“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” – Jack Kerouac
Another 12 months of consecutive traveling has wrapped up, and life has taken me through yet another absolutely incredible, rather insane, and mind-boggling set of adventures. The biggest difference between my first year and second year of consecutive travel has been the movement away from Southeast Asia and perpetual summer. This past year was less about being carefree and more about roughing it, intentionally taking on challenging routes, and experiencing sacred spaces.
Following the success of 30 Amazing Photos from One Year of Traveling the World, here’s part two which covers the best of the best from a second consecutive year of life as a nomad, through the eyes of this solo traveler, in chronological order:
30) A remote deserted island: Ari Atoll, Maldives
The Maldives was one of those places I assumed was out of reach for me, but upon discovering a way to do it staying with locals, the dream became a reality. One really amazing, unexpected, and eye-opening reality.
29) Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
I hadn’t realized that Sri Lanka would be such an amazing place to go on safari.
We had been told there was a possibility of seeing a leopard, but I tried not to get my hopes up. Then it happened, and my day (who are we kidding? My entire week) was made.
28) Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
I’d be remiss to leave out Sri Lanka’s national bird in this one as well.
27) Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
After seeing hundreds of wild elephants at Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka became a firm favorite destination of mine.
26) Somewhere between Kandy and Ella, Sri Lanka
The train in Sri Lanka turned out to be one of my favorite things to do. The welcoming feeling from the locals, the fun of hanging out the door, and the beauty of the constantly-changing micro-climates gave new meaning to the saying, “it’s the journey, not the destination.”
25) Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
Depending on who you ask, Adam’s Peak is significant because the footprint of either Adam or the Buddha rests at the top. Climbing through the night, visitors arrive at the top for a stunning sunrise. Climbing the week before the busy pilgrimage season began in December turned out to be an awesome plan.
24) Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines
On an island ravaged by a recent earthquake lie the Chocolate Hills, a natural phenomenon I’ve never previously seen. During the dry season, the grass dries off and becomes brown, actually resembling mounds of chocolate.
23) Bohol, Philippines
Nowhere was the damage more evident than the old churches, all but crumbling masses of mortar in the wake of the recent natural disasters.
22) Camiguin, Mindanao, Philippines
Camiguin is located in Mindanao, an area most travelers are warned to stay away from due to kidnappings and terrorist activity in the southwest. Arriving for Chrismas, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but am so pleased to say that Camiguin is the friendliest place I encountered in the Philippines, which is saying a lot considering this is a country known for its warm and friendly locals.
21) Apo Reef area, Philippines
Following the New Year, I took another liveaboard dive trip, this time reaching 100 dives, adding in wreck dives and one of the most famous reefs in the world.
20) Coron, Palawan, Philippines
There’s no doubt that the Philippines is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to, and Coron really takes the cake. A beautiful diving and boating locale, it has just about everything I need to be happy.
19) Elephant (Truc Lam) Falls, Vietnam
Though a bit treacherous to drive and climb to, this waterfall located outside of Da Lat in Vietnam was kind enough to reward me with a rainbow.
18) Hoi An, Vietnam
This image of the setting sun on the eve of Tet (lunar new year) in Hoi An is my favorite photo that I took all year. The colors and beautiful settings required minimal editing from me for this to turn out the way it did – truly!
17) Phong Nha, Vietnam
This national park was the highlight of a truly amazing month in Vietnam for me. I found it to be so beautiful, and the locals who waved and sang hellos to me as I rode by reminded me of Kratie in Cambodia. Both are places that will always stick out in my mind for their beauty and friendliness.
16) Sapa, Vietnam
Most images of Sapa display rolling rice terraces, but the misty weather prohibited that for most of my time in this area in the north of Vietnam. Regardless, this colorful mother and her baby were the most beautiful sight in the village, and given my intention to photograph people more, seemed the perfect memory of this mountain town.
Besides, the rice terraces to follow in China would be even more spectacular.
15) Yuan Yang, Yunnan Province, China
These mind-blowing rice terraces have been built and maintained by farmers for thousands of years. This was my first major stop after crossing by land from northern Vietnam into China on Valentine’s Day. I could never have imagined what crazy adventures the following months in this amazing country would have in store.
14) Shilin Stone Forest, Yunnan Province, China
I made no secret about how much this place let me down, but there’s no denying, it’s an amazing natural phenomena with incredible formations I’ve never seen before.
13) Dali, Yunnan Province, China
Dali is the perfect little hippie town in China, full of artists and surrounded by natural beauty.
