@passionpassport

“Amongst its iconic volcanic mountains, beaches, and lush tropical climate, it’s no secret that Bali is known for its stunning rice fields. In 2019, I spent a few months traveling and roaming through Bali, with countless evenings wandering through rice paddies south of the island. It is a place where I could venture off the beaten path and explore as much of it as I could. On this particular evening, I came across this isolated shed situated in the middle of a rice field. The light was perfect as it cast a gentle ray over the scene. Shortly after this moment, I experienced a captivating tropical rain shower. Looking back at this moment, I can still remember how refreshing and calming this evening was.” 📷@runawayueli 📍Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩 __ Anyone who has had the chance to visit this oasis of Southeast Asia understands that there is something special embedded in its landscape, people, and culture. It may be difficult to articulate, but it is impossible to forget. Want to discover more about the “Island of the Gods” for yourself? Head to the link in our bio for our full Bali Travel Guide. 🗺

One of the world's premier museums persists during the pandemic with a fantastic Monet exhibit — but what's it like to visit a world-class museum at a time like this? Editorial Manager Joseph Ozment (@joseph.ozment) set out to find out: __ “Altogether, it was a comforting experience to walk through those halls with other people, each of us experiencing different individual reactions to the art while also taking part in a collective experience. Though there are many narratives around the pandemic being a collective experience (we’re all in this together, etc.), it’s safe to say that it is not. There are those of us who can effectively transform our homes into quarantine bubbles, and there are essential workers. I am worried that we have quickly reneged on our early-lockdown rhetoric to realign our value systems and find time to slow down in our lives, as we prioritize the economy and reaffirm our addiction to ‘the grind.’ Monet’s landscapes made me reflect on this in my own life as I tried to understand his creative process.” __ Head to the link in our bio to read more from his Monet and Chicago experience in “Visiting a World Class Museum in a Pandemic.” 📷@john.lupu 📍Chicago, Illinois, USA

"Solitude does not equal loneliness. This I learned in the company of Nongriat's breathtaking rubber trees. What was initially going to be a group trip to India, became a solo one. I was terrified, having come out of an incredibly difficult month. Amidst these trees, however, I could unwind from a tumultuous season—I could breathe. I followed my bliss, skinny dipping in the mornings, hiking through the day, making fires in the evenings, writing and photographing to my heart's content. I met new friends, but mostly I befriended myself. Why had I been so afraid? This photo is a reminder of a time where solitude fostered inner-strength." 📷@stickylittleleaves 📍Nongriat Village, Meghalaya State, India 🇮🇳

“Standing at 88 meters in height, the Grand Buddha of Ling Shan is one of the largest Buddha’s in China—and the world. As someone who has always been fascinated by Buddhist culture and architecture, I was inspired to visit this place in particular because it is one of the only Buddhist sites in China that focuses on the history of Buddha Sakyamuni. In retrospect, when I look back at this photo, I am still shocked by the scenery. I can remember the feeling that came over me when I saw it for the first time—that feeling and sense of awe is what I love about Buddhist culture. If you’re traveling through this area, I highly recommend that you experience this for yourself.” 📷@w.n__t 📍Lingshan Great Buddha, Wuxi, China 🇨🇳

Ireland is a dream destination for many — and for good reason. With its rich culture, lush countryside made ever greener by refreshing rainfall, and its friendly and hospitable people who have an unrivaled penchant for storytelling, the Emerald Isle offers one of the most enriching getaways in Europe. But unfortunately, that experience comes at a cost — often a fairly steep one. Though getting there won’t break the bank, once on the island, many tourists find themselves constantly over budget. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and don’t want to stretch your wallet, head to the link in our bio for some tips on keeping your daily expenditures to a minimum. 📷@monikaharmonika📍Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪

“This photo is special because it was taken in my own city, rather than during one of my travels. Each winter, artists from around the world create beautiful light installations for the Amsterdam Light Festival. The city centre lights up with brilliant designs, but this one from artist Gail May Lucas, @galilucas, is particularly intriguing. Called ‘Absorbed by Light,’ the idea for the piece is simple, but the message is so strong. These days, so many of us are drawn to the light of our smartphones; we ignore conversations with others or the tangible beauty around us. This installation made me recognize the obsession we have with technology; the need to constantly be online is something so real and eerie at the same time.” 📷 @windmilldreams 📍Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

