Last week, you got to take a peek at some of the shortlisted photos for the Sony World Photography Awards. This week, we’ve collected the travel-themed photos from the shortlist to help you pick your next vacation spot. We’ve also included Instagram shots of the very same locations, proving that you don’t have to be a professional to capture the beauty of the world. Some places are just naturally gorgeous.
Yuxian Village, China
Photographer Maoyuan Cui took this shot in Yu County, located in China’s Hebei province. Relatively untouched by tourists, the area is accessible by bus from Beijing, and is full of ancient temples to explore.
Namibia, Africa
If a country is named after a desert, you know you’re going to see a lot of sand. Which doesn’t mean that sand isn’t gorgeous. Also check out the Fish River Canyon and the haunting Skeleton Coast National Park, named for the shipwrecks dotting its shore.
https://www.instagram.com/p/5JpOa8H5Bn
Northwest Territories, Canada
Branded as “Spectacular Northwest Territories” by the tourism board, the province sure has a lot to offer, from views of the aurora borealis down to the excellent fishing in the nearly undisturbed lakes.
Gangasagar Mela, West Bengal, India
Held annually on the southernmost tip of West Bengal’s Sagar Island, the pilgrimage to the spot where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal is the second largest congregation of mankind in the world (it attracted 500,000 visitors in 2008). So yeah, it’ll be busy. But it’ll be 100 percent worth it, too.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Named the fifth most beautiful place in the world by National Geographic, Torres del Paine truly is a gorgeous park. That said, if you’re keen on visiting, it’s recommended that you go between the months of December and February. Outside of that window, the climate becomes too extreme for hikers. Inside that window, enjoy. The full circle route of the park can be hiked in eight to nine days.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
It’s hard to not be impressed by Bryce Canyon’s striking red hoodoos. The best part is, you can take trails right down into the heart of the amphitheater.
https://www.instagram.com/p/9otq2CLOaQ/
Vestrahorn Mountain Range, Iceland
Iceland seems to be the most up-and-coming destination for serious travelers these days. And no wonder: with mountains like the Vestrahorn range rising out of black lava sand dunes, who wouldn’t want to visit?
West Pier, Brighton, England
Built in the 1860s to attract tourism, this pier hasn’t stopped doing its job even since its abandonment in 1975. It’s a skeleton of what it once was, but it certainly does make a lovely backdrop for beachy photos.
Berner Alpen, Switzerland
Go get yourself a pair of lederhosen, take a yodeling lesson, and find a St. Bernard, because you’re about to visit the Alps. If you’re really hardcore, sign yourself up for the Jungfrau marathon. And start training now.
Sanur Beach, Bali
Located in Bali’s oldest upscale resort area, Sanur Beach is definitely an idyllic place to relax at. The area has plenty of other things to offer besides gorgeous ocean views, such as the nearby turtle conservation center, and the Blanjong Temple.
U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
Spanning the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura, this 1.2 km-long teakwood bridge has been standing since 1850. It may look rickety, but it’s not about to collapse any time soon.
Slovenia
If you’re going to Slovenia, you’ll want to hit up its capital city, Ljubljana. It’s picturesque, it’s pint-sized, and it contains no major attractions. Which is actually perfect—you can enjoy strolling around its historic streets without feeling the pressure to hop from photo op to photo op.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCqoa6oqK4F/
