There are often no words for describing the beauty you see while travelling. Amazing rocks, canyons, cities and oceans- all covered in warm sunset let you speechless. And thus, you are taking your camera from the backpack and picture the moment. All words needed to explain the breathtaking experience are told in all languages in once- photography.
If you are passionate about great shots, photography and travelling, this article is right for you. Let’s discover 10 of the World’s Best Destinations for travel photography according to Forbes together.
Forbes makes World’s Best Destinations for travel photography yearly. They have variety of criteria but importantly, it is based on quality of natural light. Let’s discover the best destinations for photography lovers!
1. Norway
One of the most scenic countries with glaciers, mountains and the deepest fjords on planet. Interesting Viking history and beautiful colorful wooden houses are the first things that comes to person´s mind while talking about Norway.
The Photography Shot:
Sitting on top of a 2000’ fjord with your legs dangling over the edge. Wear a red jacket. Prepare to have your heart pumping through your chest. There are no guardrails.
The green travel tip:
Accommodate in Juvet Landscape Hotel, ecofriendly hotel in the heart of nature. Try one of our itineraries, for example the one From Tau to Pulpit Rock and experience the untouched nature.
Try some of the fjord tours, river rafting, caving, dog sledding, hiking, kayaking or abseiling. See the northern lights, panorama views from the mountain hills and sleep in a tent under the thousands of stars for one night.
The best travel period:
Winter: Go to Norway for skiing, northern lights, dog-sledging, ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Spring: Thousand cascading waterfalls fed by the melting snow and wild flowers in abundance everywhere.
Summer: bus, ferry and train connections are at their most frequent, midnight sun, perfect for hiking, biking and exploring the country
Local cuisine:
Smoked Salmon or Røkt Laks, Tørrfisk, Kjøttboller, Fårikål, Krumkake, Pinnekjøtt, Pølse med Lompe, Finnbiff
2. Dubai
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing launched a “Green Tourism Award” program, which should encourage innovations in ecotourism. Cities like Dubai are changing the perspective of typical travel photo. It became a symbol of the new human narrative about urbanism and development. Dubai architecture is very picturable.
The Photography Shot:
Downtown Dubai at dawn shot from up high in a hotel or office building with the morning fog rolling in.
The green travel tip:
You can accommodate yourself in award winning and eco-friendly hotel Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. This hotel connects ecological and social responsibility with excellence of services and authentic experiences.
Ecological outdoor activities include traditional desert safaris, hiking and camping in the Hajar Mountains, scuba and snorkeling outings to the U.A.E.’s Eastern coast, and bird-watching adventures. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary for birds in need. There are three reserves supporting more than 67 species of water birds and it is also a home for more than 500 species of flora and fauna.
The best travel period:
From mid- October to beginning of April.
Local cuisine:
Stuffed Camel, Al Harees, Shawarma, Al Machboos, Hummus.
3. Hawaii
Hawaii is a natural paradise. Exploring vertiginous cliffs, tropical foliage, waterfalls, volcanic beaches and swimming in Pacific Ocean is a real relax. It is perfect place for surfers or kiteboarders. Ideally suited place for ecotourism and sustainable travel. This island heals your soul and relax your mind. And what´s more- islands of Hawaii are very picturable.
The Photography Shot:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- you can see lava flowing directly to the ocean.
The green travel tip:
Villas Ka Hale O’Luina are the perfect choice on Kauai island in Hawaii. It is a romantic escape from everyday life designed in harmony with nature. Villas are green, offering wellness center, ecotourism itineraries and internet.
The most amazing experience is watching active volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Waterfalls like Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Akaka Falls in Big Island or Sacred Falls in Oahu are waiting for you. On Kauai is multi-colored Waimea Canyon, which looks like a smaller version of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. If you like snorkeling, Hawaii is a top snorkeling and diving destination.
The best travel period:
As Hawaii lies in tropical zone, it has only two seasons- dry (Apr- Oct) and rainy (Nov-Mar)
Low season (Oct- Nov): Fewest crowds, cheaper accommodations and flight tickets (up to 50%) Weather is typically dry and hot (not ideal for hiking).
Shoulder (May- September): Crowds and prices drop slightly. Temperatures are mild, with mostly sunny, cloudless days.
