At its best, photography transports us to another place, telling a story about its people, nature, or landscapes—a feat we needed even more in 2020. 

With a new year ahead of us, we pause to reflect on some of the best travel and nature photography from 2020, as selected by various publications and photo competitions. Enjoy!

National Geographic
"Best Travel Photos of 2020"
In this collection of 18 images, National Geographic contributors share timeless photos of the places they long to return to post-pandemic. Highlights include an aerial view of New Zealand's fjords and a colorful celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. 

CNN Travel
"The world's best travel photos of 2020"
Take some time to scroll through CNN Travel's roundup of 115 favorite travel photos. Among the many beautiful images, you'll find Maasai men herding cattle in Kenya (#3), Machu Picchu illuminated for its re-opening ceremony in November (#23), and zebras in Guanacaste, Costa Rica (yes, really! see #64). 

Nature Photographer of the Year
"Nature Photographer of the Year 2020 - the winners"
There are lots of stunners in this gallery, presented by the Dutch organization Nature Talks. A giraffe against a prehistoric-looking backdrop in Kenya, a pair of salamanders in a pitcher plant, and a frog peering over a leaf in Argentina are standouts.

Audubon
"The 2020 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners"
From more than 6,000 entries, Audubon's contest winners include a Bare-throated Tiger-Heron in Costa Rica, a Magnificent Frigatebird in the Galápagos Islands, and a Northern Jacana in Belize.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
"The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2020 Competition Winners"
We were thrilled to see Holbrook trip leader Krisztina Scheeff of KS Nature Photography selected as a finalist for her funny photo of a piggish puffin.