travel themed photo album

Travel Photo Albums

from €22.99

Beautiful Photo Books with collages full of memories and full-page photos that show off your favorite moments. Automatically designed for you by Journi, so that you only need to personalize it!

Auto-Generated Maps

Flights & passport stamps, quality assured, timelines designed for you in seconds, 6 million happy users, journi books are travel photo books.

We’re not called Journi by coincidence - we have travel photo albums in our DNA! Telling stories of our adventures is how Journi began, and that’s why our vacation photo albums are unrivalled.

Through technical wizardry, the Journi Print app automatically creates maps of your adventures for your travel photo album, showing off your route and the places you’ve explored. Tell your story to friends and family so clearly they’ll think they were there, whether it’s with a honeymoon photo album, a family vacation photo book, or a 6 month travel album.

When creating a vacation travel album for a tour of different states and countries, or a travel photo book covering many months and national borders, Journi adds stickers for the flights you’ve taken and collects passport stamps for all the countries you’ve visited. So your travel photo album can even tell the story of your adventure for you!

Zero Cropping

You wouldn’t want your once-in-a-lifetime memories to be cropped, would you? You can’t risk that the kangaroo’s head will be missing from the front cover of your Tour of Australia album! That’s why we only use the latest photo book printing technology, in order to ensure that your photos aren’t cropped and that the colours come out as expected.

Quality Photo Books

Journi stands for top quality travel photo books, because that’s what our memories deserve! Each Journi product is meticulously inspected against strict Quality Assurance standards before it leaves the production site to be delivered straight to your door.

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Make your adventures last a lifetime

When we step outside of our usual routines and find ourselves in an exotic and unfamiliar place, magical things can happen. Inspiration flows, energy abounds and new relationships spark. Whether your magical moments are from a weekend getaway, family holiday or that once-in-a-lifetime big adventure, capturing those stories in a beautiful MILK Travel Photo Book will let you relive them and inspire generations to come.

Travel Photo Books

Wherever you go, whatever you do, every trip or holiday is an unforgettable chapter in your life and nothing compares to seeing these moments preserved in a beautiful MILK Travel Photo Book . Our premium quality paper will bring your photos to life. Add custom text to create the perfect story of your adventure and share it with those you love.

Softcover Travel Photo Books

Softcover Travel Photo Books are perfect for every adventure big or small. Create a collection of your travels or preserve that special weekend away. The template designs will allow you to introduce your story with beautiful panoramic shots and fill the pages with memories from your travels.

Explore more >

Classic Travel Photo Books

Whether it’s your backpacking adventure or your child’s first steps in the ocean, a beautiful Classic Linen-covered Travel Photo Book, will bring any travel story to life.

Premium Travel Photo Books

Our timeless, Premium Travel Photo Books are the best way to preserve your most special travel memories with 4 archival paper options and premium cover fabric options. Our new Designer Cover templates add a unique start to your journey with subtly raised inks adding new depth to your books finish. Perfect for the romantic honeymoon or that trip of a lifetime.

Moleskine Travel Photo Books

When you travel, there are so many moments and stories you want to remember and a Moleskine Travel Photo Book is a stunning way to capture them. Loved by creatives the world over, Moleskine materials include the signature Ivory paper, rounded corners and elastic closure, stitched in a range of styles to match your adventure. Create a travel journal featuring your best travel shot on the cover and store any mementos in the classic Moleskine inner pocket.

Handcrafted using traditional book-making techniques and an iconic black hardcover, our Moleskine Photo Books are the perfect record-keeper of every adventure. Preserve your journey with the effortless high-quality Moleskine books are renown for.

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What our customers are saying

Our Top Picks

We have selected some of our most exquisite and popular travel memoirs to help you find what's right for you.

Medium Portrait Premium Photo Album

From $234 $141 USD

6.4 x 8.6'' (16.3 x 21.8cm) 24-64 thick board (1mm) pages* Lay-flat, flush-mount binding Premium printing Premium fabric hardcover

Large Portrait Premium Photo Book

From $129 $91 USD

9.5 x 12.7'' (24.1 x 32.3cm) 24-200 archival paper pages Premium printing Stitched binding Premium fabric hardcover

Medium Landscape Premium Photo Album

8.6 x 6.4'' (21.8 x 16.3cm) 24-64 thick board (1mm) pages* Lay-flat, flush-mount binding Premium printing Premium fabric hardcover

Frequently asked questions

How do you recommend i create a collection of my travels.

