Virtual vacation: Amazing travel photos from 2020 | CNN

Virtual vacation: Amazing travel photos from 2020

Maureen O'Hare
By Natalie Yubas, Maureen O'Hare and Forrest Brown, CNN
1 minute read
Updated 5:10 AM EST, Thu December 31, 2020
<strong>Ruderatshofen, Germany</strong>: A solitary car drives through a large snow-covered forest in Bavaria.
Ruderatshofen, Germany: A solitary car drives through a large snow-covered forest in Bavaria.
Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/AP
<strong>Ashkelon, Israel: </strong>At night, a full moon peeks out behind residential buildings in the coastal Israeli city of Ashkelon.
Ashkelon, Israel: At night, a full moon peeks out behind residential buildings in the coastal Israeli city of Ashkelon.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
<strong>Mara North Conservancy, Kenya:</strong> Maasai men herd cattle in the conservation area of Mara North Conservancy on December 20.
Mara North Conservancy, Kenya: Maasai men herd cattle in the conservation area of Mara North Conservancy on December 20.
Siegfried Modola/Getty Images
<strong>Mount Sakurajima, Japan: </strong>A lightning bolt strikes the famous Japanese volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Mount Sakurajima, Japan: A lightning bolt strikes the famous Japanese volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Kyodo/Reuters
<strong>Vancouver:</strong> A sunrise view of the downtown Vancouver skyline on December 22.
Vancouver: A sunrise view of the downtown Vancouver skyline on December 22.
Andrew Chin/Getty Images
<strong>New York</strong>: A humpback whale is captured surfacing from the water near the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
New York: A humpback whale is captured surfacing from the water near the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
Bjoern Kils/New York Media Boat/Reuters
<strong>Kew Gardens, London: </strong>Revelers take in the after-dark trail lights at Christmas at Kew, an annual festive event held between December and January.
Kew Gardens, London: Revelers take in the after-dark trail lights at Christmas at Kew, an annual festive event held between December and January.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
<strong>Huntington Beach, California:</strong> A man takes a casual stroll past outdoor dining spots as residents of Southern California prepare for a new stay-at-home order effective December 6.
Huntington Beach, California: A man takes a casual stroll past outdoor dining spots as residents of Southern California prepare for a new stay-at-home order effective December 6.
Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images
<strong>Bethlehem, West Bank:</strong> A carpenter near the Church of the Nativity carves out a series of religious statues and figurines from olive wood on December 21.
Bethlehem, West Bank: A carpenter near the Church of the Nativity carves out a series of religious statues and figurines from olive wood on December 21.
Hazem Bader/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Portes du Soleil, Alps:</strong> Cross-country skiers hit the slopes in the vast ski-sports region that spans 12 resorts between France and Switzerland.
Portes du Soleil, Alps: Cross-country skiers hit the slopes in the vast ski-sports region that spans 12 resorts between France and Switzerland.
Denis Balibouse/Reuters
<strong>St. Petersburg, Russia:</strong> The sun sets behind St. Isaac's Cathedral, which was designed by French architect Auguste de Montferrand.
St. Petersburg, Russia: The sun sets behind St. Isaac's Cathedral, which was designed by French architect Auguste de Montferrand.
Anton Vaganov/Reuters
<strong>Karachi, Pakistan: </strong>A market vendor arranges a huge display of bananas at a fruit market in the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh.
Karachi, Pakistan: A market vendor arranges a huge display of bananas at a fruit market in the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh.
Rizwan Tabassum/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>New York: </strong>Customers brave the cold while dining outside restaurants during a snowstorm in the Big Apple on December 16.
New York: Customers brave the cold while dining outside restaurants during a snowstorm in the Big Apple on December 16.
Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times/Redux
<strong>Almaty, Kazakhstan: </strong>The Almaty Television Tower pokes through a blanket of thick fog on the slopes of Kok Tobe mountain in the former capital of Kazakhstan.
Almaty, Kazakhstan: The Almaty Television Tower pokes through a blanket of thick fog on the slopes of Kok Tobe mountain in the former capital of Kazakhstan.
Pavel Mikheyev/Reuters
<strong>Chiang Mai, Thailand: </strong>Celebrations for the three-day Loi Krathong festival are pictured on October 31.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Celebrations for the three-day Loi Krathong festival are pictured on October 31.
Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>New York: </strong>On a November day, people walk through the 19th-century Bethesda Terrace which sits at the southern shore of the lake in Central Park.
New York: On a November day, people walk through the 19th-century Bethesda Terrace which sits at the southern shore of the lake in Central Park.
Gary Hershorn/Corbis/Getty Images
<strong>Caracas:</strong> The ''blue moon" -- the second full moon of a calendar month -- is seen over the Venezuelan capital.
Caracas: The ''blue moon" -- the second full moon of a calendar month -- is seen over the Venezuelan capital.
Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Dubai: </strong>The exterior of the eagerly anticipated new Museum of the Future is cleaned by workers in early November.
Dubai: The exterior of the eagerly anticipated new Museum of the Future is cleaned by workers in early November.
Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>York, UK: </strong>A conservator carries out restoration work on the pulpitum -- a large ornate screen -- at York Minster cathedral, as part of a once-in-a-century project to refurbish the Grand Organ.
York, UK: A conservator carries out restoration work on the pulpitum -- a large ornate screen -- at York Minster cathedral, as part of a once-in-a-century project to refurbish the Grand Organ.
Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
<strong>Kathmandu:</strong> Marigold flowers are harvested ahead of the Tihar festival in Ichangu Narayan village in November.
Kathmandu: Marigold flowers are harvested ahead of the Tihar festival in Ichangu Narayan village in November.
Prakash Mathema/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Giza, Egypt:</strong> Newly discovered ancient sarcophagi are displayed after being discovered in the vast Saqqara necropolis.
Giza, Egypt: Newly discovered ancient sarcophagi are displayed after being discovered in the vast Saqqara necropolis.
Nariman El-Mofty/AP
<strong>Ahmedabad, India:</strong> A potter in his workshop arranges earthen lamps that will be used to decorate homes and temples during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Ahmedabad, India: A potter in his workshop arranges earthen lamps that will be used to decorate homes and temples during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Amit Dave/Reuters
<strong>Cusco, Peru:</strong> The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is lit up during its reopening ceremony on November 1.
Cusco, Peru: The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is lit up during its reopening ceremony on November 1.
Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>León, Mexico: </strong>In Guanajuato state, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival was held in November without spectators.
León, Mexico: In Guanajuato state, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival was held in November without spectators.
Ulises Ruiz/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Stegen, Germany:</strong> A man stands in heavy fog on a cold winter day on a pier at Lake Ammersee in southern Germany. <br />
Stegen, Germany: A man stands in heavy fog on a cold winter day on a pier at Lake Ammersee in southern Germany.
Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images
<strong> Zhangjiajie, China:</strong> Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, whose scenery is said to have inspired the film "Avatar," is home to the 326-meter-tall glass Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator.
Zhangjiajie, China: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, whose scenery is said to have inspired the film "Avatar," is home to the 326-meter-tall glass Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator.
Wang Zhao/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Yerevan:</strong> A mask-wearing worshiper prays inside a church in the Armenian capital on a November day.
Yerevan: A mask-wearing worshiper prays inside a church in the Armenian capital on a November day.
Artem Mikryukov/Reuters
<strong>Sihong County, China: </strong>This aerial shot shows feeding time at a goose farm in Jiangsu Province.
Sihong County, China: This aerial shot shows feeding time at a goose farm in Jiangsu Province.
Zhang Lianhua/VCG/Getty Images
<strong>Sydney, Australia:</strong> Poppies are projected onto the sails of Sydney Opera House as part of events to commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11. <br />
Sydney, Australia: Poppies are projected onto the sails of Sydney Opera House as part of events to commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11.
Jenny Evans/Getty Images
<strong>San Diego, California: </strong>A couple walk among graves at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11.
San Diego, California: A couple walk among graves at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11.
Gregory Bull/AP
<strong>Geneva, Switzerland:</strong> On the north side of the Alps, Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe.
Geneva, Switzerland: On the north side of the Alps, Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Tokyo:</strong> In the "Forest of Lamps" digital installation room which forms part of the TeamLab Borderless exhibition at Mori Building Digital Art Museum, hanging lamps light up as visitors approach. Photo taken October 14.
Tokyo: In the "Forest of Lamps" digital installation room which forms part of the TeamLab Borderless exhibition at Mori Building Digital Art Museum, hanging lamps light up as visitors approach. Photo taken October 14.
Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Mexico City:</strong> Marigolds are harvested in the Xochimilco neighborhood ahead of the Day of the Day celebrations from October 31 to November 2.
