Photo © coastal_drifters

Our Favorite Travel Photos of 2020

In a year like no other, our Instagram community posted images that inspired us and challenged us to think differently about travel.

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By Ellen Hall

Editorial Producer

21 Dec 2020 - 4 Minute Read

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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our relationship with travel – in some ways forever, and not always for the worse. For this story, we chose some images, shared by our Instagram community, that most fully encapsulate this moment in time. Some recalled past travel experiences that stood out, or that they’re longing to have again. Some inspired us to be more mindful and grateful travelers once we’re free to roam the world. But all spoke to our undying love of travel.

A sea-snail vendor in Hoi An, Vietnam.
360nomad
A sea-snail vendor in Hoi An, Vietnam.

“Thuý sells sea snails from a red bucket on the back of her bicycle every day in Hoi An, Vietnam. It’s a job she’s been doing for more than 20 years. But over the past few weeks, more and more stores and restaurants have been closing in the Old Town due to COVID-19.” Read the full post here. – @360nomad

Hiking in Australia’s Blue Mountains National Park.
@nomadasaurus
Hiking in Australia’s Blue Mountains National Park.

“It’s been a rough year for tourism here, first with the bushfires and now with the pandemic, but our goal is to #AdventureNearNotFar and showcase just how amazing travel can be close to home while supporting our own communities.” – @nomadasaurus

The Northern Lights above the Lofoten Islands, Norway.
@donaldhyip
The Northern Lights above the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

“A night I’ll never forget. Can’t wait to chase the northern lights again someday!” – @donaldhyip

Hill of Buddha, Hokkaido, Japan.
@benrich__
Hill of Buddha, Hokkaido, Japan.

“At a time where there is a lot of bad news and mixed messages, I hope everyone is staying positive and productive. Here’s one from one of my favorite places in Hokkaido, Tadao Ando’s Hill of Buddha – a moment of calm amidst the current storm, you could say.” Read the full post here. – @benrich__

Saddle-shaped buildings at a traditional burial site in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
@mooremisadventures
Saddle-shaped buildings at a traditional burial site in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

“In 2017, we found ourselves at Loko Mata, a traditional burial site in Tana Toraja, a community tucked in the highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. In a place where the locals celebrate death as a milestone, we learned that the activities are endless.” Read the full post here. – @mooremisadventures

A road on the Isle of Skye, one of the most iconic road shots in Scotland.
@jenrosephotos
A road on the Isle of Skye, one of the most iconic road shots in Scotland.

“Trying to find the positives in all this madness is important. I'm not the type of person who can stay cooped up for long without becoming agitated. But I know it's for the safety of our communities. And it will be so good for nature to have this time, too.” Read the full post here. – @jenrosephotos

A remote road in Western Australia.
@coastal_drifters
A remote road in Western Australia.

“We are missing those long, dusty, red roads that take forever to get somewhere!” – @coastal_drifters

A couple taking engagement photos on the Xi’an City Wall.
@exploretounderstand
A couple taking engagement photos on the Xi’an City Wall.

“We stumbled upon this beautiful couple taking photos on the ancient Xi’an City Wall. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and good luck, so couples often pose in red for their engagement photos.” Read the full post here. – @exploretounderstand

Dunes in the Sahara Desert, Africa.
@remibum
Dunes in the Sahara Desert, Africa.

“The planet is also allowed to just rest and be for a while, too, which I’m sure she is very happy about. There’s gonna be some big changes, and possibly things will never go back to the way they were. This is a good chance to think about what’s important.” – @remibum

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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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