your information to epic group adventures

Seeking to mix your ardour for drone pictures with unforgettable journey experiences? 2026 is shaping as much as be an unimaginable yr for drone-focused group holidays that take you to among the world’s most breathtaking areas — with knowledgeable instruction, small teams, and all of the logistics dealt with for you.

Gone are the times of frantically researching drone rules in international international locations or questioning the place you may legally fly. These curated drone pictures holidays deal with every little thing: lodging, meals, transportation, native permits, and most significantly, entry to spectacular areas that can take your aerial portfolio to the following degree.

Whether or not you’re dreaming of photographing African wildlife from above, capturing volcanic landscapes within the Azores, or exploring Eire’s dramatic coastlines, right here’s your full information to the most effective drone pictures journeys of 2026.

What makes a fantastic drone trip?

A few of you realize this, however I really work full-time as a Journey Author for NerdWallet! I’m one thing of a journey knowledgeable! Sure, I also have a journey podcast.

Given my years of journey expertise, I’d say the most effective drone journey experiences share a number of key components:

• Small group sizes: A visit with 3-8 members offers you the advantage of not being solo — and certain discovering no less than 1-2 individuals you significantly join with, whereas additionally making certain personalised instruction
• Professional guides: You need the journey to be led by who’re completed drone photographers or different subject consultants themselves.
• All-inclusive pricing: Generally paying a la carte is okay (it’s fairly widespread to need to guide your personal airfare, and typically having 1-2 meals solely by yourself to get a break from the group is sweet), however the advantage of a gaggle journey is you pay one worth and so they cowl should different bills like lodging, most meals, and transportation when you’re there.
• Authorized flying permissions: This must be already secured for all areas. Particularly for worldwide journeys, it may be difficult to know what approvals you want. Let the group chief deal with it!
• Palms-on workshops: You didn’t journey away from dwelling to only sit down in entrance of a display screen. One of the best journeys provide hands-on help for composition and enhancing (for the conditions you’re in entrance of a pc), or they provide in-person abilities coaching like flight methods.
• Luxurious or distinctive lodging: It’s all the time extra enjoyable when the lodging is both memorable or one thing you couldn’t expertise solo, like safari camps, non-public villas and scenic accommodations.
• Unique entry: One of the best group journeys take you to areas that may be troublesome to navigate independently. Should you might do it by your self, you then in all probability ought to simply try this! If the information offers you higher entry, then that’s the place the information issues.

With all that in thoughts, there are actually two completely different tour teams I like to recommend that run drone-specific group excursions. The primary, Johan Drone Adventures, is targeted on multi-day picture excursions to unique locals. The opposite tour group I like, Girls and Drones / Vertical House Treks, is compelling as a result of all of their excursions are all extremely different. Some are sooner or later, and a few are one week. A few of give attention to pictures, however others cowl different facets of the drone trade, like drone supply.

Let’s dive into the standout drone holidays out there in 2026 throughout each corporations.

Johan Drone Adventures: Years of expertise in pictures and trip-building

Concerning the Host: Belgium-based aerial photographer Johan Vandenhecke has been main drone pictures expeditions since 2020, constructing a repute because the premier supplier of drone-focused group journey. Johan additionally powers the Drone Adventurers Group, which is a web based, interactive group that meets for bi-monthly stay calls, weekly picture contests and extra.

His journeys constantly promote out months prematurely, and previous members rave in regards to the mixture of gorgeous areas, skilled instruction and real camaraderie. He provides a number of excursions to many areas (that Mauritius journey appears to be like so unimaginable!), so browse his web site, however listed below are some highlights:

And if you happen to do guide one in all his journeys, choose “referral by means of different web site” and specify it was my web site to let him know I despatched ya!

Azores Drone Images Journey – sixth Version

When: Might 9-15 OR Might 16-22, 2026
The place: São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Period: 7 days, 6 nights
Group Measurement: 6 members most
Value: €3,100-€3,600 (all-inclusive besides flights)

Why this journey is so particular: After 5 wildly profitable editions, Johan’s Azores journey has turn into the stuff of legend amongst drone photographers. São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and luxurious greenery create a photographer’s paradise.

