We all want the perfect photos from our travels. Shots of us near waterfalls, piazzas, cathedrals, and oceans that will transport us back after miles and years slip away. (And let’s be honest, it’s also kinda fun to show them off to friends and family when we get home!)

But sadly, many of these solo travel selfies fall tragically short of expectation.

Instead of showcasing the amazing scenery and remarkable architecture, they highlight your right arm with a barely visible background. Over. And over. And over again.

It’s time to ditch the unimaginative, boring photos and get a little more creative! And using these eight tips to improve your solo travel selfies, you can do just that.

1. Ask for Help

One of the easiest ways to get a great shot of you while you travel is to simply ask someone for help. Obviously be somewhat selective with who you give your camera to (skipping anyone who looks like they just broke out of prison and instead choosing a fellow tourist or friendly local).

Unsurprisingly, whoever you give your camera to may not have the artful eye you do. So in order to get the perfect shot, line up your frame prior to handing over your gear. That way, you simply have to show them where to point it while you pose away!

2. Use a Tripod

If asking someone else isn’t an option, you can always use a tripod. If you’re shooting on a DSLR camera, make sure you mount it to a tripod that can support its weight. I personally use the Davis & Sanford Compact Travel Tripod because it’s small enough to fit in my carry-on, while providing stability for my Canon 5D Mark IV.

If you’re shooting on a smaller camera (such as a point-and-shoot or GoPro), then the JOBY GorillaPod is a great option. It allows you to mount cameras up to 6.6lbs to tree limbs, fences, railings, you name it! That versatility comes in handy when trying to capture unique selfies.

Once you have your camera mounted, shoot away using the camera’s self-timer or a wireless remote.

3. Get On The Ground

For something a little different (and less cumbersome to set up) try positioning your camera on the ground! Doing so will not only offer an interesting perspective, it also makes the viewer feel like they’re right there in the frame.

And don’t forget to show a little foreground for perspective!

4. Use a Selfie Stick

Ah, the tried and true selfie stick. It gets a bad rap from obnoxious enthusiasts who wield it with reckless abandon, but it’s actually quite handy. However, don’t go for the obvious straight on shot (and please, please, please, no duck lips! It wasn’t cute 5 years ago, and it isn’t cute now).

Instead, try something a little less obvious. Hold it over your shoulder for a photo of you looking out over the landscape in front of you (this not only looks great, but also draws the viewer in). Or shoot from the side so it makes the viewer feel like they’re right next to you.

Avoid Being “That Guy”

Selfie sticks can be great, or they can be the bane of everyone’s existence around you. Avoid being just another self-absorbed jerk by keeping your selfie stick retracted when not in use, and be conscious of where it is when it is extended (avoid hitting people, your surroundings, etc).

5. Burst Mode

Setting your camera on burst mode is a wonderful way to give yourself multiple photo options. Instead of forcing a pose (which let’s get real, rarely appears natural), you can quickly change from one position to the next. And while you effortlessly switch poses, your camera will capture them all for a less contrived look.

6. Not Just A Pretty Face

Ever flip through someone’s vacation photos and see nothing but their face in front of multiple backgrounds? We get it, you were there! It’s fine to sprinkle a few of those in (after all, look at you! You’re gorgeous! Why wouldn’t you want to show off that face!?)

But don’t forget to mix it up with a few other shots. Maybe your back as you look out over the horizon. Or your hand reaching for that cookie you swear was the best you’d ever tasted. Your feet against the beautiful tile floor in the hotel lobby (which carries the added bonus of showing off your super cute footwear!)

There are a million different ways to incorporate yourself in the photos of places you visit without boring everyone to tears.

7. Do Something Unique

Similar to not taking a million pictures of your face, try doing something unique. It may be cheesy, but I’ve always loved when travelers incorporate their landscapes into fun and quirky masterpieces.

And I’m not talking about pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa or kissing the Sphinx (because come on, that’s been done).

But along those lines, just try to be entertaining (and different!) For example, Paperboyo holds paper cutouts to create amusing art from famous landmarks. JJYosh includes his black cat, Simon, in his outdoor adventure selfies (making us all envious of his fearless feline friend). Murad Osmann has countless photos of him holding his wife’s hand as she leads him through stunning destinations all over the globe.

Stand out and do something unexpected!

8. Showcase the Location

Travel will take you to some truly breathtaking places. So why would you want yourself taking up 85% of the frame? Showcase the destinations you visit by making them the focal point with you as an accent.

And when you compose your shot, don’t forget the photography composition basics such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. Using them, you can create some truly remarkable photos!

So stop taking the same boring, unoriginal, sucky photos of yourself in wonderful, exotic destinations. Instead, use these tips to step up your solo travel selfie game, and start capturing memories worth keeping!

Do you have any tricks for taking awesome photos of yourself while you travel? Comment below, I’d love to hear them!