LP Pathfinders: what have you Instagrammed this month? [December]

Hiii Pathfinders!
What have you Instagrammed this month? Share the link for your best travel related Instagram capture below, and you could be featured in our monthly Instagram round-up on the Lonely Planet blog!
Check out last month's round-up here.
To be considered for the monthly Instagram round-up, please include a short explanation along with the link to give us a little more context about the shot.
Whether your picture was taken abroad on a big trip or somewhere closer to home, your submission shouldn’t just be any old ‘nice shot’. It needs to represent a destination in a way that intrigues us and gets us daydreaming or reaching for our passports.
Please disclose any sponsorships that may be tied to the image, and please ensure you give geographic detail about where the place pictured is. Ideally, the image should not have a white border around it (however, this is not a must).
Images need to be your own, and originally posted in the month of August 2016. For your entry to be valid you must be signed up to Lonely Planet Pathfinders. You can post on the thread a maximum of 3 entries for the month. Entries beyond this limit we won't be able to consider.
Here’s an example:

URL: https://instagram.com/p/3lWtCuqTbB/?taken-by=lonelyplanet

Destination: Acaime Peak, Cocora Valley in Los Nevados National Park. Colombia. South America.

Context: Whilst in Colombia (with G Adventures) we captured this on on our morning hike, which took us upwards of 2700 meters! There was the chance rain would ruin the shot, but in the end it provided just that right amount of extra detail and texture to the image.

Deadline for submissions: Midnight 2 January 2017.
If successful, we will let you know in this thread, and PM you with more details. Successful applicants will be featured in a blog post on lonelyplanet.com. We will link to your Instagram profile and blog in the post.
Good luck and happy travels! :)

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNh7P_KDShz/

Destination: Erä-Susi Naturesafaris near Rukajarvi. Finland. Europe.

Context: During our travels to Finland for a spot of skiing, we embarked on a snow adventure day, which included snowmobiling, reindeer sleigh rides and husky sledding. This photo was taken mid-ride and helps to capture the feeling of what the ride was like. I think it really makes you want to be on that sled with me! It was such an experience to be able to tick this off the bucket list...

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNksgSaj2ec/

Destination: Stourhead National Park in Stourton. Wiltshire, England. Europe.
Context: This is one of my favourite photos that I took on a winter's walk around Stourhead National Park a few weeks ago. The way the sun is shining across the trees, the way the ancient stone bridge draws you in and the way the leaves are strewn on the ground all conjure up the best images of countryside walks in my hometown of England.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN6xQtgj5HQ/

Destination: Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow. Ireland. Europe.
Context: During a city break in Dublin, we hired a car for the day so that we could explore the Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt Estate. We found ourselves stopping off at this waterfall and we were mesmerised by the beauty of it. This was taken after I'd clambered across the rocks in front of it so that I could get a decent shot (minus the tourists). I think this photo sums up our country adventures in Ireland rather nicely.

Is it the month of November or the month of August you're looking for? It's asking what we've Instagrammed in the last month - and then a few paragraphs later it says photos from August.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOGQSWtA8cw/?taken-by=ircoopy
Destination: San Marcos la Laguna, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Context: I took this photo while we were sitting on the balcony at the place we were staying in San Marcos la Laguna. There had been storms coming up the lake all week, however this storm dwarfed them all. First, it covered the two volcanoes that make up the basin for the lake. Then it came down into the valley, making the town of Santiago Atitlan disappear first, then engulfing San Pedro la Laguna (pictured here). This was one of the most surreal sensory experiences I have ever been a part of, and it is an incredible feeling looking down onto the clouds as they stormed up the lake.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN1Gnz4hLca/?taken-by=wonderfulwanderings
Destination: Berlin, Germany
Context: I was early to meet a friend for lunch and so I decided to just wander around a bit when I suddenly stumbled upon this great view. Sometimes you find the best things when you're not looking for them.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNn9l6QBHpU/?taken-by=wonderfulwanderings
Destination: Aruba
Context: I was visiting a rock formation park that actually had a perfectly fine walking path going in between the rocks, but I felt goofy and so I pretended to go for a climb.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNi4EcEh6KX/?taken-by=wonderfulwanderings
Destination: Lucca, Italy
Context: We bumped onto this beautiful church while we were wandering around Lucca, Italy and I absolutely wanted to get it in the photo as a whole, which was hard because of all the surrounding buildings. I barely managed and the church looks a bit distorted, but I'm still happy I got this shot.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOILWQiA4ZZ/?taken-by=ircoopy
Destination: Tobacco Caye, Belize
Context: We were waiting on the beach for the sun to rise on our last morning on the island, and the water was so calm inside the reef that there was the most beautiful reflection of the sky. The water was so calm as the photo was taken right after a hurricane had come through the Caribbean, taking the energy out of the easterly winds that blow around 300 days a year there. It was one of the most purely serene moments that I have ever been in, being at 5 in the morning there was no one else around to experience this magic other than us.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNfX-a-gim4/?taken-by=lenatravelmonkey

Destination: Dyrehaven, Klampenborg, Denmark. Europe.
Context: Early winter days we took a walk in this amazing wild animal park near Copenhagen, Denmark. This is the place where you can stumble upon a number of wild deer happily running in the wild. This picture shows a nice transition between autumn and winter with crispy grass and yellow leafs.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOIUPH8gMbb/?taken-by=lenatravelmonkey

Destination: Helsingør, Denmark. Europe
Context: Christmas spirit in Denmark! We took this picture on our Around the Sound tour, allowing you to travel between Denmark and Southern Sweden on one ticket. This is the Christmas tree standing in the small town Helsingør, which we got to via the ferry from Swedish twin town Helsinborg.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNqhCaHBVI7/?taken-by=jeffreyjkieffer


Destination: Modro Jezero (Blue Lake), Imotski, Croatia
Context: During a day trip to the inland town of Imotski, a backpacking friend and I visited the local sinkholes in the area. After walking into the valley where the lake resides, the sheer scale of the steep cliffs surrounding the karst lake made for one of the most dramatic environments I had ever witnessed. What topped it off was the enticing aqua-coloured water, and only a few local Croatians swimming in the vicinity. We felt like we had stumbled across a hidden oasis amongst the barren backdrop of the region. Taking a dip in the icy lake instantly refreshed us for the rest of the humid afternoon!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNv6ZF0hnD3/?taken-by=jeffreyjkieffer


Destination: Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
Context: After a long day of driving through the Eastern Fjords, the daily challenge arose in trying to find a comfortable and free camping spot for the evening. Myself and two backpacking friends struck gold after passing through the small, isolated fishing town of Seyðisfjörður and onto the lush stretches of wild grass. The 4WD was parked on the side of a ridge where we would set up our tents to face the other side of the fjord. The wind had died down, and weather had cleared throughout the night with the remaining wispy clouds shifting colour tones from orange to pink during a magnificent midnight sunset. All I could do was sip a pilsner that was cooling in a snow patch nearby, hang out in my tent and watch.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNf_co7gSK7/?taken-by=fuguetastic
Destination: Terelj National Park, Mongolia
Context: Just a smidge to the east of Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is my introduction to Mongolia's varying landscape. Here I encounter long sloping hills, roaming cows, winds gently sifted through the trees.
There's a meditation temple here but the open stillness itself is meditation; I am aware of every twitch of the wildflowers, every rise and fall of the crickets' chirps, every pine-laced breath I take in. The sunlight splays across the valley and I can't believe that just days ago, I was living in the shadows of skyscrapers.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNuLsS2hZ2P/?taken-by=awoisoak