The perfect home for life's small or great adventures, our handcrafted travel photo books will allow you to relive the memories for generations to come. Our travel photo books are comprised of Softcover , Classic , Premium and Moleskine Photo Book ranges, as well as Classic and Premium Photo Albums .

See our tips below to help you get started on your travel photo book collection:

• Use the same product range and size for a cohesive display
• Change the cover fabric to distinguish different destinations
• Tell your travel story with accompanying text and photo captions
• Select templates that showcase your travel photos beautifully

Bring your travel adventures to life and start creating today either in the MILK Design Studio or via Apple Photos on your Mac. Plus, get inspired by the books other travellers are creating in the MILK Gallery .

What would you recommend for a small getaway?

We think our Softcover Photo Books , Classic Small Landscape Photo Books and Premium Medium Landscape Photo Books are perfectly suited to hold the memories of a small getaway. Featuring 24-200 archival quality paper pages, durable binding, plenty of customization options and vibrant printing, they're a great way to bring your travels to life. While both great, we recommend the Premium option if you can afford it. The center stitching means the book will open to lie near flat, meaning you can showcase sweeping vistas with double-page image templates. You also have more cover options with our Premium range; you can choose one of your favorite photos for the cover image; opt for simple text; or get creative with one of our stylish Designer Cover templates. Our Classic range is a great affordable option that still sits above many of the other high-end options you see other brands produce.

What format would you recommend to showcase my world trip?

Preserve your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in a format worthy of the occasion. We recommend a Large Premium Photo Book or Album . If you're confused about the difference between books and albums, see here . If you're able to select your top photos with ease, consider an album which offers 24-64 thick board pages. A superior format with lay-flat binding, your album can lay flat on a coffee table to beautifully display your travel memories. If you have hundreds of photos you want to preserve in print, our Premium Photo Books offer up to 200 paper pages and thousands of image templates.

Can I include descriptions to accompany my travel photos?

Yes, adding captions and descriptions are a great way to tell your travel story . Text templates or image and text templates are available across all our product ranges including MILK Photo Books , Moleskine Photo Books and all MILK Photo Albums . Once you've selected your format and started creating, you'll see a number of templates within the Design Studio that include text. Simply add a caption to an image or fill a full page with your travel highlights. Alternatively, use an uncoated paper option if you want to add handwritten captions once your book or album has arrived. Another pro-tip is you can leave a few spreads blank and add things like postcards or polaroids directly to the page. Also, our Moleskine Photo Books have a pocket on the inside cover that can be used to safely keep little travel mementos like ticket stubs and other souvenirs.

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Make a travel photo book

Preserve your memories, share your adventure, and sell your travel tips.

• Travel books made easy Make a vacation or travel photo book with your images and your words using free book layout software that’s as easy as drag and drop.
• Bookstore quality Formats for every project: Travel photo books are made to impress, while trade books and magazines are priced to sell.
• Print 1 or 1,000 Print one book at a time or print in volume with offset for deeper discounts and a lower per unit cost.

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Publishing travel photo books made easy.

• Sell your book Market your self-published travel book on your website, the Blurb Bookstore, Amazon, or local bookstores.
• Find resources Photographer in need of copy? Or travel author looking for self-publishing tips? We have the info you need to create, print, and sell!
• Share Your Book Share a preview of your travel photo book via social media. You can also use this widget on your blog or website to allow people to preview and buy your travel book.

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The 12 Best Travel Photo Book Makers of 2024

Create a forever keepsake and preserve your precious vacation memories with a photo book.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

You Might Also Want

• Tips for Choosing
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

The old cliché dictates that a picture is worth a thousand words, and certainly photos are one of the best souvenirs you can bring home when you travel. But, let’s be honest: how often do you really scroll back through your phone reel or revisit those online albums? A photo book is a much more tangible, attractive way to keep those memories safe and accessible forever. 

There are many photo book makers out there, all with slightly different offerings. Some specialize in simple, budget-friendly books that you can make for every trip while others excel at luxurious coffee table art books meant to commemorate once-in-a-lifetime adventures . We’ve researched the best options to help you choose the right photo book maker for your next vacation — and beyond.

