Best Compact Travel Cameras and Accessories for Stunning Vacation Photos
When I visited Mexico in March, I finally left my big cameras at home. I didn’t have any photo sessions planned—just a family trip—and I wanted to be present, not buried in gear. Still, I wasn’t about to rely solely on my phone. If you're looking for the best compact travel camera that delivers professional-quality images without the bulk, here’s what I brought, what I’d bring again, and the travel-friendly accessories that made all the difference.
Travel Photography with the Fujifilm X100VI: Compact, Powerful, Worth It
Fujifilm X100Vi: This is my new go-to for travel. At home, I shoot with a mirrorless setup and multiple lenses, but for this trip, I wanted something small enough to throw in my bag without thinking twice. The X100Vi delivered—compact, intuitive, and surprisingly powerful. Whether I was wandering through colorful towns or chasing beach sunsets, it gave me the image quality I expect, with none of the bulk.
What makes it especially great for travel is the fixed 35mm-equivalent lens—wide enough for landscapes and street shots, but tight enough for portraits. I like full control over my editing so I still shoot in raw, but it has film simulations built in if you want them and the colors straight out of camera are so good I barely had to edit. It’s been hard to find since launch, but availability is starting to improve—so if you see one in stock, grab it.
Weatherproofing Your Fuji for Travel
I put in a lot of research before this trip, and the Fujifilm X100VI checked every box. One of the reasons I felt confident traveling with the X100VI was the ability to easily weatherproof it with a couple of small add-ons.
The Fujifilm LH-X100 Lens Hood and Adapter Ring not only protects the lens from bumps and glare, but when paired with a filter, it helps seal the lens area—giving your camera a level of weather resistance. I used the B+W 49mm Master UV Haze MRC Nano Filter, which also cuts down on haze and protects your lens from dust, fingerprints, and salt spray. Together, they gave me peace of mind and kept my images crisp—even in bright sun, light rain, and dusty conditions.
My Minimalist Camera Bag for Travel
Fjallraven Women’s Kanken Hip Pack
This little bag fits my Fujifilm X100VI perfectly, with just enough space to toss in a credit card, a key, and a few small essentials. I wanted the smallest, lightest bag I could get away with—and this one nailed it. The goal was to carry my camera without overheating or drawing too much attention, and the hip pack delivers. It’s discreet, hands-free, and keeps the camera accessible for quick shots on the go.
Small Accessories That Make a Big Difference
These little extras made my travel photography smoother, more secure, and way more enjoyable:
Peak Design Leash + Wrist Strap
This lightweight strap is perfect for travel—super adjustable, easy to clip on and off, and doesn’t get in the way. I use the wrist version when I want the camera secure but don’t feel like wearing it around my neck all day.SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards
Fast, reliable, and durable. I always bring at least two, so I can swap them out if one fills up or I want to back things up mid-trip.Extra Batteries
The Fuji’s battery life isn’t bad, but I still carry a couple of spares. I have two Fuji brand batteries and a couple Wasabi batteries as extra backups.Battery Charger
The Fujijilm X100VI doesn’t come with an external battery charger so I recommend grabbing one.
For the Water: GoPro + Dome
Swimming in a cenote. Using the GoPro and dome.
GoPro: If you’re looking for something small that can handle water, the GoPro is perfect for capturing family fun—whether you’re in the ocean, swimming in cenotes, or just chasing your kids through the waves. It’s also great for action shots and hands-free moments on the go..
GoPro Dome: I pack light, but I always make room for the dome because it’s just that fun. I got to use it in the cenote on this trip, and it was totally worth it. It lets you capture those half-underwater shots—kids jumping in, fish swimming below, the whole scene in one frame. I bring it on every vacation that includes water, and it never disappoints.
When You Do Need the Big Lens
Let’s be real: you’re not going to get close-up wildlife shots with this setup—and that’s totally fine. That was never my goal. I’m all about documentary-style and family shots when I travel. If you want those wildlife shots? Go ahead and bring the big camera and the big lens—but that’s not my vibe on vacation.
That said, if you do want to shoot something more ambitious while traveling (like a safari, a styled session, or an epic landscape series), I recommend Lensrentals.com. It’s my go-to for renting gear—super easy to use, great communication, and way more affordable than buying something you’ll only use once or twice.
Click here to use my referral link for a discount →
Traveling with camera gear doesn’t have to be a hassle. I’ve found a setup that gives me the quality I want without weighing me down or making me overheat—literally or mentally. If you’re looking to lighten your load and still get beautiful travel photos, I hope this gave you a solid starting point. You can find everything I mentioned (and a few extras I love) over on my Amazon storefront.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my gear obsession.
Planning a session or want to see what I use for client work too? Check out my full gear guide for family photography here.