Our Favourite Photos of 2011 by Destination

This past year was an interesting one. We got to re-visit some places we had already been but more importantly we got to take in some of our dream destinations for the first time. We thought the best way to show you why we loved all the places we visited was through our favourite photos from each country. So sit back with a cup of coffee and come travel with us for a few moments.

 

Thailand:

Sea-canoe-thailand

Sea Canoeing in Thailand

 

Malaysia:

Thaipusam-Penang-malaysia

Thaipusam in Penang, Malaysia

New Zealand:

New-Zealand-landscapes

The stunning New Zealand Landscape

 

Jordan:

Petra-by-night

Petra at Night

 

Bedouin-girl-feynan-jordan

Had to put this one in! the Bedouin girl in Jordan

 

London:

London-Tower-Bridge

London Landmarks- The Tower Bridge

 

Brussels:

The beautiful square in Brussels

 

Prague:

Prague-square-europe

The main Square in Prague

 

Russia:

Volgograd-russia

The Astrakhan Kremlin in Russia

 

Kazakhstan:

Astana-Kazakhstan-night

The uncanny modern city of Astana in Kazakhstan

 

Mongolia:

Mongolia-traffic

Mongolian Traffic

 

Mexico:

Tonina-Mexico

The ruins of Tonina in Mexico

 

Jamaica:

Negril-Jamaica-catamaran

Grabbing the Catamaran in Jamaica

 

Egypt:

Alexandria-Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt

95 Responses to Our Favourite Photos of 2011 by Destination

  1. What a fantastic photographic round up! Thanks so much for sharing. Now I almost want to go to Kazakhstan. Almost.

    Jen Pollack Bianco December 29, 2011 at 10:26 am Reply
    • Jen, you’d love Kazakhstan. It was one of the most magical places we have ever visited. The scenery is gorgeous and the cities are impressive. But most of all, the people are warm and welcoming. Thanks for popping in to say hello!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:44 pm Reply
  2. What a great year for you guys. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2012! See you soon :)

    Ken Kaminesky December 29, 2011 at 10:52 am Reply
    • Thanks Ken, I think it’s been pretty awesome for you too! Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:42 pm Reply
  3. Beautiful shots, but I must admit I’m not so keen on the super photoshopped ones…it’s like they stop being…real. I’m in love with the girl’s photo, the Jamaica and the Mongol one though.

    Denise December 29, 2011 at 10:53 am Reply
    • Thanks Denise. The Bedouin girl is one of my favourites as well. I try to mix up my photography. I love making photos look like a painting at times when the situation allows for it and at others I love keeping them raw and real. Photography is like art and there is so much you can do with each frame.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:41 pm Reply
  4. Dave, you are such a good photographer – it honestly blows my mind! Gorgeous photos!!!! Can’t wait to see what 2012 brings :)

    Katy December 29, 2011 at 11:21 am Reply
    • Thanks Katy. I can’t wait to photograph some of our awesome trips we have lined up with Intrepid. We’ll be visiting some of the places that we have always wanted to see and I have always wanted to photograph. I have a feeling 2012 is going to be even more exciting and visually stunning than this past year. Even though it’s going to be hard to top, we’ll do our best… bring it on! :)

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:39 pm Reply
  5. Extremely inspirational photos that represent some truly awesome travel adventures! Wish you all the best for the year 2012 – Happy New Year!

    Mark Wiens December 29, 2011 at 11:24 am Reply
    • Thanks Mark. When looking back at 2011, it’s hard to believe that it has only been a year. We feel like we have lived a lifetime. Very much looking forward to 2012 for everyone in travel. I think it is going to be a very exciting time.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:37 pm Reply
  6. Wonderful photos – makes me want to get out my suitcase.

    judith works December 29, 2011 at 11:37 am Reply
    • Thanks Judith. That is the highest compliment you could pay me. That’s our aim, to inspire people to travel. Here’s to an exciting 2012 for you!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:36 pm Reply
  7. Thanks for this look back at 2011.

    OK, I’ll say it – I am not really into HDR photos, even though I have made a few myself. So I am drawn to the first shot anyway. It’s a lovely photograph – shot from low down and beautifully toned. It’s a winner in my book.

    David Bennett December 29, 2011 at 12:32 pm Reply
    • Hi David, glad you liked it, surprisingly that one is HDR with another filter applied. There are actually quite a few photos in this post that are not HDR though. I like to mix it up myself. Sometimes I use HDR, sometimes black and white and sometimes I leave it exactly as is. That is my favourite thing about photography, there are so many things you can do with each situation. Have a happy new year and thanks again!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:36 pm Reply
      • That’s very interesting. It never occurred to me to add another filter over an HDR image.

