10 Countries That Will Give You Stunning Travel Photos

This might be an impossible task. How can anyone choose just 10 places? Every country, region, city or even village can offer fantastic photo opportunities. In fact, you often don’t even have to leave your own town or city to be able to capture stunning photos. The important thing to remember is that this list is sure to change depending on what genre of photography you enjoy. So in no particular order, here are the top 10 places in the world that will give you stunning travel photos.

India

There truly isn’t anywhere in the world like India. This is a country where religious beliefs and customs are still as integral to life as they were thousands of years ago. From the streets of New Delhi to the incredible scenes that you witness in the many holy cities and festivals, there is a photo opportunity every second. In fact, you could probably just stand on a street corner and be able to come home with tons of great photos.

For most people, the first few days in India will be overwhelming. The obvious presence of poverty combined with the number of people as well as the pollution can be a turn-off. But if you can overcome that, you’ll be rewarded with stunning travel photos.

USA

There is no other country in the world that can offer the number of different photos opportunities that you can find in the United States. From the vast wilderness of the many National Parks to some of the most photogenic cities in the world, you could spend a lifetime trying to capture this amazing country. The great thing about photography in the USA is that each state is like a different country with its own customs, traditions, amazing food and beautiful places. From striking images of cowboys in Texas to the hip and trendy in Manhattan, it’s easy to come back with images that don’t even look like they are from the same country.

Italy

It’s almost as if Italy was built to be photographed. From charming towns in places like Tuscany to historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, Italy almost feels like an outdoor museum. If you enjoy photographing cities and towns, there are plenty to choose from all being scattered with historic Roman monuments. Do you like photographing epic mountain scenes? Then head to the Dolomites or even to Mount Etna in Sicily. If food photography is what you are after, then you certainly will be not be disappointed with some of the most delicious and beautiful looking dishes in the world.

There’s also the Venice Carnival which is a portrait photographers paradise. Experiencing the Venice Carnival should be on everyone’s bucket list, but the great thing about photographing it is that you have a city of willing models wanting to have their photo taken. So if you struggle with approaching people to take their photo, this is a great place to practice and build confidence.

Iceland

When your nickname is “the land of fire and ice” you have to meet high expectations. You will find it hard to find anywhere else in the world with the sheer epic and raw wilderness that Iceland has to offer. There are volcanoes, hot springs, black beaches, and the unmissable Northern Lights to photograph as well as the hip and trendy city of Reykjavik. So if your passion is in landscape photography, then Iceland is a must go to destination.

Thailand

From the pristine and tranquil beaches of the islands and resort in the south to the remote tribes that live in the jungles of the north, Thailand is a melting pot of culture, traditions, and history dating back thousands of years. Photograph the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai that were once the capitals of an empire. Get up early in the morning to capture novice monks walking the streets and collecting alms. Head up high to one of the many sky bars in Bangkok to capture the sunset over the city. Or simply walk in one of the many markets capturing the buzz of activity that seems to be the heartbeat of this country. In the “land of a thousand smiles” you won’t be short of photo opportunities.

Scotland

“Where is the coward that would not dare to fight for such a land as Scotland?” said Sir Walter Scott. This is a country that was forged with blood and the sword. From the epic moors and highlands to historic castles and trendy cities, it’s easy to see why photographers have been coming to Scotland for years. This small country sitting north of England offers some of the best landscape photography opportunities in Europe not to mention some of the best whiskey in the world.

Vietnam

It’s almost 45 years since the end of the Vietnam war and this country has come back to become a serious location for travelers and photographers. It’s easy to see why. From the growing metropolis of Ho Chi Minh city to the natural beauty of Halong Bay the further you move north in Vietnam the more photo opportunities seem to be had. Like for example the rice terraces in Sapa or the beautiful cities of Hue and Hoi An. Or spend a few days in Hanoi and you’ll benefit from one of the best places in the world for street photography.

New Zealand

Even the most hardened of landscape photographers will stop in awe with the views on offer in New Zealand. From the geothermal activity of Roturua to the imposing view of Mount Cook or the sheer scale of Milford Sound, New Zealand will keep any landscape photographer busy. There is also the famous “That Wakanka Tree” which is almost a photographic icon of New Zealand in itself.

England

Little old England has certainly put its footprint on the world map over the course of the last 500 years. Whilst the more photography glamorous neighbors up north seem to get the plaudits for being an amazing photography destination, England is certainly underrated. But this is a country full of history with an abundant of different photography opportunities. Like the charming cottages that are dotted around on the Yorkshire Dales or the striking cliffs of the Cornish coast. There are historic cities like Bath and York and then there is London. A photography destination in a league of its own, London is one of the most culturally diverse and historic cities in the world. With ample markets, amazing local boroughs and some of the most famous monuments in the world, London could be on this list by itself.

South Africa

Its painful past will always be a reminder of how far it has come. As a photography destination, there are so many reasons to visit South Africa. Cape Town offers some of the best coastal views around not to mention the iconic Table Mountain. But head out into the wilderness and you’ll see the real Africa. Lions, hippos, giraffes, and elephants will be some of the wildlife on your photography shot list.

These are of course just some of the best places in the world for photography. In fact, you could place every country in the world on this list as every single one will have something that makes it unique. Think of places not on this list like China, Brazil, Kenya, Iran, Australia, Indonesia and Japan and you realize that there are just too many places in the world to see in one lifetime. The most important list is your own list and where you want to go, so just get out there and do it.

Photo credits: Kav Dadfar – All rights reserved. No usage without permission. Dreamstime.