New year, new travel experiences! Our intrepid Pathfinders have kicked off 2018 with a host of incredible snapshots, framing everything from the world’s busiest beaches to its most serene landscapes with their well-honed photography skills. Here are the five Instagram posts that stole the show this month…
Queulat National Park, Chile
” class=”wp-smiley” style=”height: 1em; max-height: 1em;” /> (@javilorbada)‘Morning strolls in Chile are a must – those moments where you can enjoy the foggy, peaceful landscapes of this unique area of our world.’ – Javi, @javilorbada
Why we like it: Chile is home to some of planet earth’s most breathtaking natural wonders and panoramic landscapes, and Javi’s capture of this glacier mid-flow showcases them perfectly. The moody, stormy clouds and dark, thick forests that frame the shot give it an extra flourish of drama, and feel almost as though they are creeping into the camera lens itself.
Tulum, Mexico
A post shared by C Armenta (@armenta.c85) on Jan 13, 2018 at 12:49pm PST
‘With its vibrant arts scene and world-class restaurants, Tulum has established itself as one of Mexico’s Premier tourist destination. Blessed with powdery sands, azure waters and looming palms trees, Tulum truly is a paradise.’ – Cristian, @armenta.c85
Why we like it: Travel photography isn’t only about capturing nature at its most dramatic, it’s also concerned with documenting travellers themselves. This image is a great example of that, what with the sun-worshipping beach bums populating the lower third of the image. With the palm tree acting as a central focus and the dazzling, turquoise sea a picturesque backdrop, this is a real moment-in-time shot, showcasing a typical day by the sea in Tulum.
Peak District, UK
‘The power of sunlight. Everything in the shadows is grey and dark, the sun makes everything warm and beautiful.’ – Raphael, @raphael.fyi
Why we like it: Raphael’s image is real proof that sometimes the simplest shots have the most impact. These gloriously sun-burnished trees of England’s Peak District act as a canvas of colour, with the light changing at exactly the right point of the photograph for maximum effect.
New York, USA
A post shared by Travel Writer ✈ Dana Freeman (@danahfreeman) on Jan 26, 2018 at 6:08pm PST
‘I was born in New York City. I lived in New York City. I had my 16th birthday dinner at Windows on the World. I worked at the World Trade Center. This is the first time I have been able to bring myself to see the Oculus and to visit the 911 Memorial. While staying at a hotel nearby I was so close, just three blocks away, and made myself go. I am glad I did.’ – Danah, @danahfreeman
Why we like it: Danah’s poignant capture of New York’s Oculus WTC is a masterclass in image framing, and a beautiful perspective of one of the city’s most important memorials. The Oculus’ fluted ceiling is rendered all the more stirring thanks to the camera angle, which also creates a reverent sense of calm.
Bettmeralp, Switzerland
‘We had a family holiday here over Christmas and whilst a lot of the time we were busy skiing, we also had plenty of time to enjoy the serenity of the place. On a morning walk, just past the village looking over to the Swiss Alps, we captured this beautiful shot. The scene embodied our feeling of peacefulness and anticipation of a fresh new year dawning.’ – Michelle and Lars, @lifejourney4two
Why we like it: What better way to welcome in the new year than with that untouched, pristine, glorious blanket of snow? The calming purple and blue hues of the streaming sun coming in from the edge of the frame make it appear all the more magical, and as for those mountains… they’re the kind of vista you’d want to wake up to every morning.
For your chance to be featured in our next round up, sign up to Lonely Planet Pathfinders – our programme for travel-loving bloggers and social content creators. In the meantime, you can get more Instagram inspiration by following @lonelyplanet.