High Season (Dec- Apr. & Jun-Aug): Accommodations prices up 50–100%. Winter is rainier (but best for whale-watching and surfing), summer slightly hotter.
Local cuisine:
Poke, Manapua, Saimin, Huli Huli Chicken, Loco Moco, Malasadas, Shave Ice
4. Vermont
Small country of only 24 887 km² in USA offers photographic sceneries like in a movie. The atmosphere of Vermont is visually stunning. Most of the country is wooded and majority of the inhabitants live on a countryside.
The Photography Shot:
from a distance overlooking one of its historic towns like Stowe or Middlebury with a white steeple church in the foreground and the Green Mountains burning red behind.
The green travel tip:
Accommodation in Loch Lyme Lodge offers great experience in picturesque Connecticut river valley. This area is perfect for biking, fishing, and hiking.
In Vermont, there are many farms, where you can also try agritourism experience. Actually, Vermont is one of the best places where to experience farming culture in USA. It is a place, full of mountains so mentioned hiking or biking are the best alternatives how to experience the summer. Skiing is on the other hand popular activity during the winter.
The best travel period:
Summer: The peak summer season runs from the 4th of July weekend until Labor Day weekend. This is perfect time for hiking or swimming in the ocean.
Autumn: is one of the great natural spectacles in the world. Colorful trees offer outstanding sceneries. This time of the year is the most favorite one.
Winter: all of the skiing areas are crowded, can even say overcrowded. In smaller cities, you can try ice hockey or ice skating on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers.
Local cuisine:
Vermont is the most popular for its high-quality maple syrup. You can even learn how to make it at Mount Pleasant Sugarworks in Leicester. Vermont cheese is also a traditional food.
5. Great Barrier Reef
Underwater photography is always beautiful. The scenery under the water looks like it has a whole scale of new, bright colors. Australia´s Great Barrier Reef offers to photographers amazing shots and unforgettable looks.
The Photography Shot:
The reef from the air. The second-best way is from your drone.
The green travel tip:
Accommodate yourself in one of our green hotels in Queensland region, Australia. Hidden Valley Cabins, The Canopy Treehouses, Jabiru Safari Lodge or Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm are only few of our green and eco-friendly offer.
World´s largest coral reef comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays. You can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins in one of the 7 natural wonders- Great Barrier Reef.
The best travel period:
The best time to visit Queensland region, especially Great Barrier Reef is from June to September. There are also many festivals in this period.
Local cuisine:
Poutine, Bagels from Montreal, Tire sur la Neige, Tourtière or Haitian Tassot
6. Croatia
Favorite summer destination of many families, couples, party animals or individuals. Croatia is for everybody. Iconic cities like Dubrovnik or Zadar offer history- boosted streets and amazing atmosphere during both, day and night. Croatia turned out to be Europe´s rising star in tourism industry.
The Photography Shot:
Old town Dubrovnik or one of Croatia’s historic cities at twilight.
The green travel tip:
Accommodate in PaPe Inn apartment near Split or try one of our itineraries in Paklenica National Park or cycling tour from Trieste to Poreč. There are thousands of beautiful white sand and soft pebble beaches. Cozy cafés and restaurants lines these beaches and offer great sea food. Diving is favorite activity. Istrian Riviera and Dalmatian Coast are ideal for beginners, while south of Croatia offer coral reefs, caves and shipwrecks for more advanced divers. Historical side of the country is perfect for exploring during the warm afternoons. The vineyards, pine forests and national parks are great territories for walking tours.
The best travel period:
The best time to travel is during the summer months. Approximately from June to October. The average temperature in August is 25°C, however the heats often reaches 38°C and more.
Local cuisine:
Black risotto, Boškarin, Brodetto, Buzara, Fritule, Peka or Truffles,Rakija (a distilled spirit made from fruit)
7. Southeast China
Southeast China is often hidden in the shadow of touristy places like Shanghai, Beijing and Great Wall. However, the landscape around the city of Guilin is considered as world´s most beautiful places. It is beautiful mountain country with just a narrow ribbon of land next to the sea.
