)
A picture is worth a thousand words. It also gives us an opportunity to show others – and remind ourselves of – the incredible destinations we’ve been to around the world. When it comes to taking a good photo, these days it’s much easier because most smartphones come with sophisticated software that allows us to take detailed, memorable photos.
So, what makes a good photo? While light and composition are factors, the subject matter is also vital. It’s easy, though, when there are hundreds of destinations with stunning backdrops to choose from. Here’s our top picks of the most photogenic places in the world.
Japan and Mt Fuji
What it’s famous for:
Affectionately known as Fuji-san to the Japanese, Mt Fuji is not only the country’s most sacred volcano, but it’s also Japan’s highest mountain at 3776m. This famous national symbol, with its near perfect conical shape, was granted UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2013, and over 300,000 people every year climb to the Okumiya shrine at its peak.
)
Mount Fuji
Historical facts:
Thought to be nearly three million years old, Mt Fuji is an active volcano but hasn’t erupted since 1707. The origin of Mt Fuji’s name is uncertain, but the earliest records of it date back to the 8th century. Located around 100km from Tokyo, it’s surrounded by five stunning lakes including Lake Kawaguchi (where you can see Fuji reflected) and Lake Saiko.
Did you know?
To celebrate the first sunrise of the new year, many people travel to Mt Fuji to take part in Hatsuhinode. The tradition of watching this moment on the 1 January is said to bring good fortune.
How to get there:
India and the Taj Mahal
What it’s famous for:
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an extraordinary example of Mughal architecture and is now visited by some seven million people per year. It’s also arguably the backdrop for one of the most famous photos of all time, when Princess Diana sat alone on a bench in front of the white marble mausoleum in her visit to India in 1992.
)
Taj Mahal
Historical facts:
When heartbroken Mughal emperor Shah Jahan lost his third wife Mumtaz Mahal to childbirth complications in 1631, he ordered a fitting resting place to be built for his love. It took eight years and more than 20,000 labourers to construct the mausoleum, and a further 14 years for the whole complex to be completed.
Did you know?
Depending on the time of day you visit, the Taj Mahal changes colour. When morning light reflects the white marble, it takes on a pink hue. At dusk, it’s bathed in gold.
How to get there:
India's Golden Triangle with Ranthambore National Park
Jordan and Petra
What it’s famous for:
Built by the Nabataeans around 4BC, the ancient city of Petra remained hidden and shrouded in mystery for centuries. Today, Petra stands as one of the largest and best preserved archaeological sites on the planet. Hewn directly into rose-coloured rock, it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
)
Petra
Historical facts:
Petra’s strategic position meant it was a busy hub for trading routes. For hundreds of years, tens of thousands of people called Petra home until the Romans invaded in 106AD. Left largely forgotten, it was only rediscovered in 1812 when Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt posed as a Muslim pilgrim and persuaded a Bedouin to take him there.
Did you know?
Most of Petra remains unexcavated and largely underground. Archaeologists in Jordan have only been able to discover around 15% of the Rose City.
How to get there:
Iceland and Gullfoss
What it’s famous for:
Iceland’s most famous waterfall Gulfoss is a breathtaking sight, with two thundering tiered cascades plunging 32m down to a deep canyon. On sunny days you might be lucky enough to catch a rainbow through the misty spray, while in winter the falls are blanketed in glistening ice and snow.
)
Gullfoss Falls
Historical facts:
Gullfoss is the result of Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier, flooding over 5,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. Now a designated nature reserve, it was nearly not the case when in the late 1920s a farmer’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, fought foreign investors in court. They wanted to use the falls to power electricity, but she believed they should remain untouched.
Did you know?
Gullfoss translates as Golden Falls and named so because when the sun hits the waters in a certain light it shimmers gold.
How to get there:
Canada and Banff National Park
What it’s famous for:
Impossibly turquoise-blue lakes, snow-dusted mountain peaks and sublime scenery. Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains is one of Canada’s most famous attractions with over 900 miles of trails, pine forests, ice fields and three ski resorts.
)
Lake Louise in Banff National Park
Historical facts:
Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1887. Some of the country’s earliest human remains (around 11,000 years old) have been found there. In 1883, a hot springs was found by three railroad workers and it’s their discovery that ultimately established the national park system in Canada.
Did you know?
