We all enjoy taking some snaps when we are travelling, both to help us remember the journey and to leave our friends at home seething with jealousy, but where exactly are the best pictures to be taken? From novelty to nature, here are 10 of the best photo opportunities around the world.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The Incan ruins of Machu Picchu offer the chance to take some great pictures, with the mountain-top setting allowing for unobstructed views for miles around. Visit in May or June to get the best shots, when the surrounding forests are a bright eye-catching green. One thing to keep in mind is the site limitations on photography equipment – if you’ve got some high-tech kit, check in advance that you are actually allowed to take it.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Wyoming’s gigantic Yellowstone National Park is home to a vast and varied landscape, with photo opportunities seemingly at every turn. Standing head and shoulders above them all is the Grand Prismatic Spring, a 90 metre (300 feet) wide hot spring that has to be seen to be believed. The vivid blues, greens and oranges of the spring set against the striking backdrop of the Yellowstone mountain range make for the perfect photo.
London Eye, UK
Standing at a towering 135 metres (394 feet) tall, the London Eye is a photographer’s dream. Those who take a trip to the top of this huge Ferris wheel will see all of the capital laid out at their feet, allowing for stunning views across the whole city in clear weather. For truly beautiful photos from the London Eye, ride the wheel at sunset to capture London bathed in an impressive orange glow.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Beautiful shots of nature and staggering views aside, everyone needs a couple of cheesy pictures in their photo album. Pisa’s famed tower has managed to turn an architectural blunder into the city’s top tourist attraction with its noticeable leaning structure. Take a forced perspective shot from the nearby baptistery to grab a photo of yourself holding the tower upright, or for the more destructive amongst you, pushing it over.
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Ayers Rock, Australia
Dominating the horizon of the Uluru National Park, Ayers Rock is an imposing sandstone outcrop found in the centre of Australia. Viewing areas are set up all around the park to help you get the best photos of it. The best is probably the sunset viewing station from which you can take some great dynamically coloured shots. Ayers Rock is steeped in tradition and ceremony for the resident Anangu Aborigines, so make sure you respect their wishes in not photographing certain parts of the hallowed landmark.
Frégate Island, Seychelles
We’ve all seen those photos of an impossibly idyllic beach, in which turquoise waters meet pristine white sand with a backdrop of emerald green tropical forests – but where on earth is it? To find this island paradise and capture its undeniable beauty on film, travel to Frégate Island in the Seychelles and head to Anse Victorin Beach on its north coast. Sadly, to access this picture perfect beach you need to rent one of the island’s pricey luxury villas, but when you get there you’ll see it’s well worth it.
Angel Falls, Venzuela
This is one for adventure lovers who are willing to go to great lengths to get that perfect picture, as the trip to Angel Falls includes multiple plane rides, a boat trip and a jungle trek. If you do make the journey, you’ll be rewarded with the breath-taking sight of the world’s largest water fall, which is 979 metres (3,212 feet) tall. Make sure you go on a clear day though – the falls are so high that clouds can obstruct your view of the top, and you definitely don’t want to go all that way to find you can’t even get a good photo.
Madame Tussauds, UK
Surely a place where Brad Pitt shares a building with the Queen and Spider-Man is worth a photo or two? Madame Tussauds museums have popped up all around the world, but the original and best can still be found in London. Some people find the world famous waxwork figures a bit creepy, but where else are you going to get a picture with your favourite celeb? Besides, some of them really are half plastic now anyway, so nobody will even know the difference.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is arguably the most well-known landmark in all of India, and it’s easy to see why. The majestic marble structure was built in the 17th century, and offers photo opportunities in the form of its lavish interior, beautifully carved architecture, or simply as a whole from a distance. Take advantage of the fact that the grounds are open to visitors during a full moon to get some great night time pictures.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Found in north-west Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a remarkably well preserved 12th century monument that gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into an ancient civilisation. Of particular interest for photographers are the areas of the temple in which nature is gradually taking over, where trees and roots can be seen twisting their way around the stone structures.
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