? After trying many over the years of travel, the GoPro Hero 11 and GoPro Max shine the brightest. Keep reading for the best GoPro for travel and some examples of ones I’ve used over the years. 

Want to know where to find the cheapest GoPros? MPB sell the BEST secondhand photography gear and you can find the all the GoPro’s featured in the list for a fraction of the brand new price. Check them out at MPB. 

using a GoPro in Thailand

Back in Thailand using my first ever GoPro

Can you travel with a GoPro? 

Yes, you can! Travellers love using a GoPro still in 2024. Here’s why:

  • Size: GoPros are small. They won’t take up much space in your bag.
  • Views: Their wide lens can catch big scenes, like beaches or mountains.
  • Fun Activities: Going swimming or flying in the sky? GoPros can handle it. They’re safe in water and great for cool shots from up high.
  • Easy to Use: You can put them on helmets or your chest. This way, you have both hands free for your adventure.
  • Battery: They last longer than many phones. So, you can film all day.
    So, thinking of travelling with a camera? A GoPro is a top choice. You’ll capture awesome memories
Man on a ledge in big sur taking a wide angle photo

Big Sur National Park – The GoPro’s ultra-wide lens is great for travel photos

Is the GoPro Hero 11 good for travel?

Yes! Here’s why the GoPro Hero 11 is currently the GoPro best for travel. 

Image of a GoPro Hero 11

You can pick up GoPro Hero 11s on Amazon.com

  • Quality: It has a super sharp 5.3K video setting. This means clear and bright videos of all your trips. Every city, beach, or mountain looks amazing.
  • No More Shaky Videos: Travelling means moving. Walking, biking, or running can shake any camera. But the Hero 11’s HyperSmooth 4.0 keeps videos steady. It’s like magic!
  • Easy Screen: Some cameras are hard to use. But not the Hero 11! Its touchscreen is fast and easy. This means you spend less time playing with buttons and more time enjoying your trip.
  • Good in Low Light: Some moments are dim. Like sunsets or city lights at night. The Hero 11 can handle it. Every photo and video shines, even in the dark.
Woman holding a GoPro Hero 11 up to a beautiful view

The GoPro Hero 11 also has a selfie mode for solo travellers 🤩

So, why pick the GoPro Hero 11? It’s simple. The Hero 11 is tough. It takes high-quality photos and videos. And it’s super easy to use. Which are two serious bonuses when you’re taking travel photos. While cameras like the GoPro Max have cool features (like 360-degree videos), the Hero 11 stands out. It promises insane travel photos on every trip.

Buy the GoPro Hero 11 brand new on Amazon for £324.99 📸

Is GoPro Max better than 11?

Want to pick the best GoPro for travel? Let’s see how the GoPro Max and Hero 11 compare.

The GoPro Max’s Cool Features:

  • See Everything: With the Max, you can record everything around you. Imagine being in a big city square. You can catch all the fun stuff happening, not just what’s in front of you.
  • Perfect for Travel Videos: Some folks say the Max is the best for making travel videos. It has a screen that lets you see yourself while you record. So, you can share cool places and your reactions all at once.
  • Hear Everything: Sounds make memories better. Busy streets, singing birds, or ocean waves — the Max catches it all.
  • Big Wide Shots: Ever seen a big mountain or a long beach and wanted to get it all in one photo? The Max can do that without making it look weird.
men skydiving with their gopro action cams

GoPro Max sample footage – taken from the GoPro wesite

So, which one’s best? It depends on what you like. If you want to catch everything around you and make fun travel videos, pick the Max. If you want high-quality videos and something simple, go for the Hero 11.

Buy the GoPro Max on Amazon for £399 

Do i need a GoPro if i have an iPhone?

When you travel, you want the best camera by your side. iPhones take good photos, sure. But what about GoPros? Do they offer more for travellers?

