Travels with a Camera

So what is Viator’s Traveler of the Month?

Before we answer that, let’s back up a little. Recently we started publishing photos over on the viator.com website. These are photos taken by actual Viator travelers, photos of themselves on elephant treks, helicopter tours, desert safaris, private tours of the Vatican — and on hundreds of the other 5,000+ tours and things to do available on Viator.

So we’ve started giving props each month to an individual Viator traveler who makes us laugh, makes us smile, or who inspires us to make that next trip. It might be the prettiest traveler photo, or the funniest, or most inspirational, or just most plain weird.

What do you win? A $100 gift certificate (or the equivalent in pounds or euros) to use on Viator.com! So get traveling, take photos and submit them to viator.com when you return. If you want to participate, simply submit your travel photos (see below for how this works) and you are eligible. Each month we will chose a new winner.

This month we’re pleased to honor James & Michelle for their Egypt trip photos.

April Travelers of the Month - James & Michelle, United Kingdom

Michelle and James went on a trip to Cairo, Egypt and had a wonderful time exploring the different pyramids on their private tour to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara. James submitted some really fun photos of their trip to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara in Cairo. This is a great tour to get the full pyramid experience in Egypt.

James said, “This was a great day out. We had a few laughs along the way. The guide was brilliant.”

March Traveler of the Month - Alexandra S, Australia

Alexandra S and her family recently went on a trip to Fiji and based on her photos and captions, they had a blast. The photo above is from the South Sea Island Day Cruise where they snorkeled and relaxed by the pool. Alexandra submitted some great photos of the South Sea Island Day Cruise in Fiji. If you’re looking to relax and have a fun trip with the kids in Fiji, Alexandra recommends this tour.

Alexandra says: “Kris has given his thumbs up for this experience. This is definitely a trip to take especially if you have kids.”

February Traveler of the Month - James A, UK

Here’s a shot taken by James A in Rome, on the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Rome Walking Tour. James submitted some great photos of Rome and the inside of the Vatican. And, according to James’ review he’s glad he booked ahead because the line to get into the Vatican was over 2.5 hours long!

James says: “We were enjoying our tour within 15 minutes, and the guide brought the Vatican alive. There is so much to see you simply would not enjoy any other way as it would not mean much without being explained. The headsets you are given for the tour are fab, and you can hear loud and clear what your guide is saying. We normally do our own thing on holiday; however, this is one of the rare places which the tour works very well.”

January Traveler of the Month - Sumit B, USA

Sumit B seems to be having a good time at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Las Vegas, which he visited after purchasing the Las Vegas Power Pass. Sumit, his wife and his two embarrassed children met Beyonce, the Terminator, Johnny Depp, George Bush and Jenna Jameson, among others. Hopefully his wife forgives him for all of the photos with other women.

–The Viator Travel Team

Editor’s Note: We’ve posted the photos submitted by our Travelers of the Month over on the Viator Flickr site. Hop on over for some inspiration for your next trip.

How can you submit photos to Viator’s Traveler of the Month contest? It’s simple: book a tour with Viator and, when you return, you will receive a “Welcome Back” email. This email will invite you to submit reviews and photos of the tours and things to do on your trip. Tell other travelers what you loved, what you hated and show them in a photo. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Just last month we started publishing photos over on the viator.com website. And not just any old travel photos. These are photos taken by actual Viator travelers, photos of themselves on elephant treks, helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides, private tours of the Vatican — and on hundreds of the other 5,000+ tours and things to do available on Viator.com. Our Photo Galleries have only been live for a few weeks, and already we’ve received a few thousand photos from Viator travelers doing some very cool and interesting things.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 photos submitted by travelers on Viator.com. We selected the photos below based on a simple criterion: of all the photos we’ve received so far, these are the ones that most inspired us to take that next trip!

#10. Dubai Desert 4×4 Adventure

Here’s a shot taken by Merridy in Dubai, on a 4×4 Desert Wonder Safari. Merridy’s comment: “The kids loved it. We are glowing with praise for your fantastic desert safari and your even more fantastic staff who drove, cooked and looked after my daughter, her 9 year old son, 5 year old daughter and me… the grandmother!” We chose this for our top 10 list because the kids do, very much indeed, look happy riding that camel at sunset. Who’s up for a trip to Dubai?

