Photo © @masja_travels

Our Favorite Travel Photos of 2021 (so far)

Even with travel largely curtailed, our Instagram community found ways to inspire and amaze us. Here are 8 images celebrating travel in all its forms.

Ellen Hall's Profile Image

By Ellen Hall

Editorial Producer

26 Aug 2021 - 4 Minute Read

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We all hoped 2021 would mean a return to travel as we knew it (or ideally, even better). Things haven’t quite turned out that way. But despite the physical barriers to travel that still remain, our community found inspiration in memories of past experiences, discovered the joys of slow travel, and made plans to return to the places they love best. Here are some of our favorite images that we shared on our Instagram feed between January 1 and June 30 of this year.

Yamakoshi Mura, Niigata, Japan
@nomadasaurus
Yamakoshi Mura, Niigata, Japan

“The cities in Japan are cool, but the countryside is where you’ll find the real beauty.

A year ago we were jumping on a plane to Japan to explore some of the spots few travelers get to. It turned out to be our last international trip together, and we still daydream about misty sunrises over pine valleys, rugged remote beaches and delicious cuisine in tiny izakayas. Can’t wait to return to the land of the rising sun when life returns back to normal!” – @nomadasaurus

Inside a ger in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia.
@masja_travels
Inside a ger in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia.

“A look inside the ger, where the organs of a sheep are being boiled. Would you try it? I must admit I was happy being a vegetarian that day. It’s a pity there comes no smell with this photo!” – @masja_travels

Port Douglas, North Queensland
@drifters_au
Port Douglas, North Queensland

“When you stumble across something incredible... in a town you explore often...that you wouldn’t have discovered during a quick visit. This is why we love slow travel.” – @drifters_au

Khmer New Year, Ankgor Wat, Cambodia
@kellybeckta
Khmer New Year, Ankgor Wat, Cambodia

“Remembering the past and welcoming the future at Ankgor Wat. It’s April and I’m pleasantly engulfed in the tradition and culture of Cambodia's Khmer New Year celebrations. This important Cambodian holiday incorporates history, tradition, culture, family, and religion and is held over three days. All my senses are filled with the sounds of traditional dancing and music, the smell of local food, and the laughter that accompanies it.” – @kellybeckta  Read the full post here. 

Udaipur, the “City of Lakes”, India
@yaatragram
Udaipur, the “City of Lakes”, India

“To travel to Rajasthan is to leave behind the world of commotion and confusion, of gloomy grey concrete... In Rajasthan one encounters marvel after marvel, one is surprised by beauty in all its forms – real or imaginary – and enchantment at every turn.

I'm traveling there in my mind! Sending love and thinking of my friends in my favorite place.” – @yaatragram

Camping in Baja California, Mexico
@pushbikegirl
Camping in Baja California, Mexico

“Do you like camping as much as I do? I can’t get enough of it. Happy greetings from Baja California!” – @pushbikegirl 

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
@unchartedbackpacker
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

“When I was eleven years old I saw the movie Seven Years in Tibet for the first time. That movie projected me into a lifelong obsession with travel, adventure and as you can imagine, Tibet.

A few years back I spent two months exploring the Tibetan Plateau. This was one of the most life-changing experiences to date. When travel finally reopens, Tibet will be on the top of my list! Who is coming with me?” – @unchartedbackpacker

A darbar (shrine) in Multan, Pakistan
@kyh87
A darbar (shrine) in Multan, Pakistan

“Fifty shades of Monday blues.” - @kyh87

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Editorial Producer

Content producer in World Nomads' North America office, manager of the Stories and Explore sections, and resident bird nerd.

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