The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Winners of the contest will receive over $5,000 in prizes. There will be a grand prize winner for the video and the photography entries that include a luxury land package of a week in Madagascar or Porto and $1,000 in gear from f-stop. Weekly winners receive an f-stop gift certificate of $250 plus other prizes.
Capturing that great photo is so much more than having a good camera. With travel photography, it’s getting to the right place, having the right lighting composition, and of course, capturing a rare glimpse at a subject that enriches others. With excellent content, post production and retouching, you can create photography that is truly art. For some additional insights, click for info.
Getting there with your equipment protected and intact is a part of the process as well. We are glad to partner with f-stop, creators of durable high-quality modular camera backpacks, and accessories camera made for today’s photographer on the go. Their rugged camera pack systems provide options for a wide range of photographers from those bringing along their Cannon Mark IV camera, couple of lenses and a tripod to that hardcore pro with a full video set up including body, lenses, batteries, a drone, and the whole shebang.
Adventure photographers and videographers will find f-stop accessories to be among the best in the industry, well-designed, durable, and comfortable no matter what terrain your photo journeys take you to. Not only that but they also provide protective cases, lens covers, rain covers, and a whole host of do-dads to make sure that your pricey equipment stays protected from the elements. And now, to make sure you get there safely as well, f-stop has created a range of specially treated nonmedical facemasks to protect against germs so you can continue your outdoor projects during the pandemic.
The grand prize winner will receive a $1000 certificate to purchase f-stop gear to keep you on the go and the option to take home the SHINN 80 liter pack from their Mountain Line. This is a big boy for the serious photographer or videographer and its full length with expanding side zipper pockets, a front zipper, and a top lid for easy access. The bag is weather resistant to protect your gear against the elements and can carry just about it all from a comprehensive gear list to your laptop and even a change of clothes.
Five weekly winners will receive a $250 gift certificate and an option to pick up their GURU UL 25 liter with the ICU shallow small compartment and a rain cover. This is a more streamlined solution that is lightweight, durable, and abrasion resistant.
Weekly runner ups will receive their reusable DYOTA AG+ ION Mask protective face masks to allow you to get out there even during the pandemic. The masks are far beyond your simple nonmedical face covering and provide a washable, durable, and comfortable while providing antimicrobial and protection against particles and liquid droplets.
Photography equipment ain’t cheap, f-stop has the gear you need to protect your equipment from damage and the elements so you can capture what’s out there.
The Madagascar Grand Prize package is provided by MER Madagascar. Madagascar is one of the most thrilling destinations on earth. Pristine jungles, rural landscapes, and a rich and unbelievable biodiversity that is among the best in the world with yes, lemurs, but also chameleons, exotic plants, bizarre natural formations, gorgeous landscapes, and thick jungle forests. You’ll be able to capture all of this and more to share with your new fans around the world.
Your trip to Madagascar includes all of that and more. A stay at a few four-star hotels, beach, jungle, and sightseeing excursion and so much more. The holiday will be based in Nosy Be one of the most happening touristic places where you can also visit the nearby pristine island for sailing and even swim with whale sharks.
Your host for your Madagascar holiday is MER Madagascar. www.madagascarescape.com. This highly-recommended tour company has been welcoming guests from Europe and North America for over 15 years and will provide all of the logistics for your week’s stay. Again you will provide your photo and video as well on a non-exclusive basis for the providers’ use. See what awaits you on their Facebook: and Instagram.
Porto is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. The Porto River creates beautiful vistas from around the city as well as waterfront that bustle with locals and tourists alike at outdoor cafés, fresh air markets, and shops. This city offers endless cultural gems from public works of art at every turn to an indulgent food-centric way of life based on the region’s prolific wine culture and epicurean lifestyle.
The Grand Prize winner will receive a seven-day land package to explore one of Europe’s most enriching metropolis. Communicate Porto is a bespoke tourism company that creates travel itineraries to take in the best of what this beguiling city has to offer. Plan to stay in boutique hotels at night and visiting unforgettable locations during the day. Communicate Porto knows this river city better than anyone else as the firm is made up of locals who live love and share Porto with their savvy clientele. CommuniCate Porto´s travel plans are totally created taking into account the expectations of those who come and visit Porto Learn more at https://www.communicateporto.com/ and follow Communicate Porto on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Beau Monde Traveler | f-stop
What does luxury travel mean to you?
