Photo travel destinations to visit in 2014 from travel bloggers
It’s always difficult to choose where to travel on vacation that is spectacular, unique and a photo travel destination worth visiting for it’s amazing vistas, cultural sites, food, people – the whole package, if you get where I’m coming from. So to help inspire you to travel somewhere in the world that hasn’t been on your radar, I asked some fellow travel bloggers and photographers to share some fantastic places that are worth visiting in 2014 and must see places to visit and capture for photography.
Hope this will inspire you to visit any of these locations or just go and explore a place that has always been on your bucket list to visit, enjoy!
Tasman Glacier in New Zealand
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Aoraki/Mount Cook holds a special place in my heart because our visit was the first time that I had ever seen a glacier. The frozen landscape literally gave me shivers, the scale and magnitude of the mountains and the gargantuan sheet of ice itself served to highlight just how powerful Mother Nature truly is. The glacial landscape which has forged a divide between the south island’s rugged west coast and the more sedate flat lands of the east, provide a wealth of photo opportunities for those willing to explore its remote terrain.
Visit Charli Moore’s website at http://wanderlusters.co.uk
Zhangjiajie, China
There is a place in China, in Hunan province, where the scenery will take your breath away. It is called Zhangjiajie and it has been favored by Mother Nature, trust me. It is an incredible city located in northern part of Hunan Province, undiscovered by foreigners. Have you ever heard of the movie Avatar? If so, you should know what I am talking about as it was filmed there! Zhangjiajie and its Hallelujah Floating Mountains.
In 1992, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site for the sake of its beauty and specialty. You must be wondering why the mountains are called “floating”. When it gets foggy, they really look like they were floating in the air and moving from the left to the right. This is something incredible and you can feel like if you were in Pandora. The sandstone pillars are up to 1000 meters high so you can just imagine how massive they must look, not only in the picture, but also in real life.
Agness is a Polish travel blogger well known for travelling the world for less than $25 per day and
she shares her tricks and tips with the readers of her blog called eTramping.com
kicker rock scaled
Kicker Rock, Galapagos
The shot is of Kicker Rock in the Galapagos, just off San Cristobal Island. It offers some of the best snorkelling and diving – on the day we were there we saw manta rays, hammerhead sharks, turtles, black tip reef sharks, and many many more! For more shots like this, check out our landscapes of the Galapagos photo essay.
Laurence Norah (http://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2014/01/in-photos-landscapes-of-galapagos.html)
Patagonia
Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the only places on Earth where I have felt like the wilderness is truly uninhibited. The vast wilderness, endless breathtaking panoramic views, mixed with the flora and fauna make it one of a kind. Few make it down to the bottom of the Earth, but those who do will be rewarded with unending beauty. And for those only using Chile as a launching pad to visit Antarctica, take the time to explore the vast wilderness of Patagonia before or after, you will not be disappointed. With tourism on the rise all over the world, take the time to truly explore Chile and Patagonia, before it begins to lose its charm.
Jeff Johns & Marina Dominguez
Latitude 34 Travel Blog http://www.latitudethirtyfour.com
- Sabah, Borneo Photograph by Anne Sterck
Sabah, Borneo
The Lower Kinabatangan River is in the heart of Sabah, one of Malaysia‘s two provinces on the island of Borneo. If it sounds exotic and wild, it’s because this part of the world has yet to be overrun by cheap package tours. This is an adventure destination, for independent-minded travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit – only a bit – to get at its rewards: rich rainforest, abundant wildlife (like this pair of insect-seeking pigtail macaques), and fascinating (and endangered) indigenous groups. I saw plenty of monkeys, an orangutan, a monitor lizard, a family of proboscis monkeys and untold birds – and that was in a single afternoon. Yes, there are plenty of little beasties around but you can keep them away… Little can match the quiet of gliding down a primeval river, surrounded by nature, watching the tree leaves move, the branches sway, and hundreds of animals go about their daily existence.
Visit Leyla Giray Alyanak’s blog at http://blog.women-on-the-road.com
TanzaniaKenya
Kenya / Tanzania
Our African safari to Kenya and Tanzania with Micato Safaris was an amazing adventure. Before this, we had only seen animals caged in zoos. It was exciting to see them pass in front of our vehicle (like this elephant in Serengeti National Park). It was also amazing to bear witness to the interdependence of different species who mingled together.
Visit Irene S. Levine’s blog at MoreTimeToTravel.com
Sahara Desert landscape
Sahara Desert, Morocco
Abbazia di San Galgano Capturing la Vita
San Galgano Abbey, Tuscany, Italy
When asked about one of my favorite photographic spots, I immediately thought of the Abbey of San Galgano in Tuscany, Italy. The Abbey was built in the 13th century, however, in 1781 the already decaying roof caved in. What remains is one of the most enchanting locations in Tuscany for photographers. The abbey stands alone behind a gorgeous field of sunflowers, with a backdrop of the hilly Tuscan countryside. Upon your first step inside, you will find yourself taken by its mystical nature. The raw architecture juxtaposed against the open sky leaves the photographer with endless inspiration and possibilities.
Materia, Italy
Despite having no expectations or knowledge on the region, we could see there was something uniquely beautiful about Matera. The architecture and style reflected the rich history. Founded in the 3rd century BC, it has been conquered many times, survived devastating earthquakes and endured political turmoil. Filmmakers have also used it as a setting for ancient Jerusalem, including Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ. It’s worth a stop for some sunrise photography through the unique and spectacularly scenic town of Matera.
Erin Bender at www.travelwithbender.com
A typical Welsch landscape
Wales
Wether you’re looking for a good hike, extreme sports or photography, Wales has something for you. The 1400-ish kilometers long trail of its coastal path offers you the most beautiful landscapes as you can see in this shot of Trefin’s cliffs at the golden hour.
Karl Delandsheere at http://hobography.net/en/
Sardinia and Costa Esmeralda
Sardinia and Costa Esmeralda
Sardinia coast line
Sardinia
If you’re not beachy, don’t fret, there’s plenty for you too. This island has something for everyone. If you like the outdoors, go trekking, climbing, diving, windsurfing or cycling. If you’re a foodie, the seafood is some of the freshest I ever had and because of all the goats, there’s a lot of delicious cheese. It’s also extremely safe for the solo traveler.
Cathy Goldner at www.solo-travelers-alliance.com.
Ubud, Bali a procession
Ubud, Bali
Changmai and elephants
Chang Mai, Thailand
When I visited Chiang Mai, I resisted taking a “hokey” elephant ride. Then I got talked into it–and I loved it! Elephants rock you from side to side until you feel that you’re going to fall off at any moment. When you recover from laughing, you will notice that your elephant has stopped short to test out a piece of grass for a brief snack along the route. Needless to say, my first experience riding elephants was not my last!
Diane Renee Ransdell at http://drransdell.blogspot.com
Bangkok,Thailand
One place in the world a travel blogger will not want to miss is SE Aisa. I suggest to start in Bangkok, Thailand. Bring your camera and take a ride down the Chao Phraya River on your first day just to get the lay of the land. Also, stop by the Temple of Dawn on the west banks. There is definitely a photo opportunity there. Eat Lunch on the street or tuck inside of Sala Rattanakosin for a great view of the Temple.
Dr. Cacinda Maloney at http:///www.pointsandTravel.com
Moab, Utah
The Delicate arch is a symbol of the state of Utah. It was originally known as the “Cowboy chaps,” which really does look like the leather leg covers used by ranchers.
This view of the Delicate Arch shows the La Sal Mountains in the background. The 1.5 mile hike from the Wolfe Ranch parking area to the arch is marked with cairns (small stacked rocks) to show the way. The walk is without much shade, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
Visit Neva Fels travel site at http://retireforthefunofit.com
Xunantunich
Belize
The entire country of Belize is a gorgeous destination with photo opportunities everywhere you turn. The mainland offers towering ancient Mayan ruins, verdant rain forests and the wildlife that comes with them, and happy locals sitting on the porches of their stilted homes. The cayes provide white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and bright, colorful island homes. And since Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, its waters offer even more exciting opportunities for the underwater photographer.
Iceland
Taking in the sunset at the Atacama Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert, Chile
Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Tamara & Donny with TurtlesTravel at http://turtlestravel.com
Hampi, India
Hampi, Karnataka, India
Istria skyline
Istria, Croatia
From rolling hills, charming seaside & hilltop towns, vineyards, and olive groves Istria is the new place to go. This heart-shaped penisnula located in the northern Adriatic region of Croatia offers charming coastline and rustic hinterland. Given its size, the both can be enjoyed in the same day. Istria is heaven for food, wine and cycling aficionados.
Vera Br at http://www.frankaboutcroatia.com/croatia-travel-guide/istria-croatia/
Trebinje
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Turkey
Turkey is a photographer’s dream. From the historic treasures of Istanbul to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, the old cities of Central Anatolia and the heritage listed Mount Nemrut, the hamsi fisherman on the Black Sea, and the historic ruins of Ephesus there is something for everyone! I haven’t even mentioned the local markets at the small villages dotted around the country, the friendliest people I have ever met and some of the best food you’ll ever eat!
Join me on a journey of travel and food http://atasteoftravelblog.com
Hagia Sofia
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
- Water villa Maldives
The Maldives
Mesa arch, Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
up in the middle of the night so you are right on time to see the sunrise
behind Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. By far the most
spectacular place for sunrise pictures we have ever been to…Antonette our website is http://we12travel.nl
Windows at Fort Union
Fort Union National Park, New Mexico
Sometimes a place doesn’t get discovered. Fort Union National Monument, part of the vast National Parks network, is one of these and it’s a gem. Located in the middle of nowhere, about an hour-and-a-half northeast of Santa Fe off I-25,, it is worth a visit if you’re in the area. We’d driven past it many times on our way to and from Colorado and never stopped until a few years ago. Now it’s one of my favorite spots in the area. This old Union Army supply depot and fort, built in 1851 along the Santa Fe Trail, was a major supply station until the railroad arrived in 1880. After that, most supplies were shipped via rail. Fort Union was closed in 1891.The original buildings, made of stone and adobe, were left to deteriorate in the high desert sun. Today, what remains are stark and eerie adobe and stone silhouettes against a Rocky Mountains background. Fort Union is a photographer’s dream. Grab your camera and go!
Billie Frank, see the post at http://www.santafetravelers.com/our-travels/new-mexico-travels/fort-union-santa-fe-trail/
- Ecuador, Galapagos
Galapagos
I’ve picked the Galapagos islands, the archipelago of volcanic islands situated about 1,000km of the Ecuadorian coast, as my must see photo worthy destination of 2014. The endemic species and variety of nature on the island group will make these islands a favourite for nature and wildlife photographers of every level. There are so many beautiful places and animals there, that it’s hard not to use your camera continuously, the animals are in no hurry and will happily pose for you!
Where many people opt for multiple day cruises to visit the different islands, we decided to stay at the island Santa Cruz and stay a couple of days here, which was a great way to spend some quality time with giant tortoises, while visiting El Chato Tortoise Reserve, and seals and iguanas, that were laying randomly on the streets in Puerto Ayora day and night. As each island is inhabited by different endemic species, we also took some day-cruises to different islands like North Seymour and Isabela to see unique wildlife, like blue-footed boobies, frigates, hammerhead sharks, turtles, penguins and iguanas.
Lydian Brunsting Founder/ photographer at http://www.shoutography.com/
Curacao Panorama
Curacao
Cong Ireland-Ashford Castle-School of Falconry-
Ashford Castle, Ireland
One of my favorite discoveries in Ireland was taking a Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle. The castle itself was the original draw, but the hawk experience turned out to be the fondest memory. This picture depicts my husband, Gene, getting acquainted with our hawk, Inca–the first Peruvian hawk in Ireland. Our guide was very cooperative and helpful in setting up shots and suggesting the best spots for me to stand. I also managed to get some excellent videos of the experience. In addition to photographing the hawk walk, ancient Ashford Castle is spectacular for photographs and the adjacent village of Cong is quite colorful.
Carole Terwilliger Meyers at http://www.travelswithcarole.blogspot.com
Ranrapalca Mountain
Ranrapalca Mountain, Andes – Peru
Andes. I was with several friends attempting to summit the pyramidal shaped nearby 6000 meter
Toclaraju and upon waking from our camp one morning we were greeted with clear skies and stunning views
of all the nearby high mountains including this one. This was one of those very special trips that only
happens a few times in a lifetime – a unique connection and bond between great friends and great
mountains. For sheer stunning mountain scenery few places in the world boast as picturesque high
altitude scenery as this part of Peru. Visitors do not need to climb the mountains but can still enjoy
mountain scenery by taking any of a number of day trips outside of Huaraz, the main city in the region
located at approximately 3000 meters.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia is one of the most picturesque cities and lakes that I’ve ever visited. With the bright blue water reflecting the forested hills surrounding the lake, it seems as though you’ve stepped into another world. Situated in the middle of the lake is Slovenia’s only natural island, Bled Island, with a small church built on it. The combination of the church on the island with Bled Castle perched on a steep cliff in the background makes for a stunning scene. This is a photo looking down from Bled Castle towards the lake and surrounding forests.
Kauai, Hawaii
Panama-City-Sunset
Panama city
Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most captivating cities I’ve ever visited. Located on the Danube River and filled with stunning architecture and iconic landmarks, it is photogenic from many vantage points and it would be very difficult for me to pick a favorite view. But this view of the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) from the Royal Palace on Castle Hill is one that often comes to my mind when I think of Budapest. Taken at dusk, the photo also exemplifies for me the mystique of Budapest that I feel when I’m there. The bridge is not only beautiful, but it’s a very important site in the city’s history. There are eight bridges in Budapest, but the Chain Bridge was the first to link the cities of Buda and Pest. Count István Széchenyi was the visionary behind construction of the bridge which began in 1842 and was completed in 1849, built by a Scotsman named Adam Clark. The bridge made possible the union of the two cities to become one in 1873. In 1945, it was largely destroyed by the Germans in the Siege of Budapest. It was rebuilt in its original design and reopened in 1949. Also seen in this photo is another of Budapest’s grand landmarks, the illuminated dome and bell towers of St. Stephen’s Basilica, a neoclassical gem with a history of its own.
Catherine Sweeney at http://travelingwithsweeney.com/
Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko
Nikko, Japan
There are so many places in Japan to visit and are worthwhile places to experience the amazing beauty, history and environment. Nikko exemplifies all of these attributes and more – the natural landscape is mostly in its natural state with gorgeous panoramas, historic Unesco World Heritage sites, charming towns and wonderful hot springs to relax after a busy day of exploring the area. If you are a lover of nature and also historic sites and architecture, then put Nikko along with many other amazing places in Japan on your bucket list, its a must see for those that love to do photography and also enjoy an exciting and exotic country.
I’m loving all these travel destinations from around the world and a few that I need to put on my bucket list of places to visit soon! I hope that this has inspired you to maybe see any of these locations and visit my fellow travel bloggers websites above.
Thanks for visiting my blog and if you enjoyed the post on Photo travel destinations to visit in 2014 from travel bloggers around the world, please do share it with any of the social media buttons below or on the side.
Love the water villas in the Maldives, which one was that on the photo? We stayed at the Mirihi last time http://paradises.com/destinations/asia/maldives/mirihi-island-resort/ and oh shangrila too! love it
I’m glad to read your blog, here you shared a good travel destination photos which are helpful in choosing right place to visit. I’m planning my vacation to a new place and I got good idea to choose the place after getting through your blog. Theses are the beautiful places to visit. I’m sure I’ll plan any of the locations. Thanks for your post.
Absolutely amazin g photos here. Normally I’m very against the generic photo posts on travel blogs, but this one is worthy of it. Congrats! Safe travels. Jonny
This is not good: you’ve made my bucket list even longer! 🙂
Love this post, very inspiring!
That’s just doubled my ‘must see’ list! Some fantastic photography here…
I’m inspired! I forgot to send you my submission for this 🙁 But what a great turn-out you had and such beautiful photos. Love them all and adding more to my never-ending travel wish list.
thanks for the comment Mary…you can join for my next collaborative on Valentines day getaways
That’s a lot of inspiration! It’s like being a restaurant where everything on the menu looks good, and you can’t decide. I’m hoping to hit a few of these places in 2014.
I love photography. What a beautiful collection!
Thank you for putting this together. It is such a rich, wonderful reminder of why the blogosphere and all the writers, travelers and photographers, that I have met within it have enriched my life, sparked my wonderlust and raised the bar just a bit higher for writing and photography excellence. (Any chance you will be on O’ahu in the next month? We are heading there on Friday).
What a beautiful set of images! Great pictures of great places. . .
Noel what a great idea to collect photos from bloggers. What a stunning collection.
I have a Valentines day / romantic destinations collaborative if you would like to join for that…deadline is by the end of next week?
This makes me want to abandon my list!
Such gorgeous places yet to see. Thanks for the virtual tour, Noel.
Happy travels in 2014.
Patagonia, Croatia, Iceland, Belize, Galapagos ohhhh they are wonderful photos of places I so want to visit. But actually I couldn’t pick just one from this awesome collection. What a wonderful world we live in, just begging to be explored.
Nice collection of photos.
What a wonderful array of places. Some old favourites and some we have yet to explore. I don’t think anyone can look at this collection without their travel toes itching like all hell. A great idea!
What a fabulous collection of destinations to consider. I’ll be visiting Bled this year but might now have to add Sardinia and Croatia to my future travel plans.
What a fabulous collection of destinations to consider. I’ll be visiting Bled this year but I might now have to add Sardinia and Croatia to my future travel plans.
Croatia makes sense since it is just the adjoining country with so many amazing destinations within the country to visit…enjoy!
Patagonia and Iceland are the winners. All the pictures are great but those two caught my eye straight away!
Beautiful collection! My husband wants to visit Belize on our next international trip. I’m not sure if it will be this year or next, but that’s what we’re planning for. I loved the photos from Moab and Canyonlands. My family visited the area on a recent road trip and it was breathtaking.
Amazing photos! Th Patagonia one wins my vote;-) Can’t wait to check it out!
Amazing photos///
Incredible collection. hats off to all those photographers who contributed. I’ve added a fair few locations to my photographer’s bucket list!
There is a lot of eye candy and place’s I would also love to visiting including your shared adventure, thanks for collaborating!
So many places for me to go yet! Love all the pics and thanks for including my Budapest entry, Noel.
Budapest is one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe, thanks for including it in the collaborative post Catherine
Those pictures are absolytely amazing! Thanks for all the links as well.
Simply amazing! Would love to see these is a presentation with some music to it.
Awesome post, Noel! It shows me that i’ve not even begun to travel.
Great photos and ideas. I definitely have a few of these on my 2014 list ie: Iceland, Croatia, and hopefully Slovenia…can’t wait!
A great post Noel. So many gorgeous photos and places to tempt the traveller. Now to choose where to go next!
Great photos! They’ll help me add some locations to my list of places I must get to one day. The more you see, the more there is to see. Sigh.
-Tasha
Every destination one I’ve always wanted to visit … but I think your blog is as close I’ll I’m going to get to any of them. I’m every so grateful for your glorious photography.
Wow, I am truly amazed by all of these stunning photos here. My favourite one is Kicker Rock, Galapagos – breath-taking! I hope to make it there is the future.
Thank you Noel for having me here. Zhangjiajie is a hidden gem so hope it will be discovered by many travelers!
So many wonderful places are now added to my bucket travel wish list. Thanks for including my daughter’s delicate arch photo (Kari Sikorski Photography).
Thanks for sharing such amazing places. I already have a bunch that I’ve been waiting to see but there are so many other cool places on here too.
So many amazing photographs in here!
My bucket list just got a lot longer… again:D
thank you for that gorgeous collection! I can’t wait to add to my travel photos this spring, when we will experience paris for the first time. nervous, and excited.
Wonderful images! Consider me inspired! Iceland is on the top of my 2014 list- glad to see you enjoyed it there. 🙂