Alexis JimeneaTravel photography is such an integral part of our experience – whether you’re an amateur or a pro, memories captured are priceless. Here are some breathtaking and awe-inspiring bucket list destinations where you can capture the most stunning travel photography:
Salar de Uyuni, Daniel Campos, Bolivia
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is a dreamland you must see when you travel to Bolivia. It is the world’s largest salt flat, stretching more than 4,050 miles across the Bolivian Altiplano. Also known as the “World’s Largest Mirror”, nearby lakes sometimes overflow the flat creating a blissful reflection of the sky. Photographers from around the world come here for stunning travel photography of the salt flats. You can tour the salt flats from Uyuni – the beauty and desolation are awe-inspiring and worth the travel. Did you know that it’s also home to the world’s first salt hotel?
Photo: Alan Hurt Jr. via Unsplash
Keukenhof Park, Lisse, Holland
Also known as the “Garden of Europe”, Keukenhof Park is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. Seven million flower bulbs bloom annually with 800 varieties of tulips. Enjoy spectacular flower shows and unique artwork while admiring the tulips at its peak. How does endless field of flowers sound for your travel photography? To travel to the park, you can take the Keukenhof Express bus from either Schipol Plaza at Amsterdam airport or Amsterdam Leidseplein. Keukenhof is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, but the best time to visit is during April.
Photo: skeeze via Pixabay
French Riviera, France
The French Riviera is a dream for travel photography. Known to the French as the Côte d’Azur, glamorous beach resorts dominate the area with villages along the shoreline. The Alps meet the Mediterranean here, and it’s no wonder that the glamorous and well heeled soak in the sun on the photogenic beaches. Old towns like Menton or Villefranche sur Mer are pretty as a picture, while Monte Carlo is, of course, well known for its casino. Some of the most expensive real estate is clustered on the tiny peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, between Eze and Nice. Take a stroll in the colorful Vieille Ville (Old Town) or travel to the Cannes Beach, one of the most luxurious beaches in the city. The best time to visit is during July or August.
Menton. Photo via Pixabay
Venice, Italy
Famous for its endless route of canals and historic art, travel to Venice for some incredible photography. Take a gondola ride through the Grand Canal or visit the renowned St. Mark’s Square. The Grand Canal is also home to Venice’s annual Regata Storica, a parade of boat races that date back up to the 13th century. St. Mark’s Basicila is filled with Byzantine style mosaics and Romanesque portals. Couldn’t ask for a prettier spot for travel photography!
Photo via Pixabay
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
Gaudi’s Park Güell is an enchanting place for travel photography – capturing the quirks and wildly imaginative architecture is a dream. Natural forms and mosaics dominate, with stoneworks and pathways that will guide you around Gaudí’s masterpieces. The bright multi-colored tiles around the park are truly breathtaking. It is a beautiful park that should be in your travel itinerary in Barcelona.
Photo via Pixabay
Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand
If you are planning to travel to Bangkok, a visit to Wat Arun should be on your itinerary. Also known as “The Temple of Dawn”, it was named after the Indian God of Dawn. It is one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok with its decorative spires, standing majestically over the water. The front entrance is beautifully decorated in colorful ceramic and stucco. You can get to the temple via boat or by car. At night, witness the temple lit up from miles away – perfect for travel photography!
Photo: Somphop Nithipaichit via Wikimedia Commons
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt in the Swiss Alps is also one of the world’s best ski resorts. The charming mountain village lies just below Matterhorn Peak, where visitors take a tour to view the mountain up close. If you happen to capture a view of the town during sunrise and sundown, it is a beautiful sight for anyone to see. A remarkable view like this is ideal for travel photography!
Photo: swiss-image.ch/
Yosemite Valley, California
Yosemite is filled with giant sequoia trees, grand meadows, deep valleys, and magnificent waterfalls. No matter where you are in Yosemite, there is always an opportunity for you to capture a moment of nature at its best. Tunnel View and the Tuolumne Meadows are a few highlights of the park. If you’re adventurous enough, you can hike beyond the trails to see the wildlife. As one of the original national parks, it’s no wonder Yosemite is the dream place for travel photography.
Photo via Pixabay
The Great Migration, Tanzania
The Great Migration is where you can experience one of the most extraordinary animal migrations in the world. You get to witness one of nature’s greatest phenomenon at its best. See animals ranging from lions to zebras and wildebeests depending on the time of year. The best time to view the wildlife is during the Dry Season, which is from June to October, where you can have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of these animals. Experiencing one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Africa is a natural wonder everyone should be aware of.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Home of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro is a dream for travel photography. The city is well known for its sprawling towns, annual festivals, and stunning nightlife. The best places to be for the best travel photography are the Christ the Redeemer statue, Ipanema beach, and Escadaria Selarón. In a city full of life and culture, Rio de Janeiro is truly one of the best.
Photo via Pixabay
Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashigaka, Japan
If you’re someone who loves flowers and enjoys the beauty of nature, Ashigaka Flower Park is where you will see an abundance of them. Blue, white, pink, and yellow wisteria (fuji) flowers dominate the park. There is a large fuji tree that is over 100 years old and its branches create a huge umbrella that captures the essence and beauty of the entire park. The best time to visit the park is during the beginning of May, where the fuji flowers are in full bloom. You will be wanting to click away everywhere and anywhere for the best travel photography.
Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park by Manish Prabhune. Photo via Flickr
Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook, New Zealand
Lake Pukaki is a stunning blue gem set into a grand alpine playground – an iconic landscape of high mountain peaks, glacier fed alpine lakes and golden tussocks stretched out langurously. At the head of Lake Pukaki, New Zealand’s highest peak Aoraki Mt Cook stands tall over the turquoise lake. Peter Jackson used this region thrice to backdrop major location scenes in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. You can never go wrong with travel photography in New Zealand!
Photo: Rob Suisted via Tourism New Zealand
Bagan, Myanmar
An ancient city in the Southwest of Mandalay, the temple town is filled with ancient architectural temples dating from thousands of years ago. More than 2,000 Buddhist temples are spread out over the green plains, which is a must see for any travel lover. The Ananda Pahto and Shwezigon Pagoda are one of the top places to visit in Bagan. A place for admiration and peace, Bagan will give you a lasting impression on the way you view the city and culture.
Temples in Bagan, Myanmar. Photo: Anne Dirkse via Flickr
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Lush tropical slopes and blossoming hibiscus along the lagoon make Bora Bora a romantic destination for any traveler. The moment you step upon the island, you will fall in love with its clear waters and white sand dunes. There’s also the overwater bungalows where you can see exceptional views of the lagoon or Mount Otemau. It is a place that everyone should witness in their lifetime at least once. You can find the best photography opportunities almost anywhere in Bora Bora.
Photo via Unplash
Zhangjiajie National Forest, China
Located in the Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie National Forest will amaze with its majestic canyons, waterfalls, and pillars. If you feel like you’ve recognized this place, Zhangjiajie was the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the 2009 movie Avatar. The forest is dominated by sandstone and quartz monoliths and exotic animals. There’s also the Yellow Dragon Cave and Baofeng Lake within Zhangjiajie which is a must to see. The best time to take a photograph is during the golden hour, where you are guaranteed the best lighting for your photo no matter where you are in the forest.
Photo: Carlos Adampol Galindo via Flickr
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