  • Tough and Ready: GoPros are tough. They can handle rain, dirt, and even a quick swim. Your iPhone might need special cases for that. For wild adventures, a GoPro is a safer bet.
  • Hands-Free Videos: Imagine climbing or biking and wanting to film it. GoPros let you do that. They have many mounts. You can attach them almost anywhere. iPhones can be trickier to mount.
  • See the Big Picture: Ever see a huge mountain or a wide beach? GoPros have a wide lens. They can capture big views in one shot. iPhones are good but might not catch it all.
  • Save Your Phone’s Battery: Shooting videos can drain your phone’s battery fast. If you’re using maps or making calls, you need your phone alive. Using a GoPro for videos can save your phone for other things.

In short, iPhones are great. But GoPros, like the Hero 11 and Max, have special features for travellers. If you ask, “which GoPro is best for travel?”, think about what you’ll do on your trip. Sometimes, having both is the best way to capture every moment.

A woman snorkelling at a coral reef

Which GoPro is best for travel?

Whilst the GoPro Hero 11 is my personal favourite when it comes to which GoPro is best for travel, there are a number of different and older models available. Let’s dive into some top GoPro models to figure out which one could be your perfect travel companion.

1. GoPro Hero 9 Black:

This beauty was the first to show off GoPro’s fresh look. You’ll see two screens – one on the front and one on the back. It’s waterproof up to 10m, and there’s no need for a case! One big bonus? It plays well with GoPro’s newest gadgets, like external mics and lights. Your videos will look super sharp at 5.3K and 30fps. Plus, no shaky footage thanks to the HyperSmooth 3.0. It even helps you keep your shots straight with horizon leveling.

Feeling tempted? Grab the GoPro Hero 9 Black on Amazon for just £249, but keep reading for an even better model at the same price point! 

2. GoPro Hero 10:

Just a step behind the Hero 11, the Hero 10 is no slouch. With the GP2 processor, it takes videos just as sharp as the Hero 9 but faster! You’ll get ultra-smooth clips with HyperSmooth 4.0. And guess what? It can tilt up to 45 degrees, so say goodbye to crooked shots! It’s as friendly to water as the Hero 9, and those front and back screens make framing a snap.

And it’s currently you can get the GoPro Hero 10 on Amazon for the same price as the Hero 9 Black. Bargain! 

Man using a GoPro Hero 10 on the ski slopes

The Hero 10 is seriously great option for adventure sports while travelling

3. GoPro Hero 7:

Even if it’s a few years old, don’t count out the Hero 7. It was the first GoPro to boast the HyperSmooth feature, and it changed the game. Before, taking smooth videos was a challenge. Now? A Breeze. You can even jazz up your videos with TimeWarp and speed them up for fun. But a heads-up: while it’s packed with features, it can sometimes be sometimes be pricier than newer models. It’s best the get the Hero 7 second hand from a place like MPB where it will be cheaper, and still in great nick. 

Two people on a canyon swing laughing - photo taken with a Gopro

Captured on a GoPro Hero 7

Here’s a fun tidbit: I traveled with the Hero 7 across California, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. From white-sand beaches to the oldest forests in the world, it caught every moment perfectly. It was like having a mini filmmaker in my pocket. By far my favourite videos I took on the Hero 7 is swimming with humpback whales in Tonga. 👇 

https://vimeo.com/364026576?share=copy

The best part of getting an older model is you can pick up the Hero 7 second hand and like new on MPB for only £174. 

4. GoPro Hero 3:

The oldest GoPro model might be a slight surprise entry, but it holds a special place for many – including me! I started my GoPro journey with the Hero 3. I used it travelling Australia’s east coast, the South Pacific islands and brought it to the streets of Southeast Asia -and it never missed a beat. Wide shots, fun angles, and a heap of memories – it captured them all. Some of my favourite captures were these ones from the Great Barrier Reef & Magnetic Island in Australia 👇

Snorkling in the barrier reef using a GoPro Hero 3

In a barbie car on Magnetic Island

GoPro actually don’t make Hero 3 models anymore but you can pick up second hand ones on MPB for as little as £40. 

So, which GoPro is best for travel?

It all comes down to what you need. For the latest tech, go for the Hero 11. On a budget? The Hero 7 or Hero 3 might be your match. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you. So pick your GoPro, pack your bags, and let the adventures begin!

Man holding a GoPro Up to a great view