        I just tried it with an HDR image that looked a bit pale. Not exactly washed out, but just a bit ‘sugar candy’ looking.

        I made another layer and filled it with a rich, dark brown and then set the blending mode to Soft Light. It brought out a lot of richness in the image and it’s a big improvement.

        So thanks for a really good idea.

        What filter did you use?

        David Bennett December 30, 2011 at 10:40 pm
  8. These are amazing! And the scope of your travels is also amazing. Excellent work! Makes me quite jealous that I am at home.

    Justin December 29, 2011 at 12:37 pm Reply
    • Hi Justin, thanks for stopping by and we appreciate your compliment. What is next for your travels? Looks like you must have a great escape in the works? We’re at home now and it has been a blast remembering the year that we had. It’s hard to believe that some of these trips were only a year ago. It feels like a lifetime has passed.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:25 pm Reply
  9. Great stuff, really enjoyed those. Hope you don’t mind but I posted a couple on our site so others can find them here! Thanks!

    Farangtalk December 29, 2011 at 12:39 pm Reply
    • Thanks for posting, we appreciate you sharing. Thailand is pretty amazing.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:23 pm Reply
  10. Happy New Year!! As always, an inspiration. I wish I were boarding that sailboard in Jamaica today…

    Abby December 29, 2011 at 12:48 pm Reply
    • Thanks Abby. We loved Jamaica. Looking forward to going back again, it’s such a fun island.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:23 pm Reply
  11. Brilliant photos as always. What an amazing year of travel you guys had. All the best for 2012!

    Andrea December 29, 2011 at 1:20 pm Reply
    • Thanks Andrea. All the best to you too. It’s going to be exciting to see where everyone goes.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:22 pm Reply
  12. I am saving these photographs on my desktop for making a calender for 2012 [for using it on my desktop only]…. Happy new year in advance….these photographs made my day…. amazing work with the lenses…

    Rahul December 29, 2011 at 1:53 pm Reply
    • Thanks for clarifying Rahul. If you sign up for our newsletter you can get a monthly calendar of Dave’s photos sent to you each month. He’ll pick is favourite for the time of the year. Cheers!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:21 pm Reply
  13. I actually just can’t get enough of how amazing these photos are. It’s a shame to just scroll through – I feel like I should just sit and stare at each of them for a while. What an amazing year for you guys!!

    Turtle December 29, 2011 at 5:05 pm Reply
    • Wow, thanks Turtle. I really appreciate your kind words. We did have a super year and we are so looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store for us. It’s easy to take great shots when the subject matter is amazing. Happy New Year.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:19 pm Reply
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  15. You are so talented. These images belong in a coffee table book.

    DTravelsRound December 29, 2011 at 6:31 pm Reply
    • Thanks D. It would be awesome if a publisher saw your comment and agreed. Oh, to dream:)

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:18 pm Reply
  16. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! Makes me want to revisit every place I’ve been & start over on picture-taking!

    Angie Orth December 29, 2011 at 6:55 pm Reply
    • Aw, thanks Angie. You’ve had quite an amazing year of travel yourself and as I recall, your pictures are awesome!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:18 pm Reply
  17. Wonderful photos! What a brilliant year!

    Christine December 29, 2011 at 7:07 pm Reply
    • Thanks Christine. It was definitely one of the most exciting years we’ve ever had. It’s been great to relax and reflect over the holidays.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:17 pm Reply
  18. Mind = blown. Absolutely stunning!

    Laura December 29, 2011 at 7:34 pm Reply
    • Thanks for the compliment. We were lucky to be able to visit so many amazing places to have such wonderful subjects to photograph.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:17 pm Reply
  19. Absolutely stunning!

    Stephanie - The Travel Chica December 29, 2011 at 7:37 pm Reply
    • Thanks Stephanie. Much appreciated.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:16 pm Reply
  20. Brilliant photos, The Thailand and Egypt pictures are my favorites, they are so full of atmosphere.

    Bodlagz December 29, 2011 at 8:36 pm Reply
    • Thanks Bodlagz. I love hearing what everyone’s favs are. Each one is special to us, so loving to see what others are gravitated to. That day in Thailand was quite magical and I think that photo def. captures that. Cheers.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:16 pm Reply
  21. These are so gorgeous!