Profession: Medical Students
Instagram: Nomads.land.travelers
Where and when was it taken? Samarkand, Uzbekistan | July 2019
The Photo
This photo was taken during our first trip together. It took me months to plan every detail. We bought an old Lada Niva in Kyrgyzstan, and visited Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This was the biggest trip of our lives and we want more ! Yet, this picture was shot after the worst day of the trip : the day we almost died twice.
We were so tired by the day we had just spent, our nerves broke and we exploded our budget by spending the night in a luxury hotel and ordering too much food. The luxury worked its charms and the next day, everything was forgotten. We visited Samarkand and were stunned by the beauty of the architecture there !
This photo is my favourite because it makes me think of a phoenix that arises from its ashes : the road trip could start again thanks to the luxury night we just spent ! I also find the angle of the shot and the posture of Oceane interesting. You can see how Oceane soaks up the energy of the place and matches the colors around her.
We can’t wait for a time when we will earn enough money to afford luxury travel. It is such a different experience…
Profession: Photographer
Instagram: @michael_kleber_
Where and when was it taken? Portugal, Praia do Casteljo in 2020
The Photo
THE STORY
My family and I were on a three week’s trip from Ericeira over Lissabon to Villa do Bispo. We rented a car and our plan was to stay at three different houses. We’ve never been with our two kids on such a long trip. And it was beautiful.
This picture was shot at the end of the trip near the village, Villa do Bispo at the Algarve. We had the best time of our life. Three weeks of family time, three weeks surfing, three weeks fresh fish and the best weather.
We were enjoying life to the fullest. Time with your family and time for yourself. Just doing what is good for you. For me, that is the definition of luxury.
The passion for this image is the mood of the sunset of the blue hour and the reflection. The calm that has carried over me. And the memories I keep.
For sure, I will not forget the first time how my son caught a crap on this beach, or how I jumped into the small waves with my daughter and seeing my wife smiling at us.
On this day, I left every camera at home and just took the image with my iPhone. It’s not about the camera, it’s about the right moment and the mood you capture for your memory.
Profession: Banker
Instagram: @instagramingmac
Where and when was it taken? Sydney, New South Wales, Australia in September 2011
The Photo
THE STORY
This photo was taken the next day after she said “I do” when I proposed her on Sydney Tower Eye’s
observation deck, which was the tallest building in the city.
At that time, we were a long-distance-relationship couple. I was a student in Sydney, Australia, while she was also a student in Jakarta, Indonesia. Luckily, she got a chance to visit me since her father had a business trip to Sydney. Without a doubt, I spent a few weeks to prepare for the proposal in the most romantic way.
After having a long day sightseeing around the city, I invited her to go to Sydney Tower Eye and went up to the observation deck. She was so happy to see the stunning city’s night view and even happier when I unexpectedly proposed her on bended knee. The feeling of joy we had is so memorable until now.
This beautiful Sydney’s scenery was taken from Taronga Zoo across the land. We love this photo so much because it captures beautifully not only Sydney Tower Eye which witnessed our luxury moment together but also the lovable city landscape. We cherish this photo as the most luxurious travel moment and we are looking forward to another luxury travel experience.
Profession: Project Manager
Instagram: @chrislewisasbury
Where and when was it taken? North Wales, September 2020
The Video
THE STORY
This last year has been tough for everyone, with travel restrictions and lockdowns, it has made travelling overseas challenging and near impossible. In May this year, my wife and I were due to travel around North, Central and South America, followed by India, Nepal and parts of Southeast Asia (A Trip of a lifetime). With our plans in place, resignations given, our home rented, COVID hit. Our plans are now on-hold indefinitely. Fortunately, our companies kept us on, and we have some great friends who have helped with accommodation.
In late summer we managed to escape to Cornwall and North Wales for a two week road trip, whilst not luxury to some, this primitive well desired break of camping and beach/ hillside bbq’s by the coast of the south west and hills of North Wales was a welcome distraction from the daily covid updates and living and working under the same roof.