Best Overall

Artifact uprising.

The gorgeous, high-quality products come in a range of styles and materials to suit all tastes and budgets. 

You won’t find themed layouts or same-day production here. 

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly softcover photo book to add to your travel collection or a premium layflat coffee table book to commemorate your destination wedding, Artifact Uprising has you covered. The company offers a full range of photo book sizes, shapes, and layouts including some more unusual options (board books for babies, for example, or Insta-friendly books designed especially for square images). Each book promises exceptional print quality and durable construction. 

You can customize every aspect of your photo book, although options vary depending on the product you choose. Examples include cover color and material (with possibilities including softcover, hardcover, linen, and leather), foil stamping, paper finish, the layout of your photos and text, and the page count. Most templates include 20 pages with an additional fee for each page thereafter. You won’t find colorful themes here; all products print on white paper for a clean, uncluttered look that puts your images front and center. 

For the most professional result possible, consider paying extra to collaborate with one of the company’s in-house design specialists. Production times vary from three to eight days depending on the complexity of your project. There are also four shipping options that range from standard to rush.

Best Budget

Their full range of customizable templates and colored backgrounds makes it easy to get the look you want. 

Expect additional fees for any project over 20 pages, upgraded paper, and finish choices. 

Although Snapfish also offers costlier products, their classic photo books are some of the most affordable out there. If you opt for a 7x5 or 6x8 softcover or hardcover book and stick to the included 20-page limit, you can easily spend under $20. Affordable upgrades include premium gloss pages and/or a matte cover; but bear in mind that extra pages can quickly add up. Making your photo book is simple. Choose the size and orientation, then design your own from scratch or use one of many premade templates.

Travel-themed templates include roadtrip, destination stamps, and tropical beach escape . After personalizing them with your photos and text. you can change the background color and add embellishments to each page. Optional layflat binding is worth the extra cost for seamless double-page spreads. If you find yourself with extra room in the budget, you can upgrade to a linen or leather cover. Production times vary, with the quickest delivery taking around three days with rushed shipping, but there are four total shipping options to cater to every budget.

Easiest to Use

Shutterfly’s in-house designers can create a photo book for you in 24 hours; all you have to do is provide your images. 

If you’re in a hurry, bear in mind that rush production and delivery is only available for certain products.

Most photo book makers require you to upload your images and then manually build each page or use an auto-uploader to add the pictures to a premade template. The first option is time consuming and the second often results in images being cropped or grouped in strange ways. Shutterfly offers a third option: upload your photos, then let an in-house designer create your book for you in 24 hours. Upon reviewing their design, you can order as-is or tweak it to suit your specifications. 

Best of all? This design service is offered free of charge. You can even use the Shutterfly app to upload photos directly from your phone. If you don’t want to use this service, no problem. You can still create photo books manually or use the faster autofill option. There are plenty of templates to choose from, with six square and rectangular size options and four cover types (softcover, matte or glossy hardcover, or premium leather). Production and delivery can take between one and 10 business days depending on the product and shipping option selected.

Best Themed Templates

Mixbook photo book.

With more than 700 themed templates to choose from, there’s an option for every kind of vacation. 

Not all templates offer the same number of free pages, so be sure to check before deciding. 

Mixbook photo books are divided into three main types: hardcover, softcover, and layflat for those seamless double-page spreads. Whichever you go for, there are more than 700 templates to choose from. These can be browsed by category with categories like year in review, seasonal, and, of course, templates for every major life event from weddings to baby’s first year. Travel-specific templates include options for photos only, or photos and text in a dizzying array of different layouts. 

Some are customizable to any trip while others are specific to certain adventures with themed graphics, text, and embellishments. There’s one for Disney trips , another for Royal Caribbean cruises, and another for national park adventures. You can also start with a completely blank canvas. Books can be landscape, portrait, or square and there are different paper and cover finishes to choose from. Production typically takes one to two business days with four shipping options available.

Best for Complex Designs

Canva photo books.

More than just a photo book maker, Canva lets you edit your photos and share your design with a team of collaborators. 

Some templates and features are only available with a paid Canva Pro account. 

For full creative freedom, choose Canva. Decide on a landscape or square book, then choose a hard or softcover. Next, browse thousands of templates (including a category dedicated to travel) and upload images from your phone, tablet, or desktop. All templates are fully customizable, which means you can change the font, the colors, and add icons and graphics. You can also edit your photos as you go with options to crop and rotate, adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation, and enhance with different filters and frames. 

