Top 17 Photo Routes for 2026: A Photographer’s Map to This Year’s Hottest Destinations

Beat the scroll: plan photo‑first trips to The Points Guy’s 2026 picks

Frustrated by scattered route notes, missed golden hours and hotel locations that aren’t photo‑friendly? You’re not alone. In 2026, travel is noisy but your shots don’t have to be. Using The Points Guy’s 2026 destination picks as a starting point, this guide lays out 17 mapped, photo‑first driving and walking routes — each optimized for golden hour sequences, viewpoint chaining, and smart overnight stops so you shoot more and stress less.

How to use this guide (read first)

This article gives you: a quick route overview, golden‑hour timing and viewpoint sequence, the best overnight stops for photographers, and logistics/timing tips (permits, EV charging, weather windows, and booking with points). Start with the route summaries below, then dive into the routes you want to shoot. Use PhotoPills or Sun Surveyor for exact angles on your dates, and always check local drone and park rules before you fly.

2026 trends that change how we plan photo routes

• EV infrastructure growth: Expanded fast‑charging corridors in late 2024–2025 make longer scenic drives easier for electric vehicles. For portable charging and field power options, see compact charger reviews like the Field Review: Compact Smart Chargers & Portable Power.
• Smarter planning tools: AR features and AI route optimization in photo apps are speeding up golden hour scouting (late‑2025 updates accelerated this).
• Sustainable & slow travel: Photographers now prioritize fewer stops with longer lighting windows to reduce travel footprint — an approach also discussed in why slow travel and microcations are rising.
• Regulatory caution: Drone and access rules tightened in many protected areas — always check FAA/EASA and local park pages in 2026.

“The Points Guy’s 2026 picks set the stage — this guide turns those picks into photo sequences you can actually execute.”

Map legend: what each route includes

• Route type: Driving or walking
• Golden hour hits: Sunrise/sunset windows and viewpoint order
• Overnight stops: Photographer‑friendly hotels, microstays and wildcamp options
• Logistics: Distance, time, permits, EV charging & safety notes
• Gear & shot ideas: Focal lengths, filters and composition prompts

Top 17 Photo Routes for 2026 (mapped, time‑aware itineraries)

1. Iceland’s South Coast Loop (driving, 3–5 days)

Why go: Glacier tongues, basalt cliffs, and black‑sand beaches remain one of TPG’s top picks for dramatic landscapes in 2026.

• Golden hours: Sunrise at Reynisfjara (east look for seabird silhouettes), sunset above Skógafoss for backlit spray.
• Viewpoint sequence: Seljalandsfoss (morning behind the falls), Skógafoss (midday to afternoon), Sólheimasandur plane wreck (late afternoon walk), Reynisfjara (sunset).
• Overnight stops: Vík (photographer‑friendly guesthouses) then a night near Skaftafell to catch dawn on the glacier.
• Logistics: Expect short hikes with variable weather; book glacier tours in advance. EV charging available in towns (2026 maps improved).
• Gear: 16–35mm, 24–70mm, ND filter for long exposures, waterproof covers.

2. Faroe Islands coastline loop (driving + walking, 4 days)

Why go: The Points Guy flagged the Faroes for 2026 — remote viewpoints and turf roofs are perfect for moody golden‑hour storytelling.

• Golden hours: Low‑sun seaside cliffs; plan sunset at Trælanípa for classic composition.
• Viewpoint sequence: Gásadalur (morning fog), Sørvágsvatn (optical illusion lake), Kvívík sunset cliffs.
• Overnights: Base in Tórshavn for services; use village guesthouses for intimate dawn shots.
• Logistics: Narrow roads and single‑lane tunnels — allow extra drive time. Check ferry schedules for remote islands (2026 updates improved service frequency).

3. Portugal — Lisbon to the Azores (mixed: city + island, 5–7 days)

Why go: TPG recommended Portugal for 2026; pair Lisbon’s tiled rooftops with São Miguel’s volcanic lake rims for contrasting sequences.

• Golden hours: Sunrise over São Jorge Castle (Lisbon), sunset at Sete Cidades crater lake (São Miguel).
• Viewpoint sequence: Alfama rooftop at dawn, afternoon flight to Ponta Delgada, late afternoon viewpoints around Sete Cidades.
• Overnights: Ponta Delgada guesthouse with early transport to viewpoints; Lisbon boutique for urban dawn shoots.
• Logistics: Inter‑island flights and ferries have improved scheduling; book with points to save on fares (TPG tips apply).