It was a timely reminder that even though faraway travel may not be possible for the foreseeable future, there are many opportunities to escape the day to day only a few hours from your doorstep. With landscapes such as these featured in the video, to me this is luxury, the ability to roam and capture memories alongside my wife is pure happiness. For me it does not matter where we are in the world as the road trip was a fundamental reminder that there are scenes and wonders around every corner and despite Covid, it has reaffirmed my passion for travel and photography.
We remain positive and hope that one day soon we can travel the world as we again start to make plans for our travel trip in early 2021. It won’t be easy traveling as before but will provide a different aspect on the meaning of travel as we will be grateful just to experience the journey once again.
This video is a collection of clips whilst out on day hikes in North Wales. I have always been a keen photographer, but more recently cinematography and hope to develop my skills by taking some online courses.
I love the outdoors and everything that mother nature has to offer.
Profession: Photography Student
Instagram: @Photokalk
Where and when was it taken? Greece, Mount Agrafa, Karditsa, January 2020
The Photo
THE STORY
I took these photos and the chosen one that I sent in the competition in Karditsa, Greece and specifically while I was hiking on the mountain called Agrafa.
I was so enthusiastic about taking photos from the mountain and also this was my first time hiking so I couldn’t wait to approach the top.
A few meters before the top I was so tired but colors and contrast were so beautiful and I couldn’t resist to this beauty, I made just one click,I didn’t check it but for an unexplained reason, I was so sure that I will love it and so it happened.
Profession: Cinematographer
Where and when was it taken? Funzi island
The Photo
THE STORY
The story behind the photo is that I had a small chat with the fisherman before he went fishing for the night. He told me that due to the Corona virus pandemic the only time he could go fishing, without causing any scene, was at night around 6pm. He told me that it was the most beautiful time of the day for a photo.
Profession: Photographer
Instagram: @magnusheinmets
Where and when was it taken? Iceland, March 2017
The Photo
THE STORY
Me and my brother, we were travelling around Iceland for 14 days with a car. The photo was taken around march in 2017, at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It was a really cold night and we woke up early in the morning, and because we were really close to the Lagoon, we decided to go back and take some photos. At the lagoond I decided to jump in and take some picture from above with my drone.
The idea of the photo came from my usual photos taken with a drone from above. I like to travel a lot and I like to save my awesome memories throw photos, one type of saving beautiful places and memories are usually taken with my drone from above. I have lots of the same type of photos. On this picture, icebergs, human, red pants- That is all you need!
Profession: Medical Record Clerk
Instagram: @thebrightpixels
Where and when was it taken? Al Khatim n Abu Dhabi UAW, October 2020
The Photo
THE STORY
The photo was taken in one of our fabouritte Desert spott in Abu Dhabi UAE. I was inspired to take this photo because of the beautiful morning scenery that you can witness in every trave, you make in your life, and I appreciate the beauty of nature. This photo is also memorable because of the first fog of the winter season in UAE.
Profession: Travel Videographer
Instagram: @cobysphere
The Video
THE STORY
I work as a digital nomad whenever I can, using videography & photography as a vehicle to allow me to travel with a purpose. Travel is, of course, the best way to understand the world around us, and by documenting my travels, it allows me to establish a deeper meaning and understanding to the people and places I encounter. This video, in particular, alludes to my particular style of traveling the last few years through Europe, North & Central America, in which the goal is not necessarily “luxury” in the traditional sense of material things, but rather luxury in the form of rich experiences that situate me fully into the culture and nature of the land I’ve inserted myself into. And if, along the way, I encounter a few luxurious castles or fancy local meals here and there, then so be it!
Profession: Global Environmental Manager
Instagram: @jushenlee
The Photo
THE STORY
I take photographs that comprehensively capture the vigor and vitality of daily life in exotic locations. I weave these photographs into beautiful tapestries that combine creative composition,
compelling content, and cultural context.
My international life experience, earth sciences studies and global environmental and sustainability management career provides an empathetic eye for the synergy and symbiosis if nature, life, culture and religion. Inspired by the ageless classical approach to storytelling, my photography is focused on opening hearts and minds. I instinctively capture and intimately communicate the true, pure substance of real life.
Framed by my empathetic eye and clear focus, my photography is more than a visual bridge between the subject and viewer. It is also a cultural bridge to different worlds. By going beyond and behind the visual feast of exotic locations and their enigmatic people, my photographs also immerse the other senses in the underlying sounds, aromas, flavors, and textures. I weave these photographs into tapestries that holistically chronicle the daily lives of her subjects. My photography is also a historical bridge for future generations to savor and study the past real life at these locations before the inevitable and irreversible changes due to technology and time. My photography connects different people in different worlds across different times.
Inle lake is at the nexus of two very distinct farming and fishing cultures. The full-time farmers are part-time fishermen, and the full-time fishermen are part-time farmers. Because of their differrent focus, they are often helping each other with their farms and fishing endeavors. So Inle Lake is an amalgaamation of two different occupations in one culture bonded by a very strong sense of community.
My objective in my 2019 photo-expedition to Inle Lake was to capture ‘real life photos’ of this unique community.
Profession: Yoga Teacher
Instagram: @barbu_lin
Where and when was it taken? Otago, New Zealand, 2019
The Photo
THE STORY
This photo was taken during our travels around New Zealand, living one year in a van that we built together and named it Peanut. It was absolutely the best year of our lives, making incredible memories every day, in the biggest luxury we could ever wish for – absolute and unlimited freedom. Some days we would woke up with a sound of the ocean and scream of seagulls. Other mornings we would admire the first rays of Sun lighting up the mountain tops all around us. Sometimes we would have a beautiful lake or a river in our backyard, where duckies would come to say hi. Or, if we got lucky, we would wake up in the middle of herd of cows, who thought our van was simply one of them. Sometimes we would just bed down under the open sky with the most beautiful stars we’ve ever seen, falling asleep with a feeling as if we were the only two people in the world. And most evenings we would enjoy our favourite movie, just on different places – it is called The Sunset, directed by The Nature.
So, this photo is a little invitation to our dreamy, luxury vanlife adventure in “the land of the long white cloud”. We laughed, we dreamed, we loved, sometimes we got lost in the wild and we simply lived our lives to the very fullest.
Profession: Global Environmental Manager
Instagram: @jushenlee
The Photo
THE STORY
I take photographs that comprehensively capture the vigor and vitality of daily life in exotic locations. I weave these photographs into beautiful tapestries that combine creative composition, compelling content, and cultural context.
My international life experience, earth sciences studies and global environmental and sustainability management career provides an empathetic eye for the synergy and symbiosis if nature, life, culture and religion. Inspired by the ageless classical approach to storytelling, my photography is focused on opening hearts and minds. I instinctively capture and intimately communicate the true, pure substance of real life.
Framed by my empathetic eye and clear focus, my photography is more than a visual bridge between the subject and viewer. It is also a cultural bridge to different worlds. By going beyond and behind the visual feast of exotic locations and their enigmatic people, my photographs also immerse the other senses in the underlying sounds, aromas, flavors, and textures. I weave these photographs into tapestries that holistically chronicle the daily lives of her subjects. My photography is also a historical bridge for future generations to savor and study the past real life at these locations before the inevitable and irreversible changes due to technology and time. My photography connects different people in different worlds across different times.
This is a very ingenious fishing technique used uniquely at Inle lake, Myanmar. The fishermen who fish in the early morning and evenings are often farmers during the day. Beating the water with their oars drives the fish towards the nearby nests.
Inle lake is at the nexus of two very distinct farming and fishing cultures. The full-time farmers are part-time fishermen, and the full-time fishermen are part-time farmers. Because of their different focus, they are often helping each other with their farms and fishing endeavours. So Inle Lake is an amalgamation of two different occupations in one culture bonded by a very strong sense of community.
My objective in my 2019 photo-expedition to Inle Lake was to capture ‘real-life photos’ of this unique community.
Profession: Yoga Teacher
Instagram: @barbu_lin
Where and when was it taken? Otago, New Zealand, 2019
The Photo
THE STORY
This photo was taken during our travels around New Zealand, living one year in a van that we built together and named it Peanut. It was absolutely the best year of our lives, making incredible memories every day, in the biggest luxury we could ever wish for – absolute and unlimited freedom. Some days we would woke up with a sound of the ocean and scream of seagulls. Other mornings we would admire the first rays of Sun lighting up the mountain tops all around us. Sometimes we would have a beautiful lake or a river in our backyard, where duckies would come to say hi. Or, if we got lucky, we would wake up in the middle of herd of cows, who thought our van was simply one of them. Sometimes we would just bed down under the open sky with the most beautiful stars we’ve ever seen, falling asleep with a feeling as if we were the only two people in the world. And most evenings we would enjoy our favourite movie, just on different places – it is called The Sunset, directed by The Nature.
So, this photo is a little invitation to our dreamy, luxury vanlife adventure in “the land of the long white cloud”. We laughed, we dreamed, we loved, sometimes we got lost in the wild and we simply lived our lives to the very fullest.
Profession: Medical Students
Instagram: Nomads.land.travelers
Where and when was it taken? Samarkand, Uzbekistan | July 2019
The Photo
THE STORY
This photo was taken during our first trip together. It took me months to plan every detail. We bought an old Lada Niva in Kyrgyzstan, and visited Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This was the biggest trip of our lives and we want more ! Yet, this picture was shot after the worst day of the trip : the day we almost died twice.
We were so tired by the day we had just spent, our nerves broke and we exploded our budget by spending the night in a luxury hotel and ordering too much food. The luxury worked its charms and the next day, everything was forgotten. We visited Samarkand and were stunned by the beauty of the architecture there !
This photo is my favourite because it makes me think of a phoenix that arises from its ashes : the road trip could start again thanks to the luxury night we just spent ! I also find the angle of the shot and the posture of Oceane interesting. You can see how Oceane soaks up the energy of the place and matches the colors around her.
We can’t wait for a time when we will earn enough money to afford luxury travel. It is such a different experience…
Profession: Travel Videographer
Instagram: @cobysphere
The Video
THE STORY
I work as a digital nomad whenever I can, using videography & photography as a vehicle to allow me to travel with a purpose. Travel is, of course, the best way to understand the world around us, and by documenting my travels, it allows me to establish a deeper meaning and understanding to the people and places I encounter. This video, in particular, alludes to my particular style of traveling the last few years through Europe, North & Central America, in which the goal is not necessarily “luxury” in the traditional sense of material things, but rather luxury as rich experiences that situate me fully into the culture and nature of the land I’ve inserted myself into. And if, along the way, I encounter a few luxurious castles or fancy local meals here and there, then so be it!
Profession: Project Manager
Instagram: @chrislewisasbury
Where and when was it taken? North Wales, September 2020
The Video
THE STORY
This last year has been tough for everyone, with travel restrictions and lockdowns, it has made travelling overseas challenging and near impossible. In May this year, my wife and I were due to travel around North, Central and South America, followed by India, Nepal and parts of Southeast Asia (A Trip of a lifetime). With our plans in place, resignations given, our home rented, COVID hit. Our plans are now on-hold indefinitely. Fortunately, our companies kept us on, and we have some great friends who have helped with accommodation.
In late summer we managed to escape to Cornwall and North Wales for a two week road trip, whilst not luxury to some, this primitive well desired break of camping and beach/ hillside bbq’s by the coast of the south west and hills of North Wales was a welcome distraction from the daily covid updates and living and working under the same roof.
It was a timely reminder that even though faraway travel may not be possible for the foreseeable future, there are many opportunities to escape the day to day only a few hours from your doorstep. With landscapes such as these featured in the video, to me this is luxury, the ability to roam and capture memories alongside my wife is pure happiness. For me it does not matter where we are in the world as the road trip was a fundamental reminder that there are scenes and wonders around every corner and despite Covid, it has reaffirmed my passion for travel and photography.
We remain positive and hope that one day soon we can travel the world as we again start to make plans for our travel trip in early 2021. It won’t be easy traveling as before but will provide a different aspect on the meaning of travel as we will be grateful just to experience the journey once again.
This video is a collection of clips whilst out on day hikes in North Wales. I have always been a keen photographer, but more recently cinematography and hope to develop my skills by taking some online courses.
I love the outdoors and everything that mother nature has to offer.
Profession: Freelance photographer & Videographer
Instagram: @adamrosssi
Where and when was it taken? Amalfi Coast Italy, September 2018
The Video
THE STORY
I took this drone shot whilst part of an Italian road trip we did in 2018 with my partner Jess. We had just drove down from the dolomites and planned to spend a few days exploring the Amalfi Coast before we drove to Piza. I captured this beautiful drone shot when we first arrived and I have to say it was one of my favourites and remains one of my favourite drone shots to this day!
