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Best Winter Photography Destinations - Part 2
Published January 6, 2023
For Those Looking to Avoid Winter Conditions
In my previous post we discussed locations for those of us looking to embrace winter and photograph places in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Today we’re doing the exact opposite.
For those of us wishing to temporarily escape the chill of winter and travel to a warmer, more temperate climate, fear not, I’ve compiled some great destinations. This list includes some domestic locations here in the US as well as several exciting international locations.
I live in Montana, and we can get some truly brutal winter weather that lasts for days if not weeks on end. Sometimes, I want nothing more than to pack up my camera gear and fly to a completely different climate. Keep reading to discover some awesome photography destinations where you won’t need a parka or hand warmers.
Here are some premiere photography destinations for those looking to avoid winter weather.
In my previous post we discussed locations for those of us looking to embrace winter and photograph places in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Today we’re doing the exact opposite.
For those of us wishing to temporarily escape the chill of winter and travel to a warmer, more temperate climate, fear not, I’ve compiled some great destinations. This list includes some domestic locations here in the US as well as several exciting international locations.
I live in Montana, and we can get some truly brutal winter weather that lasts for days if not weeks on end. Sometimes, I want nothing more than to pack up my camera gear and fly to a completely different climate. Keep reading to discover some awesome photography destinations where you won’t need a parka or hand warmers.
Here are some premiere photography destinations for those looking to avoid winter weather.
Locations in the US
The United States is a vast land covering many different climates and ecosystems. Perhaps most of the country undergoes relatively drastic changes when winter rolls around but some locations, especially in the south and across the ocean, seem to change much less and remain quite pleasant.
I’ve compiled a list of these destinations that are also amazing locations for photography. If you’re looking to keep your travels within the US this year but don’t want your fingers to freeze then keep reading!
The United States is a vast land covering many different climates and ecosystems. Perhaps most of the country undergoes relatively drastic changes when winter rolls around but some locations, especially in the south and across the ocean, seem to change much less and remain quite pleasant.
I’ve compiled a list of these destinations that are also amazing locations for photography. If you’re looking to keep your travels within the US this year but don’t want your fingers to freeze then keep reading!
The Everglades
The first destination on our list is the Everglades of south Florida. This region encompasses multiple national parks and is one of the more unique wilderness areas in the entire country. The everglades are formed by water flowing out of Lake Okeechobee and south towards Florida Bay over a shelf of limestone. This wide, sluggish system of rivers creates a biodiverse ecosystem flourishing with plant and animal life.
The Everglades are an oasis for tons bird species and other wild animals. This area protects over 70 endangered or threatened species and is home to over 360 species of birds alone. The birds aren’t the only attraction for wildlife photographers, however. There’s a chance you might also see alligators, pythons, white-tailed deer, river otters, manatees and even the elusive Florida panther.
The Everglades are a great place for wildlife photography and due to the climate in this area they remain quite warm and temperate throughout the winter. If photographing a plethora of fascinating animals with a large piece of glass sounds like something you’d be interested in, then you’ll definitely want to check out the everglades. We offer some great photography tours in the Everglades here at Backcountry Journeys.
The first destination on our list is the Everglades of south Florida. This region encompasses multiple national parks and is one of the more unique wilderness areas in the entire country. The everglades are formed by water flowing out of Lake Okeechobee and south towards Florida Bay over a shelf of limestone. This wide, sluggish system of rivers creates a biodiverse ecosystem flourishing with plant and animal life.
The Everglades are an oasis for tons bird species and other wild animals. This area protects over 70 endangered or threatened species and is home to over 360 species of birds alone. The birds aren’t the only attraction for wildlife photographers, however. There’s a chance you might also see alligators, pythons, white-tailed deer, river otters, manatees and even the elusive Florida panther.
The Everglades are a great place for wildlife photography and due to the climate in this area they remain quite warm and temperate throughout the winter. If photographing a plethora of fascinating animals with a large piece of glass sounds like something you’d be interested in, then you’ll definitely want to check out the everglades. We offer some great photography tours in the Everglades here at Backcountry Journeys.
Hawaiian Islands
Our next destination is the Hawaiian Islands. This remote archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean really is a paradise on earth and the dramatic interactions of sea and land have formed some breathtaking landscapes ideal for any photographer. Hawaii has a very moderate climate and has mild temperatures and humidity year-round. This is an ideal destination for those of us looking to escape winter and take photos in t-shirts and shorts.
