Where did the time go? It seemed like yesterday we were thinking about how to get ready for 2018, and now the holidays are here, and we’re preparing for 2019. As a travel photographer, the planning has already begun, and you are creating your trip schedule, hoping to capitalize and be productive with the months you have in front of you.
Every year, there seem to be locations that stand out as the most popular on social media, and around the internet. There are some destinations that will always be visited by eager photographers, and others that seem to land on the radar each year. It just takes one beautiful photograph to tip the scales and send a location to the top of influencers’ wish lists.
After some serious scouting and research, here are the top trending destinations for outdoor photography in 2019, for each continent. While these locations may not be the most popular year after year, their more recent discovery on social media could make them well-visited in 2019.
North America: Utah, The United States
Yes, the world has realized the magic of Utah, and it is hard not to see it increase in popularity in 2019. The reason why? It’s difficult to find a domestic destination with as much unique opportunity for landscape photography as Utah (check out Chris Burkard’s journey to Utah for inspiration). The beautiful Rocky Mountains lie up north near Salt Lake City, and in the south lie the “Mighty Five,” which consist of National Parks of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, as well as several incredible state parks like Grand Staircase of the Escalante.
You will experience massive, stone arches, vast canyons that stretch several miles long, or intimate shot canyons only a few feet wide. You will photograph valleys filled with sandstone cathedrals and rows filled with thousands of yellow and orange “hoodoos.” There is simply nowhere else like Utah in the world. Yes, there are countless beautiful destinations in North America, but Utah offers as many photo opportunities as any location on the continent, especially in the fall. And another plus? A lot of the parks and locations in the state are accessible throughout the year.
South America: Bolivia
South America is an incredibly beautiful continent marked by the longest mountain range and largest rainforest in the world. Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil all are incredibly popular destinations, year after year, but a destination that should come onto the scene in 2019 is Bolivia. While smaller and sometimes overlooked, Bolivia is one of the most uniquely diverse countries on the continent, and many photographers are beginning to take notice. Bolivia offers some of the largest and awe-inspiring mountains in the world, with several peaks soaring over 20,000 feet, and even its capital city, La Paz, sits at a staggering 12,000 feet, the highest capital in the world.
However, beauty lies below the mountains as well. Bolivia is well known for its wet season and tropical rainforests, at the foot of the Bolivian Andes. But the best reason to visit Bolivia during wet season is Salar de Uyuni or the Bolivian Salt Flats. While rainy season from March to April can cause problems when traveling, it also leaves the salt flats with a mirrored reflection that is world renowned and beautiful to photograph, during the day or night. Look for Bolivia to be a popular destination in 2019.
Europe: The French Alps, France
Europe is a continent with an endless list of outdoor photography destinations, and the added accessibility by train makes it a popular choice for photographers wanting to experience as much as they can in one journey. In years past, the Alps have truly reigned supreme in popularity, and the Italian and Swiss Alps have typically been the most popular options for most photographers.
However, look for the French Alps to be a popular option in 2019. Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps, and Chamonix Ski Area, are the crown jewels of these mountains, and offer stunning options for outdoor and adventure photographers alike. Dubbed the birthplace of backcountry skiing, Chamonix is known for its dramatic, steep, snow-covered peaks, and high alpine accessibility year-round. Europe’s highest cable, Aiguille du Midi, is perched at over 12,000 feet, offering staggering, panoramic views of the surrounding French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.
In the late spring and summer months, the alpine meadows come alive, adding vivid color contrast to the granite mountains above. The alpine landscape, mixed with the traditional French cottages and chalets make this a destination that will be hard to miss next year.
Asia: The Hunan Province, China
It’s pretty hard to narrow down trending options in Asia, because the continent is so large and has so much to see. While Bali, Hong Kong, and Japan continue to be popular destinations, the Hunan Province in China could be one of the more popular Asian destinations for photographers in 2019.
The Hunan Province is home to cities that truly feel like you’re in another time period, with temples and buildings dating back for thousands of years. But what sets this place a part is the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, destinations that seem truly out of this world.
The backdrops to famous movies like Star Wars and Avatar, these parks are mind-blowing and beautiful, with rock spires that jut out of the lush, green landscape, thousands of feet tall. The best part about these parks is the accessibility offered to tourists and photographers, with trails, elevators, and walkways that climb to the tops of these rock towers. Several photographers and influencers have ventured here over the last few years, causing this area to pick up in popularity. Look for the Hunan Province to be a trendy location in 2019 that you won’t want to miss.
Africa: Namibia
Namibia isn’t the first country you think of when it comes to African destinations, but this country in southeast Africa has become a recent hotspot for photographers who seek unique, natural beauty alongside world-class wildlife opportunities.
Namibia is known for its harsh, dramatic landscapes, such as the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert, and Sossusvlei, home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes on the planet, which rise hundreds of feet tall, and have a striking fiery orange color. Deadvlei, located close to Sossusvlei, is an area characterized by a striking composition of orange dunes, white clay floor, and dark, dead camel thorn trees. Experiencing these places and their simplicity will not only lead to incredible photos, but an experience you won’t ever forget.
However, Namibia is also known for its abundance of life, as it is home Etosha National Park, a 5 million-acre wildlife reserve that is one of the largest in Africa, and throughout the year, gives countless opportunities to see elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and other beautiful large African mammals. Namibia should be a popular destination in 2019, and high on your list if you are wanting to have a truly unique, African experience.
Oceania: The South Island, New Zealand
Every year, New Zealand grows in popularity, and the South Island, especially, has become a bucket list destination for photographers. Home to several national parks, New Zealand’s South Island seems to fit several beautiful locations into one island. Aoraki National Park has the snow-capped mountains, like Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak.
Fijordland National Park has the deep, glacier-carved fjords, Kahurangi National Park has the highlands and temperate rainforests, and Abel Tasman National Park has the pristine coastline, with crystal clear waters. The South Island has it all, and even has unique species of wildlife you will only find in New Zealand.
The best part? New Zealand is deep in the Southern Hemisphere, so if you need an escape from the winter blues in early 2019, plan for a trip to the South Island, as it will be the middle of summer, and peak season to visit this rich, beautiful, and diverse island, that offers some of the best photo opportunities in the world.