Mexico City: Marigolds are harvested in the Xochimilco neighborhood ahead of the Day of the Day celebrations from October 31 to November 2.
Marco Ugarte/AP
<strong>Paris:</strong> The Musée d'Orsay is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station completed in 1900. The grand clock is a reminder of its history.
Paris: The Musée d'Orsay is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station completed in 1900. The grand clock is a reminder of its history.
Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Pitt Meadows, British Columbia:</strong> A drone photograph shows cranberries being harvested in mid-October on a Canadian farm. <br />
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia: A drone photograph shows cranberries being harvested in mid-October on a Canadian farm.
Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
<strong>Beijing:</strong> Tourists gather in a bottleneck on the Great Wall of China during China's "Golden Week" holiday at the start of October. For this period, authorities raised the cap on the Badaling section to 75% of normal capacity -- and tickets sold out fast.
Beijing: Tourists gather in a bottleneck on the Great Wall of China during China's "Golden Week" holiday at the start of October. For this period, authorities raised the cap on the Badaling section to 75% of normal capacity -- and tickets sold out fast.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
<strong>Barcelona, Spain:</strong> A woman enjoys the calm after a storm on the Barcelona seafront on October 14.
Barcelona, Spain: A woman enjoys the calm after a storm on the Barcelona seafront on October 14.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
<strong>Aparecida, Brazil: </strong>The Chapel of Candles in the Basilica of Our Lady of Aperecida is pictured on October 12, the Catholic feast day of Our Lady of Aperecida.
Aparecida, Brazil: The Chapel of Candles in the Basilica of Our Lady of Aperecida is pictured on October 12, the Catholic feast day of Our Lady of Aperecida.
Bruna Prado/Getty Images
<strong>Huichang, China:</strong> Aerial view of workers in Hedun village drying bamboo sticks ahead of sale.
Huichang, China: Aerial view of workers in Hedun village drying bamboo sticks ahead of sale.
Zhu Haipeng/VCG/Getty Images
<strong>Isère, France:</strong> Ski resort Les Deux Alpes opened for the 2020/2021 season on October 17.
Isère, France: Ski resort Les Deux Alpes opened for the 2020/2021 season on October 17.
Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>London:</strong> Bushy Park, in southwest London, is the second-largest of London's Royal Parks. It has roaming herds of red and fallow deer.
London: Bushy Park, in southwest London, is the second-largest of London's Royal Parks. It has roaming herds of red and fallow deer.
Peter MacDiarmid/Shutterstock
<strong>Okunikko, Japan: </strong>Kegon Falls, in Nikko National Park, are surrounded by Mongolian oak, maple, azalea and other trees, making it a particularly beautiful spot in autumn.
Okunikko, Japan: Kegon Falls, in Nikko National Park, are surrounded by Mongolian oak, maple, azalea and other trees, making it a particularly beautiful spot in autumn.
Ryohei Moriya/The Yomiuri Shimbun/AP
<strong>Crimea:</strong> A heart-shaped balloon flies near the Aq Qaya (White Rock) plateau as part of the Crimean Sky Balloon Festival held in September.
Crimea: A heart-shaped balloon flies near the Aq Qaya (White Rock) plateau as part of the Crimean Sky Balloon Festival held in September.
Sergei Malgavko/TASS/Getty Images
<strong>Phuket, Thailand:</strong> The luxury Vijitt Resort is unusually quiet in September 2020 due to ongoing Covid-related travel restrictions.
Phuket, Thailand: The luxury Vijitt Resort is unusually quiet in September 2020 due to ongoing Covid-related travel restrictions.
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>New York City, New York: </strong>On September 19, the Statue of Liberty gets caught between the moon and New York City.
New York City, New York: On September 19, the Statue of Liberty gets caught between the moon and New York City.
Gary Hershorn/Corbis News/Getty Images
<strong>Tokyo: </strong>Umbrella-holding pedestrians cross the street in the Japanese capital.
Tokyo: Umbrella-holding pedestrians cross the street in the Japanese capital.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Funen, Denmark:</strong> Egeskov Castle on the Danish island of Funen is a remarkably well preserved example of a Renaissance water castle.
Funen, Denmark: Egeskov Castle on the Danish island of Funen is a remarkably well preserved example of a Renaissance water castle.