Destination: Yick Fat Bldg, Hong Kong
Context: It doesn't matter if you have already been in HK before, if you are into photography you know that this city has always new spots or angles that you didn't realize before offering you always good shoots. Looking for some nice spots I fall into this building whose perspective fasceinated me. Once I finished my trip I discovered that this spot has becoming kind of famous as it appears in of the last Transformer movies.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOGuzhfArrT/?taken-by=travtasy

Destination: Taktsang Monastery, Paro, Bhutan

Context: After climbing a tiring trek uphill to 10,000 ft, along the dust trails and the occasional mule passing the narrow stretches, we were finally there, when we saw the Taktsang Monastery or more popularly known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. In between there has been quite a few moments midway, when I felt like walking back to the base, but after drinking the pure waters flowing down the hills every now and then and a magical pull upward by unknown forces ultimately helped me reach there and to me it was like to be on the top of the world after I reached there.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7t9FiFguk/?taken-by=rathmaster
Destination: Tamraght, Morocco
Context: Feeling like a true princess warrior in Morocco exploring beaches horseback. Falling in love my surroundings, but more so, in love with this lifestyle I've discovered.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNhkwKulmNz/?taken-by=rathmaster

Destination: Sahara Desert, Merzouga, Morocco, Africa, Planet Earth!
Context:
Travel is marvellous. It's changed me for the better and I deeply believe it's something that everyone should do. But... I want to say that it's not always as perfect as it may seem.
•••
Off and on, over these past 7 months of wandering, I felt like something was missing, like I was searching for something but didn't know what. I had some pretty rough days. I was confused. Lost. Lonely and defiantly off track.
•••
6 weeks in, while in Spain, I realised what it was; what was missing. And deep down, I had known it all along... I was just scared to admit it. I let my mind convince me it would be fine when my soul had already surrendered.
•••
There I was, "living the dream" seeing the world and drinking sangria everyday... but I was so unhappy.
•••
So what was missing? I realised I was missing a sense of purpose. A place. A community. A cause that I could give back to that's bigger than myself. A position where I mattered.
•••
But what matters is that I learned what matters the most. To me. This transition was weird, but now I'm ready to act on what I've learned, more confident than ever in the direction I'm heading.
•••
I look around me and see friends feeling the same: confused, lost, helpless. I encourage you to really try and figure out what's going on based on your heart and soul. Learn to give yourself what you need and actually do what your insides are telling you. Trust yourself, you know what's right.
•••
Stay in the moment and try to put your mind to rest. Once you do that, you'll open up doors of opportunity. Also, open up yourself to others. Those who bring you light, guidance, and strength; They'll help guide you down life's messy paths.
•••
Just like me, you'll soon realise you're okay, you're just a little bit off track.
•••
My dudes, never forget how strong you are. "I know this transition is painful, but you're not falling apart; you're just falling into something different with a new capacity to be beautiful."

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BNwWlbpBcvn/
Destination: Surajvishal Taal, Himachal Pradesh, India
Context: the magnificent Surajvishal Taal or Lake of the Sun God in Himachal Pradesh in India. We arrived here at sunrise on the second day of an epic two-day road trip through the Himilayas on our way to Leh. The road trip passed through the Rohtang Pass the second highest road on earth. A wonderful, wonderful experience, even if I did suffer altitude sickness and got scarily close to a few cliff edges.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7OcohBtLq/?taken-by=livein10countries&hl=en
Destination: Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli, Italy
Context: Stromboli Volcano errupting casually close to Sicily. Part of the #101ThingsToDoBeforeYouDie bucketlist challenge - 'see an active volcano'. I took a tiny Ryanair trip to the Aeolian Islands with hand luggage only and damn all money to fulfill this goal, while working as an au pair in Italy. I see it as a symbol of what an incredibly hard up and frankly scared-of-adventure traveller like me could achieve.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNn5kqkjY9b/?taken-by=travelyesplease
Destination: Inca Trail, Peru
Context: I took this photo while hiking along a heart-pumping section of the Inca Trail in Peru. The stone path was narrow, hugging the mountain on one side with nothing but a steep valley on the other. As nerve-wracking as it was to be that close to the edge, the views couldn't be beat! It still takes my breath away to look at this scene, much like it did when I was walking that section of trail.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN8eA08gY8W/?taken-by=travelyesplease
Destination: Easter Island, Chile
Context: This photo captures the quiet, wild, ruggedness that is Easter Island. Horses freely roam the landscape mingling with the island's many archaeological sites. This horse was grazing on the side of the road near Rano Raraku and we he looked up at me, I knew it was going to make a special photo.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN_DGznA0nW/?taken-by=travelyesplease
Destination: Easter Island, Chile
Context: One of my favourite places to photograph the moai on Easter Island was at Rano Raraku, the location where these iconic statues were obsessively carved by the original Rapa Nui people. Most moai are standing up, partially buried, while others have fallen over. You can even see a few that were still in the process of being carved when production was abandoned. This photograph captures a group of moai gazing out over Easter Island’s barren landscape.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNrL64HgGlz/?taken-by=adventurehan
Destination: Ping'an rice terraces, Longsheng, China
Context: The Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces as they’re said to resemble a dragon’s scales while the summit of the mountain range looks like the backbone of the dragon, are China's biggest and oldest rice terraces. With every corner turned and hill summited you’re presented with more and more rice terrace. Each is as beautiful as the last as they peek out of the clouds, reflect the sky in the pools or water and shine in the ever-changing golden light. We were told this time of year was the worst time to visit as there'd be nothing to see - but I'd say this view was pretty spectacular anyway!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNwCSKgArbd/?taken-by=adventurehan
Destination: Sanjiang
Context: During my two weeks in China I decided to stay away from the big sights like Beijing, Shanghai and the Great Wall of China favouring the less well known ancient towns built by the Dong and Ming Dynasties. This picture is of one of the wind and rain bridges in Sanjiang, an ancient Dong community, and is unlike any architecture I've ever seen before.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNZL0NvAOab/?taken-by=adventurehan
Destination: Yangshuo, China
Context: Yangshuo used to be a sleepy town but now it's a big of a backpackers paradise. Within just 5 minutes of stepping into the town you'll see why it's become so popular... The karst mountain landscapes jut out of the ground making for a spectacular backdrop and the Li river, pictured here, features on the 20 Yuan note due to its beauty.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN6EKf2FMb_/?taken-by=nonstopdestination
Destination: Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Context: My trip to Mexico was a dream come true for me. Here I am walking towards a temple I had been wanting to visit since I was a kid: El Castillo in Chichén Itzá.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOBskjiFiB8/?taken-by=nonstopdestination
Destination: Snoqualmie Falls, Washington State, US
Context: Snoqualmie falls is a 82m high waterfall in Washington State. This was one of our first stops on our 3-day road trip through the state. The falling water is mesmerising and the force of the water is impressive.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNoKtW7lNZH/?taken-by=nonstopdestination
Destination: Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Whitehorse, Canada
Context: On our visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, we came across these Thinhorn Sheep. I spent around 20 minutes taking photos of them, but I could have easily stayed for a few hours. There was a (playful?) standoff happening between a group and their leader and one sheep that seemed to stand his ground on his own. The beautiful scenery and the fresh snow made this my favourite experience in the Yukon.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOQhWHGgl_S/?taken-by=ircoopy
Destination: Small island off the coast of Placencia, Belize
Context: This was our final sunset on an incredible small island in the south of Belize. The table in the photo is where our host and friend Alberto showed us how to gut and fillet the fish we caught off the side of the kayaks, clean the lobster we caught while spearfishing in the reef, and open and clean the conch shells that we found. There is something so rewarding about eating your own catches, and I don't think I have ever eaten that much amazing seafood.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNtshiOBDhl/?taken-by=lubuzine