As a child, I remember reading a book where cormorant fishermen made an appearance. They tie strings around the necks of birds which then dive to catch fish, unable to swallow the catch due to the string. They are later rewarded with some of the catch for their efforts. Seeing the practice still in use, organically taking place in front of me, was incredibly exciting. It was only made better when one of the fishermen, fond of the attention and possessing the face of a fashion model, repeatedly smiled for the camera.
12) Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan Province, China
I’d heard of this gorge prior to venturing into China, sure that I’d have to take a stroll through it before leavening Yunnan Province. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
11) Yubeng, Yunnan Province, China
Yubeng, on the border of Tibet, is easily the most peaceful place I’ve ever been. The calmness and obvious happiness of the locals, complete isolation from any roads (one had to walk for 15km in by foot or mule), and ever-present prayer flags all made it magical.
10) Lugu Lake, border of Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, China
It was by catching the right ride hitchhiking, hanging with my local friend Ya Ting, and having completely fluid plans that I ended up at Lugu Lake, a place I had no idea existed. This beautiful naturally occurring lake is in an area of China known as woman’s country. As luck would have it, I ended up there on International Women’s Day completely by accident:
9) Mt. Emei, Sichuan Province, China
A 20-mile hike up concrete and snow-packed stairs ended with this beautiful view. Why yes, I suppose it was worth it.
8) Moxi, Sichuan Province, China
It looked very likely that I would never get a chance to see the red rocks of Moxi, an area in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture that I was told was off limits to foreigners. Luckily, Patchu (a local in the area who took me under his wing) saw to it that I made it.
7) Shuangqiao Valley, Sichuan Province, China
In a remote area in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province in China, an area known as Four Sisters Mountains plays host to breathtaking mountain views. I imagine each season brings with it a special kind of beauty, but the end of winter/beginning of spring sure was a lovely time.
6) The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit trek was a major highlight of the past 12 months. This trek ended up taking me well over 17,000 feet in elevation, trekking over 100 miles, and arriving at the Thorung La Pass on my birthday at the end of April.
5) Annapurna IV, Nepal
This is a photo of the Annapurna IV mountain, taken from base camp on the Annapurna Base Camp trek, a valley surrounded by the Annapurna Mountain Range. This was the trek I tacked on after reaching Thorung La Pass in about half the time budgeted, and I’m glad I did! This sunrise marked the end of 2 solid weeks of daily hiking.
4) Patan, Nepal
I ended up in a coconut brawl in Nepal, all because I had eaten a plate of local food. I realize it sounds like some kind of a metaphor, but I do literally mean I got caught in a coconut brawl. I know, I’m still trying to make sense of it, too.
3) Kathmandu, Nepal
I found myself in Nepal on Buddha’s birthday, which meant that the famous Boudhanath Stupa had opened up all levels to foot traffic, all walking in unison clockwise around the structure – something that is not allowed any other day of the year. It was by complete happenstance that I was there on this date, but the resulting photos are unique and amazing:
2) Bangkok, Thailand, at night
For my 6th visit back to Bangkok, a city I still felt I had no real handle on, I finally decided I would see it through the eyes of a resident and couchsurfed. It turned out to be an amazing experience, allowing me to develop a new appreciation for the city and affording me this amazing nightly view of the glittering lights from my host’s balcony.
1) Black Rock City, Nevada, USA
Burning Man is a favorite festival of mine that I have now attended thrice. Each year the festival means something different to me, and I understand it a little bit more and appreciate a new aspect and what it brings to my year each time around.
I’m always happy to be drawn back to the West Coast of the USA, where I’m from, each summer for this festival. Pictured here is the Temple of Grace (the name and theme of which changes each year) burning on the final night of the festival, symbolizing the release of wishes, painful memories, and farewells to loved ones.
In closing, going back through and reviewing my past 12 months have only made me more excited for the year to come. I don’t know what it has in store, as I’ve never had less fluid plans than I do now, but I do know that I’m darn excited.
I hope you’ll continue to join me on this amazing journey.
Curious what I use to take my photos? Check out my comprehensive travel photography guide on how you can take similar photos!
Stef says
Great photos! I love them all but I guess I have the same favorite as you do: the one of Hoi An! Looking forward to seeing your photos in a year 😉
Kristin says
Thanks so much Stef!
Gaye @ Pinay Travel Junkie says
Wohohoa! Feels like flipping through a travel magazine, stunning snapshots! And a few taken from my country, Philippines. Awesome.
Kristin says
Wow, thank you so much!
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
Incredible photos, as always Kristin!! Loved seeing the ‘review’ – I remember lots of them when they were first posted.
Kristin says
Thank you! It’s always fun going back through and remembering the moments.
Cassandra says
These are incredible shots and there’s no way that I could pick one favorite. Since I’m fairly new to your site, I’m going to use this page as a diving board to get to know your travels–and blog–better.
