Are you heading on your next summer adventure and want to capture some amazing photos during your trip? Here are five easy-to-follow travel photography tips to help you take stunning images that will make your journey unforgettable.

We've got five key tips to help you take advantage of your travel adventures and bring back images that will stop viewers mid-scroll.

1. Plan Your Shots & Your Gear
Before you embark on your journey, take some time to research your destination. Look up popular landmarks, beautiful viewpoints and hidden gems that you might want to photograph. Use resources like travel blogs, guidebooks, and Google Maps for this. Having a list of places you want to photograph can help you plan your day and ensure you don't miss out on any amazing shots.

When traveling and documenting different places and cultures, the gear you take with you is of course largely dependent on your preference and what you have. Many travel photographers prefer a compact setup that's not intrusive and easy to take on-the-go. Think about cameras like the Sony Alpha 7C II, Sony Alpha 7CR. These two compact, high-performance cameras are excellent options for travel photography. Along with lenses like the Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G and Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G you can cover a broad range that allows you to capture everything you encounter throughout your travels. You can explore other travel photographers’ kits for more gear inspiration at alphauniverse.com/wimb.

Photo by Chris Bridner. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/500-sec., f/5.6, ISO 400. Read more in What's In My Bag: Two Simple Camera & Zoom Kits For Two Kinds Of Photography.

Photo by Daniele Boffelli. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master. 1/125-sec., f/11, ISO 100. Read more in What’s In My Bag: 2 Cameras, 3 Primes & 4 Zooms For High-End Travel Photography.

2. Play With Light
Lighting can make or break a photograph. The best light for photography usually occurs during the "golden hours" – the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. During these times, the light is softer and warmer, which can add a magical quality to your images. Also, don't forget about the potential of night photography. Cityscapes, stars, and lit monuments can make for some truly stunning images.

Photo by Nadine Sykora. Sony Alpha 6400. Sony 24-70mm f/4. 1/40-sec., f/4, ISO 1600. Read more in What's In My Bag: See This Travel Content Creator's Super-Simple, Full-Frame Sony Alpha Kit.

Photo by Ira Block. Sony Alpha 7C II. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/10-sec., f/2.8, ISO 3200. Read more in Behind The Shot: Nighttime, High-Contrast, Handheld...No Problem.

3. Keep The Rule Of Thirds In Mind
The rule of thirds is a simple yet effective composition rule you should keep in mind. Imagine dividing your image into three equal parts horizontally and vertically. The points where these lines intersect are where the eye is naturally drawn. Place the important elements of your scene along these lines or at the intersections to create a balanced and interesting composition.

Photo by Journey Glimpse. Sony Alpha 7R II. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/250-sec., f/20, ISO 320. Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Complete Sony Alpha Kit For Hybrid Shooting Around The World.

Photo by Dylan Blackburn. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 35mm f/1.8. 1/125-sec., f/4, ISO 100. Read more in What’s In My Bag: A 2-Camera, 4-Lens Kit For Travel Photography & YouTube Video Creation.

4. Capture The Local Flavor
While grand landscapes and famous landmarks are great, don't forget to capture the local life and culture. Visit local markets, cafes or parks and don't hesitate to engage with the locals. This can give you an opportunity to capture unique, candid moments that truly reflect the spirit of the place.

"At the Amber Fort in Jaipur, this woman in yellow caught my eye. After getting her permission, the ability to zoom in made it possible for me to get my photograph without disturbing her at work." Photo by Kirsten Alana. Sony Alpha 7R II. Sony 35mm f/2.8. 1/2000-sec., f/4.5, ISO 500. Read more in What's In My Bag: A Travel Photographer's Kit To Cover Something Different Each Week.

Photo by Lina Staudt. Sony Alpha 6700. Sony 18-105mm f/4 G. 1/400-sec., f/4, ISO 100. Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Sony APS-C Kit For Travel & Street Photography.

5. Always Be Ready
Great photo opportunities can come up when you least expect them. So, keep your camera ready at all times. Also, don't forget to charge your batteries and empty your memory cards at the end of each day. You wouldn't want to miss out on a perfect shot because your camera ran out of power or memory.

Photo by Ira Block. Sony Alpha 7C II. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/500-sec., f/3.5, ISO 320. Read more in Behind The Shot: How A Veteran Nat Geo Photographer Documents The Local Vibe.

Remember, the key to great travel photography is not just about having the right equipment, but also about observing, exploring and being in the moment. Follow these tips to return from your trip with unforgettable images that serve as a timeless reminder of your adventure.

For more tips and tricks to taking better photographs, explore our other articles on AlphaUniverse.com.