This summer we asked UnTourists to share a photo from their travels, and you delivered. You opened your camera rolls and sent us the moments that stayed with you long after you unpacked back at home. Honestly, choosing the winners was hard for our team, but it brought us a lot of joy.
What struck us most wasn’t the scenery, although there was plenty of that. It was the stories behind each shot. A pilgrimage walk to honor a family saint. Fish bought straight off the beach for dinner. A trip to Ireland that one grandfather never got to take, finally made by the family who loved him. These aren’t the photos you get from rushing between landmarks. They’re the ones you find when you settle in, wander a little and let a place surprise you.
As we get ready to celebrate Alumni Appreciation Month in November and December and close out our 50th year, there’s no better way to say thank you than to pass the mic to you. So pour a coffee, scroll slowly and enjoy the world as our UnTourists saw it.
And the winners are…
First Place: Inch Beach, Ireland by Randi D.
Before my husband’s father died, he was planning a trip to Ireland for the two of them. Sadly, it was not to be. So, it was lovely when we asked our son where he wanted to go after graduating college, and he said, “Ireland, because Grandpa Downs wasn’t able to go with John”(my husband). We spent a magical week in Kenmare and the vicinity! On this day, we discovered Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula. After breakfast, we walked and walked, never wishing to leave this magical place.
Second Place: Saint of Switzerland by Charlotte N.
My husband converted to Catholicism in 2016. He had to choose a saint for his confirmation. He knew that his ancestors were Germans from Switzerland. He did a lot of research and uncovered Saint Nicholas of Flüe for his confirmation saint. While researching for our trip, I learned that the area where he lived and later had a Hermitage was not far from where we were staying. One beautiful day, we took the train to Sachsen and walked the pilgrimage route to Flüeli. During that walk, we stumbled upon a beautiful hotel, Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana, where we ate lunch. It was a fabulous experience, and even Hans Urs was so surprised that we knew about it. We didn’t realize he was Switzerland’s patron saint. Also referred to as Brother Krauss. He kept the Swiss out of war.
Third Place: Market Fresh Fish by Mark P.
Purchasing fresh fish right at the beach. It doesn’t get more fresh than that!
Honorable mentions go to…
Swiss Cow by Roger Y.
Just a cow, a ridge, and the kind of view you find when you wander a little off the map.
Fine Cheese by Belle E.
The most beautiful cheese plate in France!
Dutch Reflection by Nancy H.
Travel is such an important part of my life. Living in a different place and culture restores my soul. Leiden is beautiful, and this photo is only one of many that showcase its beauty and peacefulness.
Neuenschwand by JD N.
My husband came to Switzerland with information about his ancestors… the Niceswanger’s and The Emmental. When Hans Urs, our wonderful guide, learned of that at our initial meeting, he offered to meet up with us later in the week to go to the Emmental, which is where he was originally from. We took the train to meet him. He rented a car and showed us where he grew up and then took us to the area where Neuenschwands still live..it was the highlight of our trip and Uhrs went above and beyond. It was a great day.
French Homecoming by Juith S.
It felt like homecoming. After a day of being tourists, including a vineyard tour and wine tasting with Anne Plumb, our delightful tour liaison, we returned to our lovely accommodations in Pernes-les-Fontaine. Immediately, we sampled a tasty bottle of rosé from Château Mont-Redon. We also bought a local fromage at the weekly market, where I could negotiate the selection and purchase in my basic French. In addition, there was an early morning walk into town to purchase “deux croissants” and une baguette to commence the day. Every return was a homecoming.
Waterfall by Randi D.
If you go to Gleninchaquin Park on the Beara Peninsula in County, be sure to cool off in the mountain waterfalls! It was the best way to end our incredible mountain hike!
Rainbow by John M.
We woke up to this majestic scene one morning off the balcony of the Pollux apartment on our Switzerland Heartland Untour. On its 50th anniversary, the rainbow reflects the hope that emerges through the international relationships built on our Untours.
Guido by John M.
Tom and Untour expert biologist Guido, build a friendship and camaraderie hiking along a stream below the Rosenlaui Glacier.
Mangrove by Mark P.
Taking a rest during a guided kayak tour down a mangrove-lined river to the ocean.
Windmill by Mark P.
Enjoying an open-air museum in the Netherlands.
Artland by Kevin P.
As an art lover, I enjoyed visiting Jupiter Artland in Scotland near Edinburgh. It was nice to see another side of Scotland, and this earth formation, called Cells of Life, was stunning to see in person. It was such a peaceful place to spend the day and wander.
Glencoe by Kevin P.
Our family UnTour of Central Scotland was an absolute delight. Truly, one of our best vacations. One of our favourite days was s slow drive through Glencoe where we saw stunning landscapes and made little pit stops along the way for photos, walks and even some sourdough pizza with IRN BRU, of course.
Cliffs of Ronda by Tisa C.
My husband’s and my third UnTour, my dad’s and bonus mom’s first. We went to Ronda and walked through a beautiful park, and at the end was the cliff! Oh my goodness, it was dizzying! We tried to get the feeling of looking down over the precipice to the sprawling gorge below us.
Butterfly House by Lawrence A.
While my wife and I were in Italy with two very good friends, we went to Collodi, the town named for the originator of Pinocchio! We found a beautiful garden that had a butterfly house. While walking through the garden, a butterfly decided it liked my friend, Pat, and stopped by to visit, landing on Pat’s nose. He (or she) stayed long enough for me to capture this photo.
Lap Bird by Lawrence A.
My wife, Marilyn, and I visited Florence several times during our UnTours trip to Italy with our good friends, Pat & Gail. During our experience in Florence, we stopped at an outdoor sandwich shop for lunch. Suddenly, a little bird landed on my wife’s lap. I grabbed my camera and took this photo before her little friend flew away. I wonder if he wanted her to share her lunch with him?
Lucca by Lawrence A.
We visited the town of Lucca and climbed the Torre Guinigi. On top of the tower was an amazing sight: full-size trees growing on top! I couldn’t believe it! Here’s a photo from the ground, looking up at the tree-adorned tower!