The Photography Shot:
The rice fields of Longji and Yuanyang. Either close-up or from a wide angle scenic perspective the scale and geometry of the fields with the way light mixes with water is like nothing else on earth.
The green travel tip:
Wulingyuan national park is famous because Avatar movie was filmed here. It is one of UNESCO famous heritage site since 1992. In the park, breathtaking natural beauty, cloud-reaching sandstone pillars and lush green forests are waiting for you. Danxia is another masterpiece often called rainbow mountains. Don´t forget to visit these beautiful colorful rock formations with steep cliffs.
The best travel period:
the mild months of October through March are the best times to visit, although some offshore islands are appreciated year-round for their breezes.
Local cuisine:
Sweet and Sour Pork, Gong Bao Chicken, Ma Po Tofu, Wontons, Dumplings, Chow Mein, Peking Roasted Duck and Spring Rolls.
8. Borneo
World´s third largest island is one of the most remote places in the world. Borneo is home to the most diverse rainforest on the planet along with many of its rarest and most endangered species.
The Photography Shot:
The orangutan. This may be one of the only chances in your life to photograph a critically endangered species that may not exist a decade from now.
The green travel tip:
Accommodate in one of many green hotels in Borneo. For example, Sepilok Forest Edge is right next to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Gaya Island Resort, a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest, is also a good eco-friendly choice. You can find many eco tours in Borneo. Orangutan Search, Wildlife Safari, city tours or cooking classes are only few of them.
While being in Borneo, visit Kinabalu park, one of UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a great place for all hikers. Kinabatangan River, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Sabah Tea Garden are another places worth visiting.
The best travel period:
High season is from May to September, when days are dry and warm, although the accommodation might be more expensive. Borneo has a year-round temperature averaging between 27°C & 32°C.
Local cuisine:
Roti, Laksa, Stir Fried Jungle Fern and Fresh Seafood.
9. Southern Brazil (including Rio)
One of the world´s entrancing places. Country of wildness, music, beautiful beaches and amazing people. Brazil offers big adventures for all travelers. In Rio alone, Copacabana beach, Carnival festival, the tram ride to the Christ The Redeemer status atop Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods street art bohemian culture, and the Olympic venues make this city a must-visit.
The Photography Shot:
Sugarloaf Mountain and Rio’s Christ The Redeemer statue at sunrise or sunset
The green travel tip:
There are several eco hotels in Brazil- For example Reserva el Naguel, Pousada Picinguaba or Gota Do Mar. Brazil is full of inspiring places- both natural and cultural. Trek within the Amazon, surf new waves, dive shipwrecks, learn about important archaeological discoveries, explore Iguaçu Falls, ride on horseback along the beach, find the perfect place to relax and renew, go after views that take your breath away, gaze at birds in the Pantanal, discover local cuisine or dance to the sounds of samba. You will be never bored.
The best travel period:
August is the best month to visit Brazil. Temperatures are comfortable and there is lack of rain as well.
Local cuisine:
BBQ meat, Moqueca, Cachaça, Brigadeiros, Pão de queijo, Quindim, Açaí, or Feijoada.
10. Iceland
In last years, Iceland is popular for its picturable raw, geologic landscape. It is also considered as the best ecotourism destination. There are many options how to enjoy this beautiful island – hiking, biking, enjoying hot springs, northern lights, volcanos, glaciers or watching seals are just few of them.
The Photography Shot:
The classic twilight shot of Iceland’s ice blue colored hot springs with the sun going down
The green travel tip:
Accommodate in one of the green hotels of Iceland and explore the whole island. Here are some tips for eco-friendly accommodations: Hotel Hellnar, Country Hotel Anna, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, ION Adventure Hotel, Raudaskrida Hotel & Guesthouse or Hotel Hilda.
Base your activities on hiking, biking, horseback riding, or other activities that do not consume fossil fuels.
The best travel period:
Northern lights: The best period to see northern lights is from September until April
Midnight Sun: June, July are the months where the sun is UP all the time. By August, nights begin to darken.
Local cuisine:
Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb), Skyr, Icelandic fish, Kjötsúpa (Meat soup) or “Ein með öllu”.
Have you taken a great shot from these countries? Share it with us!
Cover image: Photo by Giuseppe Milo via Flickr