All layouts can be adjusted to suit the number of photos you want on each page. If you upgrade to Canva Pro, you can remove backgrounds with a single click (kind of like cutting and pasting elements of real photos for a traditional scrapbook.) Canva autosaves as you go and creates an editing link that you can share to ask for input from friends and family. Recycled packaging and free standard shipping round out this company’s benefits.

Best for Simple Designs

Chatbooks is affordable and easy to use with the option to subscribe for repeat orders. 

Customization options are limited.  

If your photo book goals are a little less ambitious, opt for stackable, collectible designs from Chatbooks. The company’s classic photo books offer high quality printing at a price tag that’s reasonable enough to justify regular creations (if you like, you can even sign up for a monthly subscription.) How do they do this? By keeping things simple. You won’t find fancy templates or colored backgrounds, or an endless array of customizable graphics and fonts.

Instead, upload photos from your desktop or phone. Then, decide how many you want to appear on each page. If the answer is just one, choose whether you want it to cover the full page or have a white border around it. You can leave the layout text-free or add a simple location tag and/or caption. Other design choices include the book’s size, whether it has a hard or softcover, the color of the spine, and the cover. Books are made in the U.S. and include a generous 30 pages, with the option to buy more up to a total of 366. Standard shipping is free.

Best for Fast Printing

Walmart photo.

Walmart lets you design, order, and collect your photo book in-store, all on the same day. 

Most photo books must be no more than 40 pages to be eligible for same-day pickup. 

Walmart offers a solution for anyone who’s designing a photo book on a deadline, with more than 80 layouts that can be created online and then picked up in-store on the same day. You can choose from a variety of square and rectangular sizes in several different styles including softcover, matte and glossy hardcover; layflat; and premium layflat (with extra thick pages and a matte finish). Alternatively, upgrade to a linen or leather cover, or opt for a die-cut style that showcases your favorite image through a window. 

There are many themed templates to choose from, though most of them are fairly basic (don’t expect Canva-level creative flair.) Most templates include 20 pages with the option to buy more, but be aware that there’s usually a 40-page limit if you want to pick your book up the same day. If you have a little more time to work with and want extra pages, you can also opt for home delivery with free shipping on orders over $35.

Best Coffee Table Books

Once upon photo books.

Once Upon focuses on simple layouts that can be shared with and edited by multiple people. 

Designs may be a little too basic for fans of complex templates and embellishments. 

Once Upon offers three options for simple yet visually striking coffee table books. These include large and medium hardcover photo books with a sturdy build and a title of your choice printed on the spine, and medium softcover books for a flexible, lightweight feel that’s reminiscent of a luxury magazine. Choose whether you want silk matte or glossy pages, then create your book by uploading pictures directly from your phone, tablet, or desktop. 

Layouts are simple, with no themed templates, background colors, or fancy fonts. Instead, choose the number of photos you want featured on each page and let Once Upon create a collage automatically on the white background. You can edit the order in which they appear and add simple captions or separate text pages. Want to collaborate with your co-travelers? Share the editing link or QR code to get their input. The first 20 pages are included with a maximum of 200 available. Expect delivery in six to 12 business days.

Best Board Books

Pinhole press.

From their wipeable pages to their easy-turn binding, board books from Pinhole Press are designed especially with little kids in mind. 

The number of included pages varies from one template to the next, and not all templates allow you to add more. 

If you love the idea of making a photo book for the baby or toddler in your life but want it to last more than a few hours, check out Pinhole Press. Their board books are made especially for little people with rigid, high-gloss pages that can be wiped clean of errant crumbs or juice drops. A spiral binding makes for seamless page turning, while the 5.25 x 5.25 inch size is ideal for tiny hands. We love the clear, bright photos and just-right text size. 

There are lots of different templates to choose from, including a story board book that’s perfect for commemorating baby’s first vacation. The company also offers educational templates (think ABCs, colors, emotions, count with me, and my first cookbook options). Some have space for a fixed number of pages and photos while others let you pay to add more. For slightly older kids, consider Pinhole’s Itty Bitty books (miniature sized for long journeys) or their All About books with space for 10 photos alongside fill-in prompts your child can write on.

