SmarterTravel Editors’ Favorite Travel Photos

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This photo reminds me (Kate Hamman, Photo Editor) of driving through Ireland's countryside, which left me completely dumbfounded by its endless beauty, as well as filled with anticipation of what breathtaking scene might be waiting for us around each bend. This cemetery sat high above the road next to the remnants of a long-forgotten church. It's one of the most serene places I've ever been in my life.

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Editorial Assistant Kate Sitarz found comfort in the slow pace of an Italian lifestyle. "This photo is my desktop background, and every time I look at it I remind myself to slow down and breathe—the leisurely pace of life in Italy, wandering, and getting lost, is something I need to do more often in my own backyard."

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Associate Editor Jaclyn Liechti fell in love with the architectural charm of her inn. "During a weekend visit to Martha's Vineyard, I was absolutely enchanted with the vacation rental where I stayed. Known as "The Pink Lady," this former boardinghouse (complete with numbers on the room doors) charmed me with its details. The cathedral-style windows, the wicker furniture on the porch, and the perfectly matched hydrangeas and hanging flower pots combined to create a lovely tableau every time I returned 'home.'"

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Airfare Editor Patricia Magana was delighted by wildlife found high above the city streets in New York. "Perched atop the Empire State Building, my unassuming model takes a break from admiring the Big Apple to eyeball my intrusive camera. It thrills me how his silver, teal, and purple feathers resemble the misty skyline."

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News Editor Carl Unger found a peaceful spot to sit back and take in the beauty of his surroundings. "This is the view from our terrace in southwest France, near Limoux and Carcassone. In the distance is the tiny village of Routier; the vineyards stretching into the distance make a good wine we sampled on more than one occasion. The weather prevented us from enjoying the terrace itself as much as we wanted, but the view never disappointed!"

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Senior Editor Christine Sarkis experienced what it was like to nearly touch the clouds. "The same year I went to the very famous Tikal in Guatemala, I had the good fortune to visit the lesser-known (and harder to get to) Caracol in Belize. The partially excavated Maya archeological site was once a thriving city of 140,000 people. Today, it's a great place to marvel at the monumental ruins, watch archeologists at work, and spot incredible birds and other wildlife. This photo was taken atop Caana, a massive pyramid complex. I love this image because you can see the surrounding jungle, and by looking for the tiny people at the bottom of the pyramid across the plaza, you start to grasp just how high up the crowning structure to the right is. It truly felt like being on top of the world."

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Senior Editor Sarah Pascarella discovered whether or not the hills really are alive with the sound of music. "While Austria wasn't in the cards this year, I did the next-best thing and fulfilled a lifelong dream by booking a getaway to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. This European-style lodge, still run by the family made famous in The Sound of Music, was the ideal place to relax and enjoy some breathing space. The property has 360-degree views of the surrounding Green Mountains; spacious rooms with balconies or patios; and many common areas with fireplaces, libraries, and games. My blood pressure dropped the moment we stepped on the property! Additionally, downtown Stowe may be one of Vermont's most charming and lovely towns."

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Executive Editor and Media Spokesperson Anne Banas found a slice of heaven in Germany. "I chose a photo from my favorite travel experience of this year, a baking class at the hotel Traube-Tonbach in Baiersbronn, Germany, where I learned how to make the original Schwarzwaelder Kirchtorte or Black Forest Cake. Afterwards, the chef posed for photos outside, with the backdrop of the hotel in its misty-morning Black Forest setting. I think that she and her creation are simply stunning! Oh, and the cake tasted amazing, too. As a baker, I look forward to taking what I’ve learned and making it for family and friends over the holidays. That is, once I’ve translated the recipe."

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Managing Editor Josh Roberts put in extra effort to get this photo. "I took this shot on day six of a trek through the Icelandic backcountry. We had just joined up with the popular 'Laugavegurinn' trail, and after five days in the untouched wilderness, it felt like a hiking superhighway. I had to work hard for this shot—and by that, I mean I had to sprint hard up the mountain to get far enough ahead of my fellow hikers in order to capture them in action. Off in the distance here you can just barely make out white-capped Mt. Hekla, a volcano once thought to be the literal mouth of hell. Closer in, the trail runs atop a long, barren plateau. I’ve never seen anything else quite so desolate and so beautiful at the same time. The whole experience of hiking in Iceland was one of the great pleasures of my life so far."

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Senior Manager of Communications Toby Streett found joy in his dog's patient watch. "I love this picture set in the dunes of Wellfleet because Brady looks like he's waiting for a ship to come in and unload all of his friends so they can run on the beach!"

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Sales Director West Robyn Malcomb was delighted to share her love of travel with her little one. "My husband and I love Hawaii, so taking our daughter to Kauai (Poipu) for the first time this fall was special. She loved playing in the surf, eating the sand, and most of all, floating in the kayak."

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Product Manager Heather Beatrice was pleasantly surprised this Independence Day. "The Fourth of July is always a special time in Nahant, Massachusetts (we look forward to it every year)—but even more spectacular this year was this stunning sunset!"