Welcome to The Royl Travel Guide

Yes — I’d weave that philosophy into the introduction because it gives The Royl Travel Guide a much stronger identity. It makes clear that this isn’t about telling people there is one “right” way to travel; it’s about helping people build the trip that works for their budget, priorities, and stage of life.

Hi everyone, I’m Tyler Smith, owner and photographer behind Royl Photography, and I’m excited to welcome you to The Royl Travel Guide—where photography, travel, and real-world experiences come together.

Photography has always been at the center of what I do. Through Royl Photography, I’ve built my career around capturing real estate, architecture, and interior design. But beyond my work behind the camera, travel has always been another major passion of mine. There’s something incredibly inspiring about exploring a new city, experiencing a different culture, learning the history behind a destination, and seeing it all through the lens of my camera.

That passion for exploration is what inspired The Royl Travel Guide.

But there’s another reason I wanted to create this guide: everyone travels differently.

There is no single right way to travel.

Some people want five-star hotels and private transportation. Others would rather stay somewhere affordable, take a regular Uber, and spend that money on an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. Some travelers plan every minute of their trip, while others want to arrive with a few ideas and see where the journey takes them.

And as a young adult traveler, I understand that balance firsthand.

When you’re in your twenties and beginning to travel more on your own—especially when you’re paying for those trips yourself—you start thinking differently about where your money goes. You may want the First Class seat, the beautiful hotel, the incredible dinner, or the private chauffeur, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose the most expensive option every step of the way.

To me, luxury doesn’t have to mean doing something expensive every day. Sometimes it’s simply choosing one moment to upgrade.

Maybe that means taking a regular rideshare most of the trip but booking a premium car after a long flight. Maybe you choose an affordable hotel so you can spend more on an unforgettable excursion. Maybe your splurge is the flight itself, a special dinner, or an experience you’ve wanted to do for years.

Your priorities might be completely different from mine—and that’s exactly the point.

The Royl Travel Guide isn’t about telling you how you should travel. It’s about showing you the possibilities so you can decide what makes sense for your trip, your budget, and the experience you want to have.

Throughout the guide, I’ll share the entire travel experience—not just the destination. We’ll talk about planning, airlines and flights, hotels, airport transportation, rideshare and chauffeur services, restaurants, attractions, tours, local history, photography opportunities, and those unexpected moments that often become some of the best parts of a trip.

I’ll share what worked for me, what didn’t, what I would spend the money on again, what I might do differently next time, and where I think an upgrade is genuinely worth it.

And, of course, photography will remain at the heart of it all.

The Royl Travel Guide will document the unique history, vibrant cultures, architecture, landscapes, and landmarks of the places I visit while bringing you along for the journey through my camera and my own firsthand experiences.

Whether you’re a young traveler planning one of your first big self-funded trips, someone looking for a little more comfort or luxury, a fellow photographer, a seasoned traveler, or simply someone searching for inspiration for your next adventure, there’s a place for you here.

Because your perfect trip doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Travel your way. Spend where it matters. Experience more. And capture the journey.

Welcome to The Royl Travel Guide.

I think the line “Your perfect trip doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s” could become one of the core philosophies of the entire travel blog. It fits especially well with the way you’re approaching budget-conscious travel while still selectively enjoying premium experiences.