    Rachel December 29, 2011 at 9:43 pm Reply
    • Cheers and thanks Rachel! Happy New Year!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:15 pm Reply
  22. beautiful pictures you guys, looks like you had a great year! I hope 2012 is even better! :)

    Cailin December 29, 2011 at 10:28 pm Reply
    • Thanks Cailin, it really was quite awesome. Here’s to a great 2012 to you too!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:14 pm Reply
  23. You’re a wizard Mr. Dave!
    My fav’s are Prague and Kazakstan

    Cam December 29, 2011 at 10:57 pm Reply
    • Thanks Cam. Prague and Kazakhstan are up there as mine as well.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 1:14 pm Reply
  24. Really great work, Dave. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your images from Egypt.

    Ralph Velasco December 29, 2011 at 11:17 pm Reply
    • Thanks Ralph. For sure, I have a lot more photos from Egypt. We’ll be bringing out all our posts from that trip in the New Year. looking forward to seeing yours too!

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 12:35 pm Reply
  25. I just love that shot from Egypt.

    Christy @ Technosyncratic December 30, 2011 at 3:59 am Reply
    • Thanks Christy. It is definitely something a little different from what you normally expect form Egypt. That’s what I liked about it too.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 12:34 pm Reply
  26. Truly inspirational shots Dave, great stuff.

    Laurence December 30, 2011 at 5:26 am Reply
    • Thanks Laurence. Much appreaciated.

      debndave December 30, 2011 at 12:34 pm Reply
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  28. So many beautiful photos, D&D. And what an interesting view of Tower Bridge!

    Sophie December 30, 2011 at 7:52 pm Reply
    • Thanks Sophie, that’s my favourite too. Dave had a different shot of London picked out and I said, you should change it to the Tower Bridge with the lock. I don’t know if everyone else likes it as much as me, but it’s my fav:)

      debndave December 31, 2011 at 1:09 pm Reply
  29. LOVE ALL OF THESE!

    Candice December 30, 2011 at 7:57 pm Reply
    • Thanks Candice!

      debndave December 31, 2011 at 1:09 pm Reply
  30. Beautiful!! And I’m sure 2012 will be even more amazing.

    Amanda December 30, 2011 at 8:03 pm Reply
    • Thanks Amanda. It was fun to look back at 2011, here’s hoping that 2012 is awesome for all of us.

      debndave December 31, 2011 at 1:09 pm Reply
  31. Wow – arresting images! I especially love the one from Mongolia. Happy New Year, guys!! All the best for 2012 =)

    Andrea December 30, 2011 at 10:27 pm Reply
    • Hi Andrea, thanks so much. Mongolia was one gorgeous country.

      debndave December 31, 2011 at 1:10 pm Reply
  32. Beautiful pictures, I wish you happy travels in a happy 2012!

    Angela December 31, 2011 at 10:07 am Reply
  33. You are so talented!! The photo from Malaysa is breathtaking!

    Trvl8dintern December 31, 2011 at 10:11 am Reply
  34. Great photos! I look forward to seeing all your new adventures in 2012!

    Christy @ Ordinary Traveler December 31, 2011 at 3:12 pm Reply
  35. These are truly stunning and what a tribute to the wonderful year you and Dave have had! Cheers and looking forward to your adventures in 2012! :)

    Shannon O'Donnell January 1, 2012 at 7:33 am Reply
  36. You guys had an incredible year. Wishing you happiness in 2012. I am looking forward to reading lot more great content!

    Erik January 1, 2012 at 6:42 pm Reply
    • Thanks Erik. Thanks for connecting and we look forward to reading about your travels as well!

      debndave January 2, 2012 at 5:56 pm Reply
  37. Beautiful photos! Congrats on another awesome year! Can’t wait to see what 2012 holds in store for you both.

    JoAnna January 2, 2012 at 10:56 am Reply
    • Thanks JoAnna, here’s to an awesome year all around. As we’ve been joking around saying, It’s the beginning of the end, so what better time to use the excuse to live your dreams now!

      debndave January 2, 2012 at 5:47 pm Reply
  38. I always love looking at your photos, they are quite incredible. And what a year you guys had! I look forward to what you come up with in 2012 :)

    Dean January 2, 2012 at 4:36 pm Reply
    • Thanks Dean. Happy new Year to you. 2012 is gearing up to be quite exciting. We can’t wait to get back on the road in a mere 4 weeks!

      debndave January 2, 2012 at 5:25 pm Reply
  39. Wow – I never saw that one of Russia before – love it!! I can’t believe our cat piss hotel didn’t make the cut though! :) Happy New Year!