Michael Bager/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Cappadocia, Turkey: </strong>A tour group rides camels through Central Anatolia's Cappadocia region, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its chimney rocks, hot air balloon trips, underground cities and boutique hotels carved into rocks.
Cappadocia, Turkey: A tour group rides camels through Central Anatolia's Cappadocia region, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its chimney rocks, hot air balloon trips, underground cities and boutique hotels carved into rocks.
Behcet Alkan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
<strong>London:</strong> Two men sit in the sunshine in the upscale Coal Drops Yard complex in King's Cross on September 14. <br />
London: Two men sit in the sunshine in the upscale Coal Drops Yard complex in King's Cross on September 14.
Neil Hall/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
<strong>Nakhon Pathom, Thailand:</strong> The Wat Samphran Buddhist temple -- Dragon Temple -- is a popular tourist destination in this city 40 kilometers west of Bangkok.
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand: The Wat Samphran Buddhist temple -- Dragon Temple -- is a popular tourist destination in this city 40 kilometers west of Bangkok.
Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Frankfurt, Germany:</strong> A parkour runner jumps on a railway bridge with the buildings of the banking district as a backdrop. <br />
Frankfurt, Germany: A parkour runner jumps on a railway bridge with the buildings of the banking district as a backdrop.
Michael Probst/AP
<strong>Rovaniemi, Finland: </strong>The best time to witness the aurora borealis in the Lapland capital is between September and March. <br />
Rovaniemi, Finland: The best time to witness the aurora borealis in the Lapland capital is between September and March.
Alexander Kuznetsov/All About Lapland/Reuters
<strong>Lisbon:</strong> A tram passes through the Bairro Alto neighborhood, celebrated for its shops and nightlife.
Lisbon: A tram passes through the Bairro Alto neighborhood, celebrated for its shops and nightlife.
Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Barcelona, Spain:</strong> It was announced on September that work would resume on the Sagrada Familia church, with a new completion date of 2021 for the Torre de la Mare de Deu (pictured), the second-tallest of the basilica's towers.
Barcelona, Spain: It was announced on September that work would resume on the Sagrada Familia church, with a new completion date of 2021 for the Torre de la Mare de Deu (pictured), the second-tallest of the basilica's towers.
Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Wuhan, China:</strong> In the city where Covid-19 first emerged, Guiyuan Buddhist Temple reopened in September for the first time since the outbreak.
Wuhan, China: In the city where Covid-19 first emerged, Guiyuan Buddhist Temple reopened in September for the first time since the outbreak.
Getty Images
<strong>Taoyuan, Taiwan:</strong> Artist Lee Kuei-Chih's bamboo-made art installation "The Ripple Maze at Gaoshuang" is displayed at the Art Land Festivals. The event's 2020 dates are September 18 to October 4. <br />
Taoyuan, Taiwan: Artist Lee Kuei-Chih's bamboo-made art installation "The Ripple Maze at Gaoshuang" is displayed at the Art Land Festivals. The event's 2020 dates are September 18 to October 4.
Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Venice, Italy: </strong>Burano, an island in the Venetian Lagoon, is known for its brightly colored fisherman's houses.
Venice, Italy: Burano, an island in the Venetian Lagoon, is known for its brightly colored fisherman's houses.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Ein Bokek, Israel: </strong>This aerial view shows Dead Sea salt islands in the resort district of Ein Bokek.
Ein Bokek, Israel: This aerial view shows Dead Sea salt islands in the resort district of Ein Bokek.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Tyrawa Woloska, Poland: </strong>Thick mist gathers on a foggy morning in the Lesser Beskid mountains in southeast Poland.
Tyrawa Woloska, Poland: Thick mist gathers on a foggy morning in the Lesser Beskid mountains in southeast Poland.
Darek Delmanowicz/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
<strong>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:</strong> A worker disinfects the oceanic tunnel of the Rio de Janeiro Aquarium (AquaRio) prior to its reopening on August 15.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A worker disinfects the oceanic tunnel of the Rio de Janeiro Aquarium (AquaRio) prior to its reopening on August 15.
Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Page, Arizona: </strong>Horseshoe Bend, on the Colorado River, is one of America's most famous natural formations.
Page, Arizona: Horseshoe Bend, on the Colorado River, is one of America's most famous natural formations.
Daniel Slim/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Prague, Czech Republic:</strong> On an evening in late August, an acrobatic performance of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep" takes place on the rooftop of the Lucerna Palace.
