Travel can leave people with the best memories through the photos and videos they take back from their experiences. We asked a few travel influencers to share their favorite travel photos and selfies that have become lifelong memories. Check out the photos we selected from the most beautiful spots and we're sure they will inspire your travel aspirations.
What they did and where
The picturesque Pangong Lake and the icy Patagonia (left photo: Rajani Dhar, right photo: Anusha Rao)
Onela Rodriguez: Hanoi, Vietnam was a fun adventure
My favorite travel selfie happened on the bustling streets of Hanoi, Vietnam. The vibrant chaos of motorbikes and the sweet aroma of street food formed the backdrop, but it was the heartfelt smiles of the locals that made the moment unforgettable. The warmth of the city enveloped me as I explored hidden alleyways and savored traditional pho.
Get exclusive access to the latest news on India's General Elections only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! The vibrant colours and charm of Hanoi made for an unforgettable experience for Onela Rodriguez.
In the selfie, I stand in front of the ancient Temple of Literature, feeling the weight of history and culture, the sunlight shining down on my face. The joyous chatter of street vendors and the distant melodies of traditional songs echo all around me. In this cultural richness, I have connected with the soul of Vietnam.
“This selfie captured not only me in a foreign land, but also the essence of discovery and a deep connection to that place and its people. Every time I look at it, I am transported back to the tranquility of Halong Bay, the ancient charm of Hoi An and the resilience of a country that has left an indelible mark on my heart. Captured in pixels, Vietnam became more than just a destination; it became an important chapter in my life's journey.
Nikita Gogli and Kamal Savra: Kashmir Love
We went to Kashmir in April-May last year, the trip was 11 days long and we had decided in advance to visit some lesser known places as well, in addition to the usual spots.
The two spots we visited totally stole our hearts.
The first one is the beautiful village of Gurez. It is very unspoiled and has only two hotels. Still, it is a must-see for anyone who loves to travel. It is also far from Srinagar, an 8 hour drive and a bit dangerous. But it snowed there in May, which was a very pleasant surprise.
Kamal Sabra and Nikita Gogli at the Botanical Gardens in Kokernag, Kashmir
Another place that stole our hearts was the tiny Botanical Garden at Kokernag where we took this selfie. There were hardly any people around so this garden was all to ourselves. It was light rain and spring water was flowing through the park. Standing amidst that greenery, it was so tranquil, beautiful and serene that we couldn’t help but capture it in a selfie to recall one of the best memories of the places to see in Kashmir.
Anusha Rao walks on ice on the Perito Moreno Glacier trek in Argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier – Located in Los Glaciares National Park in the province of Santa Cruz (the largest in Argentina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the glacier is one of the most unique in the world. While most glaciers are retreating, Perito Moreno Glacier is growing up to two meters every day (but it is losing a little every day).
At the beginning of the trek, the bus dropped us off at the jetty, from where we took a boat to the trekking point. After dropping off our bags, we started on a mini trek to the glacier. We walked on the glacier beach and footpaths, and enjoyed the whole view of the glacier all around. Then we put on our crampons (required for walking on ice) and the most amazing trek of our life began.
Anusha Rao trekked on the ice of Patagonia and documented her adventures in a travel book.
At first it was a bit difficult to walk on the ice with crampons on, but after a while I got used to it. At first I walked slowly and they taught me how to avoid falling while walking.
We were then taken to a vantage point where the huge walls of the glacier opened up before us. The sight was mind-blowing. We continued trekking for about an hour and a half, passing through ice peaks, chasms, small ponds and glacial icicles before arriving at the glacier lagoon. It was an amazing moment. No matter how much I try to write and express my feelings, it will never come close to what I felt while standing there. It was definitely one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. It was truly breathtaking.
Rashmi & Anant: A drone selfie in Bali reminds us how spontaneity makes a big difference
This drone selfie was taken during a trip to Bali in 2019. At the time, not many people knew about the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands consist of Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan.
Rashmi and Anant had some amazing drone shots of their Bali holiday.
It all started with a recommendation from a fellow traveller who had stayed at a hostel in Bali. She had just returned from Bali and felt it was the most underrated gem in Indonesia. So we caught a ferry to Gili Air. These islands are quite different from the others and one of the first things we learned was that there are no taxis or tuk-tuks. Instead, the islands embrace an eco-friendly ethos and rely solely on horse-drawn carriages and bike carts for transportation. It was a whole new adventure for us. We cycled around this fascinating island and explored the beautiful coastline. We found this beautiful swing in the water and had a blast swinging against the waves.
This selfie always reminds me how much difference being open and spontaneous can make to a travel experience. We stayed here for a week and saw some amazing sights. We snorkeled with turtles just 30 meters from the beach. We rented a boat and visited two other Gili islands as well. One of the most unique sights was the underwater sculpture called The Nest. If you plan to visit Bali, be sure to take a few days to explore the Gili islands as well.
Rajani Dhar: Pangong Tso is like being stuck in a “wow” loop.
I live right next to the beach in Goa but I was too scared of deep water to go in until I visited Pangong Lake for 2 days. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place. I was stuck in a “wow” loop and everything about this place feels surreal. There were so many first-time experiences at Pangong Lake that 2 days just wasn't enough.
Rajani Dhal at Pangong Lake, a picture-postcard lake
On the first day, I sat there and marveled at the clear water and sky and felt humbled by my surroundings. The next day, I again spent time just observing the mountains and the changing colors around me. I often call this place my “Windows HD Wallpaper”.
I have visited other famous tourist spots in Leh but there is something about Pangong that fascinates me, it sets me apart from other places and left an unforgettable impression.
But when I reached Leh, I found myself to be a mountain person. Still, I enjoyed both. But if asked now, I would choose the mountains and lakes over the beach, anyway.