The other great thing about these islands is the diversity in landscapes. Each island has its own unique personality and identity, housing different plants, animals, geologic features, and other subjects. For instance, the big island is often much more dry than other islands and has some very dramatic and harsh landscapes formed by lava flows and volcanic stone. On the other end of the spectrum Kauai receives more moisture and rainfall creating tropical forests and dramatic topography covered in lush foliage.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong no matter which island you visit. There are incredible landscape photography opportunities no matter where you go in Hawaii. At Backcountry Journeys we offer 2 photography tours in Hawaii, both of which are incredible trips with a wide range of shot locations and opportunities.
Our next destination is the Hawaiian Islands. This remote archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean really is a paradise on earth and the dramatic interactions of sea and land have formed some breathtaking landscapes ideal for any photographer. Hawaii has a very moderate climate and has mild temperatures and humidity year-round. This is an ideal destination for those of us looking to escape winter and take photos in t-shirts and shorts.
The other great thing about these islands is the diversity in landscapes. Each island has its own unique personality and identity, housing different plants, animals, geologic features, and other subjects. For instance, the big island is often much more dry than other islands and has some very dramatic and harsh landscapes formed by lava flows and volcanic stone. On the other end of the spectrum Kauai receives more moisture and rainfall creating tropical forests and dramatic topography covered in lush foliage.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong no matter which island you visit. There are incredible landscape photography opportunities no matter where you go in Hawaii. At Backcountry Journeys we offer 2 photography tours in Hawaii, both of which are incredible trips with a wide range of shot locations and opportunities.
The Bayou
Another unique location in the southern United States is the collection of bayous and swamps in Texas and Louisiana. In a similar manner to the everglades in Florida, bayous are created when a flowing body of water such as a river or stream slows down so much that it stagnates and resembles a swamp or bog.
The bayous of this region create incredibly unique ecosystems that are unlike anything else on the entire planet. Bayous can contain fresh water, salt water, or brackish water (a combination of both) allowing them to harbor a wide variety of fish and other aquatic species as well as birds and mammals. The ample supply of water also allows for the growth of many plant species, with the most iconic being the giant cypress trees that grow right out of the water and tower over the landscape.
This destination is perfect for anyone looking to diversify their landscape portfolios. I’ve been wanting to travel here for years and after seeing the images that our guides and guests have captured on past trips that desire has only grown stronger. Definitely check out our Southern Cypress Swamps photography tour if you’d like more details on the trips we run here.
Another unique location in the southern United States is the collection of bayous and swamps in Texas and Louisiana. In a similar manner to the everglades in Florida, bayous are created when a flowing body of water such as a river or stream slows down so much that it stagnates and resembles a swamp or bog.
The bayous of this region create incredibly unique ecosystems that are unlike anything else on the entire planet. Bayous can contain fresh water, salt water, or brackish water (a combination of both) allowing them to harbor a wide variety of fish and other aquatic species as well as birds and mammals. The ample supply of water also allows for the growth of many plant species, with the most iconic being the giant cypress trees that grow right out of the water and tower over the landscape.
This destination is perfect for anyone looking to diversify their landscape portfolios. I’ve been wanting to travel here for years and after seeing the images that our guides and guests have captured on past trips that desire has only grown stronger. Definitely check out our Southern Cypress Swamps photography tour if you’d like more details on the trips we run here.
International Destinations
There are plenty of nice spots within the US that remain relatively warm and temperate during the winter but when you expand your horizons to the rest of the world the list only grows. The following locations are some of the best international destinations for photographers looking to avoid winter altogether.
There are plenty of nice spots within the US that remain relatively warm and temperate during the winter but when you expand your horizons to the rest of the world the list only grows. The following locations are some of the best international destinations for photographers looking to avoid winter altogether.
Costa Rica
We’ll start with Costa Rica, one of my personal favorites. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this incredibly beautiful and welcoming country twice and I can’t say enough good things about it. This is especially true when it comes to wildlife photography. Costa Rica truly cares about protecting their wilderness areas and sharing them with the world.
This small Central American nation is home to 28 national parks and roughly 30% of its entire land mass is either a park or nature reserve dedicated to protecting the flora and fauna that call Costa Rica home. These factors come together to make this place one of the premiere wildlife photography destinations of the world. Whether you’re searching for mammals like sloths, monkeys, jaguars, anteaters, and coatis or vibrant birds like Quetzals, toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds or amphibians like glass frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, rain frogs, and poison dart frogs there’s no shortage of wildlife to photograph in costa Rica.
