Traveling with a drone is very doable, but it takes homework: spare batteries must fly in your carry-on, every country sets its own drone laws (some require permits, some ban them), and you may need to register your drone or pass a safety test before you fly. Start with the three guides below, and always confirm the rules with the destination's official aviation authority before your trip.
Drone & travel-tech guides
Everything a traveling drone owner needs to know, explained simply — from packing and airline rules to the laws and licensing that catch people out.
How to travel with a drone (flights, batteries, customs)
Drone laws for travelers: what to check before you fly
Do you need a license to fly a drone?
A note on the rules: drone regulations change and vary by country. Our guides are general, research-driven explainers — not legal advice. Always confirm the current rules with the official aviation authority (in the US, the FAA) before you fly. See how we choose.
What travel tech covers
This section is about the tech that helps you record and share the road: drones first, with creator gear — action cameras, gimbals, and travel mics — to follow. We keep it firmly travel-focused: practical guidance for capturing a trip and getting your gear there safely, not spec-sheet reviews. For the bags, power banks, and adapters that keep it all running, see our travel accessories guides.
FAQ
What is travel tech?
Travel tech is the gear that helps you capture and share a trip — drones, action and vlogging cameras, gimbals, mics, and the chargers and batteries that keep them running on the road. We cover it from a traveler's angle: what's worth packing, how to fly and shoot responsibly, and the rules you need to know before you go.
Can you take a drone when you travel?
Usually yes, but it takes preparation. Drone rules vary widely by country, spare batteries must fly in your carry-on, and some destinations require permits or ban drones outright. Always check the destination's official aviation authority before you travel, and register your drone with customs as a personal effect so there's no confusion at the border.
Do you need a license to fly a drone?
It depends where you are and why you're flying. In the US, recreational flyers don't need a full pilot license but must pass the free TRUST safety test and register most drones; flying for work or pay requires the FAA Part 107 certificate. Other countries set their own rules. See our explainer for the details.
Researched and maintained by Maya Ellison. See how we choose.