Readers, you submitted nearly 6,000 entries to the Your Best Summer Vacation Photos of 2013 Contest, and we loved them all. From postcard-worthy beach scenes that made us swoon to stunning shots of wildlife in action, your memories live on past the long, lazy days of summer. We got so many inspirational photos that it was hard to choose just a few, so take a spin through the submission gallery to see them all.
And many congratulations to our winner, Karen Grubb, who received a $1,500 credit for airfare from Air New Zealand, plus the coveted cover-shot spot. Although Iceland is a not-so-balmy destination, we love how her photo captures the spirit of wanderlust and summertime whimsy.
Karen says of her photo, “This photo from Budir, Iceland, was inspired by Sigur Ros’ documentary Heima. It was a dream of mine to visit the country since seeing the film. One of the final scenes shows a group of children flying red kites. This photo pays homage to that film. Shot on iPhone 4s.”
Click through this gallery to see our honorable mentions, and if you need some photographic inspiration of your own, check out the Air New Zealand-sponsored photo gallery 11 Things You Can Only Do in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
And thanks to all our contributors!
Image Gallery
Camel-Riding in the Negev Desert of Israel
By: Sean Shapiro
"While riding a camel through the Negev Desert in Israel, I noticed that the camel behind me was making all sorts of funny faces while grinding its teeth. I could not help but snap this photo as he looked straight into the camera."
Camel-Riding in the Negev Desert of Israel
By: Sean Shapiro
"While riding a camel through the Negev Desert in Israel, I noticed that the camel behind me was making all sorts of funny faces while grinding its teeth. I could not help but snap this photo as he looked straight into the camera."
Oahu Lantern Ceremony
By: Michelle Leunis
"I was extremely lucky to witness one of the most beautiful ceremonies in the worldâOahu's Lantern Ceremony. I was able to send out my own lantern for my grandfathers who have passed away. As I waded out to release my lantern, I was able to capture this beautiful scene."
A Decorated Yak on a Cliff Overlooking Lake Yamdrok-Tso Outside Lhasa, Tibet
By: Nicole Kucera
"I've always wanted to see Mt. Everestâand got a little more than I bargained for with a 6.7 earthquake while I was at base camp. This yak was at a pit stop on the way there, unfortunately being used as a tourist attraction. I secretly shot him from down low to capture his emotion while pretending to photograph the lake behind him."
Beautiful Nature in New York on the High Line
By: Fran Feiler
"I went to New York and visited the High Line. It is a relatively new attraction of the city. It's a must on everyone's to-do list for New York. The flowers against the building just looked like a beautiful composition. Just another great feature New York has to offer. Beauty in the City."
First Light on Siesta Key Beach
By: Julie Alexander
"I was in Siesta Key for my father's 90th birthday. Living in New York City, I was dreaming of watching the sunrise on the beach. This was my first morning. As soon as I stepped on the sand I was struck by the beauty of Siesta Key beach at sunrise."
Baby Humpback in Alaska
By: zkuhle
"Captured this image while cruising in Alaska. A baby humpback whale fully breached the water while playing just off of the port side of the ship. Even though a baby, he had to be as large as a pick-up truck. Such a display of power and beauty."
Sunset on Eiffel Tower
By: Becky Davis
"Late afternoon stroll with sun shining on the Eiffel, with my husband of 41 yearsâoo la la! We were there for a lifelong dream of celebrating retirement with a monthlong visit to the city we both love. Paris lived up to all of the dreams we had of it."
The Things You Find on the Beach
By: Cara Quinones
"While kayaking to different islands in Hawaii, I stumbled upon this bottle cap while walking around. When I flipped the cap over, I noticed the saying inside. There was just something about how calming the area was around me, that I needed to capture that moment and seal it with a kiss."
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