A land of soaring peaks, rushing waterfalls and turquoise lakes, the Canadian Rockies are the perfect mountains to immerse in nature, where wild adventures and restorative encounters are calling. Much of the region is divided into official parks including Banff National Park–the oldest national park in Canada and fourth oldest in the world. Though it’s impossible to experience the entirety of the Canadian Rockies in one road trip, we’ve put together a 7-day itinerary to introduce you to its historic, cultural, and natural wonders. And even though travel might not be in the books right now, there’s no better time to start planning for your next trip—so head to the link in our bio to start planning your great Canadian adventure! 📷@joemackin 📍Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦

“This summer, three friends and I biked from Philadelphia to San Francisco. The last leg of our journey brought unexpected challenges, as we biked through the thick wildfire smoke in California. This photo marked the end of our journey. It was bittersweet, because although we had just completed the most ambitious project of our lives, we also knew the adventure was over. This trip taught me three things: first, people are good—time and time again, people surprised us with their friendliness and generosity. Second, the human body is an incredible thing; we were able to adapt to this new lifestyle of biking 60 miles per day. Finally, I realized there are always excuses not to take big trips; it’s easy to say, ‘the timing isn’t right’ or ‘I need to do more research.’ To make big things happen, you need to embrace the unknown.” To learn more about @hytha.cg’s cross-country journey, be sure to head to his profile and visit his blog. 📷 @hytha.cg 📍San Francisco, California, USA

Wherever in the world that you find yourself, color is there — light is there. In our Discover Your Yellow series with @Expedia, we invited you along on a journey fueled by curiosity, creativity, and courage. These elements are essential to our travels, and allow us to connect with the places we go in a deeper, more impassioned way. Whether it’s watching the sunrise from a mountaintop or sharing a laugh with friends on the road, travelers are experts at following the rhythms in life that give us strength. From Japan to Hawaii, Arizona to Barcelona, we heard four inspiring individuals share their stories with us. __ Are you the writer, photographer, designer, or dreamer? What are you seeking to discover? Where will you find it? Watch them all, let us know, and remember — you’re always writing your story.

"The first case of COVID-19 in Kenya was confirmed on March 13th. The country had a swift response. Schools were immediately closed, masks mandated, and travel between counties halted. Work from home policies and curfews were instituted. Nairobi was eerily still. In June, measures relaxed. Curfews shortened and county borders re-opened. With great caution, excitement, and some anxiety, my four friends and I boarded the 60-minute plane ride from Nairobi to Ukunda to soak ourselves in the sea. The cure for anything is saltwater and I was eager for the ocean's healing. For a blissful week, my ‘office’ was a small cottage on the Indian Ocean. I spent the first hours of each day doing what I'd sorely missed during lockdown: meeting strangers and taking photographs. Every morning I'd wake at 6am, pick up my camera, and go for a walk. On this morning, young men acrobatically flipped into the sand one after the other in a continuous stream of laughter and playful teasing. They flipped, twisted, and cartwheeled all the way into the ocean. Their delight was palpable. In a moment that demands us to organize, resist, and fight like hell for our collective well-being—how are you fueling your own joy?" 📷@stickylittleleaves 📍Ukunda, Kenya 🇰🇪

"Often overshadowed by Brussels, Bruges, and even Antwerp, the city of Gent tends to go unnoticed amongst most tourists. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, it is one of my favorite cities in Belgium, and every time I visit, I fall in love with the contrasts between its contemporary and Flemish architecture. At this particular moment, I remember being fascinated with this building, due to its green tones, art deco style, and the perfectly situated bicycle out front. Since the pandemic, I haven't traveled much, but living on the border of France and Belgium allows me to visit often, and it's something I always cherish." 📷@mskevin 📍Gent Belgium 🇧🇪

While all travel is personal, there are some countries that touch your heart in ways you never imagined. These places are often the ones you never expect to visit in the first place, so the surprise comes later when that same location impacts you so deeply it feels like you’re eternally connected to it. At least, that’s what Colombia did to photographer Jonathon Collins (@easternsuns). “The true Colombia has been kept alive in and by the Colombian people, who never lost sight of where the true riches of their country lie.” To learn more about his experience in the gateway to South America, head to the link in our bio to read his love letter to Colombia: “De las Montañas al Mar.”