This Slow Travel Photographer’s 3 Favorite Destinations Around The World

With a small suitcase (“though packing light is still a challenge… my tip: a capsule wardrobe with key pieces in neutral tones that layer well, and always leave space in your luggage”), plus her trusted Fuji camera in tow, Milan-based photographer Roberta Mazzone has travelled to the farthest corners of the world – deserts, coastlines, volcanic islands, and sun-drenched balconies – capturing beauty with a quiet precision that feels both cinematic and instinctive.

Maybe it’s in her blood. Growing up in Italy – a place where beauty isn’t a luxury but a constant – Roberta developed an eye shaped by light, architecture, and a deep visual tradition. Her images carry the weight of that heritage: echoes of Antonioni’s stillness, the romance of Bertolucci’s framing, the elegance of restraint. Not to mention, she trained as an architect. Her frames are never posed, but deeply composed.

“There are places I love so deeply that I choose not to tag or name them; it’s a way of protecting what makes them magic.”

The Art of Slow Travel

She photographs the in-between; the seemingly fleeting details that linger long after the shutter clicks. A quietly made bed. A sun-warmed wall. A breakfast laid out with no one yet seated. Her lens is slow, her presence intentional.

“This slower, intentional approach also nurtures my creativity,” she says. “I become more attuned to subtle details; the dancing movement of a curtain, the way light filters through a café window, a quiet interaction between locals.

When I travel slowly, I give myself space to connect with the environment and the people around me. I’m not just looking for the most photogenic spot or the perfect light… I’m waiting for a moment that resonates emotionally. It’s a more intuitive, reflective process.”

This is slow travel as visual language – not about the destination, but the atmosphere. Roberta’s aesthetic invites you to pause, breathe, and notice. A world made of sunlight, texture, and time.

Roberta’s Favourite Hidden Gems

Some places are too special to shout about – and Roberta understands the quiet power of keeping them that way. “Over-tourism is such a growing issue, and social media definitely plays a role in that,” she says. “There are places I love so deeply that I choose not to tag or name them; it’s a way of protecting what makes them magic.” That said, there are a few she’s willing to share. At the top of the list? The Aeolian Islands, off the coast of Sicily. “They’ve become my summer comfort zone,” she says. “Even in high season, islands like Alicudi and Filicudi stay untouched. But Salina is the one I hold closest. I love the volcanic energy, the sea breeze, the slow pace of life. It grounds me.”

Further afield, she speaks with equal affection about the authentic energy of Puerto Escondido in Mexico and the endless landscapes of the Namib Desert. “That kind of vastness puts everything in perspective. You feel small in the best way.” One moment in particular stayed with her: “Sandwich Harbour, Namibia, where the ocean meets the desert. I remember standing in the middle of the dunes, surrounded by the energy of wind and the sound of waves, admiring the surreal landscape. For a while, it felt like time had stopped. That stillness, that sense of being so small yet so connected to everything around me, left a deep impression.” She pauses. “It reminded me why I create. Not just to document beauty, but to express emotion.”

Her Top 3 Slow Travel Destinations

What draws her in isn’t just what a place looks like, it’s how it feels. Her current obsessions:

Japan

“The culture is so different from ours, yet deeply captivating. There’s such reverence in the everyday. Every gesture, every space feels considered. It made me more aware of how I photograph the world.”

Namibia

“This had been a dream for years. And it truly delivered. It’s a photographer’s paradise: bold colours, surreal silence, star-soaked skies, and unforgettable safari moments.”

Lanzarote

“So visually pure. The architecture, the art scene, the natural textures; it’s this perfect balance of raw and refined. I found it instantly inspiring.”

How She Travels – and What She Looks For

For Roberta, travel isn’t about ticking off a list. It’s about immersion, and presence. “I look for places with soul; boutique stays that reflect the local character, or private homes filled with meaningful pieces. It’s never just a place to sleep; it’s part of the story.” She avoids the overly curated and gravitates toward local life: small markets, family-run cafés, and quiet streets. “I often join experiences (a cooking class, an artisan studio) not for the photo, but for the human exchange. That’s where I find my inspiration. That’s what I want to capture.”

Roberta’s 5 Tips for Capturing Beautiful, Honest Travel Imagery

1. Keep things natural: light is your best stylist

“For me, the key to capturing beautiful travel shots is to keep things natural,” Roberta shares. “Styling should enhance the scene, not overpower it.” Rather than controlling every element, she starts by observing the atmosphere: the light, the wind, the textures already present. “Those are my main ‘stylists’,” she says. A flowing dress, a quiet walk, soft early light; it’s these details that make the moment feel real.

2. Let clothing and props be part of the story

She doesn’t shy away from visual elements like clothing or objects, but they should feel integrated. “They need to feel like an organic part of the story,” she explains. A linen dress catching the breeze, or a bag placed on a café chair; these aren’t just accessories, they help express the feeling of a place.

3. Let the environment guide you

Roberta never forces a shot. “The environment is my co-creator,” she says. “I don’t force a shot, I let the place guide me.” Sometimes that means waiting quietly. Other times, it’s a quick instinct. Her images aren’t staged, but they’re always deeply composed.

4. Think like an architect – use space and composition

With a background in architecture, she naturally sees stories in space. “I look for lines, textures, negative space, and how elements interact within the frame.” She often brings in small human details (a gesture, a plate, a hand) to add context without overwhelming the scene. “It helps ground the image,” she says.

5. Choose settings that serve mood over perfection

Roberta isn’t technical for the sake of it; every decision serves feeling. “I always shoot in manual mode with my Fuji,” she explains. “It gives me full control over how I interpret the light and mood.” She shoots in RAW, prefers a shallow depth of field (f/2.8 or f/4), and often increases the warmth slightly. “It brings the image closer to how I felt in that moment.”

To see more of Roberta Mazzone’s work, visit her Instagram.