The 1 Thing That Should Always Be In Your Vacation Pictures

When snapping photos of landmarks and landscapes, don't forget to also include this important element.

My aunt has long held the role of unofficial family photographer. So many of the moments we have captured in photos and videos are thanks to her. There’s one piece of wisdom she imparted on me years ago that has stuck with me every time I travel: Always include yourself or your loved ones in the photos.

Those panoramic shots of the breathtaking mountain views in Yosemite National Park or a historical site like the Taj Mahal will be much more meaningful to you after the fact if they also feature you and/or your travel companions. (Not to mention, you can find countless professional shots of those places on postcards or online.)

This tip was especially pertinent at the time she shared it more than 20 years ago before digital cameras were widely used. Nowadays, smartphones can take quality photos, and you don’t have to stress about only having a finite number of images like you did when shooting on film. But I think the advice still holds true.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t take pictures of gorgeous scenery or get some tourist attraction shots without your people in them, especially if you enjoy capturing those kinds of photos. I’m just saying you probably want to prioritize getting some with you or your loved ones in the frame because those images will be the most special when you look back on your travels.

Travel blogger Sean Lau of Nomad Soulmates told HuffPost that having your friends and family in your pictures is “the best part of vacation photos.”