What’s Included:

• Personal luxurious villa with pool and panoramic ocean views
• Personal chef getting ready genuine Azorean delicacies nightly
• Every day dawn and sundown drone shoots at premium areas
• Whale watching tour (previous journeys have noticed blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and sei whales)
• Mountain biking adventures and unique climbing trails
• Pure volcanic sizzling pool leisure
• Stay drone pictures workshops within the subject
• Composition and Lightroom enhancing workshops on the villa
• Instruction on capturing with native fashions
• All meals, drinks, and snacks

Good For: Drone photographers able to put money into every week of intensive studying in one in all Europe’s most photogenic areas. Average health required for climbing.

E book at: Johan Drone Adventures – Azores

Safari Drone Images Journey – South Africa (third Version)

When: April 4-8 OR April 10-14, 2026
The place: Personal Safari Camp, South Africa
Period: 5 days, 4 nights
Group Measurement: 6 members most
Value: €3,600-€3,900 (all-inclusive besides flights)

Why this journey is so particular: This is likely one of the solely authorized alternatives worldwide to {photograph} African wildlife with a drone. Flying drones is strictly prohibited in all South African nationwide parks as a result of poachers use them to trace endangered rhinos. Johan’s non-public safari camp partnership offers moral, authorized entry to wildlife droning.

What’s Included:

• Personal luxurious safari camp with pool, boma (firepit overlooking waterhole), health club, and bar
• Personal chef getting ready South African delicacies
• Two every day safari sport drives (morning and late afternoon)
• Waterhole viewable from breakfast space, attracting animals all through the day
• Drone teaching throughout wildlife encounters
• Composition workshops at camp
• All meals and drinks
• Transport from Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
• Choice for luxurious rooms with out of doors showers

Wildlife You Might Encounter: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, buffaloes, and vultures. All droning happens solely when animals show calm, undisturbed conduct.

Necessary Word: Carry your common digital camera with zoom lens — wildlife encounters occur all day, not simply throughout drone periods.

Good For: Superior drone pilots in search of once-in-a-lifetime wildlife pictures that’s unattainable to copy elsewhere.

E book at: Johan Drone Adventures – Safari

Girls and Drones / Vertical House Treks

Vertical House Treks are guided excursions, every led by a unique skilled subject material knowledgeable. The Vertical House Treks are affiliated with Girls and Drones, although the excursions should not restricted to only ladies!

So lots of their excursions look nice (see the full record on their web site), however listed below are some upcoming highlights:

Eire Drone Trek with Ian Kiely

When: March 26-30, 2026
The place: Dublin, Eire
Period: 4 nights
Group Measurement: 3-6 members
Host: Ian Kiely (hundreds of flight hours, emergency companies coach, European House program contributor)

Why this journey is so particular: Ian brings a singular perspective combining business drone operations, public security functions, and deep data of Irish historical past. This isn’t only a pictures journey — it’s a complete training on drone expertise’s previous, current and future.

What’s Included:

• 4 nights at 4-star seafront resort overlooking Dublin Bay
• Every day breakfast
• Transportation to all flight areas
• Professional instruction on drone operations, BVLOS ideas, and trade developments
• Historic web site excursions (with flying alternatives)
• Dialogue periods on supply drones, passenger drones, UTM techniques, protection expertise
• Irish historical past training spanning 800 years

Studying Matters: Business drone functions, emergency companies use circumstances, world drone rules, way forward for autonomous flight, and enterprise improvement for drone operators.

Good For: Intermediate to superior pilots within the business {and professional} facet of drone operations, not simply pictures. Solo vacationers welcome — restricted single rooms out there.

E book at: Girls and Drones – Eire Trek

E book this journey between now and Friday, Jan. 30 2026 to get 10% off! Use code THEDRONEGIRL100 at checkout!