Destination: Mount Tremblant, Quebec, Canada.
Context: Spectacular view after snowfall in Mount Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOREGzcBOWt/?taken-by=lubuzine

Destination: Gorai Beach, Mumbai, India
Context: One of the best moment when you witness sunset at beach... totally in love with it.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNe-wpQh6-c/
Destination: Mopion Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Context: We were honeymooning in the Caribbean and could visit this beautiful tiny island for a day. They dropped us off on the island with a picnic basket and our snorkelling gear and for the rest of the day we didn't see a single human being. One of the most extraordinary travel experiences ever.

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BI25lZnDg8x/
Destination: Magnetic Island, Australia
Context: I was exploring this island during my solo trip in Australia. I wanted to see the view from different lookouts. I remember the path to get to this lookout, it was full of snakes but fortunately nothing happened. What I particularly love in this picture is the gradient of blue from the Sky to the ocean and also the contrast with the mainland.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BMOVcHLB6kF/?taken-by=ancaimages
Destination: Dochu La pass, Bhutan.
Context: I was traveling through Bhutan with Blue Poppy tours and treks and we were heading to the Punakha Dzong, we stopped on the beautiful pass called Dochu La, in the forest nearby there was an holy site full of pray flags used from bhutanese people to spread in the world peace and compassion, the atmosphere was just relaxing and incredibily peaceful

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BE_M4CVSBWN/?taken-by=ancaimages
Destination: Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China, Jinshanling, 130 km from Beijing.
Context: The Jinshaling section of the Great Wall is one of the less visited as you can see from the post, there were no people at all around and this allows you to hang around in total peace, you can relax and enjoy this magnificent Unesco Heritage by yourself escaping from the crowd.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BEN1aZqSBch/?taken-by=ancaimages
Destination: St.Peter's dome, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Context: If you are visiting Rome I highly suggest to climb the dome of St.Peter to have a spectacular view of the entire city, in this particular shot I had a seagull as company at the top of the picture

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOKhC0EjvLR/?taken-by=exploreslk

Destination: Pathahewaheta, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Context: This place is a relatively unknown place in Kandy. It is a mountain top with a stunning observation point. You can observe a large part of Kandy from there. And the place is very relaxing. You can sit there and spend hours without even noticing.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BODHGlIDoVF/?taken-by=exploreslk

Destination: Pathahewaheta, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Context: This is a stunning observation point situated in Kandy. Major part of Kandy is visible from there. The view is really amazing. You can even see the Victoria Reservoir. Plus the place is very calm and relaxing. (taken from phone camera)

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BJQyhQRDKkw/
Destination: Koh Tao, Thailand

Context: It was on the main beach in Koh Tao called Sairee beach during the sunset. I simply captured this little moment because in my opinion it was perfect to catch up the sun with this woman doing paddle in the same time.

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BIzKOHRjhnb/

Destination: Bangkok, Thailand (Wat Po)

Context: It was during a stay in Bangkok, I visited the Wat Po with its reclining Buddha which is majestic. You cannot have any words to describe it such it's an amazing place and not only this Buddha.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOAWNFYgXlK/?taken-by=felisworld

Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Context: We have walked around the Tango district and found the amazing colorful street :)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN76cj7gtK3/?taken-by=hikeventures
Destination: Hindeloopen, The Netherlands
Context: Sea shells on the sea shore | Well, technically these are not sea shells as this is not a sea shore any more. It used to be. But all changed when the Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) became the IJzelmeer (Lake IJzel) in 1932, after the completion of the Afsluitdijk (the Closure Dike). And so, now, it would be more correct to call them lake shells on the lake shore...

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNuYm0MASUM/?taken-by=hikeventures
Destination: Kale Duinen - Appelscha, The Netherlands
Winter in this Dutch desert | Last Saturday we managed to revisit the sand dunes in the Drents-Friese Wold National Park. That was a lot of fun again.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNrf6EqgiEO/?taken-by=hikeventures
Destination: Turku, Finland
Finland had it's Independence Day on the 6th of December so I went for a walk nearby the sea where I found some frozen spots at the beach where I took a closeup. I like this picture because it gives a feeling about the Nordic countries and also about Christmas...

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOOdIBxj1rh/?taken-by=travelyesplease
Destination: Cave and Basin National Historic Site- Banff National Park, Canada
Context: As a frequent visitor to Banff National Park, I was looking for something new to experience in the area. That led me to check out the Cave and Basin, not far from downtown Banff. I was so mesmerized by the colours and rock formations that I probably spent way too much time inside the cave. For the next few hours afterwards, I could still smell the scent of sulphur in my hair and clothes!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOIGJGSBtlg/
Destination: Mekong River, Luang Prabang, Laos
Context: My last meal in Luang Prabang before flying on to Vientiane. There are dozens of restaurants along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOKqr0bBg8i/
Destination: Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang, Laos
Context: The water in the Nam Khan River is the same brownish color as that of the Mekong. This picture reminds me of the movie Apocalypse Now.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN1LB6JhJtr/
Destination: Vientiane, Laos
Context: Patuxai Monument took 11 years to build. The English translation is "victory gate." For less than five U.S. dollars, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Lao capital.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNk3yJ-gsYx/?taken-by=castawaywithcrystal

Destination: Spirits Bay, New Zealand

Context: After a wet morning on the Northernmost tip of New Zealand we had a small break in the rain to explore the beach. Spirits Bay is breathtaking on all angles with rocky cliffs jutting from the horse-filled meadows. But the most spectacular part of the bay was the tiny pink shells scattered all over the sand, giving the beach a vibrant peachy sheen. Perfect against the turquoise blue of the water.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOG3IWGgryw/?taken-by=castawaywithcrystal

Destination: Rainbow Falls, New Zealand

Context: As the sun slowly slips behind the forest trees, I captured this shot of the sun shimmering through the ferns during our afternoon walk on the trail near Rainbow Falls. It was incredibly peaceful here and we were lucky to be the only people on the walk at this time of the day.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNjNHcNhuod/?taken-by=aladyinlondon

Destination: London, UK

Context: While walking from the tube to meet a friend for lunch, I stumbled upon this pub in London's Bermondsey. I loved its historic feel and unique shape, and I couldn't help stopping to explore around it before moving on.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOG8Rt8Air9/?taken-by=castawaywithcrystal