Best Mini Books

Nations photo lab albums.

Buzz Books are cost-effective and require minimal storage space, making them the perfect collector’s item.

Beyond choosing which photo appears on each page, customization options are very limited. 

Nations Photo Lab offers a full range of photo book products including templates for everything from travel to weddings and boudoir photography. Depending which one you choose, you can customize the binding, cover material, page thickness, and more. We particularly like their Buzz Books for those in search of something simple. At 6 x 6 inches, they’re both small enough and affordable enough to justify purchasing one for every trip. 

There are more than 120 pre-designed, soft-touch covers to choose from (you can also create your own) but the inside of each Buzz Book is the same: 40 pages, with one photo per page. The photos are printed on professional-quality Mohawk Matte paper against a white background for full visual effect. There are multiple shipping options available, including USPS First Class which delivers in two to six business days.

Best Sustainable

Paper culture.

Paper Culture photo books are made with recycled paper and every order placed equals a tree planted.  

Shipping rates are relatively expensive. 

Paper Culture is a certified Green Business that offsets its carbon footprint and has been recognized by the EPA as a Top 10 climate leader. All photo books use 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and with a tree planted for every order, you can feel good about your purchase on multiple levels. Books are 8 x 8 or 8 x 10 inches and you can choose a hardcover, a layflat hardcover, or a layflat with a foil-embossed Kraft cover and personalized dust jacket. 

There are multiple templates divided into categories such as travel, holiday, or wedding. Whichever you go for, you’ll be able to create an end result that’s entirely unique since all elements are customizable. Choose the layout and order of your photos, add text in different fonts and colors, and change the background color of each page. Templates include 20 pages with the possibility of purchasing more. Shipping options range from standard to next-day express.

Best Video Books

Heirloom lets you add up to one hour of video to a physical book that plays original audio with crystal clear quality. 

Video books can show vertical or horizontal footage, but not both. 

For a slightly different approach to preserving your travel memories, consider Heirloom which adds your videos to a physical book so that they can be looked at and enjoyed over and over again. Each book includes a five-inch HD screen. You can choose for yours to be oriented horizontally or vertically (more appropriate for those that typically shoot footage on their phone.) There are three options: up to 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or one hour. 

Here’s how it works: purchase your video book online, then receive an email with instructions on how to add video using the online builder. Your book will then be created and mailed to you. You don’t have to limit yourself to video. The books can also display photos as a slideshow and even mix photos and videos together. Add a personal message. Then, choose from 16 premade covers or pay extra for a custom cover printed with your own design. All video books include a charger and expedited delivery is a possibility.

If you're looking for creative ways to display and share your travel photos, you aren't limited to photo books. There are a few other options when it comes to memorializing your trip.

Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame : A digital picture frame is a great way to display a lot of pictures without spending a fortune on paper. Simply upload photos from your phone or computer directly to the frame and watch your snapshots cycle through on the high-resolution screen.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer : Print individual photos on the go with this smartphone printer that's travel-sized and easy to use. After connecting to your phone via Bluetooth, it only takes about 15 seconds to print out a 2-by-3-inch photo.

Tips for Choosing a Photo Book Website

Consider turnaround time.

If you need your photo book in a hurry, make sure to take production and delivery times into consideration when choosing which company to use. A handful — usually more budget-friendly ones — offer same-day production and the option to collect in-store, which is ideal for last-minute gifts . Others take several days to produce your book, but then offer expedited or rushed shipping to cut delivery time down to a minimum. Others can take two or more weeks to deliver. Check product descriptions carefully, since turnaround times can differ within the same company depending on the size and complexity of the photo book you choose. 

Look closely at the templates offered

Think about your desired photo book aesthetic and then look for a company with templates to match. These can vary from the simplistic (your photos and perhaps some text on a plain white background) to the complex (different background colors and designs, optional filters and frames, the ability to create collages and add text bubbles or other graphics.) Some companies offer templates that have been pre-designed to suit a specific theme, whether that’s travel in general or a Disney trip, tropical cruise, or camping adventure . 

