The 16 most inspiring travel photos this week

EACH WEEK we choose our favorite images from readers, fans, and travelers, who tag their photos with #travelstoke and post them on our Instagram account. These pictures provide a daily dose of inspiration, and challenge us to photograph the world in innovative ways.

Here’s this weeks editors’ picks of people finding some serious #travelstoke:

1. Alberta, Canada

What happens when the milky way, the northern lights and a bit of light pollution collide? · · · · · · · · · · · Featured on @matadornetwork & @astrophotographyco

A photo posted by Jake Graham (@jakecdgraham) on Aug 10, 2015 at 4:58pm PDT

2. Santorini, Greece

✨ W A N D E R L U S T ✨ Weekend Mode On.. 💛🍸🎼.. La Dolce Vita ✨  Santorini | Greece #santorini #greece #sunset  #travelandleisure #wanderlust #instapassport #hippielife #красивый #tltransportme #findyourcoast #instatravel #όμορφη #ladolcevita  #naturaleza #vacay #seetheworld #tlpicks #sunsetlovers #traveldiaries #travelblogger #coastallife #traveljunkie #photooftheday #travelandlife #aniyakala  #lovetotravel #gypsylife #worlderlust #travelstoke #travelingram

A photo posted by ॐ Psychedelic Adventure ॐ (@pindropchaos) on Aug 8, 2015 at 7:52am PDT

3. Cappadocia, Turkey

Is this the real life, or is this just fantasy? Sitting watching the sunrise over Cappadocia was the most incredibly surreal moment I’ve ever had on my travels. 💙 #topdecker @topdecktravel #adventureinturkey @turkey_home

A photo posted by Nicola Easterby (@polkadotpassport) on Jul 23, 2015 at 2:23pm PDT

4. Straumshornet, Norway

Tag someone you’d love to stand on the top of this peak with! Amazing shot by #MatadorN reader @odahjelm from Straumshornet in Norway. Thanks for sharing your #travelstoke!

A photo posted by @matadornetwork on Aug 9, 2015 at 8:40pm PDT

5. Chasing swell in Tahiti

Nothing that fits in a square will ever really explain what this feels like. Some things you just have to experience to understand @thetorpedopeople in Tahiti

A photo posted by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard) on Aug 10, 2015 at 11:50pm PDT

6. Antelope Canyon in Paige, Arizona

One of the great things about shooting in Antelope Canyon (Page, Arizona) is that you really can create art. Indeed, I’m constantly tinkering with my Antelope images, looking for new compositions that make me smile. Do not be afraid to lay down in the dirt when you shoot at Antelope. I get real dirty — and I get plenty of people looking at me like I’m crazy — but it is well worth it. 🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸 ……………..Check out: @dustinlefevre 👈 🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸. #NakedPlanet #traveldeeper #bestnatureshot #instatravel #awesomeearth #earthofficial #ig_naturesbest #ig_naturelovers #dream_image #ig_worldclub #exploretocreate #alalamiya #globe_captures #ourlonelyplanet #ig_shotz #magicpict #insta_crew #bestplacestogo #wonderful_places #ruskpromo #beautifulplanett #wildlifeplanet #landscape_captures #feature_wp #warrenjc #inspiring_photography_admired #instanaturefriends_ #5050pics #fantasticcolours #fantastic_earth

A photo posted by 👉 Mark Handy 👈 (@mark_handy_) on Aug 2, 2015 at 7:52pm PDT

7. Auroras, Iceland

It’s as magical as they say it would be!! I was not expecting or planning to see one after weeks of silence. I never really thought too much of Auroras, just another overrated touristy light show of nature. Took a piss in middle of the night, unzipped my pants, noticed the snow is looking weird in color, looked up and to behold. True story! #aurora #nothernlights #hilleberg

A photo posted by Adventurer, Wanderer (@markwienands) on Mar 22, 2015 at 1:31am PDT

