The 12 most stunning entries from the National Geographic Travel photo contest

Every year, National Geographic holds a prestigious photography contest that attracts thousands of entries.

This year, its sister magazine, National Geographic Travel, launched a similar contest: the 2016 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest.

Photographers submitted some stunning images of places they had visited, and the magazine awarded their winner with a weeklong adventure.

Whether you're a photographer or just someone who enjoys seeing the world in a new way, scroll through to see the incredibly inspiring photos that won accolades.