Prioritize ease of use

If you have a background in design or count scrapbooking among your hobbies, you may relish in the challenge of building a photo book from scratch. But if you’re pressed for time or simply don’t want to spend hours choosing which photos go where and how to make them look their best, look for a photo book maker that does the hard work for you. This can either be through an autofill service that arranges your photos on the page (usually, you can tweak this afterwards) or through a collaboration over email or live chat with one of the company’s in-house designers. The latter service often costs extra but sometimes, as with Shutterfly, is offered free of charge. 

Image quality is key

The most important thing when making a photo book is ensuring that the photos look as good as possible. This means choosing a professional, well-reviewed company that uses quality paper and printing methods. It also means submitting photos that are good quality . Most photo book companies will have guidelines for optimum image size and resolution, and others will come up with a warning message if the image you’ve selected is not of a sufficiently high quality. You can usually choose to use it anyway, but be prepared for it to look a little grainy or pixelated. Top tip: use your lowest resolution photos for the smallest spaces on collage pages. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most photo book makers can be used on your tablet or smartphone, either via a mobile-friendly website or with a special app. Just bear in mind that complicated layouts or photo books with lots of collage pages are often much easier to view and organize on a larger screen. 

The cost of a photo book varies hugely from under $20 to over $200. The price depends on which company you use but also on the size of the photo book, how many pages you want, and the materials you choose. Most templates include some pages in their starting price (20-25 on average), with a per-page fee for longer books. Softcover books are typically the cheapest, followed by hardcover and then linen and leather options. Traditional binding is cheaper than layflat, but layflat looks much better if you’re planning on having photos extend across a double page spread. Other factors that could increase cost include custom covers, premium paper finishes, design assistance, and expedited shipping. 

You want to find a company that prints photos that look as close as possible to the original, whether it was taken on a professional DSLR camera or downloaded from Facebook or Instagram. Images shouldn’t look grainy, blurry, or over- or undersaturated. Choose a photo book maker that uses professional printers and high-quality paper, and be sure to check customer reviews for the best insight into the kind of results you can expect. Don’t forget, though, pictures can only ever look as good as they were to begin with. So choose the crispest, best resolution images you have and use a light hand when editing them for a natural look. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald is a published photographer with a passion for finding new ways to preserve and display her travel photos. For this article, she drew on her own experience with photo book makers and also spent several hours researching the best options online. She compared services, prices, and reviews before choosing her category winners.

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12 Unbelievable Iceland Locations That Belong in Your Photo Album

Posted: June 24, 2024 | Last updated: June 24, 2024

If you think Iceland is just a giant ice cube somewhere in the Atlantic, prepare to have your mind blown—and your camera never put down. This magical island is a dream, boasting scenery that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale.

With dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacial lagoons, Iceland is a playground for photographers, amateurs and pros alike. So grab your camera because these photography spots are guaranteed to amp up your photo game.

1. Kirkjufell Mountain

Ah, Kirkjufell. You know that mountain you saw numerous times while binging “Game of Thrones?” Yep, this is it. Known as “Church Mountain,” Kirkjufell is basically Iceland’s supermodel mountain —it just can’t take a bad picture.

Standing tall at over 1,500 feet, its distinctive shape makes it an absolute show-off in any snapshot. And if you really want to crank up the epic factor, get a shot with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. It’s basically like the mountain saying, “Oh, you’re taking my picture? Let me give you my best angle.”

• Best time to visit : Sunset, when the sky lights up in colors that would make Monet weep.

2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Picture this: giant chunks of ice doing the backstroke in a serene, blue lagoon. That’s Jökulsárlón for you—a glacier lagoon that looks like nature decided to flex its artistic muscles. It even comes with seals showing off on their icy lounge chairs and the epic backdrop of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Believe you me, your camera won’t know what hit it. Snap a photo here, and you’ll have everyone thinking you’ve discovered a new level of cool. Literally.

• Best time to visit : Early morning, to catch the calm before the tourist storm.

3. Diamond Beach

Right next to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is nature’s answer to a fancy jewelry store. With glistening ice chunks scattered across black sand like a diamond-studded soirée. The contrast between the sparkling ice and the dark volcanic sand? Absolutely mesmerizing.

It’s the universe’s way of saying, “Look, humans, I can be fabulous too!” You might even find yourself feeling a bit underdressed. Your followers will be drooling like kids in a candy store when you share this one.

• Best time to visit : Just after sunrise, when the ice glows against the dark sand.
• Discover More: Speaking of beauty and that little thing called wanderlust, ever wish you could time travel to visit those jaw-dropping national parks you somehow missed out on ? Yeah, me too.