Destination: Rainbow Falls, New Zealand

Context: Eyes open wide, I drag my friend over some mossy rocks to attempt to get behind the waterfall. But the rocks ran out and we were only partially behind, so we stopped to soak up the splashing droplets on our face and appreciate the roaring sound around us. Rainbow Falls is aptly named as the mist from the waterfall creates several rainbows around it, splashing colour over the surrounding forest.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNpXe2SgyEe/
Destination: Catania to Munich; literally, mid-air over Mt. Etna
Context: The pilot announced it was possible to see smoke coming from the Etna, so I climbed over a passenger on the left side of the airplane to take a photo. I am not especially pleased with the colours or composition, but my instagram followers loved it!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNlrcGTgykf/
Destination: Doha, Qatar
Context: I was invited to stay at the Intercontinental Doha the City to write about a staycation. The room was mostly windows on one side offering fantastic views of the city. I happened to wake up as the sun was coming up and got this shot. The city was so quiet and beautiful at this hour. I was a guest of the hotel.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNyiuK-gU6C/
Destination: Doha, Qatar
Context: The morning before I was to head home to the US for the holidays, the sun was shining in Doha. I decided to get up and head to the park to get some pictures of downtown Doha with my relatively new camera. Unusually, the traditional dhow boats were docked there and gave me a shot of the old and new in Doha.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOTMhR6D7cO/?taken-by=globalgirltravels

Destination: Dominican Republic

Context: With a population of only 300 people, Saona Island is exactly what I hoped to experience in the Dominican Republic. Sleepy fishing villages line the picture-perfect coast with faded pastel shacks selling snacks and bric-a-brac while kids play dominoes on the beach. This is real life.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNfvVWKj8ZI/?taken-by=globalgirltravels

Destination: Washington, D.C.

Context: Touring the Library of Congress for the first time left me awe-struck.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNYJxiXDR2D/?taken-by=globalgirltravels

Destination: Savannah, GA

Context: Savannah is an 18th century oil painting. Shot outside my window on a dreamy foggy morning.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNmsjT3BUw1/
Destination: Moraine Lake, Banff NP, Canada
Context: Moraine Lake is probably one of the most picturesque mountain lakes on the planet. The colourful canoes made it even more picture-perfect.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7SriMlVnz/

Destination: 
Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
Context: Easily the most popular place in Chilean Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park still has moments of undiscovered beauty hidden along the busy trails. This peak, whose name I never figured out, was covered with swirling and atmospheric clouds for the half hour I sat and staring at it. Off the trail down from glacier gray but not one of the main sites of the park, most of the hikers that walked past barely bothered to glance up as they went.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOI70glFvoZ/

Destination: 
Langmusi, Sichuan, China
Context: On a hilltop above the cross-border town of Langmusi and its two opposing monasteries, two monks sit in between classes watching life go by on the valley floor below.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOLYdBAFgUK/

Destination: 
Langmusi, Sichuan, China
Context: As the sun goes down in the mountains behind the two large Buddhist monasteries in Langmusi, a lone monk returns home from the forest that climbs into the hilltops beyond the town.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOYx69sAF1h/?taken-by=lenatravelmonkey

Destination: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, USA
Context: This year I visited USA for the first time ever! Brooklyn Bridge by far was my most favorite sight in the city. It is both very iconic and very spectacular. Our New Yorker friends took us for a walk on the bridge, where you can take great pictures and also buy some souvenirs.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNcgkjcgiD_/?taken-by=skyetravels

Destination: Cutty Sark, Greenwich Village, London, UK

Context: I ran across the Cutty Sark while exploring the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Village. I had no idea it was considered the most famous ship in the world, nor that it was fastest of its kind. The exhibition inside isn't large, but seeing the ship against the London backdrop at sunset was gorgeous!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNhfi6TgMRz/?taken-by=skyetravels

Destination: Stonehenge, UK

Context: While most of the photos of Stonehenge are taken from the bridge on the north side, showing the most complete section of the standing stones, this shot from the west was my favorite angle. This is also where I had the most goosebumps and felt the magic in the air.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNthdHLA8Ww/?taken-by=skyetravels

Destination: Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Context: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the third largest mosque in the world, has the second largest chandelier, and the largest single-piece handmade carpet. This is the courtyard, which has the largest marble mosaic.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN4x-9EgeKy/

Destination: Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

Context: Even looking back at this photo, I still get a sense of unreality looking at how tall this building is. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at 2,722 feet, over half a mile high. Originally called the Burj Dubai, it was renamed the Burj Khalifa when the Sheikh Khalifa of Abu Dhabi had to send financial aid to the struggling project.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7L-JOgiiI/?taken-by=skyetravels

Destination: Desert Safari, Dubai, UAE

Context: I guess this doesn't really show anything about the desert safari itself, as the camp at the bottom of the photo is too dark to see. But the sunset was spectacular, and thus it was my favorite shot of the night.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOfG5qBBNPp/
Destination: Vulcano Solfatara, Campi Flagrei, Naples, Italy
Context: The photo is of the 'bocca grande' volcanic opening. This supervolcano has recently awakened and moved into a 'critical stage' with a huge gaseous eruption now possible... but nobody knows when. We came to visit and smelled the bad eggs of the sulphur, see the boiling mud and feel the heat coming from the earth.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOg47CDBwi7/
Destination: Lungo Mare, Via Partenope, Naples, Italy
Context: Crowds gather for a Boxing Day walk along Via Partenope in Naples. The street looks onto Mount Vesuvius, Castel dell'ovo and the Bay of Naples. 'La passeggiata' is a lovely ritual in Italy where families and friends gather together to walk along the streets, enjoy their local town and build up an appetite for a big family meal.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNikM7ZBoG_/?taken-by=flatearthnomad
Destination: Volcán Maderas, Isla De Ometepe, Lago De Nicaragua
Context: Sunset on the veranda of a cabaña at Totoco Ecolodge on Isla de Ometepe, looking towards a shrouded Volcán Concepción. Totoco Ecolodge is situated one and a half kilometres inland and up the cool slopes of Volcán Maderas on Ometepe Island’s southerly section. A three-night splurge was welcome after we shared our first two nights on the island with battalions of mosquitoes and ant brigades along the Lago de Nicaragua shoreline. Totoco rests amidst a lush landscape, complete with howler monkeys occupying nearby branches and an assortment of beetles, spiders, centipedes and flying insects. Within a colourful flower-filled yard, each octagonal cabana has a veranda offering unobstructed views of Volcán Concepción, complete with hammock, swing chair and rocking chairs. Just bliss!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOZliHGByVv/?taken-by=flatearthnomad
Destination: Lemaire Channel, Antarctica
Context: This day, we were navigating icebergs while sailing through 'Kodak Gap' (65°S). Lemaire Channel - a body of water that cuts a path between the continental Antarctic mainland on the east and Booth Island in the west - is close to 11 kilometres long and renowned for its spectacular scenery, with near-vertical peaks plunging deep into the dark, but crystal clear waters. On this fine morning, we had blue skies accentuated by a rising polar sun amid a smattering of clouds. Pack ice parted as we plowed through the dark waters. The occasional submerged 'growler' clawed at the vessel for effect, these chunks of ice so named for the screeching sound that they make when tasting the hull of a ship.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOfg2PbBIt6/?taken-by=flatearthnomad
Destination: Borobudur, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
Context: Borobudur has been on our radar for some time, notably for it being a magnificent Buddhist temple, drawing such praise as being a worthy rival to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar. It did not disappoint. Built circa 780 - 833 AD, Candi Borobudur is in the form of a stepped, truncated pyramid consisting of nine superimposed terraces that diminish in size as one moves to the higher terraces, mimicking the climb to a state of enlightenment.

