I kick off each New Year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, my cherished retreat. Over the past year, I explored 14 countries, a lighter travel year for me, yet brimming with incredible experiences, including a two-month journey through Southern Africa.

Reflecting on my travels fills me with gratitude for the world’s beauty and diversity. Many say I’m “lucky” to travel for work, a notion I once found frustrating (which I elaborated on in an earlier post), as it undermines the dedication and sacrifices I’ve made to create this lifestyle. For those who’ve read my book, you know that back in 2010, I juggled three jobs, barely making $20-30K/year).

A friend once said something that resonated with me: I am fortunate—fortunate to have had the courage to work hard, leave jobs that didn’t serve my goals, and make tough choices (like renting a friend's living room for $230/month to fund my first trip to South America) that paved the way for this life. Bravery can often be confused with luck.

Every year, I love to share highlights of my travels and the stunning photographs that capture them. I'm grateful that I had the bravery to embark on these adventures. From Portugal to Africa, here are my favorite travel photos from 2025!

P.S. Check out my second post featuring my favorite safari snapshots along with photo tips and exposure settings!

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Returning to beloved destinations and discovering new aspects brings me joy. This year’s standout experience was Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s inaugural national park, located just three hours from

. Spanning 2,206 square kilometers, this UNESCO site is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting over 280 bird species! Birdwatchers travel from around the globe to experience it.

Bangkok

Initially skeptical about the trip due to the necessity of a tour (which I typically dislike), the park exceeded my expectations! (To visit, you'll need a vehicle or a tour.) We spotted wild elephants, hornbills, gibbons, vipers, and porcupines during our explorations.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

For a publication, I wrote about how an Austinite introduced Central Texas barbecue to Thailand. Davis Campbell transformed a pandemic hobby fueled by homesickness into a thriving business in Chiang Mai,

’s sister city. (His fiancée, Rotjana, played a pivotal role in the operation.) Mastering Texas barbecue presented challenges—Davis had to teach the butcher how to prepare ribs, while Rotjana coordinated with wood suppliers to ensure quality.

Austin

What resonated most with me about this story was its blend of my two homes, Austin and Chiang Mai. For over a decade, I’ve balanced life between Thailand and the U.S., unable to choose. To compromise, I divide my time between both locations. When my editor probed about my connection to Thailand, I remarked: “If countries could be soulmates, Thailand would be mine.”

Douro Valley, Portugal

I rented a vehicle in Porto and spent a week traversing the picturesque hills of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s celebrated wine region. I dined at Bomfim 1896, a Michelin-listed restaurant at Quinta do Bomfim, boasting a balcony view of the train tracks and bridge over the Douro River. I timed my lunch with the train schedule to capture this shot. Visiting in May, I enjoyed fewer crowds. After returning my rental, I took the same train along the Douro River for a breathtaking journey I highly recommend.

Delos, Greece

Delos is my cherished island in the Cyclades, an uninhabited land brimming with ruins and cats. Once a prosperous trading hub, it’s the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Delos multiple times for work, but this trip, I only brought my 100-400mm lens to challenge my creativity. I captured a beautiful shot of the Terrace of the Lions amidst blurred foreground elements and layered columns.

Amorgos, Greece

My infatuation with the remote island of Amorgos is love at first sight—its whitewashed villages, hidden beaches, and ancient ruins. I first visited for work in 2022 and yearned to explore the 20-mile island more thoroughly. Amorgos presents both challenges and enchantments—a seven-hour ferry ride from Athens with inconvenient schedules necessitating overnight stays in Athens. After a six-week Mediterranean work trip, I booked a picturesque Airbnb with a bougainvillea-laden terrace. In late September, the winding roads were pleasantly quiet.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Your first safari is unforgettable, and this one was mine. I was living out childhood dreams inspired by “The Lion King.” This two-month African adventure, postponed from 2020, required a year of planning and saving. Every moment and dollar spent was worth it. (I’ll share a detailed cost breakdown next month!) We encountered the Big Five on our second day. This shot of a giraffe crossing the road with mountains in the background is a favorite. Note, you must stick to the designated roads in Kruger.

Kolmanskop, Namibia

One highlight of our 14-day Namibia road trip was visiting an intriguing ghost town. Founded during Namibia’s time as a German colony in 1908, Kolmanskop arose after diamonds were discovered by a railroad worker near Luderitz. By 1956, the town was abandoned, and in 2002, it opened for tourism. An on-site museum features several restored buildings, while the rest of the area captivates photographers with its dilapidated structures filled with sand.

Botswana

Botswana felt like a different world compared to its neighbors. With 40 percent of its land designated as national parks or reserves and no fences, it serves as a wildlife sanctuary. I particularly enjoyed capturing vibrant images of the lilac-breasted roller in Chobe National Park and the striking yellow basketweavers at Elephant Sands Lodge.

Sandwich Harbor, Namibia

After visiting 70 countries and all seven continents, no place rivals Namibia for stunning scenery. Every inch of the country is breathtaking, especially Sandwich Harbor, where towering sand dunes meet the ocean. Accessible only with a permit and a 4X4 tour, dune driving here was exhilarating and a memorable highlight of my trip.

Boulders Beach, South Africa

Boulders Beach may be well-known, but it’s worth a visit. This charming bay is home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Visitors can observe from elevated boardwalks. Since beach access is restricted, photographing the penguins without human distractions was relatively easy, though capturing the perfect angle required some patience.

White Rhino, Africa

We encountered numerous remarkable rhino sightings throughout our journey. Due to poaching threats, I won’t disclose the location of this image for safety reasons. Our guides advised against tagging locations where rhinos are spotted, as poachers exploit this information. One particular white rhino casually strolled in front of our vehicle, allowing me to capture several frames with my 100-400 lens. (Interested in seeing more safari shots? Check out my post featuring my favorite safari photos along with tips and camera settings.)

Évora, Portugal

atop the roof of Évora Cathedral.

Alfred the Globetrotting Gnome also had some exciting experiences this year. One favorite was this snapshot on the roof of Évora Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. The rooftop alone was worth the visit, and the rest of the cathedral was equally impressive. Alfred stayed behind during my Africa trip for safety—carrying a gnome around

might raise eyebrows, and I was concerned about airline carry-on rules that could force me to check him.

who’s been reassembled