4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Hold onto your hats because Seljalandsfoss isn’t just any old waterfall. This beauty gives you the rare chance to actually walk behind the cascade , making you feel like you’re inside a magical, natural water dome.

Just imagine looking out through a curtain of water in awe of your surroundings. Pro tip: don’t forget a waterproof cover for your gear unless you want your camera to take an unscheduled swim. It’s definitely a splash-tastic adventure you won’t want to miss!

• Best time to visit : Late afternoon for a golden-hour glow.

5. Geysir Geothermal Area

Let’s talk geysers. In Iceland, they’re kind of a big deal, and the Geysir Geothermal Area is basically their MVP. Meet Strokkur, the star of the show, erupting every 5-10 minutes and launching boiling water up to 65 feet high.

Timing that perfect shot can feel like trying to catch a popcorn kernel mid-air, but the results will make you look like a pro. It’s a splashy spectacle that’s totally worth the effort – and yes, waiting for that precise moment can make you feel like a geyser paparazzi.

• Best time to visit : Midday, for the best light to capture the eruption.

6. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is the poster child for rugged beauty. It has steep cliffs so dramatic they would make a soap opera jealous and greenery so lush it could turn even the most hardcore city slicker into a nature lover. This stunner stretches about 1.2 miles long and plunges more than 325 feet deep —plenty of room for you to find your perfect angle.

If you squint, you might even convince yourself you’re walking through a scene straight out of a fantasy novel. Just make sure to watch your step and try not to fall into a moody daydream.

• Best time to visit : Early morning, to avoid the crowds and catch the mist rising.
• Discover More: Ever feel like life is a bit too safe and cushy? Spice it up by reading about some dangerous trails you should hike at least once —because who needs both ankles anyway?

7. Landmannalaugar

If you’re someone who swoons over vibrant colors, then Landmannalaugar is basically going to be your version of Disneyland. Situated in the highlands, this beauty is famous for its multicolored rhyolite mountains that look like they’ve been sprinkled with magic dust.

Oh, and let’s not forget the geothermal hot springs—you can literally soak in nature’s hot tub amidst this riot of color. It’s like gallivanting through an artist’s palette, and even your most blasé friends will be drooling over your photos.

• Best time to visit : Late summer at sunset, when the hiking trails are open, and the colors are most vivid.

8. Dyrhólaey Arch

Let’s chat about the Dyrhólaey Arch, a colossal natural arch lounging on Iceland’s southern coast . Not only does it serve up jaw-dropping views of those Insta-famous black sand beaches and the Atlantic doing its thing, but the arch itself is like a catwalk model.

And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s practically a puffin paradise! Those little guys are just hanging out, acting like they’re on holiday. It’s a photographic jackpot that will have your camera begging for a break.

• Best time to visit : Midday to late afternoon for the best light and puffin sightings.

9. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Speaking of black sand beaches, Reynisfjara is the rock star of them all. Famous for its eerie basalt columns that look like nature’s very own Lego set, and waves so powerful they’ll make you rethink that beach picnic . This place will blow your flip-flops off ( literally, if you aren’t careful! ).

Keep an eye on the tide while you’re at it—those waves aren’t messing around (seriously, they advise against swimming as you can be swept out to sea). And getting soaked by an Icelandic wave is not the kind of surprise you want in your travel diary. Take your pics fast and run for cover!

• Best time to visit : Early morning for the best light and fewer people.

10. Látrabjarg Cliffs

Hold onto your binoculars because Látrabjarg Cliffs aren’t just the westernmost point of Iceland— they’re the westernmost point of Europe . Talk about being at the edge of the world!

Home to millions (yes, millions) of birds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, this place is a five-star avian resort. And the cliffs are photogenic enough to make any landscape jealous, but let’s be honest, the real stars are the puffins strutting around like they own the joint.

• Best time to visit : Late June at sunset, during puffin nesting season.
• Discover More: While they don’t have puffins, South Africa does have some incredible bird life . Imagine trading your soggy seaside view for the thrilling quest of spotting a flashy lilac-breasted roller on a safari.

11. Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

Sure, it’s touristy, but come on, the Blue Lagoon is iconic for a reason. The milky-blue waters contrasting against dramatic black lava fields—HELLO, it’s a photographer’s dream. And it’s not just the visual appeal. You also get to soak in a steamy geothermal spa that feels like a luxurious hot tub .

Seriously, who wouldn’t want to float around in this surreal paradise while pretending they’re in a high-end commercial? It’s a win-win—ultimate relaxation and enviable photos all in one go.

• Best time to visit : Late afternoon, when the steam creates an ethereal atmosphere.

12. Skógafoss Waterfall

And finally, we can’t forget about Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s legendary waterfalls. This bad boy drops a whopping 200 feet and stretches 80 feet wide—basically, it’s the Arnold Schwarzenegger of waterfalls.

The sheer force will blow your mind, and if you’re feeling extra lucky (or just happen to catch the right light), you might even spot a double rainbow . Yup, that’s right—two rainbows for the price of one (we know what you’re thinking, and we thought it too). It’s the best kind of BOGO deal.

• Best time to visit : Early morning or late afternoon to catch the rainbows.
• Discover More: Sure, Iceland’s Northern Lights are cool and all, but did you know there are other places with equally dazzling celestial shows? Check out our list of national parks where you have a good chance of spotting them on your visit .

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Celebrate Juneteenth at these Maine events

The holiday is Wednesday, but events start this weekend and run through the end of the month.

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Westbrook Middle School students Bella Zollarcoffer, Priscila Nzolameso and Sarikong Oak held tables educating and informing the community on Black hair history at Westbrook’s Juneteenth celebration last year. Cullen McIntyre/Staff Photographer

Juneteenth, which became both a federal and state holiday in 2021 , celebrates the anniversary of federal troops’ arrival in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure all enslaved people had been freed. This year, the holiday falls on Wednesday, but celebrations are happening over the next two weeks.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. –  Indigo Arts Alliance presents The Welcome Table, an intergenerational symposium celebrating global cultural and culinary histories. Activities include art, movement and meditation workshops led by activists and cultural workers. 60 Cove St., Portland.  indigoartsalliance.me

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –  Victoria Mansion is hosting a community day with free admission and a recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation by local actors. 109 Danforth St. Portland.  victoriamansion.org

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –  Space and the Tate House Museum are putting on a Juneteenth community day with free admission and tours of Ashley Page’s “Imagining Freedom” exhibit at the museum. The historical art piece puts viewers into the shoes of an enslaved woman named Bet. 1267 Westbrook St., Portland.  space538.org Advertisement

1-6:30 p.m. –  The first event of “The City that Carries Us: Pain, Streets, and Heartbeats” will take place at the Public Theatre in Lewiston. The celebration will have a parade and a block party with performances, as well as scheduled activities and rituals throughout the day. It is hosted by the organization Maine Inside Out. 31 Maple St., Lewiston, maineinsideout.org

2-3 p.m. –  Through “Poems of Reckoning and Resilience,” the Portland Museum of Art and Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance seek to honor the legacy of Black Americans. Featured poet Nathan McClain will join local poets in the Great Hall at the museum to celebrate Black liberation and creativity. The museum is also offering free admission Saturday through Monday, in celebration of both Juneteenth and Pride Month. 7 Congress Square, Portland.  mainewriters.org

11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. –  The fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on House Island in Casco Bay will focus on Black joy, as well as nature, health and economic opportunity. Guests can stay for one or two days, and partake in activities like camping, hiking, yoga and games, all led by BIPOC leaders. Fortland, House Island, Portland.  eventbrite.com

4:30-7 p.m. –  The Community Organizing Alliance is putting on an event with speakers, live performances, poetry readings, a voter registration drive and catering by Bab’s Table. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the racial justice movement. The Atrium at Bates Mill, 36 Chestnut St., Lewiston.  eventbrite.com

1-3 p.m. –  Riverbank Park in Westbrook will host a community event with art, poetry, music and guest speakers. There will also be a barbecue picnic, a student fashion show, hair braiding, pick-up soccer and more activities sponsored by the city. 667 Main St., Westbrook.  On Facebook.

7-8 p.m. –  The Portland Yoga Project is putting on a class called “Liberated Breath: A Juneteenth Yoga Experience” that seeks to reflect on the holiday through yoga. The class is free for BIPOC community members and is sponsored by the Portland Public Library. 7 Bedford St., Portland, allevents.in

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