Kristin says
That’s great! Thanks so much for reading 🙂
Helen says
Beautiful photos! So many stories.
Hope you have just as an amazing 3rd year of travel! x
Kristin says
Thank you and I aim to!
Kristin says
They certainly can be. Thanks Daniel 🙂
Michelle | Lights Camera Travel says
Wow… what an incredible year you’ve had! And such quality photos. You have inspired me to really up the ante on my photography skills so I can take photos like you do!
Kristin says
You’re so kind to say that but I think 99% of the credit goes to the amazing landscapes and people I was taking the photos of 🙂
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says
All I can say is ‘WOW WOW WOW’
What stunning pictures Kristin. Looks like a very beautiful two years 😀
Kristin says
Thank you and it has been.
Geri says
Wonderful photos!:)
Heather says
What a marvelous collection! You have a knack for capturing the beauty of this world! The shot of that leopard took my breath away!
Alex says
Damn girl! These are FANTASTIC! #30, #26, and #15 all kind of stole my heart. You are really selling Sri Lanka to me! What a year you’ve had!
Kristin says
#15 was one of the most mind-blowing things I’ve seen. Definitely recommend!
Mindy and Ligeia says
Wow, what great photos!!!! We felt like we were flipping through a National Geographic or something!
And damn, we gotta get to Sri Lanka – LOVE the pic with the train and that gorgeous blue!
Great post! 🙂
Kristin says
Thanks so much! Yes, Sri Lanka is absolutely stunning.
Abi says
Lovely, lovely shots.
Rachel of Hippie in Heels says
love these shots! what a great post. Particularly drawn to the ones in Sri Lanka because I’m planning a visa run there for 7 days.. I just opened up your “sri lanka” posts in another tab and will read up.. might end up emailing you with a couple questions!
Kristin says
It’s really beautiful and a great choice!
Jess says
I loved each photo and story! You’re inspiring me to do what I’ve been dreaming of for years.
Kristin says
Thanks so much and I’m so glad to be inspiring you!
Victoria Navida says
so happy to see that you enjoyed your visit to the Philippines. You should come back and visit more beautiful natural spots here in the Philippines…I enjoyed your awesome pictures…you captured the scenes beautifully…
Kristin says
Thank you! I’d love to return and explore more. I feel like it’s a big country with SO MUCH to see and a month there was definitely too short!
Victoria Navida says
wow, that was a quick reply…just like you, am also a travel bug but not as brave as you are…I travel with friends, both local and international, but its only 3-5 days so no time to visit unbeaten paths…just the usual spots where tourists go…I also have a blog on my travels but failed to update..hope to catch up soon…thanks for sharing…come and visit Philippines again….:)
Kaleena's Kaleidoscope says
Gorgeous photos! Love the pic of the woman and her baby, and that leopard is stunning! I’m so jealous you’ve been to Burning Man three times! I definitely want to make it someday, a lot of my friends always go. Btw, I saw your post on the UCSB alumni fb page today– I didn’t realize you were a gaucho! I’m an alum too, class of ’08. Ole ole ole! 🙂
Kristin says
Awesome! I would have been ’08 as well but I was a dumb dumb and graduated early.
Frank says
Some great photos Kristin. My favorites are probably 25 (Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka) and 9 (Mt Emei). But any photo with prayer flags always looks great too.
Just recently subscribed and look forward to reading more or your posts!
Frank (bbqboy)
Kristin says
Thanks so much for subscribing!
Angie Away says
Can I get on your mailing list for the inevitable coffee table book? Gorgeous photos. Couldn’t even begin to pick a favorite.
Kristin says
Haha you’re the second person to ask about a coffee table book. I better get to work! Thank you 🙂
Jimmy Dau says
Stunning photos. Must have been difficult to narrow them all down!
Kristin says
It really was!
Joyce says
These are all so amazing! You went to such a large range of places in 2 years!
http://www.charactersandcarryons.com
Kristin says
This was actually just my second year. The first year was all completely different places!
Anna says
Just Wow! Fantastic and inspiring photos! My favourites are the rice terraces in Yunnan and Hoi An photos, the light is just magical. Also, you’ve inspired me to visit Sri Lanka too. What an amazing year you have had. I hope next year is just as amazing.
Kristin says
Thanks so much! Yes, Sri Lanka is beautiful.
Alain says
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! + standing ovation!
These travel photos are beauuuuuutiful!
Kristin says
Thanks!
Claire says
The Hoi An shot is amazing.
Love the Sri Lanka photos, reminds me of one of my favourite trips.
Kristin says
Hoi An is such a photogenic city! Sri Lanka really was a special place as well.