Drones have revolutionized the way we capture both people and places. Before they hit the scene, those views and vantage points were simply not possible without a helicopter and a Hollywood budget. So, it makes total sense that you'd want to take one on a vacation or weekend getaway, giving yourself a cool and unique way to preserve memories for years to come. However, a drone is a lot different than a camera and requires some special considerations when travelling with one.
Get Packing
Whether you're travelling within your own country or flying to a different one, there are generally only two options to consider when it comes to packing your drone. You can go with a hard case or a soft case. We actually recommend you use both options for every trip to protect both your drone and your back.
For the initial travelling and storage of your drone and accessories, the hard case is a perfect choice. The rigid shell is made to withstand shocks and being dropped without harming your drone inside. The vast majority of cases are tailored to specific models of drone, featuring foam inserts inside with precise compartments cut out to hold the drone and individual accessories. They have other helpful features as well, such as pressure valves that deal with air pressure changes during flights, strong latches that resist popping open, and holes for optional padlocks for extra security. Some even have built-in wheels!
Switch to a soft case when you reach your destination and are ready to take in the sites. Hard cases are also heavier cases and not the best choice for hiking and walking around all day. Grab a soft case like a sling or shoulder bag, or go with a full backpack. It still gives your drone protection and it'll be a lot more comfortable. You can also increase that protection with a couple of accessories, such as a gimbal protector to keep it from moving around in the bag, and some hook-and-loop straps to keep propellers and other moving bits in place. With all of that being said, if you're headed for rough terrain or harsh weather, stick to the hard case.
Know Before You Go
Just like at home, there are drone-specific rules and regulations in place for the different cities and countries you plan on visiting. There are even air travel rules you need to follow for the flight to get there. Let's start at the airport. In the US, flying with drones isn't really an issue, it’s the lithium batteries that must adhere to FAA and TSA guidelines. These guidelines can change, so we recommend visiting the FAA PackSafe and TSA "What Can I Bring?" websites to find out more.
It also pays to check with your airline and the places you plan on visiting for any additional restrictions. For example, drones have been banned in all US national parks since June 2014. When it comes to other countries, we like the UAV Coach website that actively updates a list of drone laws by country and US state, but you can always give each location's tourism or aviation sites a visit too.
Are you going anywhere interesting soon where you'll be taking your drone? As long as you brush up on the local rules and pack your drone appropriately, you're sure to have a great time taking breathtaking aerial images and videos. If your drone case is covered in city stickers, hit us up in the comments below and share any tips you've come across in your travels. As always, you can get a drone and all of the gear you'll need for your upcoming trip at B&H.