4. Japan — Northern Honshu & Hokkaido circuit (driving + walking, 7–10 days)

Why go: With TPG highlighting Japan in 2026, northern routes give winter/spring contrasts, hot‑spring stays and mountain vistas ideal for golden hours.

• Golden hours: Early spring cherry bloom sunrises and winter snow dusk in Hokkaido.
• Viewpoint sequence: Mount Iwaki sunrise, Oirase Gorge midafternoon, Lake Towada sunset; in Hokkaido: Biei’s patchwork fields at dawn.
• Overnights: Ryokan stays with early breakfasts and allowed early exits for shooters; book during festival windows.
• Logistics: Rent a compact car with winter tires if snow is expected; rail + car combos work well. Respect shrine photography rules.

5. Colombia — Medellín to Coffee Triangle (driving, 4–6 days)

Why go: TPG shortlisted Colombia in 2026; verdant terraces, Andean light and colonial towns create colorful golden‑hour sequences.

• Golden hours: Sunrise from high‑ridge viewpoints over coffee farms; sunset in Salento’s Valle de Cocora against wax palms.
• Viewpoint sequence: Medellín cable car vantage at dawn, drive to Salento for mid‑day alleys, Valle de Cocora at sunset.
• Overnights: Stay in a finca at a coffee farm for dawn access and atmospheric early‑morning mist shots.
• Logistics: Road quality varies — hire local drivers for mountain legs. Safety: use well‑rated guides and up‑to‑date local intel.

6. Canary Islands — Tenerife black lava & La Palma crater loop (driving, 5–7 days)

Why go: TPG’s 2026 picks leaned into island escapes — Canary views combine volcanic drama with approachable logistics.

• Golden hours: Sunrise above Teide or Caldera de Taburiente; late dusk for coastal long exposures.
• Viewpoint sequence: Teide summit dawn (permit required for summit access), Masca for afternoon edges, lighthouse shots at sunset.
• Overnights: Mountain lodges near Teide or small inns in La Palma; telescopes for milky‑way shoots (check 2026 astronomy forecasts). For remote night shoots, portable solar and power kit reviews can help you plan longer field sessions — see solar pop-up kit reviews.
• Logistics: Some summits need timed permits; book ferries/short flights in advance. EV chargers expanded across islands in 2025.

7. British Columbia — Sea‑to‑Sky scenic corridor (driving/walking, 3–4 days)

Why go: Coastal fjords, mountain reflections and accessible viewpoints make BC a TPG favorite for 2026.

• Golden hours: Sunrise at Squamish Chief overlooks, sunset at Porteau Cove facing Howe Sound.
• Viewpoint sequence: Shannon Falls at first light, hike to Stawamus Chief midday, sunset ferry rides for island silhouettes.
• Overnights: Squamish boutique lodges; Vancouver as base for additional urban dusk shots.
• Logistics: Check seasonal trail closures and bear advisories. Use ferry schedules strategically for sunset compositions.

8. New Zealand South Island alpine drive (driving, 6–9 days)

Why go: TPG’s 2026 list nudged travelers back to adventurous landscapes — South Island’s lakes and mountains are photogenic year‑round.

• Golden hours: Sunrise at Lake Matheson for mirrored Fox/Mount Cook views; sunset at Roys Peak (expect crowds — start before dawn for the climb).
• Viewpoint sequence: Wanaka piers at dawn, Haast Pass midday, glacier viewpoints at dusk.
• Overnights: Wanaka, Fox Glacier, and Queenstown — pick aparthotels with early‑call breakfasts or packed meals for fieldwork.
• Logistics: Road closures from slips are common — check local updates. Microstays and remote work stays are more available in 2026 for longer shoots.

9. Scotland’s North Coast 500 (driving, 5–8 days)

Why go: Dramatic coastal light and historic ruins make Scotland a perennial pick; the NC500 is now optimised for photo ops.

• Golden hours: Low winter sun creates long shadows on beach rock formations; midsummer golden hours stretch late (use blue hour for moody castle silhouettes).
• Viewpoint sequence: Duncansby Stacks dawn, Smoo Cave midday, Dunnet Head for sunset.
• Overnights: Small B&Bs with flexible check‑ins; book early in high season.
• Logistics: Narrow single‑track roads require time and patience. Plan fuel and charging stops ahead — the EV network expanded in 2025 but remains patchy in remote stretches.

10. Norway — Lofoten & Senja loop (driving + boat segments, 5–7 days)

Why go: TPG called out Arctic island light for 2026 — Lofoten’s dramatic peaks and fishing villages are photographer staples, especially in shoulder seasons.

