There's something wonderfully liberating about travelling with a disposable camera. While your phone offers unlimited storage and instant gratification, a disposable camera forces you to slow down, be intentional, and truly see the world around you. Each of those 27 or 39 frames becomes precious, and the anticipation of seeing your developed photos adds another layer of excitement to your homecoming.
This guide covers everything you need to know about taking disposable cameras on your travels, from packing and airport security to capturing the best possible images of your adventures.
Why Travel with Disposable Cameras
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of film, disposable cameras offer practical benefits for travellers:
- No charging required: Unlike phones and digital cameras, disposables work without batteries dying at crucial moments
- Low theft risk: A $25 camera attracts far less attention than expensive electronics
- Beach and water friendly: Waterproof models handle environments that would destroy your phone
- Mindful photography: Limited frames encourage you to be present rather than viewing everything through a screen
- Unique aesthetic: Film captures travel with a timeless quality that digital processing can't replicate
Use your phone for quick documentation and location shots, but save your disposable camera for the moments that truly matter. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.
Packing Your Cameras
How Many Cameras to Bring
The right number depends on your trip length and shooting style:
- Weekend getaway: 1-2 cameras (27-78 exposures)
- One-week holiday: 2-3 cameras (54-117 exposures)
- Extended adventure: Calculate roughly 1 camera per 3-4 days of active sightseeing
Better to have extras than to run out—unused cameras store well for future trips.
Camera Selection for Travel
Consider your destination when choosing cameras:
- Beach destinations: Pack at least one waterproof camera
- City breaks: Standard cameras with flash work perfectly
- Adventure travel: Waterproof cameras handle dust, rain, and humidity better
- Cultural travel: Consider a black and white camera for atmospheric shots
Protective Packing
Keep your cameras safe in transit:
- Store in padded pouches or wrapped in soft clothing
- Keep away from sharp objects that could crack the lens cover
- Use a dedicated camera bag section rather than loose in your luggage
- Carry at least one camera in your day bag for spontaneous moments
Navigating Airport Security
Film and X-rays don't mix well, so understanding security procedures is essential for protecting your images.
Carry-On vs Checked Luggage
Always carry cameras in your hand luggage. Checked baggage X-ray machines use much higher radiation levels that can severely damage or fog film. The carry-on security scanners are gentler but still pose some risk with repeated exposure.
Never put disposable cameras in checked luggage. The powerful X-rays used for checked bags will almost certainly damage your film.
Requesting Hand Inspection
In Australia and most countries, you have the right to request hand inspection of photographic film:
- Politely ask the security officer before placing items on the belt
- Have your cameras easily accessible in a clear plastic bag
- Be patient—hand inspection takes longer than the X-ray
- Arrive earlier than usual to allow time for the process
When X-Ray Is Unavoidable
Modern carry-on scanners are relatively safe for ISO 800 film (the most common in disposable cameras) for one or two passes. However:
- Cumulative exposure adds up—request hand inspection on multi-leg journeys
- New CT scanners (increasingly common) are harder on film
- If forced through X-ray, position cameras so they pass flat rather than end-on
Shooting Strategies for Travel
Managing Your Frame Count
With limited exposures, every shot matters:
- Think before you shoot: Ask yourself if this moment is worth one of your precious frames
- One shot, not five: Resist the urge to take multiple photos of the same scene
- Prioritise experiences over landmarks: You can find professional photos of the Eiffel Tower; you can't find photos of you experiencing Paris
- Leave frames for the unexpected: Don't use all your shots on the first day
Dealing with Varied Lighting
Travel exposes you to wildly different lighting conditions:
- Bright outdoors: Turn flash off, shoot with sun behind or beside you
- Markets and indoor sites: Use flash, get close to subjects
- Golden hour: The warm light of early morning and late afternoon produces magical film photos
- Harsh midday sun: Seek open shade or embrace the dramatic shadows
Subject Recommendations
Certain subjects particularly suit disposable cameras:
- Portraits of people you meet: The film aesthetic flatters faces beautifully
- Street scenes: Capture the character of a place, not just landmarks
- Food and markets: Vibrant colours pop on film
- Beaches and water: Film handles bright reflective scenes well
- Your travel companions: Document the people, not just the places
The fixed lens on disposable cameras (usually around 30mm) works best when you're close to your subject. Fill the frame—don't try to capture vast landscapes where everything becomes tiny.
Climate Considerations
Hot Destinations
Tropical and desert locations require extra care:
- Never leave cameras in direct sunlight or hot cars
- Keep cameras in an insulated bag or wrapped in a light-coloured cloth
- Store unused cameras in the hotel room's air conditioning
- Consider getting film developed locally rather than carrying heat-damaged film home
Cold Destinations
Film handles cold better than heat, but there are still considerations:
- Keep cameras close to your body to maintain warmth
- Cold batteries may slow flash charging—keep a backup camera ready
- Allow cameras to warm up before use if they've been in very cold conditions
- Condensation can form when moving from cold to warm—wait before shooting
Humid Environments
Tropical humidity poses unique challenges:
- Store cameras in sealed plastic bags with silica gel packets
- Check lens cover for condensation before shooting
- Consider waterproof cameras even if you're not going swimming
Practical Travel Tips
Quick Camera Access
The best travel photos happen spontaneously:
- Keep one camera in an easily accessible pocket or bag section
- Have it pre-wound and ready to shoot
- Know the flash on/off operation by feel
Keeping a Photo Journal
Since you won't see your photos immediately, consider keeping notes:
- Jot down frame numbers and locations in your phone or a small notebook
- Note the people you photographed so you can identify them later
- Record the date when you finish each camera
Development on the Road
For longer trips, you may want to develop film during your travels:
- Research photo labs at your destination before departing
- Major cities usually have reliable development options
- Allow extra time for processing in less developed areas
- Alternatively, mail cameras home for development
Travelling with disposable cameras creates a different kind of visual diary than digital photography. The images you bring home carry the character of film—the grain, the colours, the imperfections that make each frame unique. Months or years later, flipping through those prints will transport you back to your adventures in a way that scrolling through phone photos simply cannot match.