#9. Dive & Snorkel Cruise from Cairns, Australia

Hello Samantha! What a funny shot of you underwater on the Dive and Snorkel Cruise to Agincourt Ribbon Reef from Cairns. Samantha’s caption: “Me, trying to take a picture of my self at Agincourt Reef!” And for attempting that underwater self-portrait, we salute you Samantha.

#8. Champagne Sunset Cruise, St Lucia, the Caribbean

Here’s a postcard-perfect shot of sunset on the Caribbean island of St Lucia, taken by Angela after her St Lucia Champagne Sunset Cruise. Check out a few more of Angela’s photos of St Lucia, all of which make us want to book the next flight to St Lucia.

#7. Elephant Trek & River Rafting in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Laurie took this shot of “elephants heading back home up the river after our jungle trek,” and for us it captures the thrill of taking an elephant jungle trek in Thailand. There’s something very cool and hypnotic about that long line of elephants slowly snaking up the river. See more of Laurie’s photos of her elephant trek in Thailand.

#6. Niagara Falls, Day Trip from New York City

Say hello to Sophie, Katherine and Sean. Don’t they look happy? Don’t they look wet? Don’t they look like they’re having a blast exploring the Niagara Falls on a day trip from New York City? Yes we thought so, too. Check out more of Sean’s photos of the Niagara Falls day trip from NYC.

#5. Ayers Rock (Uluru) Camel Sunset Tour

Hmm, not sure we intended to have a camel theme to our top photos of the year. But good photos are good photos, and this snap by Gillian of her Ayers Rock Sunset Camel Tour caught our fancy. Kangaroos in Australia? Sure. Koalas and wombats, too. But camels? Mate, you better believe it. Check out more photos of the Ayers Rock camel tour.

#4. Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour, Rome

The Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Rome… these are some of the most stunning sites in Europe. And we liked James’ photo above because it captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the Vatican’s architecture. Check out more photos of the Vatican & Sistine Chapel walking tour.

#3. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour, from Las Vegas

For some people, Las Vegas is all about gambling. For others it’s all about the glitz and the glamor. For others it’s about easy access to sites such as Death Valley and the one-of-a-kind Grand Canyon. We selected Katie’s photo above, on her Grand Canyon Helicopter tour, because it captures the Grand Canyon’s majestic natural beauty with the shadows of a few fleeting clouds on an otherwise crystal-clear day. Great photo, Katie.

#2. Paris City Tour in a Citroen 2CV

Fancy a private tour of Paris in an old school Citroen 2cv? Nick and Nancy (above) did, and here’s what Nick had to say: “This was a trip down memory lane - my wife and I both drove 2CVs in the 1980s. I organised the tour for my wife’s 40th birthday, and it was great to hear the familiar rumble of a 2CV as it approached the hotel. This was a brilliant way to see Paris, and we were the centre of attention wherever we went. Great fun.”

#1. Statue of Liberty at Sunset, New York City

The Big Apple, it’s our kind of town. New York City is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, and it’s a safe bet that Manhattan’s skyline is the most recognizable in the world (More recognizable than Paris? Yes. More than London? Yes.). We chose Costa’s image of the Statue of Liberty at sunset as our top photo of the year because it is, simply, a beautiful photo of one of New York’s most famous sites. Congratulations Costas. And we hope your future travels include more of Viator’s tours and things to do, if only because we hope you send us more of your great trip photos!

–The Viator Travel Team

Editor’s Note: We’ve posted these Top 10 Travel Photos of the Year over on the Viator Flickr site. So far the main question we’ve been asked about the photos on Viator.com is, “are these photos for real?” We’re happy to report that yes, yes they are. Each and every photo was taken by an actual Viator.com traveler.

Editor’s note: We asked Viator’s founder, Rod Cuthbert, to make a list of his top 5 travel destinations for 2008. Favorite, that is, when he’s not surfing and people-watching on his local beach, Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Sometimes Rod, you do make us a little jealous.

Gordon River, Tasmania

1. Tasmania, Australia

And not just because I am from Tasmania! Hobart, the capital, enjoys that slightly more relaxed pace of life that isn’t something you see so much as experience. Tasmania as a whole has a wonderful blend of natural beauty — the World Heritage Area centered around the Gordon River is worth the trip in its own right — and modern lifestyle, with superb wine, cheese and seafood making it an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys life’s finer things.