Prague, Czech Republic: On an evening in late August, an acrobatic performance of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep" takes place on the rooftop of the Lucerna Palace.
Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
<strong>Paris, France:</strong> On August 6, visitors wearing face masks make their way around the Louvre museum.
Paris, France: On August 6, visitors wearing face masks make their way around the Louvre museum.
Stephane De Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Guanacaste, Costa Rica:</strong> La Ponderosa Adventure Park is home to more than 300 animals of thirteen different species, including zebras.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica: La Ponderosa Adventure Park is home to more than 300 animals of thirteen different species, including zebras.
Ezequiel Becerra/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Washington, DC: </strong>Final preparations are made ahead of the March on Washington on August 18, nearly six decades after Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I Have a Dream" speech at the same location. <br />
Washington, DC: Final preparations are made ahead of the March on Washington on August 18, nearly six decades after Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I Have a Dream" speech at the same location.
Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/Getty Images
<strong>Lampedusa, Italy:</strong> The Sicilian island of Lampedusa is famed for its beauty, but it's also been at the center of Italy's refugee crisis, with the island's reception facilities now overcrowded.
Lampedusa, Italy: The Sicilian island of Lampedusa is famed for its beauty, but it's also been at the center of Italy's refugee crisis, with the island's reception facilities now overcrowded.
Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images
<strong>Windsor, UK:</strong> On August 8, the East Terrace Garden at the royal residence Windsor Castle opened to weekend visitors for the first time in decades.
Windsor, UK: On August 8, the East Terrace Garden at the royal residence Windsor Castle opened to weekend visitors for the first time in decades.
Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Durrës, Albania: </strong>Parasols are lined up on an beach of the Adriatic Sea on a day in late August, as a heatwave sweeps through Europe.
Durrës, Albania: Parasols are lined up on an beach of the Adriatic Sea on a day in late August, as a heatwave sweeps through Europe.
Gent Shkullaku/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Banda Aceh, Indonesia</strong><strong>:</strong> Fishermen clean their nets after fishing on an August evening in the Indonesian capital.
Banda Aceh, Indonesia: Fishermen clean their nets after fishing on an August evening in the Indonesian capital.
Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Guadalajara, Spain: </strong>Pictured in mid-July, the village of Brihuega in central Spain is known for its aromatic and colorful fields of lavender.
Guadalajara, Spain: Pictured in mid-July, the village of Brihuega in central Spain is known for its aromatic and colorful fields of lavender.
Fernando Villar/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
<strong>Borgloon, Belgium:</strong> These teardrop-shaped tents created by Dutch artist Dre Wapenaar offer tourists a treehouse-style experience. Pictured early July.
Borgloon, Belgium: These teardrop-shaped tents created by Dutch artist Dre Wapenaar offer tourists a treehouse-style experience. Pictured early July.
Francois Lenoir/Reuters
<strong>Niteroi, Brazil: </strong>After closing for three months, Niteroi City Park welcomed visitors again in July. It's one of the city's most popular places to watch the sunset.
Niteroi, Brazil: After closing for three months, Niteroi City Park welcomed visitors again in July. It's one of the city's most popular places to watch the sunset.
Luis Alvarenga/Getty Images
<strong>Bangkok:</strong> Thailand's Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. It reopened to visitors on June 7, after being closed for two months.
Bangkok: Thailand's Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. It reopened to visitors on June 7, after being closed for two months.
Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Hong Kong: </strong>Hong Kong Disneyland reopened on June 18, but closed again just one month later, after a surge of coronavirus cases in the region. <br />
Hong Kong: Hong Kong Disneyland reopened on June 18, but closed again just one month later, after a surge of coronavirus cases in the region.
Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
<strong>Versailles, France: </strong>The Palace of Versailles' Hall of Mirrors awaits visitors on the eve of its reopening on June 6.
Versailles, France: The Palace of Versailles' Hall of Mirrors awaits visitors on the eve of its reopening on June 6.
Stephane De Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Rome:</strong> The Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial contests and public spectacles in ancient times, reopened to the public on June 1. <br />
Rome: The Colosseum, scene of gladiatorial contests and public spectacles in ancient times, reopened to the public on June 1.
Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Bournemouth, UK:</strong> England's Bournemouth Beach -- pictured here on May 25 -- was the site of a "major incident" in June when thousands flocked to the sea in hot weather, despite the ongoing pandemic. <br />
Bournemouth, UK: England's Bournemouth Beach -- pictured here on May 25 -- was the site of a "major incident" in June when thousands flocked to the sea in hot weather, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images
<strong>Athens:</strong> The Acropolis, the celebrated Greek citadel, reopened on May 18 -- with social distance markers in place.
Athens: The Acropolis, the celebrated Greek citadel, reopened on May 18 -- with social distance markers in place.
Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Sea of Galilee, Israel:</strong> A lone swimmer enjoys the Sea of Galilee in May 2020. As of July 2020, Israel remains closed to non-citizens and non-residents.
Sea of Galilee, Israel: A lone swimmer enjoys the Sea of Galilee in May 2020. As of July 2020, Israel remains closed to non-citizens and non-residents.
Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Kyoto, Japan:</strong> Chion-in is one of the most visited of the 1,000 or so temples in Kyoto. Foreign visitors to Japan were reported to have <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenglish.kyodonews.net%2Fnews%2F2020%2F07%2F6425f4f47072-urgent-foreign-visitors-to-japan-drop-999-on-year-in-june.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">dropped 99.9%</a> in April as a result of the pandemic.
Kyoto, Japan: Chion-in is one of the most visited of the 1,000 or so temples in Kyoto. Foreign visitors to Japan were reported to have dropped 99.9% in April as a result of the pandemic.
Carl Court/Getty Images
<strong>Washington, DC:</strong> In April, the DC tourism group Events DC approved an $18 million relief package to support the hospitality and tourism industry in the nation's capital. The Lincoln Memorial is pictured.
Washington, DC: In April, the DC tourism group Events DC approved an $18 million relief package to support the hospitality and tourism industry in the nation's capital. The Lincoln Memorial is pictured.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
<strong>Dubai, United Arab Emirates:</strong> During a 24-hour lockdown on April 6, a lone taxi cab cruises down a typically gridlocked highway. <br />
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: During a 24-hour lockdown on April 6, a lone taxi cab cruises down a typically gridlocked highway.
Jon Gambrell/AP
<strong>Zermatt, Switzerland:</strong> The streets of the Alpine ski resort lie empty on March 18, days after the Swiss government declared a state of emergency in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. <br />
Zermatt, Switzerland: The streets of the Alpine ski resort lie empty on March 18, days after the Swiss government declared a state of emergency in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Valentin Flauraud/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Madrid, Spain:</strong> The Prado Museum stands empty on March 12 as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the world.
Madrid, Spain: The Prado Museum stands empty on March 12 as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the world.
Bernat Armangue/AP
<strong>New York City, New York: </strong>The Edge NYC observation deck at Hudson Yards opened to the public on March 11, the same day WHO declared coronavirus a pandemic. Before long it was closed indefinitely.
New York City, New York: The Edge NYC observation deck at Hudson Yards opened to the public on March 11, the same day WHO declared coronavirus a pandemic. Before long it was closed indefinitely.
Gary Hershorn/Corbis News/Getty Images
<strong>Badaling Great Wall, China: </strong>After being closed for two months due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Badaling section of the Great Wall reopened to visitors in late March.
Badaling Great Wall, China: After being closed for two months due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Badaling section of the Great Wall reopened to visitors in late March.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
<strong>Caerphilly Castle, UK: </strong>St Patrick's Day parades around the world were canceled this year, but South Wales' Caerphilly Castle was able to mark the occasion with a display of green. <br />
Caerphilly Castle, UK: St Patrick's Day parades around the world were canceled this year, but South Wales' Caerphilly Castle was able to mark the occasion with a display of green.
Alistair Heap/Press Association/AP
<strong>Paris:</strong> This photo taken on March 11 shows Portuguese artist Patricia Cunha's "Umbrella Sky Project."
Paris: This photo taken on March 11 shows Portuguese artist Patricia Cunha's "Umbrella Sky Project."
Benoit Tessier/Reuters
<strong>Mount Marcy, New York: </strong>On March 7, hikers snowshoe through spruce trees on the eastern slope of New York's tallest mountain.
Mount Marcy, New York: On March 7, hikers snowshoe through spruce trees on the eastern slope of New York's tallest mountain.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
<strong>Giza, Egypt: </strong>On March 13, a camel waits at an overlook in front of the Giza Necropolis.
Giza, Egypt: On March 13, a camel waits at an overlook in front of the Giza Necropolis.
Mohamed el-Shahed/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Skógar, Iceland:</strong> In southern Iceland, Skógafoss waterfall has a drop of 60 meters, making it one of the tallest in the country.
Skógar, Iceland: In southern Iceland, Skógafoss waterfall has a drop of 60 meters, making it one of the tallest in the country.
Hannah McKay/Reuters
<strong>Mandalay, Myanmar:</strong> On March 11, visitors walk along the wooden U Bein Bridge that connects the two banks of Taungthaman Lake.
Mandalay, Myanmar: On March 11, visitors walk along the wooden U Bein Bridge that connects the two banks of Taungthaman Lake.
Thein Zaw/AP
<strong>Canberra, Australia: </strong>On March 10, a hot-air balloon rises over Lake Burley Griffin during the Canberra Balloon Festival.
Canberra, Australia: On March 10, a hot-air balloon rises over Lake Burley Griffin during the Canberra Balloon Festival.
Lukas Coch/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
<strong>Cumbria, UK: </strong>Water pours down the dam wall of Wet Sleddale Reservoir in the wake of heavy rain from Storm Dennis.
Cumbria, UK: Water pours down the dam wall of Wet Sleddale Reservoir in the wake of heavy rain from Storm Dennis.
Andrew Mccaren/London News Pictures/Zuma Press
<strong>Bangkok:</strong> Buddhist monks gather during Makha Bucha celebrations at Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple on February 8.
Bangkok: Buddhist monks gather during Makha Bucha celebrations at Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple on February 8.
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: </strong>On February 16, thousands turn out for early carnival celebrations in downtown Rio.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: On February 16, thousands turn out for early carnival celebrations in downtown Rio.
Fernando Maia/RioTur HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
<strong>Chandragiri, Nepal: </strong>On the southwest rim of Kathmandu Valley, Chandragiri cable car carried up to 1,000 passengers an hour high over the Chandragiri Hills.
Chandragiri, Nepal: On the southwest rim of Kathmandu Valley, Chandragiri cable car carried up to 1,000 passengers an hour high over the Chandragiri Hills.
Prakash Mathema/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Salisbury, UK:</strong> England's Salisbury Cathedral dazzles during a light and sound art installation, titled "Sarum Lights," to mark the cathedral's 800th anniversary in 2020.
Salisbury, UK: England's Salisbury Cathedral dazzles during a light and sound art installation, titled "Sarum Lights," to mark the cathedral's 800th anniversary in 2020.
Ben Birchall/PA Images/Getty Images
<strong>London: </strong>A plane flies in a moonlit sky in this photo taken in Richmond Park, southwest London, on February 8.
London: A plane flies in a moonlit sky in this photo taken in Richmond Park, southwest London, on February 8.
Aaron Chown/PA/AP
<strong>Yangzhou, China:</strong> Pedestrians enjoy a lantern-filled light display in the city of Yangzhou in China's Jiangsu Province on February 5. <br />
Yangzhou, China: Pedestrians enjoy a lantern-filled light display in the city of Yangzhou in China's Jiangsu Province on February 5.
Costfoto/Barcroft Media/Getty Images
<strong>Hyderabad, India: </strong>A laborer stacks watermelons ahead of an auction at Gaddiannaram wholesale fruit market.
Hyderabad, India: A laborer stacks watermelons ahead of an auction at Gaddiannaram wholesale fruit market.
Noah Seelam/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Jukkasjärvi, Sweden:</strong> Swedish Lapland's <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcnn.com%2Ftravel%2Farticle%2Ficehotel-sweden-30th-anniversary%2Findex.html" target="_blank">ICEHOTEL</a> celebrated its 30th winter season in 2019/2020. <br />
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden: Swedish Lapland's ICEHOTEL celebrated its 30th winter season in 2019/2020.
Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>New York City, New York:</strong> A <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcnn.com%2Fstyle%2Farticle%2Fheart-squared-times-square-nyc%2Findex.html" target="_blank">mirrored heart</a> landed in Times Square in time for Valentine's Day. The "Heart Squared" sculpture was designed by Brooklyn-based firms MODU and Eric Forman Studio.
New York City, New York: A mirrored heart landed in Times Square in time for Valentine's Day. The "Heart Squared" sculpture was designed by Brooklyn-based firms MODU and Eric Forman Studio.
Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP
<strong>Pattaya, Thailand: </strong>A brave soul takes on the zipline which runs from the 55th floor of the observation tower in Park Beach Resort.
