(Contributed post from Samantha Dunn – Sam is a freelance writer who loves food and traveling. She has been a digital nomad exploring different countries for over a decade. She particularly loves the beach and enjoys trying new cuisines from each place she has visited.)

Traveling is exciting, but it can also be pretty daunting. Organising transport, accommodation and activities can be a huge task and may sometimes create so much stress that our holiday ends up being less than relaxing. For many people, booking a resort holiday at a popular destination is the easiest way to enjoy a well-deserved break.

But what if you want to venture off the beaten path? If you are an avid photographer, you may be a little bored of the same old beach photos. For those looking for unforgettable, rare experiences and amazingly unique photo opportunities, escorted tours are the perfect way to travel. Here’s why:

Local Knowledge

Traveling to distant lands and new horizons requires a lot of trial and error to find those breathtaking places. But with a local tour guide leading the way, you’ll find yourself seeing the very best your destination has to offer. As someone who knows all the hidden beauty spots, incredible viewpoints and the perfect time of day to witness spectacular scenes, tour guides are invaluable when it comes to getting those perfect travel photos.

You’re also likely to see more of the area, as your guide will be able to save you time and money with your travel arrangements already organised. Often, tours get discounted entry to popular attractions and you could even find yourself having a better seat (meaning better views) simply because you’re traveling with a tour guide.

Exclusive Access

There are some incredibly exclusive locations in the world where you are only allowed to venture with an escorted tour. For places like Antarctica, these regulations ensure the safety of the intrepid explorers due to the dangerous landscape and severe conditions. Visitors to the frozen wonderland can get some amazing photographs of penguins, whales and even polar bears.

Sometimes, access is restricted to preserve delicate environments and historical artifacts, as with tours to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves in Belize. Trekking through lush jungle and wading through subterranean rivers, you’ll reach the famous archeological site filled with amazing Mayan relics. With a camera at the ready, joining a guided tour to one of these unique locations can give you access to some incredibly rare shots.

Extra Pair of Hands

Solo travelling can become pretty lonely, and one of the best benefits of a guided tour is that you are sure to meet like-minded people. This can come in handy for your photography, as sometimes, you may need a little help to get the shot you’re after.

Plus, if you would like to feature in a few of your travel photographs, it’s understandable to be hesitant about asking a stranger to take your precious camera and photograph you. But with your new friends from your tour group close by, you’ll always have an assistant photographer to lend a hand.

Do Your Research

Wherever you plan to visit with a tour, be sure to still thoroughly research both the tour company and the destination, to ensure it’s the perfect match for you. Check government legislation and be sure you meet the criteria of the tour to avoid any disappointment or setbacks once you arrive. For example, if you book a hiking tour, be sure to invest in some good quality walking boots and have a reasonable level of fitness.

Whenever you choose to explore with your tour guide, you’re sure to have fun, make new friends and find some incredible photo opportunities along the way.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash