One of the many perks of working on Lonely Planet’s photo desk is having the opportunity to commission talented image makers across the globe. Every day I live vicariously through their work, and the itch to book a plane ticket grows stronger.
For Best in Travel, we collaborated with photographers from around the world to capture our top destinations for 2026 that fill our dreams. From cliffside cafes in Phuket to a bustling fusion of cultures in São Paulo, the images were breathtaking.
Lauryn Ishak, who captured the quiet beaches and elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, was enamored with the many hidden corners on the island. She encourages travelers to add time to their itineraries to explore the unexpected, such as horseback riding on Nai Yang Beach.
If spending a night by an active volcano in Hawaiʻi is more your speed, then head to Volcano House. “There’s an energy and rawness that comes from being so close to one,” says Honolulu-based photographer Michelle Mishina. “But it can also be quite peaceful, with misty rainforest mornings full of native birdsong.”
And we could sit here all day and tell you about these remarkable experiences, but it's better if we just show you.
