This pandemic has taken everyone by surprise - unexpected lockdowns across the world, flight cancellations and travelers getting stuck outside their home countries. Overall, it has been really tough for most, especially globetrotters like us.

To bring a smile to your face and brighten your day, I have collated some fun travel photos from my collection of traveling the world for around a decade. I have so many fond memories and it was near impossible to select just a few snapshots. I picked these 10 happy photos taken in exotic destinations to make you dream of a new COVID-19-free world.

10 Amazing Travel Photos to Brighten Your Day

Today I am rummaging through my years of travel memories - exploring wildlife parks, pristine beaches, hill towns and modern cities from around the globe - to help make YOU smile. Here are just a few of my fondest memories to fuel your wanderlust.

1) KAWAH PUTIH IN CIWIDET, INDONESIA

Spending over 11 months in the lovely mountain town of Bandung, in West Java, Indonesia was an experience in itself. From learning the local language and understanding the culture to making new friends and exploring offbeat places, it was an unforgettable experience for me.

Once I was done exploring Bandung, I started taking day and weekend trips to adjoining towns - Ciwidey is one such amazing weekend getaway from Bandung. Known for this stunning sulphur lake and its glowing white crater (aka Kawah Putih), this quaint little town draws tourists in hoards.

2) PLAYING WITH SQUIRREL MONKEYS IN CAPW TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Another unforgettable memory and a travel photo that can instantly make anyone smile is this shot from World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary in Cape Town. In the monkey enclosure (no, it's not a zoo), you can go and sit amidst the cutest, tiniest squirrel monkeys. They are simply adorable and will check your pockets for food (you are not allowed to carry any), play with your hair and just jump all around you - this was an amazing experience.

3) BEACHES OF GOA, INDIA

As an Indian, Goan beaches have been an annual escape for me (especially when my hometown of Delhi gets too cold). North Goa has always been my first choice, and if you drive further up the coast, you can find untouched coastlines like Keri Beach in this picture. It can be an absolute delight to find such gems in otherwise busy Goa.

4) YAM KHANG IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Don’t forget to try a fire massage (aka Yam Khang) by one of the trusted masters in this age old art while in Chiang Mai. They will dip their feet in sesame oil and glaze them over a big charcoal flame, which makes an intimidating crackling sound. Then they use their hot oiled feet to give you one of the most soothing back/leg rubs you have ever received. It is strangely calming once you get over the fear of getting burnt.

5) CAT STATUES IN KUCHING, MALAYSIA

Getting my photo taken with all the cat statues in the cat city of Kuching in Malaysian Borneo is quite an experience. Since I spent a month volunteering at the Monkee Bar in town, finding these statues was pretty easy. There’s even a cat cafe and cat museum in this quirky town.

6) DISNEYLAND, HONG KONG

Disneyland is surely my happy place so when I think about some of my happiest moments in pictures, this one surely pops up on the list.

7) SCHLAGERMOVE FESTIVAL IN HAMBURG, GERMANY

I happened to chance upon this ultra cool 70’s festival called ‘Schlagermove’ when I was spending a quiet weekend in Hamburg, Germany. Everyone dresses up in funky bold florals with garlands and tiaras. Streets fill out with partygoers and a carnival-like atmosphere takes over the city during this happy festival.

8) BUDAPEST

Generally speaking, I am not very fond of big cities but, as advertised, Budapest turned out to be a class apart. Extraordinary architecture, soothing thermal spas, grand bridges and a golden city full of partygoers beckons you - what’s not to love about Budapest? I took this shot at the gorgeous Fisherman’s Bastion and, for the first time, was inspired to use a prop for this perfect travel snapshot.

9) SCRUMPTIOUS CUISINE AT INLE LAKE, MYANMAR

Food makes me happy so I had to share this shot of me trying the local delicacy of Inle Lake - stone fish. It brings an instant smile to my face and I hope it does to yours too!

10) SIGNAGI, GEORGIA

The cute cobbled streets and pastel houses of Signagi make it the fabled city of love in Georgia. I found that the people were extremely friendly and welcoming. Now that makes this a city of love in my books.

I hope these photos of my travel memories made you smile. Let’s believe better days are coming and start planning our next dream vacations now.