We wandered through the corridors while hearing the call to prayer far off in the distance, walking in isolation past carvings that cover approximately 2,500 metres of stone - including 1,460 panels of narrative reliefs and 1,212 decorative panels - depicting sacred stories chronicling the biography of Buddha, his descent from heaven until his enlightenment and the beginning of his teachings.

The galleries of the lower terraces convey a feeling of enclosure as the lower galleries have high balustrades that hide the view to the outside world, which dissipates when the pilgrim enters the open circular terraces at the top of the monument. This photo at dawn is on the penultimate level known as the "Realm of Timeless Meditation", where the high walls of the balustrades fall away granting a panoramic view of perforated bell-shaped stupas against a hazy backdrop of the surrounding countryside. Enlightenment indeed!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOVBVkWDdA2/

Destination: Taj Mahal. Agra, India.
Context: The Taj Mahal, the undisputed jewel in India's crown, sees over 10,000 daily visitors from all over the world. We had it all to ourselves after making sure that we were the first through the Eastern Gate at sunrise. There was very little time until the crowd of people joined the frame, but thankfully they held of long enough to catch the reflections perfectly.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOP32MAjhI
Destination: Jama Masjid. Old Delhi, India.

Context: Our first attempt at visiting Jama Masjid, one of India's largest Mosques, was thwarted by sunset prayer so we made our way back first thing in the morning. The famous mosque is possibly one of the few peaceful places in the midst of Old Delhi's mayhem, offering a respite break for the senses.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNw57s3jojS/
Destination: Alappuzha (Alleppey). Kerala, India.
Context: Having a lazy day on the beautiful backwaters of India was the perfect break after a tough few weeks in Northern India after the Governments demonetisation of 85% of it's currency.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNg3jdtAIe2/?taken-by=bruno_mb
Destination: Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Context: We visited the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu during the golden hour. Everything was calm and quiet and we could appreciate the surroundings much more. More than the ruins of the temples inside, it was this entrance that lingered in my memory when I got back home.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNbmvSYA2hI/?taken-by=bruno_mb
Destination: Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Context: We were driving back home on a motorbike when I looked to the side and saw this stunning scenery. We stopped the bike and watched the buffalos crossing the lake with the karst cliffs on the background, all in silence. It was magical. Definitely one of my favorite visual memories of Asia.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOAFN33Auz-/?taken-by=bruno_mb
Destination: Bohol, Philippines
Context: The Man-Made mahogany forest is a 2-kilometer stretch of road right in the heart of the island of Bohol. When you're passing there by bike, we could immediately feel the drop in temperature and the sudden fresh cool air on our lungs.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOalIAIgccK/?taken-by=tokyoaaron&hl=en
Destination: Shizuoka, Japan
Context: So-called "haikyou" ruin tourism has been popular for a while now in Japan, but industrial landscape photography is a relatively new phenomenon. Lurking outside these facilities after dark gives you an eerie, sometimes unsettled feeling. Still, getting close up to the - brightly lit - pipes, chimneys, warehouses and storage silos creates a kind of Oz-like impression, while at the same time pulling back the curtain, so to speak, on the whole industrial revolution thing which we normally take so much for granted in a consumer society.

Catching sight of sublime Mount Fuji in the near distance really begs for a little cultural/symbolic analysis: the dichotomy of Japan’s love of nature and it’s industrial/technical drive being the most obvious insight which comes to mind...

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOQX7QfAFX7/?taken-by=triciaamitchell


Destination: Marjan Forest Park, Split, Croatia


Context: Back to Croatia’s Dalmatia region for our third winter, we’re thrilled to again have Split’s Marjan Forest Park within foot’s reach. Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, so it’s remarkable that the city’s urbanites have such a gorgeous green space nearby. The park is much beloved for its old stone chapels and hermit caves, plus its hiking, biking, and rock climbing opportunities.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNR5w6FgPoN/?taken-by=triciaamitchell&hl=en


Destination: Split, Croatia


Context: After nearly three years away, we’ve returned to Split, Croatia. My husband and I have taken up residence in the city’s quirky Varoš neighborhood, which is a former fisherman’s district characterized by stone homes with green shutters and flower boxes. This scene symbolizes all the adventures that you can easily embark upon from Split: either an island escape via ferry, a hike through the Dinaric Alps, or a road trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina or Montenegro.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOaWJOjg_ro/?taken-by=mypersiancorner

Destination: Tehran, Iran
Context: Missing the Christmas festivities that happen this time of year, I decided to go to the Armenian neighborhood in Tehran to check out their Christmas markets. In the midst of all the trees and ornaments, I came face-to-face with the modern Iranian paradox.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOF_wczgJM7/

Destination: Florida, USA
Context: Looking for some winter sun just before Christmas, I decided to visit Florida. With temperatures around 25 degrees and hardly any tourists, Florida is perfect at this time of the year and at times it feels like you've got the place to yourself. Also, the sunsets there are pretty spectacular!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNsELQRALNP/

Destination: Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Context: Uluwatu is one of the most spiritual places in all of Bali and the views from the top of the temples are absolutely amazing. While I was there, I couldn't resist taking a peek over the edge. My advice? DON'T. LOOK. DOWN.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNzsyyhgFZO/

Destination: Stratford St. Mary, Essex, UK
Context: It's funny. As travel bloggers we travel the world searching for beauty when often it's on your doorstep staring you right in the face. I'm incredibly lucky to call this view home, a place I'm always grateful to return too.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOH1Fg2h5xT/
Destination: Barley Barbour Swamp, Florida
Context: Shrek had the right idea living in a swamp! I visited this beautiful swamp while exploring a part of Central Florida in December. The swamp was home to an incredible ecosystem including plants with healing qualities… however there were a few dangerous beings lurking too!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOF7aq6hJMx/
Destination: Hutchinson Island, Florida
Context: We found this pontoon during daylight and couldn't resist but return for sunset. It turned out to be absolutely incredible. I particularly loved this moment with fisherman securing their final catches of the day as the sun went down. It was a beautiful image in silhouette.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOaOFA6BbPT/
Destination: Hutchinson Island, Florida
Context: I’m a huge fan of Christmas lights, so couldn’t believe it when we drove past the most decorated house and garden I’d ever seen. It turns out Florida really know how to celebrate the festive season!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOCT0M3BLyB/?taken-by=whereistarablog

Destination: Vipava, Slovenia

Context: We had spent the day wine-tasting in Slovenia and we were well behind schedule. We were supposed to reach Vipava Valley before sunset so that we could explore the town in the daylight. However we arrived just after sunset. Initially I was disappointed, but then I saw how the clouds had diffused the fading colours of the sunset. The sky was all pink and violet. When I spotted this house on the water I was blown away by the perfect colourful reflection in the natural spring water that Slovenians are so proud of. The detail that I love is the light in a single room in the house, leaving just two of the windows bursting with a welcoming golden glow. It made me wonder who was inside and what their story was.

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BOajtIVhV7U/
Destination: Zion National Park, UT, U.S.A.
Context: We fully expected "cold" this year for Christmas in Zion but what we got was a winter wonderland. Day one's rain turned to snow. The snow slow dusted then covered the entire park. The Emerald Pools pullout (where this shot was taken) was a great example of the beautiful wonder of a snow covered Zion. All the locals we spoke with told us that this amount of snow is rare and that we were quite lucky to pick this year to visit the park in winter.