Desert Escape: Off-Highway & Within the Air – Arizona

When: February 26 – March 1, 2026
The place: Bouse, Arizona
Period: 4 days, 3 nights
Group Measurement: 1-3 members
Hosts: Ken and Desi Ekstein (Drone Diva Desi + mining/desert knowledgeable)

Why this journey is so particular: This off-grid expertise combines ATV/UTV desert exploration with drone pictures, creating an journey that appeals to out of doors fanatics as a lot as drone pilots. It’s rugged, genuine and in contrast to the rest on this record.

What’s Included:

• Transportation from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
• Off-road car utilization for all excursions
• Guided tour to Swansea Ghost City (deserted mining web site)
• Exploration of misplaced mining camps and rock artwork
• Campfire meals (western-style cooking)
• Star-filled evening skies with no gentle air pollution
• Drone instruction for all ability ranges
• Mining historical past training
• Lodging at AlmostA Ranch non-public property

What to anticipate: Average bodily exercise together with tough off-road terrain, quick hikes on sandy/rocky pathways, and desert exploration. Evenings function campfire gatherings, storytelling, and real group with fellow adventurers.

Good for: Adventurous pilots who need to mix out of doors thrills with drone pictures. Nice for many who want smaller, extra intimate teams and genuine desert experiences over luxurious lodging.

E book at: Vertical House Treks – Desert Escape

E book this journey between now and Friday, Jan. 30 2026 to get 10% off! Use code THEDRONEGIRL100 at checkout!

Galleta Meadows Sculptures Tour – California

When: April 11, 2026 (Sooner or later solely)
The place: Borrego Springs, California
Period: Single day journey
Group Measurement: 2-4 members
Host: Drone Diva Desi

Why this journey is so particular: This single-day tour provides an reasonably priced introduction to organized drone pictures journeys with out journey stress.

What’s Included:

• Morning meet-and-greet and security briefing
• Guided sculpture drive tour
• Photograph shoots at a number of iconic sculptures (Scorpion, three-section Serpent, and extra)
• Drone flying instruction and composition teaching
• Afternoon leisure time in charming Borrego Springs

The Location: Galleta Meadows options huge metallic sculptures scattered throughout the desert panorama—dinosaurs, serpents, scorpions, and extra. These dramatic artwork installations {photograph} fantastically from above towards the rugged desert backdrop.

Good For: Rookies to intermediate pilots wanting hands-on instruction, Southern California locals, or anybody wanting to check the waters earlier than committing to longer drone pictures journeys.

E book at: Vertical House Treks – Galleta Meadows

What to pack on your drone pictures trip

Bookmark this web page to have useful when you’ve booked!

Important gear

• Your drone (and backup if attainable)
• A number of batteries (6-8 really useful for full-day shoots)
• 64GB+ SD playing cards (deliver greater than you assume you want)
• ND filters for numerous lighting circumstances
• Battery charging hub and adapters for worldwide journey
• Drone case with correct padding for flight journey
• Common digital camera with zoom lens (particularly for Safari)

Clothes and accessories

• Layers (even heat locations have chilly mornings)
• Solar safety: hat, sun shades, SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Sturdy strolling footwear for uneven terrain
• Weatherproof jacket (particularly for Azores, Eire)
• Headlamp or flashlight (for early morning/late night shoots)

Reserving suggestions and issues

E book early

Johan’s journeys recurrently promote out 3-6 months prematurely. Single rooms disappear first. Should you’re fascinated by a selected journey, don’t wait.

Perceive what’s included in your drone trip

Most journeys embody lodging, meals, transportation from close by airports, and actions. They sometimes do NOT embody:

• Worldwide flights to/from the vacation spot
• Journey insurance coverage (extremely really useful)
• Alcoholic drinks (typically)
• Private bills and souvenirs
• Suggestions for guides and drivers

Test drone rules

Regardless that these journeys deal with permits and permissions (or inform you what it’s good to do if you happen to’ll be dealing with it, familiarize your self with native drone legal guidelines. Carry your Distant ID-compliant drone for U.S. journeys.

