Seven Travel Trends Set to Define 2025

PLUS: Yashica unveils 'City" series point-and-shoots

Author

Nathan Kessi
January 08, 2025

Welcome, travel photographers!

Welcome to Global Shutter—a weekly dive into the latest news, trends, and quirky stories from the world of travel photography.

Pack your bags, charge those batteries, and get ready to explore the world through your lens. Safe travels and happy shooting!

Focus of the Day

  • Seven travel trends set to define 2025

  • Yashica unveils ‘City’ series point-and-shoots

  • Discover beaches, bathhouses, and history in this underrated Asian city

  • Five essential lessons for beginner photographers

Read time: 5 minutes

TRENDING TRAVEL

Seven Travel Trends Set to Define 2025 📈 read the full article here

Article published: January 6, 2025

Courtesy of Aleteia

Snapshot: Travel in 2025 is bringing the same energy as people who say “see you next year” at your New Year’s Eve party. From chasing the northern lights under heightened solar activity to escaping the digital grind in off-grid cabins, this year’s trends highlight a collective desire for transformation, tranquility, and a touch of nostalgia. 2025 promises an abundance of photogenic moments and fresh opportunities to connect with the world, one click at a time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Night Moves: Noctourism takes the spotlight with auroras and glowing beaches. Think Iceland and Finnish Lapland for starlit magic.

  • Quiet Escapes: Tech-free retreats like Norway’s silent shores or Helsinki’s off-grid cabins are perfect for serene, introspective shots.

  • Hidden Gems: Skip the crowds—Uzbekistan and East Africa’s islands offer authentic, untouched landscapes ready for your lens.

  • Retro Vibes: Nostalgia travel brings playful photo ops with music tours, retro pop-ups, and adult summer camps.

The Verdict: These trends reveal a collective yearning for connection—whether it’s with the cosmos, the quieter side of life, or even our own childhoods. For travel photographers, it’s a buffet of visual and emotional storytelling opportunities. So, what’s your first stop: capturing the aurora in Lapland, documenting serenity in an off-grid cabin, or chasing nostalgia on a Eurocamp road trip? Wherever you go, the world is waiting.

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

Yashica Unveils ‘City’ Series Point-and-Shoots 📸 read the full article here

Article published: January 6, 2025

Courtesy of PetaPixel

Snapshot: Yashica is jumping on the compact camera train with its new City series—models that are as affordable as they are nostalgic. Enter the City 100 and City 200, a pair of point-and-shoots that bring back the simplicity and fun of old-school digital cameras, with a modern (and budget-friendly) twist. From 10x zoom to basic 4K video, these cameras are all about capturing the moment without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pixel Power: Both models sport a 13-megapixel Sony sensor that delivers solid shots, plus 4K video at 60fps—ideal for travel moments (though don’t expect RAW files).

  • Zoom Into Simplicity: The City 100 gives you a 3x optical zoom, while the City 200 offers 10x.

  • Classic Vibes: With a nod to the past, these cameras have the retro feel of point-and-shoots but with just enough modern features to keep you clicking away.

  • Affordable Adventures: At around $275 for the City 100 and $325 for the City 200, these compact shooters are an easy fit for any photographer who wants quality without the hefty price tag.

The Verdict: The City series from Yashica isn’t setting out to be the next big thing in professional photography—but for travel photographers who want a no-frills, fun companion on the road, these cameras are a trusty sidekick—simple, efficient, and perfect for those who prefer to focus on the shot, not the gear. If you’re after simplicity and nostalgia, pack your City 100 or 200 and hit the streets.

DESTINATIONS

Discover Beaches, Bathhouses, and History in this Underrated Asian City 🇰🇷 read the full article here

Article published: January 6, 2025

Courtesy of Agoda

Snapshot: Busan, South Korea, is a coastal city where past and present collide, offering a dynamic mix of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic culture. From its rugged beaches and bustling markets to historic temples and relaxing jjimjilbang (Korean-style bathhouses), Busan has a little something for every photographer who loves to capture both serenity and vibrancy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Breathtaking Views: Whether from Songdo Beach’s cable car or the peaks of Mount Geumjeong, the panoramas are perfect for capturing the contrast of nature and urban life.

  • Spa & Serenity: Relax in the ultimate Korean-style jjimjilbang, Spa Land, where wellness meets tradition.

  • Seafood Paradise: Dive into Busan’s vibrant seafood scene at Jagalchi Market, where you can experience fresh ocean-to-table dishes.

  • Timeless Temples: Beomeosa Temple’s serene setting offers a perfect backdrop for a reflective, historical photo op amidst its ancient architecture.

The Verdict: Busan offers a fresh perspective on Korea that’s perfect for travel photographers seeking to escape the crowds and discover the more intimate side of the country. Between its diverse landscapes, rich cultural history, and vibrant urban life, it’s a city where every street, market, and mountain trail has a visual story waiting to be told. Busan is an under-the-radar gem that promises a photographic adventure like no other.

TIPS & TRICKS

Five Essential Lessons for Beginner Photographers ✍️ read the full article here

Article published: January 3, 2025

Courtesy of Canva

Snapshot: Starting your photography journey can feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially when you’re bombarded by new gear, creative doubt, and the pressure to be perfect. This article serves as a hard-learned guide for every beginner photographer, full of practical wisdom to help you navigate the rocky road ahead. From embracing failure to learning that gear isn’t everything, these truths will shape how you approach your craft—and maybe even your next travel shoot.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gear Isn’t Everything: Focus on creativity and storytelling first, not just the latest gear. Great photos come from great ideas, not equipment.

  • Tough Times Will Come: Whether it's client struggles or creative burnout, tough moments happen. Push through with persistence and strategic thinking.

  • Stop Comparing: Your journey is unique. Don’t get stuck measuring yourself against others—what you don’t see behind the scenes often tells a different story.

  • Failure Is Part of the Process: Missing a shot or making mistakes? Learn from them. Failure is a chance to grow and get closer to your next success.

The Verdict: Photography is a long journey full of ups and downs, but with the right mindset, you can turn every setback into a lesson. Whether you’re shooting bustling city streets or serene landscapes on your travels, remember that it's about the story you’re telling, not the gear you’re using. Embrace the failures, forget the comparisons, and keep creating.

NEWS

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SHOT OF THE WEEK

Each week, we celebrate the amazing talent within our community by showcasing one of your travel photos.

This week’s photo comes from Ato A., who captured a young group of boys preparing to fish along the coast of Butre, Ghana.

Photo by Ato A.

Have a photo you’d like to see featured? Don’t forget to email me or submit your best travel shot below for a chance to be our next spotlight!

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