If photographing exotic animals in lush and colorful settings is something you want in your life, then head over to Costa Rica and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. This is a truly special place and by traveling there you can help support everything the country is doing to protect their wilderness areas. At Backcountry Journeys we offer three unique photography tours in Costa Rica each in different locations with different itineraries.
We’ll start with Costa Rica, one of my personal favorites. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this incredibly beautiful and welcoming country twice and I can’t say enough good things about it. This is especially true when it comes to wildlife photography. Costa Rica truly cares about protecting their wilderness areas and sharing them with the world.
This small Central American nation is home to 28 national parks and roughly 30% of its entire land mass is either a park or nature reserve dedicated to protecting the flora and fauna that call Costa Rica home. These factors come together to make this place one of the premiere wildlife photography destinations of the world. Whether you’re searching for mammals like sloths, monkeys, jaguars, anteaters, and coatis or vibrant birds like Quetzals, toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds or amphibians like glass frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, rain frogs, and poison dart frogs there’s no shortage of wildlife to photograph in costa Rica.
If photographing exotic animals in lush and colorful settings is something you want in your life, then head over to Costa Rica and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. This is a truly special place and by traveling there you can help support everything the country is doing to protect their wilderness areas. At Backcountry Journeys we offer three unique photography tours in Costa Rica each in different locations with different itineraries.
Africa
For our next destination we’re heading across the Atlantic to Africa. When I think of wildlife photography tours this is the first place my mind takes me. I imagine an open-air, all-terrain vehicle driving a group of photographers through the Serengeti with all kinds of wild animals waiting around every bend. In my mind this is the quintessential wildlife photography tour.
Africa is an extremely complex and diverse continent with so many unique landscapes, ecosystems, climates, and cultures. With 54 countries, over 300 national parks, close to 2,000 spoken languages, and roughly 20% of the entire plants land Africa is in a league of its own.
When it comes to photography subjects there’s no shortage of these either. Africa is home to many iconic mammals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, African buffalo, African wild dogs, baboons, gorillas, antelope, wildebeest, and hyenas. And that’s just a sliver of the wide range of animals you can see while exploring Africa. In addition to these iconic mammals there are many birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians that make for excellent photography subjects as well.
An African photo safari really is the pinnacle of wildlife photography and one of these trips is an experience every photographer has dreamt of at one point or another. At Backcountry Journeys we offer multiple photography tours in Africa and it’s one of our favorite places to visit.
For our next destination we’re heading across the Atlantic to Africa. When I think of wildlife photography tours this is the first place my mind takes me. I imagine an open-air, all-terrain vehicle driving a group of photographers through the Serengeti with all kinds of wild animals waiting around every bend. In my mind this is the quintessential wildlife photography tour.
Africa is an extremely complex and diverse continent with so many unique landscapes, ecosystems, climates, and cultures. With 54 countries, over 300 national parks, close to 2,000 spoken languages, and roughly 20% of the entire plants land Africa is in a league of its own.
When it comes to photography subjects there’s no shortage of these either. Africa is home to many iconic mammals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, African buffalo, African wild dogs, baboons, gorillas, antelope, wildebeest, and hyenas. And that’s just a sliver of the wide range of animals you can see while exploring Africa. In addition to these iconic mammals there are many birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians that make for excellent photography subjects as well.
An African photo safari really is the pinnacle of wildlife photography and one of these trips is an experience every photographer has dreamt of at one point or another. At Backcountry Journeys we offer multiple photography tours in Africa and it’s one of our favorite places to visit.
India
While we’re on the topic of wildlife photography, the next location on the list is India. This country is the second most populated on earth and is also home to a diverse collection of ecosystems, climates, and cultures. Whether you’re looking up towards the heavens in the Himalaya in the north or gazing out towards infinity in the Bay of Bengal in the south, India has so much to offer for every type of photographer.
In my opinion the crowned jewel of India, when it comes to photography, must be the Bengal tiger. Yes, there are gorgeous landscapes spread across India and many intriguing animals, but I can’t really think of a more striking and beautiful wildlife subject. These powerful felines are elusive, and it would be a dream come true to photograph one in the wild.
India is a magical place and should be on the list of every photographer and adventure seeker. And, for all the reasons mentioned above, we offer an amazing photography tour searching for Bengal tigers here at Backcountry Journeys. Check it out and we hope to see you in India one of these days.
While we’re on the topic of wildlife photography, the next location on the list is India. This country is the second most populated on earth and is also home to a diverse collection of ecosystems, climates, and cultures. Whether you’re looking up towards the heavens in the Himalaya in the north or gazing out towards infinity in the Bay of Bengal in the south, India has so much to offer for every type of photographer.
In my opinion the crowned jewel of India, when it comes to photography, must be the Bengal tiger. Yes, there are gorgeous landscapes spread across India and many intriguing animals, but I can’t really think of a more striking and beautiful wildlife subject. These powerful felines are elusive, and it would be a dream come true to photograph one in the wild.
India is a magical place and should be on the list of every photographer and adventure seeker. And, for all the reasons mentioned above, we offer an amazing photography tour searching for Bengal tigers here at Backcountry Journeys. Check it out and we hope to see you in India one of these days.
The Mediterranean
If you’re looking for a temperate climate to visit this winter, then the Mediterranean region is a great option. The Mediterranean Sea borders 22 counties spread throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia and encompasses so much rich culture and history. In addition, there are many gorgeous landscapes and seascapes just waiting to be photographed.
I primarily focus on wildlife, landscape, and action photography and often overlook other styles. Throughout the Mediterranean there are great landscapes and some interesting animals, but I think that one of the main elements making this region so unique is the vast collection of human history and culture. If you’re into urban or street photography or want to add some ancient ruins and historic buildings to your landscape shots, then this is the place. And the weather seems to be perfect year-round, so that’s icing on the cake.
If you’re looking for a temperate climate to visit this winter, then the Mediterranean region is a great option. The Mediterranean Sea borders 22 counties spread throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia and encompasses so much rich culture and history. In addition, there are many gorgeous landscapes and seascapes just waiting to be photographed.
I primarily focus on wildlife, landscape, and action photography and often overlook other styles. Throughout the Mediterranean there are great landscapes and some interesting animals, but I think that one of the main elements making this region so unique is the vast collection of human history and culture. If you’re into urban or street photography or want to add some ancient ruins and historic buildings to your landscape shots, then this is the place. And the weather seems to be perfect year-round, so that’s icing on the cake.
South America
And last but not least, the final destination on our list, is South America. When it’s winter in the northern hemisphere just keep travelling south until it’s summer again. I guess that’s one of the perks of living on a giant sphere. South America is a vast land home to deserts, rainforests, mountains, and coastal regions all of which have their own personalities.
South Americas is probably best known for the Amazon rainforest in the northeastern part of the continent. This is the world’s largest rainforest encompassing 8 countries and harboring some of the most biodiverse places on earth. The Amazon River basin is home to more plants and animals than anywhere else and because of this it’s top notch for wildlife photography. At Backcountry Journeys we offer an exciting photography tour searching for jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal.
As you move southwest from the Amazon you will eventually hit the towering Andes mountains. This dramatic range is home to some of the most intimidating and jagged peaks anywhere and this is only accentuated in places like Patagonia. If you want to photograph stunning mountain ridges and towering granite peaks surrounded by unique plants and landscapes, then the Andes are perfect.
And last but not least, the final destination on our list, is South America. When it’s winter in the northern hemisphere just keep travelling south until it’s summer again. I guess that’s one of the perks of living on a giant sphere. South America is a vast land home to deserts, rainforests, mountains, and coastal regions all of which have their own personalities.
South Americas is probably best known for the Amazon rainforest in the northeastern part of the continent. This is the world’s largest rainforest encompassing 8 countries and harboring some of the most biodiverse places on earth. The Amazon River basin is home to more plants and animals than anywhere else and because of this it’s top notch for wildlife photography. At Backcountry Journeys we offer an exciting photography tour searching for jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal.
As you move southwest from the Amazon you will eventually hit the towering Andes mountains. This dramatic range is home to some of the most intimidating and jagged peaks anywhere and this is only accentuated in places like Patagonia. If you want to photograph stunning mountain ridges and towering granite peaks surrounded by unique plants and landscapes, then the Andes are perfect.
And with that, we have come to the end of our list. I hope this article has inspired you to travel to some new places this winter and to get out there and explore with your camera. No matter where you choose to go make sure to enjoy the journey and push yourself out of your photography comfort zone. Until next time…
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.