Contemplate journey insurance coverage

Given the funding, journey insurance coverage protecting journey cancellation, medical emergencies, and equipment harm is smart. Some bank cards provide protection as a profit if you happen to pay for the journey with that card.

Health necessities

Learn descriptions fastidiously. Some journeys (Azores, Eire) contain average climbing. The safari requires early wake-ups. Desert Escape contains tough terrain and ATV using. Be trustworthy about your bodily capabilities.

The evolution of drone holidays

Drone pictures holidays have advanced considerably for the reason that early days. The New York Instances as soon as supplied drone journeys to Norway by means of Instances Journeys (discontinued in 2021), and Airbnb Experiences briefly featured drone instruction periods with locals. Firms like Quark Expeditions have welcomed drones on Arctic expeditions.

However devoted, photography-focused drone journey has matured into one thing extra subtle. Immediately’s greatest drone holidays mix:

• Skilled pictures instruction from established aerial photographers
• Logistical experience (permits, insurance coverage, location scouting)
• Group constructing amongst like-minded fanatics
• Enterprise training for aspiring drone professionals
• Sustainable, moral practices (particularly for wildlife pictures)

The consequence? Journey experiences that may be practically unattainable to copy independently, with the additional advantage of studying from consultants and connecting with fellow drone fanatics who “get it”—individuals who perceive the impulse to drag over for an ideal shot and don’t thoughts waking at 5 a.m. for golden hour gentle.

After which there’s the factor that basically units these journeys other than DIY journey (other than simply the instruction or logistics): it’s the group. Usually articipants kind lasting friendships with individuals who share their ardour for aerial pictures. Fb teams and WhatsApp chats proceed lengthy after journeys finish, with alumni sharing methods, celebrating one another’s work, and sometimes reserving future adventures collectively.

As Johan Vandenhecke notes in his journey descriptions, these experiences create the type of recollections “you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.” For a lot of members, that’s not hyperbole. The mixture of breathtaking areas, inventive problem, and real human connection creates transformative journey experiences.

Ceaselessly requested questions on drone holidays

Do I must be an knowledgeable drone pilot?
No. Most journeys welcome all ability ranges, although some (just like the Safari) profit from prior expertise. Rookies obtain hands-on instruction, whereas superior pilots get teaching on superior composition and enterprise abilities.

What if I don’t personal a drone?
Some hosts (like Desert Escape) can present drones. Contact journey organizers instantly to debate choices.

I need to purchase a drone for my journey (both as a result of I need one higher fitted to journey, or as a result of I don’t have one)! What do you suggest?

Sure, the most effective drone for journey isn’t essentially the most effective greatest drone that you’d use at dwelling. Qualities to search for in a fantastic journey drone embody portability, lengthy battery life and capability for built-in storage. Take a look at my information to the greatest journey drones.

Are these journeys only for solo vacationers?
By no means. {Couples}, pals, and members of the family are welcome. Some journeys provide shared rooms at lowered charges.

What about drone rules and permits?
Usually talking, these journeys deal with permits and permissions. If there’s one thing you want individually, they’ll inform you. That’s one of many greatest values—you don’t must navigate international drone legal guidelines independently.

What about Half 107 certification?

Within the U.S., you want Half 107 certification to fly commercially. Solely the Distant Pilot in Command (not essentially the precise drone pilot) must be licensed with a drone pilot license, that means you may fly even a business mission if somebody with you is keen to imagine that Distant Pilot in Command function throughout your flight. Your journey chief seemingly will, which suggests you don’t want a drone pilot’s license for U.S. journeys. (Test native legal guidelines within the nation for worldwide journeys, or once more examine in together with your journey chief.)

Associated learn: One of the best Half 107 on-line check prep programs to go your FAA drone check

Which drone pictures vacation spot is looking your title? Share your dream aerial pictures location within the feedback under!

In search of extra drone occasions in 2026? Take a look at my full information to drone conferences, expos, and races taking place all year long.

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