5 tips for making successful travel videos

But I know how technical it can quickly seem: between rough framing, time-consuming editing, and crackling sound, it’s easy to get discouraged. However, you don’t need a drone or a €1,000 camera to make great travel videos! With a little ingenuity and a good dose of sincerity, you can create video memories that are as touching as they are unforgettable.

Prioritize history over perfection

I often say it: a good travel video is, above all, a story that holds together. You don’t need perfectly polished shots to captivate: a narrative thread is enough . When I filmed my discovery of Roanne, for example, I took care to introduce the context, to show my progression through the landscapes, then to conclude with my impressions and what this trip brought me. This simple structure (beginning, middle, end) gives meaning to the images . You can see this video here if you’re curious. So before pulling out the camera, ask yourself: what do I want to tell ? A moment, an encounter, an emotion? This avoids filming at random and ending up with hours of rush without coherence. Better 2 minutes well told than 20 minutes of blurry images

Use what you already have (and learn to use it well)

You don’t need to equip yourself like a war reporter to start filming your adventures. Before, I tended to load myself up, but today, I film most of my videos with my phone: the main thing is to know its functions . Activate the grid to better frame, hold your device with both hands to stabilize the image, or lean on everyday objects: a wall, a table, a backpack can act as an improvised tripod. There’s no point in piling up gadgets if you don’t master them. Better a well-thought-out shot with your usual gear than a shaky sequence with a poorly adjusted stabilizer. Also take the time to experiment at home : test the lighting, the movements, the sound. That’s how you progress, without pressure.

Opt for a sincere montage

Editing is the step that can change everything. And you don’t need to be an expert to achieve a clean and touching result. I advise you to keep it simple : clean cuts, smooth transitions, readable titles. Avoid flashy effects at all costs: they tire more than they impress. What matters is to let your video breathe. Sometimes, a “blank,” a pause between two shots, says more than a thousand special effects. For editing, you will find plenty of software or solutions adapted to your level . Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, a good video editor will help you structure your images without getting lost in the technique.

Bet on simple but effective plans

No need for tracking shots or complex zooms to captivate. What works every time are simple, well-framed scenes that tell an emotion or a moment in life. I really like alternating between wide shots and close-ups: a grandiose landscape followed by a detail (a hand resting on a rock, a smile, a steaming cup of coffee). Everyday scenes are also your best allies: breakfast on a terrace, footsteps in the sand, a sunrise… all these are images that speak . Don’t be afraid of static shots: they stabilize the viewer’s gaze and reinforce the emotion. When traveling, you often just need to open your eyes and slow down a little to see the beautiful images appear on their own.

Take care of the sound atmosphere

We often forget, but sound is at least as important as image. When I watch some of my videos again, it’s not the images that take me back to the moment… it’s the sound. The song of birds in a jungle, the hubbub of a market, the lapping of waves: all these sounds bring your video to life . So consider recording a few “sound” shots, even without speaking. Also avoid background noise: wind in the microphone or a crumpled plastic bag can ruin a sequence. If you can, invest in a small lavalier or directional microphone, even a cheap one. And for the music, go sparingly: choose a royalty-free soundtrack that fits your mood, but also leave moments of silence . This is often where the emotion comes across best.