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BOag2UBBegr/
Destination: Moapa Valley, UT, U.S.A.
Context: En route to Zion National Park we made a pit stop in the Moapa Valley. It had rained off and on the entire trip. The mountains in the distance had the appearance of being in the clouds as wells as reaching for them giving the illusion of "heaven and earth colliding".

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BOjgQLghWhu/
Destination: Zion National Park, UT, U.S.A.
Context: Post snow fall sunrise shot of the mountains. The sun kissed the mountains and provided stunning pink tones.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOan3vJAnuU/?taken-by=boardingpasstravel
Destination: Piazza del Duomo in Florence, Italy
Context: The Christmas season officially begins in Italy with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, which also happened to be the day we arrived in Florence. Each year the city displays a beautiful Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo that is decorated with its iconic red fleur de lis symbols. We couldn't wait to see the tree and its magnificent backdrop in person, and when we approached the piazza we were surprised to find a massive crowd who had gathered for the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which included a countdown by the Mayor of Florence, music and other fanfare with participants in traditional Florentine dress. This image was taken just moments before the tree was illuminated and is the perfect example of being in the right place at the right time - an experience I will not soon forget.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOn_37PA3wZ/?taken-by=dodgykneesblog
Destination: Semuc Champey, Guatemala
Context: We recently visited Semuc Champey in Guatemala spending a fabulous day exploring caves, tubing down the river and hiking before arriving at Semuc's amazing natural limestone pools just in time for a dip and to catch the late afternoon sun and this shot.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNftsFRh1HJ/

Destination: Gorton Creek, Portland, Oregon, PNW, United States
Context: There are over 200 waterfalls to explore in Oregon! As we make our way through the list, we loved capturing this one. I definitely almost fell in trying to get to this log.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BODyhVlAkBx/

Destination: Cappadocia, Turkey
Context: Cappadocia offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but to top it off, the skies fill with hot air balloons every morning. There are roughly 300 flight days each year and you'll see anywhere between 50-150 balloons in the sky. It's truly a magical experience. We woke up one morning just to view them rise, and it was worth it!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNfyW6wFMLW/

Destination: Cappadocia, Turkey
Context: Cappadocia offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but to top it off, the skies fill with hot air balloons every morning. There are roughly 300 flight days each year and you'll see anywhere between 50-150 balloons in the sky. It's truly a magical experience. This photo was snapped as we were on our way up in our very own balloon.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOBN2j-DZDi/

Destination: Cappadocia, Turkey
Context: Cappadocia offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but to top it off, the skies fill with hot air balloons every morning. There are roughly 300 flight days each year and you'll see anywhere between 50-150 balloons in the sky. It's truly a magical experience. This was the morning before our own ride where we enjoyed seeing it from a distance.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOi_ajNF7H9/

Destination: Astoria, Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park
Context: While exploring Astoria, Oregon (The GOONIES!), we made our way 9 miles west to the coast and found this amazing shipwreck. We raced back and forth trying to avoid the incoming tides to get a photo.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNsprk7laqP/

Destination: Portland, Oregon, Vista House
Context: The Vista House is one of the first amazing views in the Columbia River Gorge when heading east from Portland. We stopped by the house first but needed to find a good viewpoint to shoot the Vista House from afar. We finally spotted one and raced over before the sun hid away again.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOkoi_fhdQJ/?taken-by=fullsuitcase&hl=en
Destination: Bruges, Belgium
Context: Bruges is incredibly popular and touristic all year round. But go there in the evening and you have the whole town to yourself. We loved walking around this fairytale-like town and admiring the beautifully lit buildings.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOrEYR_AZK2KIPansBWQdGQ8y_eba4lHmjPan80/?taken-by=badfish_cafe

Destination: Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan, Burma

Context: Over 1500 years old, Shwezigon Pagoda is one of the best preserved sites in the Bagan area. After days of visiting the other temples and pagodas, the sun finally came out early (the best time to visit Shwezigon), and we got there just in time for a glint of sunlight glancing off the gold.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN80YsRAxvy/?taken-by=worldwidewriter&hl=en
Destination: Rome, Italy
Context: I discovered that December is the perfect time to visit Rome. The crowds are mostly gone, and you rub shoulders with locals rather than tourists in the restaurants. The weather is pleasant, but not too hot, and you get wonderful autumnal views like this one of the Vatican from the Ponte Sisto.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN_PdSGA-IH/?taken-by=worldwidewriter&hl=en
Destination: Ostia Antica, Rome
Context: Ostia Antica is the ancient seaport of Rome, just a short train ride away from the city. Today it is a massive archaeological site to rival Pompeii but, being less famous, it attracts fewer visitors. Being a working town there was lots of high density housing, and you can see the remains of several apartment blocks as well as the more traditional villas.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOnBcAdDDGT/
Destination: Coco Plum Beach, Great Exuma, The Bahamas
Context: Sunsets are often amazing, but on the east coast you don't see the sun over the ocean so you have to concentrate on colours and reflections. The clouds, the wet sand and the one palm tree just add up to the perfectly relaxed atmosphere of this shot.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNj1haADYtn/
Destination: Great Exuma, The Bahamas
Context: The Swimming Pigs have become more and more popular over the last years but still it appeared strange to us, seeing those cute fellas swimming in the Caribbean Sea. It was so much fun with those pigs, especially because we had a couple of hours without other tourists on this 'small pig island' just opposite of our accommodation in the north of Great Exuma.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOkCcAZDK-g/
Destination: Stocking Island, The Bahamas
Context: This shot is all about enjoying the moment. You just have to be happy at Chat'n'Chill Beach Bar on Stocking Island, just a short boat ride from Georgetown, Exuma. A picture perfect beach with stingrays approaching the shallow waters and a swing to enjoy life. We had some relaxing hours here and loved it so much.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOsQMz_lslG/
Destination: Etosha National Park, Namibia
Context We've been driving overland across Africa for the last two months now. Our first country we made it to was Namibia, which was nothing short of incredible. We had heard that Etosha National Park is the place to see wildlife and some of the wildlife photos we grabbed while exploring the park were incredible. However, it was this pic that we found a month later that put the whole park into perspective.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNkDF43BAO3/?taken-by=theworldpursuit
Destination: Chobe River, Namibia
Context: The joy that people get just from having their photo taken is amazing. Here we are in a rural village in Namibia. I started making faces at the local children and then we got in a full out war over who could make the ugliest face!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOCLMirhtrx/?taken-by=theworldpursuit
Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Context: We were able to get up close and personal with the African elephants while wainding through the Okavango Delta on a Mokoro!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNmdu8YhOV-/?taken-by=findinganeish
Destination: City Quay, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Context: Despite being reinvented as a retail complex in 2002 to the sum of around £20 million City Quay never really drew the crowds; that is, not until this summer when it was seemingly rediscovered by Pokémon trainers seeking water-types, but by that point there was nobody left to cash-in on the craze. Now that Pokémon Go has lost its novelty the area has drifted back into anonymity, haunted only by uncaught Shelders.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7HTPIB2q6/?taken-by=findinganeish
Destination: City Quay, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Context: Berlin's Blue Church, built in tribute to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church which sits in ruins next door, has long been one of my favourite buildings in the city. I returned to Berlin for the first time in ten years, a week before the tragic attack on the surrounding Christmas market blighted Breitscheidplatz once more, and basked in the supernaturally blue light anew.