More info: Tasmania tours & things to do
Photos: Tasmania on Viator’s Flickr site

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Sunset on the canals of Venice

2. Venice, Italy

Before it sinks? No, that won’t be happening anytime soon. Anyway, I can’t possibly describe in words why you have to visit Venice. See it for yourself, but don’t go alone. Visit outside the high seasons, and don’t be afraid of the cold. Take a water taxi when you arrive (hang the expense); grab a red wine and some cheese, standing at the bar, in the mid afternoon; take photos at the Rialto as the sun is setting, and send them immediately to all the people you don’t like; take in a Vivaldi concert in one of the 150 churches around the city; and definitely buy pizza slices for lunch, to be eaten in the nearest square as you watch the world amble by. But don’t miss it, and don’t be scared by the fact that it’s all been done before.

More info: Venice tours & things to do
Photos: Venice on Viator’s Flickr site

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The London Eye at Night, London

3. London, England

OK, so you’ve been to London a dozen times. Well, OK, but this is a big city, and there’s parts you haven’t seen. Stay in Mayfair (yes, you can find well-priced hotels in Mayfair!) and walk the streets made famous in a thousand novels. Try the bike tour of East London, and go back to Brick Lane later on for the best markets and Indian food you’ll find anywhere. Ride the London Eye at night. Take a day trip to Stonehenge or Bath. Here’s the thing: even people who live in London haven’t seen it all. You certainly haven’t!

More info: London tours & things to do
Photos: London on Viator’s Flickr site

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Miss Van is all over Barcelona

4. Barcelona, Spain

There must be a reason why so many people list Barcelona as one of their favourite cities. I certainly do, but — typically, for me — I’m not quite sure why. I just know the food is great, the shopping is superb, great art is everywhere — even spray-painted onto the walls, and the city is compact enough that you can walk most everywhere comfortably. If you’re anything like me you’ll feel good in Barcelona the moment you arrive. If not: well, the rest of Europe is right next door.

More info: Barcelona tours & things to do
Photos: Barcelona on Viator’s Flickr site

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At the Forbidden City, with a fellow tourist from the provinces

5. Beijing, China

An Olympic year is always a good time to visit a host city: it’s all spruced up and everyone’s on their best behavior… at least that’s the theory. Beijing is one of those giant-scale destinations where everything is worth seeing: the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, the restaurants, the museums, the parks, the markets, the people, the dogs, the birds in cages that people take on a walk… Like it or not, China is going to take over as the world’s superpower any minute now, so it might be wise to discover just what makes this giant tick. You’ll enjoy the experience.

More info: Beijing tours & things to do
Photos: Beijing & the Great Wall on Viator’s Flickr site

Happy travels in 2008.

–Rod Cuthbert

It’s always a difficult question — “Where are you going on your next trip?”

I’ve been thinking about this question recently, mainly because I don’t have a definite answer. For the first time in ages, I don’t have a trip planned. Sure I have a few weekend getaways up my sleeve, but there’s no mega-trip three-week hit-the-road adventure in my immediate future. (Note to prospective parents: this is what happens when you have a baby. In my case, I did go to Rome when Emmett was barely six months, but planning a longer trip with a toddler is much trickier.)

I’m not complaining, not at all. Rather I want to share some of the images that are currently inspiring me to plan that next long-haul trip, family and all. You see, it is dangerous spending time on the Viator Flickr site. All those images of far-flung places and happy people and relaxing beaches and serious adventures make me want to travel. Here are some of my favorites:
This was taken in Prague, on a foggy morning, on Charles Bridge. Don’t you want to be in Prague right now, wandering through the old town?!?!?

This is one of Viator’s travel managers, in Switzerland. Doesn’t she look happy? Doesn’t Switzerland look beautiful? Why aren’t we all riding a train through the Swiss Alps right now?!?!?

Here’s a shot from Hong Kong, from the top of Victoria Peak, along with what must be the world’s most relaxed, friendly-looking rickshaw driver. If I close my eyes, I can almost taste the bowl of pipping-hot noodles waiting for me…

These two people are standing in a “capsule” on the London Eye, enjoying the hands-down best view of London. They look happy. Would they mind if I joined?

OK, can you guess? Yup, it’s fabulous Las Vegas. An inside shot of the Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge. Fancy drinks, glowing fire, 1970s disco neon. I am so there.

Ahh, Venice. One of the world’s most stunning cities. This is a sunrise shot of a lone gondolier on the canals of Venice.

This is an action shot. Every now and then I need some action and adventure on my holidays. This photo had me reaching for a sailor’s cap and my deck shoes. It was taken in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands.

