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The Best Travel Photography Destinations: The Ultimate Bucket List

Author: Libby - Printique by Adorama

There’s something about photography and traveling that go hand in hand. We all have those special places that take our breath away and will forever be remembered. (And we’re all looking to get out after the last year+.) So what are the best travel photography destinations? Here, according to our members, is the ultimate photography bucket list.

1. Horseshoe Bend – Arizona

Craig Bill Photography

Horseshoe Bend is located near the town of Page in Arizona. It’s the most popular bend in the Colorado River. Sunset is the busiest time for this attraction giving the most stunning light in the sky and warm tones.

2. Grand Tetons – Wyoming

Sean Hoyt Art Photography

This majestic shot of Grand Tetons is actually 120 photos stitched together by photographer Sean Hoyt. The Grand Tetons are located in Wyoming and Sean hiked to this vantage spot just below Table Mountain on the west side of the park.

3. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco

AroundQ

The famous suspension bridge connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. According to Tripadvisor, it’s the most photographed bridge in the world.

4. Central Park – New York City

@jkhordi

Photographer Jennifer Khordi captured Central Park high above from a helicopter at sunset to give us this stunning snap. If you’re on the ground, there are plenty of spots to snap including the well-known Conservatory Water.

5. Antelope Canyon – Arizona

Phil Welty

Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona and the best time to visit them is from March to October. During this time, light beams enter the various nooks and crannies of the canyon showcasing nature’s amazing formations.

6. Yosemite

Thre are a lot of different spots to get great photographs at Yosemite. Photographer John Chico was able to find this spot at Cathedral Beach in Yosemite. It shows the Merced River flowing by the backside of El Capitan during the month of May.

7. Arches National Park – Utah

@frankiesutera

The Arches National Park is a photographer’s dream as it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. According to its Wikipedia page, there are more than 2,000 sandstone natural arches. Just make sure to take plenty of batteries and cards with you as there’s plenty to photograph.

8. The Cars of Cuba

Beep, Beep! Cuba is a must. Not only for its amazing architecture and colorful buildings but for its vintage cars. Because of the US embargo, no more cars or parts were imported. That’s why Cuba is an amazing and living museum for classic cars. You’ll see a lot of American cars from the 1950’s throughout the streets.

9. Iceland

@balazsbusznyak

Iceland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. The one pictured above is Skógafoss and extra bonus points to the photographer who also was able to capture the Northern Lights in the back!

10. Ice Caves – Alaska

Craig Bill Photography

The glaciers in Alaska are sure to impress with their blue-glass like appearance. The most popular is Mendenhall Glacier.

11. Banff – Canada

Fine Art Landscape and Architecture Photography

Banff is one of the most beautiful places to photograph in all of Canada. With its bright blue lake and sweeping mountains framing it, it’s sure to give you a breath-taking photo.

12. Machu Picchu – Peru

@AroundQ

A visit to Peru takes us to the beautiful Machu Picchu. The ruins are surrounded by majestic peaks and the architecture is stunning. There’s a bonus for animal lovers. You’ll often find llamas roaming the area.

13. Statue of Liberty – NYC

@Jkhordi

The Statue of Liberty needs no introduction. She is the symbol of freedom and sits in the New York Harbor. Although you can go to Ellis Island for a close-up, there are plenty of tours that will take you around the statue, just make sure to bring your long lens.

14. Death Valley – California

Craig Bill Photography

Death Valley is known as the hottest and lowest National US Park. The scenery though is magical. From dried up basins to towering peaks, the contrasts are sure to delight, making it one of the best travel photography destinations.

15. The Colosseum – Italy

Fine Art Landscape and Architecture Photography

Of course, the Colosseum would make it into the list! The iconic amphitheater showcases the intricate architecture from Roman times. Although most people will photograph the outside, visitors are allowed inside as well to take snaps.

16. Wanderland – South Carolina

Craig Bill Photography

Wanderland makes it look like we just opened a book and entered a fairy tale. The tree-lined road is famous and is a gorgeous canopy of oak trees. The trees sit at the entrance to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. 

17. Playa del Carmen – Mexico

This Mexico retreat is like a page out of the photo books. It boasts of palm-lined beaches and coral reefs. And just like the photo, you can often catch amazing shots of the wildlife in their habitat.

18. Cinque Terre – Italy

Italy is back in the spotlight! This time the beautiful coastal town of Cinque Terre captures our eye. Many photographers say the best spot or view of Manarola from the walkway by the sea.

19. The Northern Lights

Shutterstock

There are quite a few places to see the dazzling Northern Lights. Alaska, Norway, Iceland, and Finland seem to top the list of the most spectacular spots. The Northern Lights are actually an aurora. According to Wikipedia, the bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. The Result? Breathtaking views of blue, green and purple light patterns in the night sky.

20. Times Square – NYC

@mattpugs

When you think of Times Square, you think bright lights and the heart of New York City. Some of the best shots to snap will be at night when the neon lights come on and illuminate the area. It’s one of the top travel photography destinations in the United States.

@josephyates_

21. Fountains at Bellagio – Las Vegas

@starocker

Another photo opportunity that’s better to take at night, is the fabulous water fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The dramatic light and water shows take place every 15 minutes in the evenings. So if you miss it, no need to worry you can catch it again. Put your wide lens on though. According to the Bellagio website, the water show spans more than 1,000 feet and can go as high as 460 feet.

22. Eiffel Tower – Paris

@sanekovs

Ah, Paris! You could spend all day photographing the Eiffel Tower. Here’s a fun fact, did you know taking photos of the Eiffel Tower at night is illegal? According to the website, The various illuminations of the Eiffel Tower (golden illumination, twinkling, beacon and events lighting) are protected.
The use of the image of the Eiffel Tower at night is therefore subject to prior authorization by the SETE. This use is subject to payment of rights, the amount of which is determined by the intended use, the media plan, etc.

23. Taj Mahal – India

@drewcolins

Next, we are heading to India for the Taj Mahal. The palace is made of white marble and is a mausoleum. It’s also one of the seven wonders of the world. Take only what you need with you, as tripods are prohibited.

24. The Canals of Venice – Italy

@beccariphotography

Italy hosts some of the most amazing bucket-worthy places. The canals of Venice are definitely a must photograph location and worthy of its place in the top 25. Don’t forget to photograph the gondolas that are the best way to get around the canals.

25. Big Ben – London

@evantdang

We can’t forget Big Ben which is the big clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London. It’s an iconic landmark that is known the world over.

Of course, all travels need to be printed. They are major life moments and whether it’s a photo book or a beautiful metal print, make sure to bring your photos to life.

What did we miss? We would love to know what you think are the best travel photography destinations.

 

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