12 Amazing travel photos that will inspire wanderlust in 2019

I believe travel to be nourishment for the soul. It has been my greatest educator. The 4th Century philosopher Saint Augustine encapsulated it well when he said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” The Italian poet Cesare Pavese said, “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.”

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I absolutely love travel, and what it does to, and, for me. Travel has made me into a well-rounded individual. Over the years I have been exposed to so many different cultures—travel has not only shown me beautiful landscapes, but the beauty of humans.  My travels have fostered friendships around the world, and, technology has allowed me to maintain those relationships.

I hope these twelve images I have captured from around the world will inspire a sense of wanderlust in you, and will entice travel to some far off place this year.

RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA

Raja Ampat is located in a far off land, and if you want to visit, it requires one arduous journey. Not many are willing to make the pilgrimage, which is probably one of the reasons this unspoiled area is still so stunning. When I say “stunning,” that might be an understatement. Raja is a place so unreal that it seems like but a fantasy in ones imagination. Thankfully, for those with the time, money and gumption, Raja Ampat is a fantasy destination within reach (if but a very long one).

MONUMENT VALLEY, UTAH

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic road trips in America. They say the greatest form of flattery is when ones work is copied, this is indisputable when it comes to Monument Valley, where artists of all kinds have come to capture the unique natural landscape sculpted out of earth for all to enjoy. The artwork of Mother Nature is not created in month, a year, or even a lifetime, but rather it takes hundreds of generations to unfold.

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

The crown jewel of India has to be the Taj Mahal.  There is good reason this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world…its beyond beautiful. The magnificent ivory-white palace shows off its precision craftsmanship and charm. The Taj Mahal is the ultimate love story. While many think this to be a palace, it is in fact a mausoleum build by the king for his beloved queen.

LOKET, CZECH REPUBLIC

Loket is considered the historical gem of Bohemia Czech Republic. Dominating the town’s panorama is Loket Castle, which was built on a rock near the Ohře river in the 12th century. Strolling the streets feels like walking through a storybook, or a movie set. As a matter of fact, parts of the 2006 James Bond movie, Casino Royale, were filmed here.

CLIFFS OF MOHER

Ireland is full of incredible sea cliffs, and the Cliffs of Moher, is one of the best and most popular. Located on the western side of the country, this is a place that will take your breath away.

BRYCE CANYON, UTAH

This cluster of uniquely shaped hoodoo spires is one remarkable place to visit. Don’t miss a chance to hike down and walk among these fascinatingly eroded rocks.

SANTORINI, GREECE

Santorini is highly acclaimed for the dramatic views and stunning sunsets, and is considered to be one of the most romantic and beautiful of the Greek Isles. The exquisitely clear waters, perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea, will certainly skip a beating heart. The mix of whitewashed buildings, towering cliffs and turquoise blue waters set against an endless blue sky will provide no shortage of photo ops or lasting memories.

MOAB, UTAH

Utah is one of the most scenic states in the country. Highway 128 that runs along the Colorado river from Moab to Interstate 70 is one road trippers should not miss.

PEGGY’S COVE, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

Peggy’s Cove and its lighthouse is probably one of the most popular places in the province of Nova Scotia. The idyllic village is utterly charming and the photographic opportunities are boundless. From the lighthouse itself, to a bagpiper playing in a Scottish kilt, to the fishing vessels in the harbor, Peggy’s Cove looks like a fairy tale, where countless scenes have been put to canvas and placed into history.

ATHENS, GREECE

The Acropolis is located in the heart of Athens. This hilltop overlooking the city showcases a series of highly precisioned architectural structures, such as the Parthenon. The area dates back to mid-400 B.C.

DEAD SEA, ISRAEL

The Dead Sea borders both Israel and Jordan and is one of the highest salinity bodies of water in the world. The salt level is so high that you simply cannot sink. Floating in the Dead Sea is more like levitating on top of the water and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (Czechia)

Prague is one of the most recognizable cities in Europe, and, one of the most visited. One of the things that makes Prague so special is that unlike many other European cities, it came out of WWII relatively unscathed. The entire city of Prague is a UNESCO site.

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy

Please leave a comment below and share the travel destination that inspires wanderlust in you. Or, let me know which of these photos and/or destinations you like best.