Top photographic destinations:

Holidays are all about relaxing and enjoying time away with your family. But with the emergence of the Facebook, a holiday isn’t a holiday unless you bring pictures back to show off to everyone.

Breathtaking landscapes, awe- inspiring wildlife, a rich tapestry of colour are on offer in Abercrombie & Kent’s definitive bucket list of the best photo holiday locations.

Here are their top 10 photographic destinations for travels:

Galapagos

Voted Best Green Destination at the World Travel Awards in 2012, the Galapagos Archipelago (pictured) is also one of the world’s most stunning and photogenic wildlife destinations. In 2013 A&K is pleased to announce two dedicated photographic expeditions on board MV Eclipse led by award winning wildlife photographer and Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society of London, Jonathan R. Green. Incorporated within the eight-day cruise programme, Jonathan conducts special workshops geared to any level of photographer, sharing practical tips and techniques with on board presentations and plenty of hands- on practice. 

Price guide: 11-day ‘Sail the Enchanted Isles Platinum’ from $8,685.

Bhutan

Photographers of all levels and interests will be enthralled by this opportunity to delve into the secrets of the Bhutanese Kingdom. The itinerary divides its time between the two distinctly different valleys of Paro and Punakha staying at COMO Hotels and Resorts’ exquisite adventure retreats in both spots - Uma Paro and the newly opened Uma Punakha. An experienced photographer accompanies the group inspiring location shoots and serendipitous meetings with friendly locals along the way.

Price guide: 8-day ‘Bhutan through a Lens’ from $3,906 (minimum 3 passengers).

Out of Africa

As witnessed in David Attenborough’s current documentary blockbuster, ‘Eye to Eye with the Unknown’, Africa is surely one of the world’s most photogenic continents. Difficult as it is to pick just one spot, the world famous Masai Mara is simply extraordinary. This is quintessential Africa where endless plains stretch far into the horizon, where huge herds of zebra, wildebeest and antelope gather on the savannah and predators follow, where a sole acacia tree etched against the setting sun provides a magical snapshot and where striking Maasai tribesmen provide a colourful diversion. This is where the safari originated and should be at the top of every photographer’s bucket list.

Price guide: ‘Wildlife & Warriors’ spends three nights in the mesmerising Masai Mara from $4,670

The White Continent

A voyage to Antarctica is a true trip of a lifetime. There is no more remote or pristine destination on earth. Its wildlife is abundant and, thanks to the almost total absence of human presence, easy to get close to ensuring exquisite photographic opportunities. Icebound landscapes and rugged scenery also produce dramatic compositions and there’s a specialist photo enrichment coach, Richard Harker, on journeys on board MV Le Boreal. A professional photographer for over 20 years specialising in underwater, wildlife and landscape photography, Richard is the perfect individual to share tips for capturing lasting memories on film or digitally.

Price guide: 12-day ‘Classic Antarctica’ is priced from $12,395 per person.

Mexico

Full of colour, culture, fascinating sights and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico is magic for photography enthusiasts. There are ancient Mayan and Aztec archaeological ruins aplenty, charming colonial architecture in all the colours of the rainbow, dense jungles, beautiful haciendas, richly decorated dancers, colourful markets and vibrant festivals. Picture postcard shots present themselves at every turn.

Price guide: 13-day ‘Mexico Discovered’ from $7,585 per person.

Colourful India

A visit to India is a visual delight – dazzling colours, a magical light and impressive monuments. There are fairs and festivals aplenty, dazzling arts and crafts, magnificent historical sites, spice-laden markets, beach temples and dreamy desert forts. Its landscapes too are startling with some of the world’s highest mountains, tranquil waterways and dramatic deserts plus wildlife aplenty with excellent chances of seeing tigers in the wild. There is no shortage of subject matter so take the time and capture the essence of this magical country through the lens.

Price guide: 8-Day ‘Royal Rajasthan’ (priced from $4,820), the 4-Day ‘Ranthambore Extension’ (priced from $1,675) and the 8-day ‘Backwaters of Kerala’ (priced from $1,650).

Peru

A visit to the Andean nation of Peru offers photo opportunities at every turn. There is the iconic majesty of Machu Picchu where the emerald grass and dense foliage of the cloud forest contrasts dramatically with the ancient grey stones of the ruins. There are the colourful textiles of the Sacred Valley, flashes of colour in rural surrounds. Deep in the Amazon, abundant bird and wildlife can be captured through a zoom lens while the coast offers more dramatic desert scenes, rock formations and blue seas.

Price guide:  9-day ‘Glimpse of Peru’ from $4,995 is the perfect starting point to cover off on the country’s highlights. Add the 4-day ‘Peruvian Amazon’ (from $1,720) and the 3-day ‘Paracas & Nazca’ (from $1,850) for greater diversity.

Captivating Chile

An exciting new series of expeditions is now available in Chile designed by explora and sponsored by Nikon Inc., combining adventure and photography. Guests will be able to hone their photography skills under the expert guidance of a renowned photographer who has spent years capturing the exquisite landscapes which Chile is renowned for. An expert guide also accompanies each expedition, sharing information about the beautiful landscapes being visited. The journeys visit Patagonia with its landscapes of mountains, glaciers and crystal clear lakes and Atacama where there is dramatic contrast between light, shade and colour: the burning red desert at sunset, the verdant green of the oases and the crystalline white of salt lakes laid out between the Andes Mountains.

Price guide: 9-day ‘Chilean photographic expedition’ departs year-round (except June-July) and is from $7,049.

Magical Morocco

Dust, desert, souks and spices – Morocco is both colourful and exotic. Home to an assortment of vibrant cultures and varied architecture it is especially rewarding for professional and amateur photographer alike. The geometric patterns of rich mosaic tiles on walls and floors in the mosques and riads are dazzling and in every souk there are colourful textiles, crafts and mounds of spices and a pulse that’s electric. Candid street photography can deliver exceptional results and the patient artist can spend an entire day in Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna square just watching life unfold. There are acrobats, snake charmers, juice and dried fruit stalls, water sellers with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, and a steady throng of people.

Price guide: 8-day ‘Imperial Cities’ from $5,110 per person.

The Aussie Outback

Closer to home our own Northern Territory presents a wealth of photographic substance. The rich earthy colours of the landscape in contrast with the endless blue sky are a dream through the lens. The soaring red gorges and crystal clear billabongs, the wetlands teeming with birdlife, crocodiles and beautiful water lilies, all are beautifully captured through the lens. There are galleries of indigenous rock art and sculptural termite mounds, pandanus palms and dazzling sunsets. For action shots, there are quad bike trips through the scrub, barramundi fishing and walking trails to follow. Create your next album on an Australian adventure.

Price guide: 5-day ‘Escape: Brolgas & Billabongs’ from $1,895 per person.

Vietnam

Vietnam is one of South-east Asia’s most photogenic countries as well as being a top luxury destination. There’s the spectacular scenery of mountains, beaches and paddy fields, bustling streetscapes, ancient monuments and colourful street markets. For the food photographer there are opportunities galore with cooking classes, visits to markets overflowing with fresh produce and everywhere you look a smiling obliging face willing to pose or be candidly captured on film.

Price guide: 8-day ‘Escapes: Taste of Vietnam’ from $1,895.