I no longer know how to travel and not take photos, it’s such a part of me now. Instead of detracting from the experience, photography actually enhances my travel and I love reflecting on my trips through my photos. I’m so glad the Hubs bought me my first DSLR in 2009. Watch my review of 2014 in travel…

Coconut Palms, Saipan

Saipan was my last trip of 2014. I spent five days luxuriating in sand, sun, and water. This is a snap from my iPhone — proof that you don’t always need a DSLR to take great travel photos! Read more about The Most Beautiful Island in America You’ve Never Heard Of.

The Esquire Theatre, Cincinnati

This stylish Art Deco theatre was the place I saw my first art house films. It’s especially nostalgic to me because my dad took me there as a teenager. I remember watching the excellent indie film, “Shine” with him and crying my eyes out. Good times! I took this photo in September 2014 when I went back to my birthplace for a visit.

Unknown Man, Taal Lake, Philippines

I don’t know who this man is. I never met him. I had just climbed off a canoe on my way to hiking Taal Volcano and turned to snap this shot.

Lorde, Fuji Rock Festival, Japan

It’s no secret I was majorly thrilled to shoot the Fuji Rock Festival in July 2014. I attempted not to go total fangirl when some of my favorite bands took the stage, including Lorde, who was perhaps the most entertaining. At times, I was no more than two feet from the head-banging teenager. Watch my Behind the Scenes video.

The Shops of Shibuya, Tokyo

Shibuya is perhaps my favorite ward of Tokyo. Times Square-esque signage and myriads of shops meet at one of the world’s busiest crosswalks (if you’ve been there, you know!). Find out What To Do with One Day in Tokyo.

Ford Lake, Milan

The Hubs’ hometown of Milan lent plenty of charm for a morning of photography in the park, quaint streets, and at this tributary of the Saline River. I love the colors of the trees reflecting in the lake and the ripples of a duck floating peacefully down the river. See all the photos of Autumn on Main Street, U.S.A.

Micronesian Man Climbing a Tree, Guam

This action shot is a demonstration of how indigenous inhabitants of Guam might have navigated their environment. All I could think about is how angry my thighs would be at me if I did that.

Nataly & Jack of Pomplamoose, Lincoln Hall, Chicago

Pomplamoose are my favorite unsigned band and have been since I first heard them on NPR about five years ago. I saw them perform in Chicago and Nataly’s ethereal voice blew my socks off when she performed this Edith Piaf classic, complete with accordion! Watch Pomplamoose Live in Chicago.

Pasta at Eataly, Chicago

I had heard about Eataly in New York. It’s a foodie lovers dream, from dreamy fresh pasta to oven-fired pizza. I took this photo at the Chicago Eataly and it still makes my mouth water. Read my Itinerary for One Perfect Day in Chicago.

Kayaker in Tumon Bay, Guam

You can’t see her, but that colorful dot at the bottom is a kayaker. I shot this from my 19th floor balcony at the Westin on Guam. I was writing and photographing a story for United Airlines in-flight magazine, Hemispheres.

Senado Square, Macau

I’ve waxed poetic about the cobblestone streets of Macau and you can surely see why. Macau is in China and has the same political status as Hong Kong, but it still clings to its Portuguese roots in architecture and food.

Sunset over Tung Chung Bay, Hong Kong

I love heights. I love cable cars. Not only as a photographer, but as a person who appreciates landscapes in general. This was the second time I rode the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to reach the Big Buddha in Hong Kong. I shot this at the end of a long and beautiful day exploring an ancient fishing village where I spotted the elusive White Chinese Dolphin. It was pretty perfect.

Fisherman at Talofofo Bay, Guam

I love playing tourist on my own island. This is one of Guam’s rare black sand beaches and I love how the fading sunlight bleaches the coconut palms.

Llama, Kaikoura, New Zealand

I fell in love with these mythical-looking creatures known as llamas while I was in New Zealand. Perhaps I watched “Star Wars” and “The Never Ending Story” too many times. Forgive me, I’m a Gen Xer.

Fisherman in Saipan

My final trip of 2014 was a 4-day getaway to the neighboring island of Saipan. This is a candid snap from a fisherman on the beach just outside my hotel. Read about The Most Beautiful Island in America You’ve Never Heard Of.

Please share links to your travel photos from 2014!