Photo Essays

Here you can find links to some of my photo essays, which include some of my favorite pictures from specific places and events, along with some in-depth explanation, stories, and other travel goodies.

The U.S.

Seattle: A Sensory Experience

Explore Seattle, Washington, through the senses. Check out the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and more.

Travel Scene: Pike Place Market

Check out one of the oldest and most famous farmer’s markets in the U.S.

A Jaunt Through Juneau

Discover Juneau, Alaska, along with me.

Skagway and Beyond

See photos from my journey on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska, along with pictures of the charming town. Then pop over the border into gorgeous British Columbia.

Apalachicola, Florida

Get a taste of “old Florida” in funky, charming Apalachicola, Florida. This quirky little town on the coast of the Florida Panhandle has enough character to surprise even those who think they know Florida like the back of their hand.

A Photo Tour of Pearl Harbor

See some of the iconic sites from this Hawaii military base that now serves as a memorial for the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the U.S. into WWII on Dec. 7, 1941.

Sunset at Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach

I love sunsets. And I loved Hawaii. And, most of all, I loved sunsets like this one in Hawaii!

10 Beautiful Hawaiian Beaches — Oahu

Hawaii is definitely not lacking when it comes to beautiful beaches of all shapes, sizes and colors. Here are 10 of my favorite beaches that I had the chance to visit on the island of Oahu.

Travel Scene: Waikiki Beach

Experience the sights and sounds of Hawaii’s most famous beach.

A Hint of Asia in Hawaii — Byodo-in Temple

I was surprised to find such an Asian influence in Hawaii. Visiting the Byodo-in Temple on the island of Oahu was just little getting a little taste of Japan.

The Best of Oahu, Hawaii in Photos

Take a photo tour of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, “visiting” some of its most famous and scenic spots, from beautiful beaches to top attractions.

California Dreamin’

Photos from my day spent in Los Angeles, with a drive up the PCH, and visits to the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach boardwalk.

Happy 4th of July! 

Check out this collection of fireworks photos.

A Day in Yellow Springs — Ohio’s Hippie Enclave

One of my favorite places in Ohio is Yellow Springs, the hippie-minded village in Southwest Ohio where the counterculture is still alive and well. Check out this colorful, quirky town through photos!

Welcome Signs Across America

Some of the best “Welcome” signs my sister and I could find on our American road trip.

Cliffdwellers, Arizona

Photos from a funky stop in between Page, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon.

Utah: America’s Most Beautiful State?

I feel like Utah often gets overlooked when people consider beautiful places to visit in America. But, after spending some time in this state, I feel like it may be one of the most naturally beautiful in the whole country!

Celebrating Oktoberfest in Chicago

In 2011, I enjoyed an Oktoberfest celebration at Navy Pier in Chicago, complete with schnitzel, beer, and plenty of festive music!

A Fall Photo Tour of Chicago

Thinking of visiting Chicago in the fall? Here’s a taste of what you can expect to see.

Canada

A Visual Guide to Victoria

Visit the capital city of British Columbia, and learn why the call it “The Garden City.” Check out Victoria’s vibrant harbor, as well as quirky Fisherman’s Wharf.

China

How to Climb the Great Wall

Is climbing the Great Wall of China on your bucket list? My guess is that it is. Here are some tips (and lots of photos) to give you an idea of what climbing the Wall is really like.

Australia

Sunset Over Perth’s Cottesloe Beach

One of my favorite sunsets to date took place at a nearly deserted Cottesloe Beach, near Perth in Western Austrlia, on a winter evening.

New Zealand

Let’s Go Zorbing!

Discover one of the craziest, silliest New Zealand adventure sports: Zorbing! Essentially, you dive into what looks like a giant hamster ball, and then get pushed down a hill.

Trekking to Edoras

In the middle of a valley in New Zealand’s Southern Alps sits Mount Sunday — known to “Lord of the Rings” fans as Edoras. Trekking to this rocky outcrop is stunning, even if you have no idea who Frodo is.

Walking the Paths of the Dead

As a “Lord of the Rings” fan in New Zealand, I was always on the lookout for off-the-beaten path destinations that were used in the filming of the trilogy. I stumbled upon the Putangirua Pinnacles, which doubled as the Dimholt Road on the way to the Paths of the Dead in the movies. It’s not difficult to understand why — this place is eerie, yet hauntingly mesmerizing.

NZ Drives: Southern Scenic Route

The stunning, day-long drive from Dunedin to Invercargill along New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route tops my list of NZ drives. With gorgeous coastal and rural views around every turn, this journey through the Catlins and Southland should definitely make your NZ list.

In Search of Seals in Wellington

Hiking in New Zealand doesn’t have to take days, or be super difficult. Take, for example, this hike just outside of Wellington. Trek along the coast from Island Bay to Sinclair Head, where some stinky seals reside during the winter months.

An Expedition to Northland

Take a trip to Northland with me, visiting gorgeous sites like Paihia, the incorrectly-named 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga, and even some sand dunes!

Discovering the Coromandel Peninsula

Dig your own hottub at Hot Water Beach, hike down to Cathedral Cove, and take a water-based tour in Whitianga. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula — perhaps one of the country’s best-kept secrets!

New Zealand is Calling – Will You Answer?

Need a good reason to visit New Zealand? Here are a bunch, compiled from statements from a collection of fellow travelers.

My 5 Favorite Views in New Zealand

New Zealand has no shortage of beautiful scenery. Here are five of my favorite views around the country.

Canterbury, New Zealand – Stunned, But Still Stunning

The NZ earthquake may have ruined Christchurch, but the rest of Canterbury is still pretty stunning, and worth a visit.

Welcome to Arrowtown

A guest post photo essay focusing on the little former gold mining town of Arrowtown.

Riding the Rails in NZ — The TranzAlpine

The TranzAlpine train journey between the South Island cities of Christchurch and Greymouth is supposed to be one of the best scenic train rides in the world. And you know what? I think I have to agree.

A Colorful Kapiti Sunset

Are you sick of sunset posts from me yet? Well you should check this one out anyway, because it’s one of my favorites I’ve ever seen!

Cultures Converging at Rangiatea Church

Check out this one-of-a-kind Maori church in New Zealand. From the outside, it looks pretty ordinary, but on the inside it is truly unique.

Cuba Street, Wellington

Cuba Street — an eclectic area filled with shops and cafes — is my absolute favorite place in Wellington. I used to spend hours on this street each week, just people-watching and being entertained by buskers.

New Zealand Cities, Part 1: Auckland in Photos

Take a quick photo tour with me through Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

New Zealand Cities, Part 2: Wellington in Photos

Wellington is my favorite city in New Zealand, though not many people add the capital into their travel plans. Get to know it better through these photos to find out what they’re all missing!

New Zealand Cities, Part 3: Queenstown in Photos

Most people associate Queenstown with its beautiful landscape and crazy adventure sports. But it’s so much more than that! Get a taste of the town itself in this photo post.

Misc.

Views From the Water

I’ve grown up around boats, and have always had a bit of a thing for large bodies of water and harbors filled with sails. Check out this collection of some of my favorite photos taken either on or of boats (or both!).

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