15 Dream Destinations for Travel Photography, by Contiki
15. The skies in Iceland
Get ready to go chasing waterfalls. This country is full of amazing landscapes for travel photographers. During the day, spend time exploring Iceland’s diverse landscape. From active volcanoes to geysers, black beaches and fjords, you’ll have plenty to explore with your camera lens. At night this dream travel photography destination comes alive with clear views of the stunning stars splayed across the sky. If you plan your trip from September-March, you may even be able to experience the Northern Lights.
14. The Grand Canyon, USA
If you’re looking for some gorgeous landscapes to shoot, the Grand Canyon National Park shouldn’t be missed. The fiery-red rock and undulating terrain across the national park will make it feel like you’re shooting Mars. The deep canyons allow you to test your photography skills with perspective. It’s a great way to play with light and colour in your shots. Some key areas of the park include towering sandstones in Monument Valley and narrow channels of Antelope Canyon.
13. The temples and beaches in Thailand
There are plenty of travel photography opps in beautiful Thailand! Capture the culture of Thailand by visiting Buddhist temples like Wat Arun. Head into the city for Thai night markets to see how the locals live. If you’re feeling beachy, visit any of the Thai islands to capture those white sand and turquoise waters shots. The limestone cliffs around Krabi will also add something extra to your beach photos – include a long tail boat and you’ll master that iconic Thai shot.
12. The streets of Marrakesh, Morocco
This colourful country is a must-do travel destination for any shutterbug. But the city of Marrakesh is one of the best spots for travel photography – it’s full of energy, spices and beautiful architecture. In the city, you’ll find souk markets and endless mosaic doorways. Some of the best travel photography spots further afield include Atlas Mountains, the Sahara deserts and the Jardin de Majorelle. If you have some extra time, head outside the city to Chefchaouen to discover buildings full of beautiful blue hues.
11. The pagodas and forests in Kyoto, Japan
Japan has done a great job a preserving their traditional culture in Kyoto. In the heart of the city, you’ll find so many photo opportunities. Think Japanese castles, pagodas and temples. North of the city, you’ll find the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. Although the bamboo can be quite dense, use the natural light in your photos to capture the serenity of the area.
10. The wildlife in South Africa
Spend some time exploring Table Mountain and Cape Town’s coastal scenery. What makes South Africa stand out on this list is its opportunity for wildlife photography. Go on an African safari to capture amazing photos of lions, giraffes and elephants. The flat landscape in the area makes it easy to see Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
9. The canals of Venice & Burano, Italy
The canals of Venice make this city one of the most photogenic spots in the world. Expect to find something interesting to shoot at every turn. The architecture, gondolas and reflections on the water make it worth the trip. To avoid the crowds, wake up early to capture some of the key tourist areas on camera. And if you have some extra time, head to nearby Burano. Famous for its colourful buildings, this island has quickly become a must-do on every travel photographer’s list.
8. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo is any landscape photographer’s dream destination. During the day, play with reflections and perspectives of the landscape’s mountains and lakes. Once the sunsets, get ready for some amazing night photography. Defined as a dark sky reserve, this area is protected from artificial light pollution, making it a great astrophotography spot. Not only will you be stargazing, you’ll see the night sky come to life, all through your camera lens.
7. The streets of Paris, France
The architecture in Paris makes the city a street photographer’s dream travel destination. Let your camera lead the way because Paris is a city you can easily get lost in. Play with perspective near the streets of the Arc de Triomphe. Wander from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and capture photos of the locals along the way. You’ll end up discovering why so many people fall deeply in love with the City of Lights.