The Olympics are coming up in 2008, hosted by Beijing. I imagine if I haven’t already booked my flights and hotels in China, I still have a little time. But just a little. This shot was taken on the Great Wall of China.

This photo was taken by a Viator staffer in Hawaii, with his kids. He also wrote a great blog post about traveling in Hawaii and Oahu with kids. It reminds me that, yes, even with young ones in tow, you can still travel like you mean it!

This is just a small sample of all the travel photos that have been inspiring my recent late-night trip-planning sessions. Head on over to the Viator Flickr site for more travel photo inspiration.

–Scott McNeely

Left behind in a neon graveyard

As a recent resident of Las Vegas, I was excited by the prospect of visiting the Neon Graveyard. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) north of Downtown and the Fremont Street Experience, the Neon Graveyard, Neon Museum or The Boneyard, offers an eclectic mix of old Vegas and new. From pre-WWII signs to the recent Stardust implosion, I glimpsed at a world of ever-changing fonts, ideas, and images.

As I strolled through rows of old signage, visions of Old Style Vegas floated in the day’s hazy heat - you could practically hear Deano and Frank sharing quips over a martini. Ironically, the museum is located in the oldest neighborhood in Las Vegas and is adjacent to the first settled area in the valley – the Old Mormon Fort.

My guide, Erin, regaled us with tales of eccentric millionaires, “atomic packages,” mob-run delis, traveling icons, and more. I especially enjoyed the little tidbit on Howard Hughes & The Silver Slipper. Originally spinning on the top of its namesake, The Silver Slipper so disturbed Hughes that he bought the aforementioned establishment and turned the offending eyesore off! Later, Wayne Newton, during a photo op, cracked it after resting his foot on it.

Costing $180,000 USD to move from The Strip to the graveyard, signs from the newly imploded Stardust rest here amid piles of neon detritus. Surprisingly, I learned that the original font for the Stardust was created to showcase the infamous Atomic Tests – the casino went so far as to create drinks and vacation packages to celebrate this scientific feat.

Casinos, restaurants, pool halls, trailer parks – if there was a neon sign, most likely this place has it. Even a sign from Cedar City, Utah – China Garden Cafe – holds court with Caesar’s Palace & the Coin King. Sadly, the Neon Graveyard does not contain all the famous signs from Las Vegas’ neon past. For instance, only one piece of the Dunes survives – others may exist in the collections of private individuals.

The non-profit cultural center that runs the museum is in the process of building a permanent exhibit and offering structured tours, so I was fortunate enough to be included on one of the last private tours offered. Hopefully, on your next visit to Las Vegas, you might get a chance to see these neon behemoths!

–Sue Warnke

Editor’s Note: You can browse more of Sue’s snaps on the Viator Flickr Site: Las Vegas’ Neon Graveyard.

Planning a trip? Browse all of Viator’s Las Vegas tours and things to do at the Grand Canyon. Viva Las Vegas!

Baja California Dreamin’

Editor’s Note: The following post is by Laura Z, the online marketing guru at Blurb; Laura also writes about her voracious book consumption on a different site. We think the concept of Blurb is very cool, so we asked Laura to tell us about her recent trip to Mexico and how she created her own trip photo book.

There’s something about stepping on a plane in California and, a few hours later, ending up in a foreign land that makes it easy to do weekend getaways to Baja, Mexico. It’s my guilty-pleasure destination — one that’s not really “exotic” but still serves my annual need for beach relaxation. I typically fly into San Jose del Cabo (SJD), rent a car and get the heck out of there (the ratio of Americans to Mexicans in Cabo is frighteningly gringo-heavy).

A few hours north of Los Cabos is La Paz, a city that has become more Americanized in recent years, but whose beaches remain delicious. The hidden beaches along the Pichilingue peninsula are particularly swim-worthy. Here you won’t find tequila-shot-wielding Americans on jet skis, more like happy Mexican families picnicking along the water’s edge.

On my last trip, the stay in La Paz was shortened in order to amble along the coast to Las Ventana and eventually Cabo Pulmo, which hosts the only living coral reef on the western shores of North America. Cabo Pulmo was established as a National Marine Park in 1995, and the Pulmo Bay has the largest living coral reef system in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.I had so much fun snorkeling, reading and relaxing that the journey was un-photographed for the most part. I made up for the lack of photos on the last day, wildly snapping pictures along the dusty road back to San Jose del Cabo. These pictures make up the backbone of my post-trip photo book that I made with Blurb (full disclosure - I work at Blurb). I supplemented the photos with scans of Cabo Pulmo brochures, and scans of my travel journal. The resulting book is 80 pages and cost me $27.

