15 Mesmerizing Travel Photos to Inspire You

Thousands of photographs stand up to the judges of the annual National Geographic Photographer of the Year Contest. Covering nature, cities, and people, some entries surprise or astonish. All images transport us to the far reaches of the globe. So what does it take to win?

Take a look back at some of the jaw-dropping winners that dominated the competition in recent years. Then try your best shot at the 2017 National Geographic Photographer of the Year Contest which just opened for entries. The grand prize winner will embark on a 10-day trip to the eye-catching Galápagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions.