Long after that perfect road trip or overseas vacation, all a traveler's got left are memories and photos of his once in a lifetime adventure. These days, documenting experiences on the go are easier and more affordable, but there's always room for improvement in taking snapshots to remember journeys a little better. Here are a few tips to take your camera skills to the next level.

Get a capable camera

To be fair, modern smartphones are advanced enough to take adequate pictures during your travels. For those who are interested in upgrading, there are a wide variety of choices. National Geographic revealed their top picks this year including the retro-styled compact Fujifilm X-T1, the ultra-tough Olympus TG-3 and the all-around Sony DSC-RX10.

Before making a final decision, travelers should consider a number of factors including size, versatility and battery life, which are often important once on the road.

Use the rule of thirds

This is a basic but essential composition rule in photography. According to photographer Laurence Norah of Finding the Universe in a post at Nomadic Matt, the rule requires breaking the image into three parts horizontally, vertically or both. The idea is to place the important elements of the photo within or on these grids. For example, sunsets are most compelling to look at when there are two-thirds of the sky and one-thirds of the land or sea present. Subjects may also be placed on the intersecting points to draw people's attention to it.

Wake up early

It sounds simple but getting an early start is an important part of catching the best images. Sunsets are beautiful subjects with vibrant colors painting the sky and people aren't usually awake to appreciate them. Additionally, being the first at a tourist spot ensures you won't have to jostle for a good angle nor have droves of other travelers littering your photos.

Move

Being a photographer requires constant movement. If a good subject isn't particularly appealing on the viewfinder, try a different angle. Take a few steps to the side or crouch down. Moving closer is also a tried-and-true technique as getting a little bit closer can offer more detail in the picture. The Independent Traveler also told photographers not to be afraid of zooming in and out. Oftentimes, using this camera function can offer several looks of a single subject -- the perfect photo might just be there all along.

Practice

The only way to really hone your abilities with a camera is to constantly use it. Take a lot of pictures so you learn what works and what doesn't. All the best practitioners stand out because of their unique voice and the only way to discover yours is to go out there and find it.