This post has been removed by its author.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOqLMzsjt5b/?taken-by=hikebiketravel
Destination: Lake Louise area, Banff National Park
Context: Rather than join the masses downhill skiing in Lake Louise over the Christmas holidays I chose to spend the day on the cross-country trails - alone. It had snowed the night before so not only were the trails in great shape, the landscape was a true winter wonderland. Being outside in nature surrounded by beauty was a great way to finish off 2016.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNk1z47j8eM/
Destination: Elbow Creek Pathway, Calgary, Alberta
Context: I've had a busy year of travel so I'm enjoying spending time in my home city of Calgary. One of my favourite things to do that I recommend to all visitors is to walk the paths along the rivers that bisect the city. I lucked out in early December with a stunner of a sunset.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOS1GekDJ7q/?taken-by=hikebiketravel
Destination: The summit of Prairie Mountain, Kananaksis Country, Alberta
Context: I wanted to show how accessible and beautiful the mountains are to Calgary - no matter what time of year, to a fellow blogger who has had his life tuned upside down. (We did the hike and commute in 4.5 hours round-trip from Calgary.) His wife was recently diagnosed with cancer and his life has largely narrowed to hospitals and outpatient clinics. We waited for two weeks of -22C temperatures to pass and picked a day before Christmas to head for the hills. It felt good to get a fellow Canadian into new country, and outside thinking of things other than cancer. We both felt like a "million bucks" on the summit.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOlKA-ZgV5f/?taken-by=joaoleitaoviagens
Destination: Vardzia cave monastery, Georgia
Context: After doing some extensive traveling around the world, not all locations overwhelm me. Vardzia is a pleasant exception. Build on the slopes of a rocky mountain, this beautiful cave sanctuary completed in 1185 is one of the most spectacular places I've encountered on my several trips to the Caucasus. Before 1283 earthquake, this complex held 13 levels and 6000 apartments carved inside the mountain. Still today, monks can be seen strolling around the small underground tunnels leading to the interior main chapel.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOmrwFrALzn/?taken-by=joaoleitaoviagens
Destination: Masirah Island, Oman
Context: On the confinement between desolation and coral reefs, Masirah is a real gem for those who search for off the beaten path destinations. On my trip to Oman, I spontaneously change my plan, and decide to take the ferry-boat to Masirah Island. Forsaken beaches and small fishermen villages populate this isolated Indian Ocean island.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOreBL1A3sT/?taken-by=joaoleitaoviagens
Destination: Surp Arakelots church in Sevan Lake, Armenia
Context: In the early years of the 4th century, Armenia became the first Christian nation in the world. Traveling in this country can't be completed without visiting the numerous century-old monasteries. Sevan Lake surrounding landscapes seem to fit perfectly with the beautiful Sevanavank monastery founded back in 874. What I appreciated the most about this place was the peaceful and laid back atmosphere inside the two churches, and the breathtaking views of the lake.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOTUyeCBXOy/?taken-by=adventuresbydaddy
Destination: Buda Castle and Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Context: The buildings of Budapest sparkled as we sailed down the Danube River at the end of a holiday river cruise.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOtXYMCgZ-U/?taken-by=divergenttravelers

Destination: Pass Island, Philippines
Context: Seeing the islands of the Philippines from the air gives you a depth of the area you can't experience from land. The true beauty of this country shines through in the layers of palm trees, sand, coral reefs and plunging blue water.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNzZTBsgv-D/?taken-by=divergenttravelers

Destination: Rongbuk Monastery, Tibet
Context: Sometimes there are moments that are just TOO perfect. This stunning Tibetan Yak was standing outside Rongbuk Monastery, the highest located monastery in the world. In the background, Mount Everest showing us her glowing North Face on a rare, clear morning in the Himalayas.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOLdCCSAI6G/?taken-by=divergenttravelers

Destination: Stockholm, Sweden
Context: Wandering the back streets in Stockholm was our favorite way to uncover the little treasures of the city. I was addicted to the light in this tunnel and couldn't resist the glow on the yellow walls and the cobblestone streets. ⠀

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOSrmOlB2BQ/?taken-by=travelwithkat&hl=en
Destination: Regent Street, London, England
Context: The giant angels floating above the people and traffic on Regent Street for Christmas this year was a spectacular sight.
Disclosure: I took this image during a complimentary tour with PlanetPass.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOaL3JzBVUo/?taken-by=travelwithkat&hl=en
Destination: South Bank, Lambeth, London, England
Context: This image was taken in December about six years ago when London was covered in snow. I've never shared this shot on Instagram before but chose it this year to wish everyone celebrating, a very merry Christmas.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOsXYsDjeVA/?taken-by=travelwithkat&hl=en
Destination: Tanji Beach, Gambia, West Africa
Context: This shot of a beautifully painted pirogue (fishing boat) was taken during a tour of some of Gambia's highlights.
Disclosure: I work part-time for Serenity Holidays / The Gambia Experience who run this tour.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOOCsWkhTGk/?taken-by=balancingwanderlust

Destination: Trinidad Cuba

Context: View of the restored area of Trinidad from the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos tower. Climbing this tower was an amazing experience. It offered some of the best views of Trinidad and provided a window into the countries history.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNkEzsVhpMg/?taken-by=balancingwanderlust

Destination: Havana Cuba

Context: A local grocery store in Havana Cuba. I found this little place near my Casa Particular about 5 blocks from the main tourist area of Old Havana. It was an awesome little place to stumble upon to be able to compare Canada and Cuba. Also, the whole community seemed to gather here. It was great to see how everyone seemed to know everyone else.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOJAJynBHki/?taken-by=balancingwanderlust

Destination: Trinidad Cuba

Context: Neighbours wave to each other in the early evening in Trinidad's historic center. This scene took place right outside of my Casa Particular. Sitting on my Casa's front porch each night I was privileged to see a scene like this every evening. The sense of community in Cuba was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Everyone helped everyone else, everyone kept the country clean, and everyone seemed genuinely concerned about their neighbours welfare. It was amazing to observe.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNppGP1DXP-/?taken-by=lelongweekend

Destination: Île de Nantes, Nantes, France.
Context: We travelled to Nantes in December to visit the Christmas markets - which are among the best in France. We had a few hours to kill beforehand so decided to check out Les Machines de l'île - a creative space where art meets machinery. The Great Elephant was clearly the star of the show and going for a ride on this amazing machine was the highlight of our day!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNzwkdkDvxR/?taken-by=lelongweekend

Destination: Île de Nantes, Nantes, France.
Context: The Great Elephant is the star attraction of Les Machines de l'île on the Island of Nantes. It's 12m high, weighs 48 tonnes and is made out of industrial steel and wood. The level of detail in this machine is just incredible - the leathery ears, to the wiry eyelashes, to the wrinkles carved into the wood. We climbed aboard and rode this majestic machine for a slow journey along the island.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOsWV2KjJ2Q/?taken-by=lelongweekend

Destination: Le Plomb du Cantal, Massif central, France
Context: We weren't lucky with the level of snow when we visited the ski resort of Le Lioran in Cantal, France last week. But we took the cable car up le Plomb du Cantal and the views more than made up for the lack of white stuff. This picture was one of my last for the day - as the sun was setting - and just before we realised the last cable car was about to make its way back to base without us!