• Golden hours: Soft, long golden hours in spring and autumn make mid‑day shooting possible. Aim for sunrise at Haukland Beach.
• Viewpoint sequence: Reine sunrise, Uttakleiv midday, Senja cliffs for sunset panoramas.
• Overnights: Rorbuer (traditional fisherman cabins) in Reine or Svolvær for immediacy on dawn shoots.
• Logistics: Ferries and bridges link islands — carry spare battery power in cold weather and check photogenic weather windows with local forecasts. For field charging options see compact power reviews.

11. Patagonia — Carretera Austral (driving/walking, 7–10 days)

Why go: TPG highlighted remote national parks — Patagonia remains a must for dramatic glaciers, turquoise lakes and jagged peaks.

• Golden hours: Sunrise at Laguna San Rafael or Lago General Carrera; late light picks out mountain textures spectacularly.
• Viewpoint sequence: Marble Caves midday, Cerro Castillo for late afternoon, dusk at coastal estuaries.
• Overnights: Eco‑lodges and estancias — choose ones that allow pre‑dawn departures for photographers.
• Logistics: Road quality varies; some sections need 4x4. Book ferries and park permits well in advance. Weather can change quickly — allocate extra days for buffer shots.

12. Morocco — Marrakech to Atlas & Sahara mini‑loop (driving, 4–6 days)

Why go: TPG’s 2026 list highlighted cultural escapes — Morocco’s color and light are uniquely photographic across markets and deserts.

• Golden hours: Sunrise in the Sahara dunes, sunset over Aït Benhaddou kasbah for silhouette drama.
• Viewpoint sequence: Atlas passes for morning mists, Aït Benhaddou midafternoon, Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and star trails at night.
• Overnights: Desert camps with warm blankets and headlamp access; riads in Marrakech for pre‑dawn medina walks.
• Logistics: Hire local drivers for desert legs. Carry extra water, sun protection, and permits for protected zones.

13. Amalfi Coast & Cilento (driving + walking, 4–6 days)

Why go: Coastal vistas, pastel villages and cliffside terraces are TPG‑trending for 2026; the key is timing to avoid crowds.

• Golden hours: Sunrise in Positano for pastel rooftops, sunset at Punta Campanella for silhouette islands.
• Viewpoint sequence: Morning piers, midday alleyway portraits in old towns, sunset ledges with long lenses for compression shots.
• Overnights: Smaller towns inland (e.g., Ravello) are photographer‑friendly and quieter than Positano; microstays reduce costs during shoulder seasons. See hybrid pop‑up and local directory playbooks for microstay logistics (Hybrid Pop‑Up Playbooks).
• Logistics: Parking is tight; use local shuttles or walk between villages. Book sea taxi transfers at golden hours to chase light on the water.

14. Alaska — Kenai Fjords & Turnagain Arm (driving + boat day, 3–5 days)

Why go: TPG’s 2026 picks included remote nature trips — Alaska’s glacial fjords and marine wildlife yield unforgettable sunrise/sunset compositions.

• Golden hours: Soft summer midnight sun in June; winter auroras and low sun for dramatic glacier textures.
• Viewpoint sequence: Exit Glacier for dawn, boat tours into Kenai Fjords midday, Turnagain Arm for tidal bore sunset shots.
• Overnights: Seward or Homer base for daily runs; book small boats early in 2026 as operators report higher demand.
• Logistics: Check boat operator cancellation policies and wildlife safety protocols. Pack weatherproof gear and tripod straps for windy decks.

15. Jordan — Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea loop (driving, 3–5 days)

Why go: TPG’s 2026 list supported experiential history trips — Jordan’s light through Petra’s Siq and desert panoramas are ideal for golden‑hour drama.

• Golden hours: Sunrise inside the Siq and at the Treasury; sunset over Wadi Rum dunes for warm backlight.
• Viewpoint sequence: Early morning Petra for near‑empty light, midday for canyon details, dusk in Wadi Rum for silhouette dunes.
• Overnights: Camp under the stars in Wadi Rum for nightscapes; opt for a Petra hotel with early access options.
• Logistics: Guide hires and permits can speed access and security. Respect local customs and shooting restrictions at cultural sites.

16. Alaska — Wrangell‑St. Elias gateway (bonus route for 2026 adventurers, 4–7 days)

Why go: For photographers chasing raw, remote glaciers and mountain arcs, this lightly visited national park gives dramatic isolation.

• Golden hours: Dusk and dawn reveal glacier crevasses; winter light is long and textured.
• Overnights: Small lodges or backcountry huts; use bush flights to access remote valleys (book in advance).
• Logistics: Minimal services — bring backup comms and guide support. Drone use is permitted in limited corridors; check 2026 regula­tions before launch.