8. Mangart Pass in the Julian Alps, Italy

@andreadabene at the top of the Mangart Pass in the Julian Alps

A photo posted by Alex Strohl (@alexstrohl) on Aug 10, 2015 at 7:37pm PDT

9. Mazama, Methow Valley, Washington

One of my favorite things about spending time in the alpine is drinking cool, clean water on hot summer days! Better than any bottled water I’ve ever tasted. Make sure to do research on gathering water in the backcountry first though. 💦

A photo posted by Beau Ramsey (@beauramsey) on Jul 30, 2015 at 12:45am PDT

10. Turtle selfie in Hawaii

Synchronized swimming 🐢 #venturehawaii #hawaiiunchained #glimpseofhawaii #marveloushawaii #representhawaii #alohaoutdoors #nativeedge #gopro #underwaterwednesday

A photo posted by Johnathan Lorian (@lorian3000) on Jul 1, 2015 at 12:36pm PDT

11. Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

DIVULGANDO NOSSA CIDADE MARAVILHOSA PARA TODO O MUNDO ATRAVÉS DE FOTOS. #Repost @matadornetwork ・・・ Where’s your favorite place to watch the sun come up? Sugarloaf Mountain at sunrise is looking intense! Tag someone you’d love to explore Rio de Janeiro with. Awesome shot by @devaldom via #MatadorN readers @visit.southamerica. Follow for more #travelstoke! By Devaldo Jr. #instagram #021Rio #brasil #carioca #conservacaorio #destinoerrejota #errejota #rj #eutonanuvem #instagood #ig_riodejaneiro #jornaloglobo #MTur #OficialRio #pordosol #porainorio #Riotur #riodejaneiro #riodejaneiroinstagram #travel #trip #instadaily #ig_worldclub #nature #rio #ig_captures

A photo posted by Junior (@devaldom) on Aug 3, 2015 at 9:57am PDT

12. Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Sharing another beauty from the legendary and beautiful Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland. @arildheitmannphotography and I will be offering a new tour in Iceland next summer, stay tuned – only 10 spots available 😃 Captured with a Nikon D810 and 14-24mm f/2.8

A photo posted by Stian Klo (@stianmklo) on Aug 1, 2015 at 5:44am PDT

13. Caving, Arizona

Bob Marley said look for your heaven on earth. I think I found mine IN the earth.

A photo posted by Jesse Barden (@jesse.barden) on Aug 7, 2015 at 4:29pm PDT

14. Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

We have enjoyed our last few days relaxing in beautiful Hahei in Coromandel Peninsula. After 6 weeks in New Zealand, we are saying goodbye tomorrow as we move on to our next destination, Cook Islands. New Zealand is breathtakingly beautiful and we had an incredible time here. Until we meet again NZ! _____________________________________ Location: Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand _____________________________________ #purenz #nzmustdo #newzealand #instagood #travelawesome #travel #teamtravelers #bestplacestogo #ig_today #warrenjc #lonelyplanet #worldtravelpics #worldtravel #worldplaces #worlderlust #wonderful_places #beautifuldestinations #wanderlust #doyoutravel #globetrotter #theglobewanderer #passionpassport #postcardsfromtheworld #bestvacations #bestintravel #natgeotravel #travelandlife #travelstoke #worldtravelbook #ig_worldclub

A photo posted by Anna (@anna.kawambwa) on Jul 26, 2015 at 9:23pm PDT

15. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Lead a life that inspires, a life that replaces routine with new ​experiences, boredom with passion. Where do you get your inspiration? Check out @menofoutdoors #menofoutdoors

A photo posted by Scott Kranz (@scott_kranz) on Aug 9, 2015 at 4:27pm PDT

16. Stalheim, Norway

I recently had a dilemma. I would either keep my plans to go to Canada the last week of this month, or I would go to Vegas last minute with my friends…Again. For the 8th time. And would probably tap out by night one because I’m 24 and getting too old for those shenanigans. So guess which one I’m choosing? On another note, will I be able to get in to Canada if my passport is bent in the corner and won’t swipe? Or do I REALLY need to expedite a new one? Cause I don’t wanna. Also, I’m coming to Canada. (If I wasn’t clear.) 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

A photo posted by Caitlin (@peakproject) on Aug 8, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT