Cambodia
Ancient temples have always fascinated photographers and the amazing temples around the Angkor Temple Complex and Siem Reap in Cambodia provide so much room for creative photography.
Travel tip: Don’t forget to get a shot of the breath-taking sunrise behind the Angkor Wat Temple.
Galapagos Islands
You will not find a better destination for exotic wildlife photography. This is where you’ll find various lizards, penguins, and giant turtles, among others, living peacefully on the beach unconcerned by their surroundings.
Travel tip: Don’t be afraid to get close for the perfect shot.
Tekapo, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo in New Zealand is the perfect place for night photography. Popular among avid photographers, this is where you can get perfect shots of the stars and Milky Way.
Travel tip: A shot of the Church of the Good Shepherd is a must surrounded by the night sky.
Rice terraces, Vietnam
Agriculture at its best and definitely most beautiful, the rice terraces in Vietnam cannot be missed. Such mesmerising green landscapes are sure to get you creative.
Travel tip: Visit the rice fields in Sa Pa in September during the harvesting season.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
At 4,086 square miles, Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia holds the record for the largest salt flats in the world. You can see the curvature of the Earth there. This could be considered the world’s largest mirror, providing the opportunity for photography addicts to play with optical illusion.
Travel tip: Don’t miss the sunset shot over the extraordinary mirror.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Iceland is a country full of wonders from volcanoes to glaciers. The Blue Lagoon contains healing geothermal seawater. The blue-hued waters are gorgeous to look at as well as swim in, straight out of a dream.
Travel tip: At sunset, a shot that includes the surrounding fog of the warm waters is perfection.
Petra, Jordan
If you were ever fascinated by the architectural sites from the Indiana Jones movies, you will want to come to Petra, Jordan. The treasury is lit up a few times a week for an event called “Petra at Night.”
Travel tip: Try night photography within the ancient ruins. Don’t forget your tripod!
Meteora, Greece
When in Meteora, which translates to “suspended in the air,” you will truly believe you have travelled to fairy tale land. As one of the most spectacular places on Earth, there is no shortage of ideal shots.
Travel tip: Being overwhelmed by the photography opportunities here is expected, so have fun with it. Don’t miss the stunning sunset and sunrise shots above the mountains though.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a hidden gem in this world. The iconic fairy chimneys and surreal rock formations are like no other.
Travel tip: Get on a hot air balloon ride and witness the view of the valleys and caves from an interesting perspective.
Bled Lake, Slovenia
The Bled Lake of Slovenia defines beauty that you almost think the lake and Bled Castle are an enchanted setting in a happily-ever-after fairy tale.
Travel tip: Ojstrica is the perfect spot to get the right shots, especially during sunrise.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Italy is one of the most picturesque countries in the world and no list of the best photography spots is complete without Cinque Terre. The seaside villages have a certain romantic charm about them that is astonishing.
Travel tip: Don’t rush your stay in Cinque Terre. Take your time to explore all the villages and we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Always the source of inspiration to various artists, Mount Fuji’s calming sight is every photographer’s dream. At 12,388 feet, it is Japan’s tallest mountain and most iconic landmark.
Travel tip: The best time to ensure great visibility of the mountain from afar is during the winter months.
Halstatt, Austria
Referred to as the pearl of Austria, there are no words to describe the extent of beauty the small village of Halstatt has to offer.
Travel tip: Try trekking through the Austrian Alps and explore them for that dramatic shot.
Antarctica, Southern Ocean
Antarctica holds the record of being the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on the planet, with 98 percent of it covered in deep ice. This is the very reason it is stunningly beautiful as there are massive and very unique ice landscapes that provide that photogenic feel. The continent’s wildlife is also quite impressive from penguins to huge whales and seals.
Travel tip: Make sure you cover your camera gear with a dry bag or waterproof bag to avoid damage from surrounding water waves and don’t depend on a tripod, as it is hard to manage in this environment.
India
India is one of the best countries to photograph on Earth. Incredible shots are available all around that you don’t have to be a professional. The country gives a dramatic vibe filled with vibrant colours everywhere that will sure help you be creative. The locals are almost always very happy to be photographed, so use that as much as possible.
Travel tip: Avoid using the flash in landscape shots and behold the beauty.
Special thanks to Babith Menon, who is part of our musafir.com marketing team, for contributing with amazing photography in India.
By Amal Ahmed