This UNESCO Heritage Site, together with its neighbour Jasper National Park, is home to several hundred glaciers that date between 45-120 million years old.
How to get there:
Canadian Rockies and Vancouver
Italy and the Amalfi Coast
What it’s famous for:
This stunning stretch of coastline combines nail-biting hairpin roads that wind through beautiful clifftop villages. Made up of 13 towns including Sorrento, Positano and Ravello, it has been awarded special status by UNESCO as an outstanding example of Italy's Mediterranean landscape.
)
Amalfi Coast
Historical facts:
Amalfi has had a tumultuous history over the centuries and was said to have been founded by a Roman family who were making their way to Constantinople when their ship ran aground near present-day Melfi. They later moved north and established a new settlement called A Melphes, which became Amalfi.
Did you know?
Around 2,000 metric tonnes of sfusato (large aromatic lemons) are harvested from the Amalfi Coast each year.
How to get there:
Highlights of the Beautiful Amalfi Coast
Cambodia and Angkor Wat
What it’s famous for:
One of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces, the temples of Angkor in Cambodia are an extraordinary demonstration of human ingenuity. Spread across more than 150sq miles, you’ll find a labyrinth of monasteries, sanctuaries and temples – the most famous being Angkor Wat.
)
Angkor Wat
Historical fact:
The city of Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire for more than 500 years, from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Over four centuries they constructed impressive building complexes, the largest being Angkor Wat. While the Khmer ruled the Indochinese peninsula, it ended in 1431 when the Thai army seized control and the temples remained abandoned until the late 19th century.
Did you know?
Taking 30 years to build, Angkor Wat faces towards to the west, while the other Angkor temples face east. Experts still don’t have a conclusive answer as to why this is.
How to get there:
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
USA and the Grand Canyon
What it’s famous for:
This gargantuan natural wonder extends for over 270 miles, is up to 18 miles wide and one mile deep. Nothing can prepare you for the colossal vastness of this otherworldly canyon and its endless rock formations. Visited by some six million people per year, the Grand Canyon is one of the USA’s most popular national parks.
)
Grand Canyon
Historical facts:
The formation of the Grand Canyon began when two plates on the Earth’s crust collided two billion years ago. But it was around six million years ago that the Colorado River first carved its way through the Canyon, which continues slowly to deepen and widen.
Did you know?
The Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake is one of only six species that live within the park. Its colour means it blends into the rocks around it.
How to get there:
The Awe-inspiring National Parks
Madagascar and the Avenue of the Baobabs
What it’s famous for:
In the land of the lemurs, the exotic landscapes of Madagascar combine crystal -clear waters, lush rainforests and jagged peaks. Scattered across the island are its iconic upside-down trees – or baobabs. Head to the Avenue des Baobabs, and you’ll see 20 of these ancient trees that tower 98ft into the sky.
)
Avenue of the Baobabs
Historical facts:
Scientists believe that the baobab’s origins date back to Madagascar a staggering 21 million years ago. Eventually, two baobab species travelled from Madagascar to continental Africa and northwestern Australia where they, too, evolved into unique species.
Did you know?
Known as the Tree of life, the baobab provides food, water and shelter for wildlife and people. Every part of the tree can be used. The trunk can hold thousands of litres of water, the fruit is rich in nutrients, the leaves are edible and the bark can be made into clothing and rope.
How to get there:
Madagascar - Land of the Lemur
Peru and Machu Picchu
What it’s famous for:
Wrapped in mist and surrounded by evergreen mountains, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is still as mystical today as it was when it was discovered over 120 years ago. One of New Seven Wonders of the World, over 1.5million people trek or take the train to soak in the spectacular views and explore the ancient ruins.
)
Machu Picchu
Historical facts:
Machu Picchu in Peru was believed to have been first built as a royal estate for the Inca King Pachacuti around 1450. After the Spanish conquered the empire, Machu Picchu remained hidden by dense vegetation and its hard-to-reach location in the Andes until 1911, when US historian Hiram Bingham was led there by a local farmer.
Did you know?
There are around 25 llamas living and grazing around Machu Picchu. The best time to get close to them is to arrive at sunrise.
How to get there:
Discover our wide range of escorted tours and hotel stays in some of the best holiday destinations in the world
Recent articles
Published
)