amp322

I often ask "respectable" looking people to take my pictute when I am on vacation. I usually find someone with a family, or another American couple, etc. They seem less likely to walk away with my camera. Never had any problems. If you have a complicated camera, it's best to find someone who speaks English well, or you will all waste your time.
Have fun!

m_kingdom2

A tripod and self timer can work wonders - also increases the sharpness of your shot.

Strangers are often kind - if I'm travelling alone and must have a photograph of myself I usually ask a respectable looking passerby to assist.

Mary_Fran

I haven't traveled solo thus far, but one of my sweetest memories is of strolling on the University of Washington campus with my son in his cap and gown on his graduation day, when he approached a couple where we were standing in front of Denney Hall, and said "Would you take a picture of me and my Mom? She's the reason I'm here today."

It brought tears to my eyes then and still does when I remember the moment.

That said, when I am traveling, I rarely wish for photos of myself and am not enamored of the few I've had taken. I take photos of my sister/travel partner, but the only ones that seem to please me are those that capture HER image, not the image of her posing in front of some monument or another. I have great pics of her sitting across the table from me on the terrace at Hotel Haus Lippman in Beilstein, with just a hint of the overhead grape arbor fuzzy in the background, or of her seated across from me on the train from Rome to Milan.

All my favorite photos I've taken are about a place and a moment for me to remember, the world through my eyes, not me through someone else's eye.

dancintomusic

We have asked people plenty of times and had them offer, too. For several years now, when someone takes a picture of us, I thank them and then ask if I can take a picture of them so that I can remember them and their kindness. Everyone has always agreed, and those are some of the best pictures and memories we have of our trips. People tend to stay for a few minutes after you take their picture and talk with you. Having a picture of them helps you remember the occasion (where you were, what you were doing, what you were taking a picture of, what you and they talked about, etc.) so much better. Also, when they have been locals, many times they have given us great tips about what to see or where to eat in the area.

Kavey

Dancin, that's a great idea, I really like it. I think I'll borrow that one in the future. Thanks!

muimei

Thanks, all of you. Great advice and stories! I'll definitely watch out for young men with running shoes! I guess I was quite a bit paranoid about going to Europe... Way too many "horror stories" relayed to me by family and friends. I was a psych student and still wasn't thinking with my brain! All my relatives and friends seem to only think about the bad stuff. I got more info about thefts than info about great places to see!

Thanks for setting me straight.