As we sort through a year’s worth of photos in preparation for the launch of our 2026-27 catalog, we’re struck by the wealth of images at our fingertips, folder upon folder of photographs that tell the story of each and every DC trip.
We’ve been blown away by some of the images captured on our trips by guides, travelers and staff alike.
These pictures and videos encompass not only the incredible landscapes, yummy meals and smiling groups, but also the little moments and the big milestones: a young traveler reveling in the joy of learning a new skill, an older traveler finally fulfilling a lifelong bucket list item, friends whose vacation finally made it out of the group chat. At the center of it all, it’s about the connections.
Although a gorgeous sunset doesn’t hurt either 🙂
Bhutan: Our copywriter James is a person of many talents! He captured this moment with his group’s dynamic guide this past April. (You’ll see a few from this trip in this list!)Easter Island (Optional Post-Trip Extension): Our fearless leader, Executive Director Alex DuBois, explored the mystical Easter Island optional extension on his trip to Chile this spring. This photo has inspired many of us to move Easter Island to the top of our travel wishlist.Vietnam: This young traveler experiencing a moment of pure artistic inspiration is among our favorites captured by staff photographer Matt in February.South Africa: You can feel the happy exhaustion of this sunsoaked post-safari afternoon in your bones. Japan: A group of fast friends eat, drink and make merry during a cozy evening in Kyoto. This is what it’s all about ❤️Costa Rica: This isn’t just any group shot! This is our very first cohort on the Culture, Craft & Conservation trip that Travel Specialist Lynne helped to launch this year.Oaxaca: Travel Specialist Jenny nabbed this photo of the ruins at Monte Albán. Expansive sky, rolling hills and pieces of civilization that have survived the ages…what’s not to love?South Africa: Who doesn’t love a quality selfie? These travelers are living life to the fullest.Vietnam: Is it even vacation if you’re not closing out with your most heartfelt karaoke set? Greece: So much joy and cuteness for one traditional family farm on Crete.Vietnam: Tiny crabs and our awesome guide. Enough said!Oaxaca: This one is close to our hearts! Our beloved founder Andrew and his partner Liz went under cover and joined the Day of the Dead festival departure in October.South Africa: Our Alumni contest winner Kari submitted this shot from South Africa, when the group was lucky enough to spot a leopard on safari. Bhutan: Just a dog keeping watch over his humble abode, no different than you’d see in any neighborhood; except, in this case, his home is an ancient monastery set in picturesque hills in the Bhutan countryside.Oaxaca: You can taste the smoke and spice in this loving, traditional kitchen in Oaxaca, where a local woman demonstrates how to make tortillas. Tanzania: This may look like a throwaway to the untrained eye, but we ❤️ this photo, and here’s why: it captures the closeness, the camaraderie that has built by the end of a trip, when the strangers from Day 1 have become like family by Day 9 when it’s time to part ways.
