Though a fabulous selfie can be taken anywhere, there are a few spots around the world that offer a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for your travel selfies

One of the challenges of solo travel is trying to take a photo of yourself. In the past, if you wanted to get a great snapshot of yourself in gorgeous surroundings, you had two options: You could approach a stranger to take the picture and hope that they’d get a decent shot and not run off with your expensive camera. Or join a group tour for the day and ask one of the group to take a picture of you in front of a stunning landmark.

But thanks to digital photography and the miracle of the backwards-facing camera on our smartphones, we can now take our own photos of ourselves (especially if we have a selfie stick). This means that we can take selfies anywhere in the world without relying on others to take them for us. But where are the best travel selfies? If you need some inspiration for your next solo trip, I've listed some of the coolest places to take your next travel selfies.

Best Places For Travel Selfies

The Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

This iconic landmark has been a well-loved photo location ever since it was built in 1889, and it was even once named the most popular selfie spot on Earth – according to an analysis of 219 million Instagram posts that included the word, “selfie” published over a 4-year span.

Apparently, there were 10,700 selfies taken there, more than anywhere else in the world. Though this Parisian wonder is, by no means, the biggest, oldest or most remarkable place in the world, its iconic status makes it number one on my list.

* Related Post: A Solo Trip To Paris

The Taj Mahal – Agra, India

Arguably one of the most glorious examples of architecture in the world, the Taj Mahal is simply too jaw-droppingly gorgeous not to photograph. What many may not know is that it’s actually a mausoleum and a labour of love inspired by the immense sadness the emperor Shah Jahan felt when his wife, Mumtaz Mahal died in childbirth.

There are plenty of perfect opportunities for selfies all over the grounds, but the classic choice is in front of the long reflecting pool that leads up to the southern face of the building. Just make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds to get your iconic photo. And, if you're not confident of your photo skills, you can always edit your selfie before you post and crop image with Vistacreate.

* Related Post: Solo Travel in India

Napa Valley, USA

For a beautiful aerial view, you can't beat Napa Valley in California. Imagine drifting over one of the best wine countries on Earth in a hot air balloon ride, admiring sprawling vineyards below. Napa Valley is known for its beautiful views, great food and of course – its delicious wine. You could even treat yourself to a glass of champagne before taking a morning flight. Just don't forget a selfie stick for your hot air balloon ride and hold on tight.

Colosseum, Rome

If you were to rewind a couple of thousand years, there’s a slim chance that any of us would want to take a selfie at this arena that once played host to brutal gladiator battles. But today, we get to explore the architectural mastery and impressive scale of the ancient ruins in peace.

As it's only possible to access a limited area that’s high above the complex, you may want to consider using a selfie stick to truly capture the magnitude of the place. And don’t forget to snap another few selfies on your way in or out as the outside of the structure is just as stunning as the inside.

Top of the Rock, New York

New York is the iconic city destination. If you’re looking for the quintessential NYC selfie, the observation deck of Rockefeller Center in Manhattan is the place to do it. Visitors can shoot up there any day from 8 am all the way to midnight, so you can decide whether you want a sun-drenched urban scene or a lit-up cityscape as your backdrop.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

The Gaudí-designed church is perhaps the most famous construction site in the world. Although work on the basilica began in 1882, it is still far from complete. While not everyone is a fan of the distinct architectural style, no one can deny that the place is an extraordinary work of art. The projected completion date is 2026, so if you find yourself in Spain in the next 3 years, be sure to snap a selfie there.

Oia, Santorini

You may not know it, but Santorini is the place you imagine when someone says the words, “Greek islands.” Its trademark white-washed, blue-shuttered stucco structures built into hillsides overlooking the Aegean Sea are one of the most iconic images of Greece. If you've seen any Instagram photos of girls in flowing dresses in Santorini, this is the place they were usually snapped in. Oia is the picture-perfect hilltop location to take a selfie and admire a Greek sunset at the same time.

Big Ben, London

London has several iconic locations that are just perfect for selfie-taking, but taking a photo with Big Ben is both iconic and unique. Not only is the huge clock tower the very symbol of the city, but its narrow dimensions make it the perfect place to take a selfie that captures your face as well as the entire landmark in one frame.

* Related Post: Solo Travel in London

Any Wax Museum Anywhere

I'm not usually one for celebrity spotting and you could argue that a wax museum full of celebrity likenesses pales in comparison to the amazing cultural landmarks all over the world… and you’d be right. But, if you have a favourite singer or actor then posting a selfie with Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie may be on your travel wish list.

The best wax museum is Madame Tussauds which was originally born in London but now has several locations worldwide. If you're heading to Vegas, San Francisco, Berlin, Amsterdam, Bangkok or Beijing or any of their other destinations, just pick your favourite celeb and click snap!

Other Places For Travel Selfies

There are so many more places to take travel selfies especially if you're into wildlife. I took this reindeer selfie in Tromso, Norway, but taking wildlife selfies can be a bit hit and miss depending on the animal. But if you're planning a safari, then make sure to keep your phone charged and take lots of photos just in case you manage you get a good one in front of a lion or elephant. You may need some patience for wildlife ones.

Although the world is full of beautiful man-made and natural places that are absolutely worthy of your selfie artistry, I hope that this article has given you some ideas for your travel selfies on your next solo trip!

Girl about the Globe

Making Solo Travel Easier

Best Places To Take Travel Selfies