Each year, we ask our travelers to submit their favorite photos from their journeys with us for a chance to be featured in our annual calendar. This year, we had many great submissions, and it was a challenge to narrow it down. We're excited to share the finished result! Thank you to everyone who submitted their photos and shared their stories with us. This year's cover is a stunning shot from Mexico. Check back on our blog to see each Photo of the Month, or click here to view the full calendar.

In the high mountains northwest of Mexico City, monarch butterflies return year after year to winter in the pine forests at 10,000 feet. They spend the night covering the trees in huge clusters. They are thought to do this to maintain body heat. When the sun rises and hits the colonies with the day’s first warm rays, the monarchs cascade off the branches and spend the rest of the day gliding through the forest. We were lucky enough to have access to a glade that offered perfect views to a clear blue sky with millions of monarchs swirling through the air. This view through a fisheye lens told the story of that dance.

Todd Gustafson
Gustafson Photo Safari