We’ve all come across some photos that have done something special to us. They steal our breath, arrest our gaze, and in the end inspire us to get off the couch, save up some money, and get out into the world. Here is a collection of photos of places that – I think – are among the most beautiful in the world.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Photo courtesy of Scott Wood Photography
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Photo by caseorganic on Flickr
Goldingen, Switzerland
Photo by Hedonoikos on Flickr
Petra, Jordan
Photo by Antoine Taveneaux on Wikimedia
When I think of inspiration through images nothing comes to mind better than National Geographic. I can’t tell you how many times I paged through that magazine, almost never bothering to read the stories but always checking the pictures. Their photographers are regarded as de facto for the industry, and the photos they take tell a story as well as any journalist.
The Monasteries of Meteora, Greece
Photo by Marina & Enrique on Flickr
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Taiwan
Photo by kitleong on Flickr
Tuscany, Italy
Photo by Photo Solo Jam on Flickr
Rice Field Terraces in Yunnan, China
Photo by Bethan on Flickr
Grand Tetons, Wyoming, USA
Photo by dave_hensley on Flickr
Mount Kukenán, Venezuela
Photo by gwenger.de on Flickr
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
Photo by rajkumar1220 on Flickr
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Photo by Simon & Vicki on Flickr
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo by Sobrecroacia on Flickr
I think the end-goal of any good photographer is to captivate and inspire. I’m sure I’m not the only one who wanted painfully yearned to learn more about our beautiful planet because of Nat Geo’s amazing images. Hopefully some of the photos in this list will awaken that spark in you, and you get out there and have your own adventure.
Cape Town, South Africa
Photo by DiscoverWithAndy
Pictured Rocks, Michigan, USA
Photo by Odalaigh on Flickr
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Photo by simsbury119 on Flickr
Namibia
Photo by enricod on Flickr
Khaju Bridge, Iran
Photo by Hamed Saber on Flickr
Xing Ping, Guilin, China
Photos on il.irenelee on Flickr
I hope you like what I’ve picked, and that they inspire you to be a participant in the world and not just an observer. I’d love to know what you think of them, and if I missed something you think must be in the list.
ava says
Wow, I agree, these are beautiful destinations!
Croacia says
I’m glad that you like my photo of Dubrovnik;)
Mario, sobrecroacia.com
Andy says
It’s a great photo of a beautiful location. Croatia is one of the places I most want to visit!
Elizabeth says
Tuscany looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to go there. And I’ve heard amazing things about Croatia. But I’d like to put Scotland in your running:
From Scotland!!!
Elizabeth says
Fail- that link should have been this:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MZOzF5QmPT4/Tm6IfMrur6I/AAAAAAAAAAw/gh0oVww8GdI/s144/Photos%2520from%2520Annecy%2520and%2520Scotland%2520306.jpg
Andy says
I definitely agree, Scotland looks like a very amazing place. I actually have a dream trip there of mountain biking across the place, stopping at different distilleries along the way. We’ll see if it every comes to fruition, but I’m certainly hoping so!
Larue says
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in
Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
Andy says
Actually, no idea in specific for Yahoo News. Sorry!
Tweet says
I love reading through an article that will make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Victoria says
This is gorgeous the Plitvice Lakes is the place i really wanna visit…and Vietnam. you should look that place up