The best travel photos of 2018
These are the best photos from the entries to the 2018 National Geographic Travel Photography Contest, which is launched every April.
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| American photographer Naresh Balaguru captured the stunning rainbow at the famous Grand Canyon, in Grand Canyon National Park. He said: "While visiting, I encountered a storm on the southern rim of the canyon. But when I finished packing my things, the storm disappeared, leaving behind a scene like a fairyland." |
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| A photo of cherry blossoms at night in Nakameguro district in Tokyo, by photographer Hiroki Inoue. |
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| This photo by Italian photographer Enrico Pescantini, shows the Teotihuacan archaeological site in Mexico. "This is the third largest pyramid in the world, dedicated to the sun god. The perfection of the pyramid's geometric architecture creates admiration for the civilization that created it,..." he said. |
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| The photo was taken by Malaysian photographer Khai Chuin Sim in Kenya. He said, "I left early in the morning to take photos of the great migration of animals here. When I saw the rhino standing from afar near the tree, I felt an indescribable beauty in the dawn light." |
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| Indian photographer Nitish Thakur captured shepherds herding their flocks in the Himalayas. “All their basic needs depend on their sheep, as does their survival,” he said. “Sheepdogs are tied around their necks, ready to fend off a sudden attack from a leopard or bear.” |
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| Mattia Passarini is from China and has been living and interacting with the Mundari people in South Sudan. According to Mattia, the Mundari are one of the best herders. They are mainly farmers, moving their herds to pasture during the dry season and returning to their settlements in the rainforest during the rainy season. |
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| Two girls sit on the stairs of their home reading a book and sipping a cup of masala chai in Rajasthan, India. The photo was taken by Malaysian photographer Firdaus Hadzri. |
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| This image of the Sol de Manana lava river covered in smoke in the early morning was captured by Hong Kong photographer Hi Antony Tang. He said: "I was very impressed by the unique landscape, soil texture and atmosphere here. I am very happy to have the opportunity to capture this unforgettable moment with all of you." |
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| Lava flows into the sea after a volcanic eruption in Bolivia. Japanese photographer Tetsuya Nomura said, "There was a huge explosion and hot air came out, covering my camera lens with mist and dust...". |
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| Hideyuki Katagiri took this photo of the Enoshima Railway off the coast of Japan. The railway served as a trading post between Kamakura and Fujisawa districts. |
The 2018 National Geographic Travel Photography Contest is held annually in early April to honor the best travel and exploration photography. Participants submit their work in one of three categories: People, Nature, and Cities, and there are no restrictions on the type of work.
The winning photographer will be featured on Nat Geo Instagram along with a $10,000 prize. You can submit your entry until May 31, 2018.