URL: https://instagram.com/p/BOnSzYBDb9Y/
Destination: al Dhafra Festival, outside Madinet Zayed, Western Region, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Context: an annual celebration of Bedouin culture held every December, the Al Dhafra Festival is an opportunity for visitors to the region to enjoy traditional life in the UAE. The highlight events include a camel beauty contest and camel racing; here we experienced the camels training in twilight for the following day's event.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOK4tg8gO2T/
Destination: Dublin, Ireland
Context: In winter it is only light for a few hours per day in Ireland giving everything an orange glow. This was taken around 3 pm about 30 minutes before sunset giving off the perfect reflection.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOnqGteAQvz/?hl=en

Destination: Tamarindo, Costa Rica. .

Context: We loved walking the length of this seemingly endless beach in Tamarindo

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOwsFO8A27-/

Destination: Niigata, Japan
Context: Tokyo's gain is Niigata's pain... the same mountains that block the worst of winter as it howls out of Siberia and across the Sea of Japan, keeping Tokyo clear and dry, force cloudloads of rain and snow onto the small cities and desiccated rice paddies of rural Niigata prefecture. Though you wouldn't know it from these pictures taken close to the Sea of Japan coast, which moderates temperatures somewhat,Niigata is actually one of the snowiest parts of Japan, the fabled "yukiguni" snow country from film and literature. And, Japan is the snowiest country in the world...

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOBCRLwgItJ/?taken-by=findinganeish
Destination: Sony Centre, Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany
Context: Nothing quite compares to Potsdamer Platz' Sony Centre, particularly at night. Said to have been inspired by Mount Fuji, the complex is covered with a canvas-esque elliptical roof that changes colour and seems to light up the sky, creating an unforgettable public space that is suitably theatrical given its cinematic character. The centre incorporates an IMAX cinema, a film museum and memorabilia from some of Sony's biggest movie franchises. As you can see, it's even more dramatic at Christmastime.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNX1G3kDLMx/

Destination: The Santa Cruz Trek, Huaraz, Peru
Context: The Santa Cruz Trek may never be as well known as the Inca Trail. There's no Machu Picchu at the end, after all. But with a lot less people and more spectacular peaks, it would be a shame to come all the way to Peru and miss it.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5P3JJjvmx/


Destination: Lima, Peru

Context: Ya know, cities never get too much credit for being beautiful, but most of them are alright if you look at them right. We snapped this photo of Lima from a rooftop in Barranco.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BNzdG9VBMlP/
Destination: Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, BC
Context: These two love birds are sisters and part of the over 200 exotic birds that you can see if you visit the Bloedel Conservatory. All the birds are either donated or rescued and the facility also has an amazing collection of tropical plants. Admission is only $6.50 so it's a great way to spend an afternoon inside.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN_QM_GBDJe
Destination: Riefel Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Vancouver, BC
Context: These sandhill cranes are the celebrities of the sanctuary. After braving the cold and watching some lovely waterfowl we came across this little family. Highlight of the day to have them so close!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOlmbtwBh8Q/
Destination: Capilano Dam in North Vancouver, BC
Context: I've been having such a great time exploring my hometown lately. On a recent last minute adventure my friend and I went to a place we'd driven past many times before to catch some lovely views before the sun went down. It was freezing cold but worth it.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BOGi5G7ABeq/?taken-by=knycx.journeying
Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru
Context: I enjoyed the world heritage greatly during the rainy season where there was no crowd and no clouds. I had a great hike up to the Sun Gate along the Inca Trail in the afternoon after walking through the ruins and I was greeted by the herds of llamas. That was amazing!

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BO8FuxXhfmU/?taken-by=annabruce_photography

Destination: Oaxaca, Mexico

Context: Musicians play at a Christmas celebration in the town of Espinal, Oaxaca. They are wearing traditional Istmeño costume, the girls in ornately embroidered Tehuanas.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BO8IYXmhNGG/?taken-by=annabruce_photography

Destination: Oaxaca, Mexico

Context: The route between Oaxaca City and Tehuantapec. I love the Oaxacan landscape - at times almost prehistoric in appearance.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/BO8GetDBmk8/?taken-by=annabruce_photography

Destination: Oaxaca, Mexico

Context: Crossing the track of 'The Beast' at sunset. The Beast is a good transport line that runs the length of Mexico from Guatamala. It is famous as a method for illegal migrants to cross the country on the way towards the U.S. In the Istmo people often give food to migrants passing on the train.

URL - https://www.instagram.com/p/BPRxrt8jlVo/?taken-by=johny.cook

Destination: Mackenzie Country, New Zealand

Context: While on a recent paddle board trip in New Zealand we would head out to catch the sunset or sunrise. Mackenzie country is a stunning part of the the south island where the mountains welcome you while draped in the evenings colours.

This post has been removed by its author.

URL - https://www.instagram.com/p/BOrFz_cDYcZ/?taken-by=johny.cook

Destination: Karamea, New Zealand

Context: A lot of people are put off by 'no exit' roads but I don't see why, unless you are running out of fuel. Karamea is a stunning place on the South Island which has caves and one epic arch. The Oparara Arch makes you feel like you are in a Indiana Jones film with popping greens and light pouring through.

URL - https://www.instagram.com/p/BOO2yWtjPnI/?taken-by=johny.cook

Destination: Lake Hawea, New Zealand

Context: I love having a fire especially when its by a lake with snow capped mountains at sunset. Lake Hawea was calm that evening in winter and we decided to take a swim. Our first goal was to build a fire as it would be pretty cold once we had dipped. The scene was set and the photo proves it was a stunning scene.

Hey guys..so forgive my ignorance here but it would appear people are still adding to these threads (What have you xxx? for December) and they closed back on the 3rd if I'm not mistaken. Are we putting January in the December thread(s) too or did I miss something? I assumed there would be a new thread for Jan.

Not being snarky...noobie learning the ropes : ). Thanks.

Maybe this is me posting that has caused this stir? I thought this was the December thread :|

I also just realised that I have to wait to be confirmed on the LP Pathfinders before I can use this thread, still waiting, apologies for that!

Hi Johny....not just you and not just this thread. Waaaay back on page one it says the cut off is Jan 2nd (and 3rd) I believe for IG, Blogs, and Videos. I've been getting notifications from all three threads and posted just to clarify (or get clarification).

Hey Pathfinders! :)
Thank you to everyone who submitted their Instagrams last month. As always the submissions were fantastic and your adventures look amazing.

Here are the Pathfinders that made it our round up - well done to you all:
@divergenttravelers

@adventurehiker
@lenatravelmonkey

@markshirran

@theworldpursuit

The final piece can be found here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2017/01/16/lp-pathfinders-top-instagrams-from-december-2016/
We hope you enjoy the round up and don't forget to keep Instagramming our wonderful planet! We look forward to seeing your upcoming shots -you can find the January call out here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/travel-bloggers-your-stories/topics/lp-pathfinders-what-did-you-instagram-this-month-january-d608e48a-514c-435c-a12f-dd67d374f667
Happy travels!

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