    Sherry Ott January 3, 2012 at 1:41 am Reply
    • Hi Sherry, yes, that was that morning that we took off early to take a few photographs while in the beach town of Astrakhan. We were so tired and didn’t feel like taking any photographs, but so glad that we went because this place was beautiful.

      debndave January 5, 2012 at 10:44 am Reply
  40. Your photos are so amazing! I love the one of Astana, Kazakhstan — haven’t made it there yet :) Can’t wait to meet you both at TBU in April!

    Brooke vs. the World January 3, 2012 at 7:16 am Reply
    • I think Italy is going to be awesome. We’re very much looking forward to TBU this year, it’s coming so fast!

      debndave January 5, 2012 at 10:41 am Reply
  41. Lovely photos. I look forward to your 2012 photos.

    John January 4, 2012 at 5:54 pm Reply
    • Thanks John, much appreciated. Hoping 2012 is awesome for all of us.

      debndave January 5, 2012 at 10:30 am Reply
  42. Truly awesome photos from an incredible year of travelling. Love that last one of Egypt especially. Happy new year!

    Natasha @ Wandering Kiwi January 5, 2012 at 4:34 am Reply
    • Thanks Natasha. Have a Happy New Year!

      debndave January 5, 2012 at 9:58 am Reply
  43. wow! Stunning photos! Can’t even choose which ones I liked most. Anyway, looking forward to more photos this year! Happy New Year by the way!

    Amer @TendToTravel January 6, 2012 at 4:27 am Reply
  44. Lovely set of pictures.
    Loved the one from Mongolia – hope to be there soon !

    Take care and safe travels!!!

    Madhu

    Madhu Nair January 6, 2012 at 2:30 pm Reply
  45. Spectacular! Each and every one of them!!

    Safe & happy travels 2012.

    Raymond @ Man On The Lam January 7, 2012 at 5:22 am Reply
  46. Wow, great photos! I didn’t notice the rainbow in the NZ pic the first time I looked at it, awesome. Alot of the pics on my website were taken with a disposable camera or cheap digital; looking at these photos makes me want to run out and get a good camera. Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

    Chad @RoadDogTravel January 12, 2012 at 8:46 am Reply
  47. Absolutely stunning photos here…and some are quite unexpected. Who knew Kazakhstan had a plaza like that?

    John January 18, 2012 at 10:38 pm Reply
    • It was a total surprise to us too. All the malls that we visited there were quite amazing. They had skating rinks and this one had a roller coaster and drop zone, huge arcade and high end boutiques.

      debndave January 23, 2012 at 9:41 pm Reply
  48. Love the shot from London! the colors, the angel, the unique view… love love love!

    jade January 19, 2012 at 12:55 am Reply
    • Thanks Jade, much appreciated.

      debndave January 23, 2012 at 9:39 pm Reply
  49. bonbon travel tips January 22, 2012 at 6:29 am Reply
  50. Love Jamaica!!!!!!

    Stella from Mykonos January 24, 2012 at 10:45 am Reply
  51. What an awesome set of photo roundup! Stunning captures!!
    Shirlene from Idelish recently posted..{USA} Creative Omakase at Sushi of Gari in New YorkMy Profile

    Shirlene from Idelish February 1, 2012 at 4:23 am Reply
    • Thanks Shirlene, we were lucky enough to visit some pretty amazing countries last year.

      debndave February 1, 2012 at 8:25 am Reply
  52. Are you aware that your page and photo’s have been linked through Stumbleupon?

    None the less, beautiful pictures. I’d love to be able to have the chance to do traveling of that sort. Mine was all military related. :/

    Garrett February 4, 2012 at 4:12 pm Reply
  53. great shot of Brussels, I was there a couple months ago and this photo is way better than the one I took

    Carolyn Friedman February 8, 2012 at 1:32 pm Reply
  54. Fantastic photos. Like how you’ve got them shown full width.
    Sam recently posted..Wildlife in Custer State ParkMy Profile

    Sam February 20, 2012 at 9:07 am Reply
    • Thanks Sam, yes every so often we like to show off photos in full width. We have a great theme that allows us to make our photos full screen with the simple click of a button.

      debndave February 21, 2012 at 12:19 pm Reply

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