Date: June 1, 2026
Looking for some hot tips on how to win big at our Travel Recap Challenge? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through how to capture an amazing reel or stunning photo that could net you a $50 e-gift card, or even our grand prize: a $150 e-gift card!
Read on for some good advice on taking great tour content.
Tell a story
The best travel content doesn’t just show a place, it tells a story. Think of your audience as joining you on your journey. What did your morning look like? Did you have a funny moment at the airport? Or maybe you discovered a hidden gem on the tour. Sharing these experiences adds personality and gives viewers a reason to engage.
Hot tip: Start with a strong hook—something unexpected or visually striking—to pull people in within the first few seconds.
Know your angles
A great shot is all about perspective. Even a small change in angle can completely transform a photo or video. Stepping back, tilting your phone, or lying on the ground can produce a shot that stands out from the crowd.
Tips for creative angles:
• To capture tall buildings or monuments, crouch low and shoot upwards for a dramatic effect. Or flip your phone upside down for an even more extreme angle!
• Overhead shots work wonders for food pics.
• The rule of thirds is your friend. Use the grid on your phone’s camera to position your subject along the intersections, instead of the center, and you’re golden.
Find your light
Lighting can make or break a photo or video. But thankfully, getting it right is easy. It’s all about positioning and embracing natural light.
Our key lighting tips:
• Avoid shooting directly into the sun or towards a window; it’ll wash out your subject.
• Use your flash to even out harsh shadows, both inside and outdoors.
• Golden hour (dawn or dusk) gives you warm, flattering light that adds a magical touch to any scene.
Be real
Authenticity wins every time. Overly posed photos can feel stiff and unrelatable. The content that captures emotion, action, or spontaneous moments will resonate the most.
How to keep it real:
• Capture candid interactions—laughing with friends, tasting a local dish, or reacting to something surprising on the tour.
• Don’t delete imperfect shots. Sometimes the blur or unexpected expression adds charm.
• Short video clips of movement or gestures often convey more energy than a static pose.
Remember, great content doesn’t require professional gear—just a good eye and a little creativity. When you’ve got a winning shot, share it with us for your chance to win. Happy snapping!
*Students, Program Leaders, and chaperones—anyone who has or will travel with WorldStrides Canada (meaning, Brightspark, Éducatours, Explorica, Jumpstreet and our Sports and Performance divisions) between September 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, is eligible to enter.
