7 Ways to Take a Selfie (Without the Stick)

Jamie Ditaranto is a traveler in a love triangle with writing and photography. Follow the drama on Twitter @jamieditaranto and Instagram @jamieditaranto.

Ditaranto joined SmarterTravel in 2015. She loves ecotourism, cities with history, and discovering local hangouts. Though she likes all the continents equally, she holds a special place in her heart for rainy little islands.

Her work has also appeared online at USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and other publications. You can check out her photography on her website.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "My instant camera comes in handy for giving instant gifts to new friends."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Befriending penguins in Antarctica."

Travel Motto: "You have to get the hard places out of the way first."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "On short flights, the window. For long flights, the aisle."

Email Jamie at editor@smartertravel.com.

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There’s no doubt that selfie sticks have revolutionized the way we capture our travel memories. Unfortunately, selfie sticks are also responsible for ruining the travels of everyone around us. Selfie sticks have been banned everywhere from Disney World to the Sistine Chapel. But what are you supposed to if you’re a selfie-loving traveler with only one moment to capture yourself among the cobbled streets of Europe or the mountaintops of Machu Picchu? Go back to taking your selfies at arm’s length? I don’t think so.

Since selfie-sticks began to take over the world, there have been plenty of new alternatives to make selfie-taking easier, more fun, and less annoying to everyone around you.

Go hands-free and use sticky-pads like Stuck-Onz to attach your phone to any surface. You'll be taking hands-free photos in no time—no tripod required.

Price and Where to Buy It: $8.99 on Amazon

Go hands-free and use sticky-pads like Stuck-Onz to attach your phone to any surface. You'll be taking hands-free photos in no time—no tripod required.

Price and Where to Buy It: $8.99 on Amazon

Podo is pocket-size camera that connects directly to your phone via Bluetooth, allowing you to take photos at any angle. You can use the adhesive backing to stick it anywhere and use your phone to take the photo. The photo then uploads directly to your phone and is ready to share.

Price and Where to Buy It: $99 on PodoLabs.com

If you're tired of struggling with your phone's self-timer, it's time to start keeping a Bluetooth remote in your pocket. Taking that perfect photo with everybody in it is as easy as setting up your phone and clicking; and it's so small, you can easily hide it from view in the picture.

Price and Where to Buy It: $21.46 on Amazon

You might be used to special camera apps for sprucing up your photos, but did you know there are apps to help you up your selfie game? The most ingenious one I've seen has to be Whistle Cam. With this app, you can activate the camera with the sound of a whistle, which means no more fumbling with remotes or self-timers. It's a great way to get that hands-free selfie, but take note: While it works in loud environments, it can also be set off by someone else's whistling.

Price and Where to Buy It: Available to download for free on Android and iPhone.

The Anti-Gravity Case works just like a sticky pad, but without the stickiness. Using suction technology, you can stick your phone to most smooth surfaces—including metal walls and computer screens. And since the suction power is all in the case, you don't have worry about adhesives damaging your phone or surfaces.

Price and Where to Buy It: From $29.38 on Amazon

If sticky cases and remote cameras simply won't work for you, you can use a wide-angle lens to get the most out of your selfies. Wide-angle lens attachments like this one are a great way to get more into your shot, whether you're trying to fit another person or capture more of the amazing scene behind you.

Price and Where to Buy It: $18.99 on Amazon

Breaking news: Drones are actually affordable and they're perfect for taking that one-of-a-kind selfie from the sky. With camera drones like this one selling for as little as $99, it's worth experimenting with drone photography to capture yourself and your environment from as far away as you please. It might take a little practice to get the photo just right, but nothing combines the fun of a remote-controlled flying object and taking selfies quite like a drone.

Price and Where to Buy It: $99 on Amazon

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