Laura’s travel photo book laid out with Blurb’s software… can we get a copy?

It took me about an hour to pull everything together into a book I was happy with. Blurb’s software makes it easy to create your own professional-looking book, and I definitely recommend it to travelers who want to create an unforgettable post-trip memento. I scanned my travel journals, but you can just as easily use our text boxes to write your own (legible) text to accompany any digital photos or scans you have.

–Laura Z, guest blogger

What are you doing with your travel photos… why not make a Blurb book to show them off? Laura has created a special promo code for all Viator travelers. Simply enter the promo code gotravel on the Blurb checkout to receive $7 off shipping through the end of the year. Thanks Blurb!

Lord Howe Island Group

Did you know that Australia has 16 World Heritage sites located across the length and breadth of our vast continent and even offshore? Some are in such remote locations few people have had the opportunity to visit.

Editor’s Note: 16 sites? Did we say 16 World Heritage sites?  Since we posted this originally on June 15, Australia has received some exciting news: the UN World Heritage committee has voted (unanimously no less) to give the Sydney Opera House World Heritage status! Congratulations Sydney, congratulations Australia, well done on your 17th World Heritage site. You can read more about this breaking news here.  Now back to our original post…

Australia has long recognised the importance of preserving its rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage and was one of the first signatories to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage. Since then, 182 countries have ratified the treaty. Sites nominated for World Heritage listing are inscribed on the list only after they have been carefully assessed as representing the best examples of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

Each of Australia’s World Heritage properties is outstanding in its own right and collectively they present an amazing diversity of places and values. Now, gain an insight into some of the most outstanding places on earth through a stunning commemorative photographic exhibition featuring a collection of images from each of Australia’s World Heritage properties.

The breathtaking images on display provide a window into some of the most outstanding places on Earth, and will no doubt encourage all who visit to explore our great county.

Entry to the exhibition is free of charge, see it at:

• 19 May - 14 June 2007 - Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo, NSW
• 15 June - 3 July 2007 - Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, New Zeland
• 4 July - 30 July 2007 - James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, QLD
• 31 July - 28 August 2007 - Skyrail, Caravonica, QLD
• 29 August - 15 October 2007 - Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, NSW
• 16 October - January 2008 - Tasmanian Wilderness, World Heritage Area, TAS

Australia’s World Heritage sites, and date of World Heritage listing:

Great Barrier Reef

1981
Great Barrier Reef
Kakadu National Park (Stage 2, 1987; Stage 3, 1992)
Willandra Lakes Region

1982
Tasmanian Wilderness (Extended 1989)
Lord Howe Island Group

1986
Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (Australia) (extended in 1994)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

1987
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (extended in 1994)

1988
Wet Tropics of Queensland

1991
Shark Bay, Western Australia

1992
Fraser Island

1994
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte)

Shark Bay

1997
Heard and McDonald Islands
Macquarie Island

2000
The Greater Blue Mountains

2003
Purnululu National Park

2004
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

–Vicki Potts

51 words, that’s my goal for this post. Photos. Lots of them. On the Viator Flickr page. Have a look. We’re adding more photos all the time. A few examples:

• Venice
• Rome
• Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Las Vegas (check out these cool pix of a Las Vegas helicopter tour)
• Sydney
• Vietnam

Go look now. Thanks.

–Scott McNeely

On the other side of the camera, on the Brooklyn Bridge

I spent last week in New York on a media tour, talking about Viator and some survey findings we’ve just released. Inevitably I got questions about our products, and in each interview I mentioned that I was planning to try the Private New York Tour with a Personal Photographer. Now, I’m always talking about the tours and activities we offer, but I’ve never had such a strong reaction as I had to this one. Everyone agreed that this tour solves a problem: you visit a great destination, take lots of shots, but there’s always someone missing from the photos… the photographer!

Marc Samuels understands this problem, and his tour is the perfect solution. Marc is a licensed New York City tour guide, a native New Yorker, and a pretty good photographer too. I took the tour on a muggy Thursday afternoon; we started late, around 5:30, and that meant sharing the subway with rush hour commuters, but Marc’s commentary and his incredible knowledge of the city kept it all moving along at a good clip. Times Square, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and Greenwich Village all featured before I wilted under the pressure and we retired to one of Marc’s favourite restaurants for pasta and wine, and a discussion about his tour, what people want to see when they come to “the city,” and how he builds each trip itinerary on the fly rather than sticking to a set menu of locations.

Master of his domain: Marc in Times Square

It’s hard not to be infected with Marc’s love of New York. He knows the place inside out, from where to stand on the platform for a downtown-bound N Train to when you’re likely to see the Naked Cowboy in Times Square, he’s got it all covered. As you walk and ride the subway to the various locations you’ve agreed on, he keeps snapping away — he generally takes over 100 shots during a 2 hour tour — and later that day or the next morning a CD magically appears at your hotel front desk. No hassles with copyright or any of that stuff, they’re all yours.

Marc also posts your photos on a web site where you and your friends can access them online. This is a cool idea; it means you can give your fan club back home a single web link and they can look at all the shots without you having to send attachments and all that stuff that’s doubly difficult when you’re on the road.

All in all? Great value, and more take home memories than you’ll know what to do with. But don’t listen to me: by chance, one of our customers just sent in a review and somehow it came to me, and not the review page. But I’ll publish it anyway, because it’s a pretty good summary:

Marc Samuels met us in the lobby of our hotel and took us on a wonderful 4 hours walking tour of his city. He told us the history and pointed out points of interest where we could come back to during our stay. Educated us in how to use the subway which we did successfully for the 8 days, with a Metro card which he helped us purchase making travel very cheap. He also helped us find our way to Yankee Stadium and the other places we had intended to visit during our stay. This was all a bonus when you realise he was taking some of the best photos of us in New York. There were over 150 photos taken during the tour. I would recommend this tour to people who want a special memory of New York. Marc’s photography is excellent but his personal service and pride in his city is unbeatable. I would love to go back to share New York with my husband and we will certainly be booking this tour again. –Gail D, Australia

That kind of says it all…

-Rod Cuthbert

Book for travel in June and save 20% on the Private New York Tour with a Personal Photographer. For more ideas in NYC, check out Viator’s list of things to do in New York City, from Broadway shows to Manhattan helicopter tours… and everything in between.

Rosy H and the rubbery octopi

Congratulations to the winners of Viator’s Travel & Food photo contest.

The theme this time ’round was food. From elegant meals to humble roadside stalls, we asked for photos that captured the idea of eating and drinking on the road.

Have a look at our gallery of photo winners (or browse all the winners and notable entries in hi-res glory on Flickr). If you’re feeling photographically inspired, submit a photo to our new contest. The theme? Sign spotting. We’re looking for pictures of road signs and billboards that have caught your fancy while traveling.

Travel & Food Photos

Our 1st place photo was submitted by Rosy H from Australia. The story behind the image: “This photo was taken in Palermo, Sicily whilst we were visiting in October. We asked the waiter for a surprise dish - he didn’t disappoint with 2 very rubbery large octopuses which were tasty but difficult to eat.” Rosy what we loved about this photo - beside the octopi themselves - is your smile. Very Mona Lisa-esque.

The 2nd place photo was submitted by Chris R from New Zealand. The story behind the photo: “Roasting coffee beans in a coffee plantation in Bali. A picture of me and the old man that does it full time for a living, still done the old way, over a fire and the temp was about 30 degrees celsius. Then we got to have a cup of it, nice but very strong.” We appreciate your DIY approach to coffee making, and for finding a local to show you the ropes.

And in 3rd place it was a photo from Preema P in the USA. His story: “Enjoying ’see-food’ at a beach shack in Goa, India” Preema it was your smile that clinched 3rd place!

There was also a handful of notable entries that we really enjoyed. Top marks go to Luke C for his mouth-watering shot of pumpkin pie and ice cream in New York City; to Jordan D for the shot of his nephew eating a bug in Thailand; and to Vicki P for her shot of bugs on sticks in Beijing.

We’d also like thank people who submitted photos after the deadline. While we couldn’t include late submissions in our judging, some of the late entries are definitely worth sharing. So have a look.

Which reminds me to remind you not to let the current photo-submission deadline pass you by. Submit your photos in the current “Travel Signs Seen on the Road” contest to win one of three Viator.com gift certificates. The deadline is April 15, 2007. From street signs to bathroom signs to billboard ads, send us your best travel photos!

–Scott McNeely