Pattaya, Thailand: A brave soul takes on the zipline which runs from the 55th floor of the observation tower in Park Beach Resort.
Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Moscow:</strong> A multistory aquarium makes a statement centerpiece in Aviapark, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe.
Moscow: A multistory aquarium makes a statement centerpiece in Aviapark, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe.
Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Boa Vista, Cape Verde: </strong>A lone surfer paddles across the waters of Praia de Cruz beach in Sal Rei, located on on the northwest coast of Boa Vista.
Boa Vista, Cape Verde: A lone surfer paddles across the waters of Praia de Cruz beach in Sal Rei, located on on the northwest coast of Boa Vista.
Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Bagan, Burma: </strong>A shepherd leads her herd as the sun sets behind the mountains in Bagan, one of the world's greatest archeological sites, in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.
Bagan, Burma: A shepherd leads her herd as the sun sets behind the mountains in Bagan, one of the world's greatest archeological sites, in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.
Shwe Paw Mya Tin/NurPhoto/Getty Images
<strong>Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: </strong>A young boy runs under traditional Chinese lanterns at Thean Hou Temple, one of the oldest temples in Southeast Asia, as Lunar New Year celebrations get underway.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A young boy runs under traditional Chinese lanterns at Thean Hou Temple, one of the oldest temples in Southeast Asia, as Lunar New Year celebrations get underway.
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Srinagar, India:</strong> A man guides his boat along the water in Dal Lake, known as the "Lake of Flowers," as snow falls in the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Srinagar, India: A man guides his boat along the water in Dal Lake, known as the "Lake of Flowers," as snow falls in the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Tauseef Mustafa/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Palenque, Mexico: </strong>Built as a funerary monument for Maya ruler K'inich Kan Bahlam (or Pakal the Great) in the seventh century, the Temple of the Inscriptions lies in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque.
Palenque, Mexico: Built as a funerary monument for Maya ruler K'inich Kan Bahlam (or Pakal the Great) in the seventh century, the Temple of the Inscriptions lies in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque.
Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Dombay, Russia: </strong>A snowboarder ambles on a slope at Mount Mussa-Achitara in Dombay, a year-round resort known for its top skiing and hiking trails.
Dombay, Russia: A snowboarder ambles on a slope at Mount Mussa-Achitara in Dombay, a year-round resort known for its top skiing and hiking trails.
Dmitry Feoktistov/TASS/Getty Images
<strong>Rumah, Saudi Arabia: </strong>A sea of cars and people encircle camels at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in January. The month-long festival features races as well as a camel pageant section with $31.8 million in prize money.
Rumah, Saudi Arabia: A sea of cars and people encircle camels at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in January. The month-long festival features races as well as a camel pageant section with $31.8 million in prize money.
Faisal Al-Nasser/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Herdecke, Germany: </strong>The sun rises behind the railway viaduct across the Ruhr valley in Northern Germany.
Herdecke, Germany: The sun rises behind the railway viaduct across the Ruhr valley in Northern Germany.
Jonas Güttler/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Harbin, China:</strong> At the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in January, which billed as the world's largest winter festival, a worker maintains one of many intricate sculptures.
Harbin, China: At the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in January, which billed as the world's largest winter festival, a worker maintains one of many intricate sculptures.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
<strong>Mekelle, Ethiopia:</strong> In January, two men take a stroll along the main market in the capital city of the Tigray region.
Mekelle, Ethiopia: In January, two men take a stroll along the main market in the capital city of the Tigray region.
Eduardo Soteras/AFP/Getty Images
The world's best travel photos of 2020
CNN  — 

It’s been a year like no other. As we began 2020, travelers had more freedom of movement than at any time in history. Air traffic had been rising for decades.

But then in March, the coronavirus pandemic changed life as we know it.

Travel photographers have been capturing the world throughout this strangest of years, sharing their images with those of us unable to venture far beyond our homes.

At its best, travel photography inspires, intrigues and informs. It sets us on armchair adventures. It can spur us to actually plan a dream trip we’ve long sought to take. Or pictures can reveal a possible new journey that captures our imagination.

These photos not only show the natural and human-made beauty of our world, but they can also give us a glimpse of other people and cultures and the beauty within the human race.

Thousands of amazing images cross our computer screens each year, and in this space we share our favorites from 2020.