Okay, here’s the truth. I love to travel, and I love photography – so it’s an absolute blessing that I get to do both as a job! My photography career has taken me to some seriously magical places, and I am so thankful.
With that, there are a few places that are pretty near and dear to my heart. I’ve put together a list of my top five favorite places I’d love to visit for the first time or visit again! Let’s take a look!
Lake Como
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the elopement I was lucky enough to shoot in Lake Como, here is your chance! We ventured to Mandello del Lario, an area that lies on the eastern shore of Lake Como, in the southern branch known as Lago di Lecco.
As a tourist destination, Lake Como is famous for its landscapes, wildlife, and world-class spas. The mountain-backed lakeshore is connected by ancient paths that wind through small villages. For the price of an espresso, you can drift through winding streets and waste an entire sunny afternoon simply people watching. Even better, lots of the historic palaces open their gardens for public viewing – meaning you can experience history vicariously like a duke or duchess!
New Zealand
Sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches – doesn’t this sound like one of the best places on the planet?! In New Zealand, you can spend hours wandering along a beach, paddling a canoe or hiking through the lush wilderness.
If you consider yourself a foodie – look no further. NZ food culture has come a long way, with many influences from the South Pacific Islands like Hawaii and Fiji, as well as Western Europe. Vegetarian or vegan? No problem! With an edgy craft-beer scene and legendary cool-climate wines, there’s always an opportunity to indulge while vacationing in New Zealand!
Bora Bora
Palm trees? Check. White sandy beaches? Check. Mountainous rainforests? Check, check, check! Get ready to audibly gasp when you fly over Bora Bora, all thanks to the breathtaking color palette of sapphire, indigo, and turquoise among ocean floor.
With such a dreamlike setting, Bora Bora is, unsurprisingly, a honeymooners’ choice. In Bora Bora, you can easily mix slow-paced sun-and-sand with action-packed adventures. I highly recommend booking yourself a scuba diving, snorkeling, or lagoon tours while on vacation here.
Santorini
Santorini is one of the most magical places on earth, in my mind (it’s also where I got engaged!) We’ve all lusted after the photos of the whitewashed, cubiform houses of Greece’s Fira and Oia, that barely cling to cliffs above the ocean.
Paris
When I think of Paris, I instantly think of love – I mean, there’s a reason the Eiffel Tower sees up to three marriage proposals an hour! Your first visit to Paris will be daunting and exhilarating all at the same time. It can be hard to know where to begin, as it’s just so easy to get sucked down little cobbled streets and old passageways!
Thanks to the gorgeous terraced cafes and iconic landmarks, Paris evokes a sense of timelessness. With such architectural beauty, the reminders of the capital’s and the country’s history are evident all over the city.
Most of Paris is, of course, worth seeing and exploring. But especially if you’re a first-time visitor to the French-speaking capital, there are many tourist attractions (like the Arc de Triomphe) you won’t want to miss when you arrive. I definitely recommend getting a guidebook to help you plan and make the most of your trip!
Do any of these amazing destinations pique your interest? Connect with me, and let’s book the elopement of your dreams!