17. South Africa — Garden Route and Table Mountain (driving, 4–6 days)

Why go: TPG suggested southern hemisphere variety in 2026; combine coastal curves and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain for diverse vantage points.

• Golden hours: Sunrise at Muizenberg, sunset from Signal Hill and Table Mountain.
• Viewpoint sequence: Coastal boardwalks in the morning, Knysna heads for midafternoon, Table Mountain for sunset backdrops.
• Overnights: Base in Knysna or George for road segments, and return to Cape Town for urban nightscapes.
• Logistics: Road quality is good; carry local SIMs for weather and tide updates. Respect wildlife and private land boundaries.

Quick planning checklist for every route

1. Lock golden‑hour windows: Use PhotoPills or Sun Surveyor with your travel dates and exact GPS waypoints.
2. Reserve overnight stops: Pick hotels/guesthouses that allow early departures and luggage hold for later checkouts.
3. Book transport with points: If you follow The Points Guy’s approach, redeem miles for inter‑island or regional hops to save time and avoid driving fatigue.
4. Check permits and drone rules: National parks often require permits or have drone bans — confirm in 2026 updates before you plan aerials.
5. Plan for EV & fuel: Map chargers and fuel stops; in 2026 charger coverage expanded but remote stretches still require planning.
6. Pack the right kit: Lenses for wide & telephoto, ND/grad filters, sturdy tripod, weather covers, and a hand warmer for cold shoots. See our Summer 2026 Gear Roundup and the Field Gear Checklist for recommended lenses and fieldwear.
7. Build buffer days: Add at least one extra day per region for weather delays — critical in Iceland, Patagonia and Alaska.

Advanced strategies and 2026 pro tips

• Stitch sequences: Instead of rushing single shots, plan short sequences across the hour to capture changing light — you’ll get keeper frames and better exposure blends.
• Use local guides selectively: They open private viewpoints or sunrise slots that are otherwise unavailable; often worth redeeming points for lodge‑based guides.
• AI‑assisted scouting: Use AI route planners to predict crowd flux and recommend off‑hour windows (these tools matured in late 2025; treat them as starting points, not gospel). For deeper reading on on-device and edge AI workflows, see Edge AI at the platform level.
• Book microstays: In 2026 microstay options let you reserve rooms for daytime prep/rest between golden hours — perfect for long photo runs without paying full nights. See hybrid pop‑up/local directory approaches to orchestrating short‑stay logistics (Hybrid Pop‑Up Playbooks).
• Conservation first: Follow Leave No Trace and support local conservation fees — many parks now use small entrance fees to fund photography‑friendly infrastructure. For broader sustainable operations thinking, see Sustainable Gallery Operations (2026).

Case study: One route, one shoot (how it plays out)

Example: Iceland South Coast, 48‑hour sprint. Arrive late afternoon, check into a Skaftafell guesthouse (pre‑booked). Scout Skógafoss for composition on afternoon arrival. Dawn: Seljalandsfoss behind‑the‑falls sequence, then quick transfer to Sólheimasandur for the plane wreck in soft morning light. Sunset at Reynisfjara. Outcome: three golden‑hour windows, 40% less driving than a non‑optimized plan, and two standout portfolio images — all achievable with overnight stops and an early start.

Final checklist before you go

• Confirm reservations, permits and local rules (48–72 hours before travel).
• Update mapping apps and offline maps; download topographic overlays.
• Charge all batteries and carry spare storage drives; redundancy matters on long routes. For field charging options and home/portable power reference see compact charger and battery reviews like compact smart chargers & portable power and home battery backup systems.
• Have a simple fallback plan (alternate viewpoints within 30–60 minutes) in case of weather.

Wrap up — bring back more than images

In 2026, the difference between a travel snapshot and a portfolio image is planning: timing, viewpoint sequencing and overnight choices. Using The Points Guy’s top picks as inspiration, this guide turns aspirational destinations into executable, photo‑first routes. Whether you’re chasing the midnight sun in the Faroes or glacier light in Patagonia, the structure above puts golden hours and logistics at the center of your plan.

Ready to map your route? Download the printable route pack (GPS waypoints, suggested hotel contact lines, and golden‑hour windows) or subscribe for tailored, shareable itinerary files you can load into your favorite nav and photo‑planning apps. Share your best frame from any of these routes and tag us — we regularly feature reader galleries and highlight how photographers use points and timing to get exceptional shots in 2026.

Go shoot smarter — and then sell or print the work. Your next great image is one well‑timed stop away.

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