A butcher in Huayin. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The Mountain Road in the Tianmen National Park in Zhangjiajie was one of the most impressive roads we’ve ever travelled on. We took the tram up and unfortunately, you’re not allowed to walk along the road, so getting back down we took the bus. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Zhangjiajie is famous for its 3,000 vertical pillars, each hundreds of feet tall and covered in dense green foliage. These pillars were formed by erosion and draw in upwards of 30 million tourists every year. Apart from the tourist masses, this place is absolutely stunning. No wonder it was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.” © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The hanging coffins are interesting no doubt, but the experiences we had with the local people, as well as the atmosphere and nature of the Luobiao area deserves just as much attention. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The hanging coffins are really interesting, but what fascinated us even more was the atmosphere and feeling we had when wandering through the rice paddies, as well as the hospitality of the local people. We definitely left Luobiao with a big smile. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Tuojiang river crossed right through the town of Fenghuang. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Fenghuang Town is a wonderful example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernisation. Here dozens of alleys paved with flagstones run between the houses, each showing wear caused by the feet of generations of local people who have used them when going about their daily business. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Although Fenghuang is visited by thousands of tourists each day, the calm atmosphere somehow decelerates daily life. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The hanging coffins of the Bo people in Luobiao, a Chinese ethnic minority, have puzzled historians for generations. Nailed into the cliffs high above the farmland, hundreds of wooden coffins keep silent watch over the valleys below. Over the years, several coffins have fallen down, but you get a good impression on how many must have once hung there by counting all the holes carved into the mountains. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Luobiao is a destination not many tourists (neither Western nor Chinese) come to very often. Therefore it was one of those great travel experiences where we got to intimately interact with its local people. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Market scene in Luobiao, China. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Market scene in Luobiao, China. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Beautiful Fenghuang town in China. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The Bo tribe was exterminated in the days of the Ming Dynasty and these coffins are the only relict. It seems obvious that little now is known of them, who they were, or how they lived. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Beautiful Fenghuang town in China. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Firopotamos beach on Milos island is a small stretch that you will most likely have to yourself. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Milos is home to some of the most beautiful fishing villages in all of Greece. The best example if the little port of Mandrakia. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The famous cove of Kleftiko is an old, pirates’ hideout on the southwest tip of Milos island. It can be reached by boat, or if your an athletic hiker and as adventurous as us, by foot. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Firopotamos beach on Milos island is a small stretch that you will most likely have to yourself. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIERFiropotamos beach on Milos island. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Clear waters surrounded by a moonlike white landscape with cliffs & ocean caves are what you’ll get at Sarakiniko beach. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The sunset up on Plaka Castle in Milos sure is one for the books. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Voudia beach is located on the north eastern side of Milos, that stands out because of it’s crystal clear water. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Kleftiko cove was definitely a highlight during our trip to Milos. The best way to get there by foot is by renting a quad to drive all the way across the island, followed by a four hour hike through uneasy terrain. Don’t forget to bring lots of water, because the heat is almost unbearing. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The colourful fishing village of Klima can be seen from the ferry when arriving on Milos island. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Mandrakia was one of the cutest fishing village we ever came across. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Driving through the Dades valley is one of the most scenic drives in the world. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakech. It’s the largest madrasa in all of Morocco. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

A vendor in the streets of Marrakech. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes cover Chefchaouen. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Chefchaouen is an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Camel meat is often available at the local markets and restaurants in Morocco. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

We stopped at a town called Ait Hani during our road trip and our car was immediately surrounded by children wanting a pen or some sweets. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Herbs and spices can be found at every market in Morocco. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Donkeys are very important to the locals in Morocco, whether in a small town or in the centre of Marrakech. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Ait Ben Haddou is famous because of Hollywood productions like Gladiator or Game of Thrones. But the city itself would be wort a visit, even without the star-factor. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

With Zagora and Merzouga you’ll find two great gateways for a true Sahara desert experience. The sand dunes near Merzouga fulfill Morocco’s promise as a dream desert destination. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The berbers home are the majestic Atlas, the largest mountain range in Africa. Amazing villages are scattered across with burnt-orange rock, occasionally dotted with lush green slopes and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

One of the favourite things to do in Marrakech is to stroll through the ancient medina and the souks that are like a maze hoping to get lost for a while before finding your way home again. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

When trying your luck with the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, be sure to know what you’re doing, or you’ll end up digging. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Chefchaouen is a great place to relax, explore and take day trips to the cool green hills. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Tourism has definitely increased in Chefchaouen, yet the balance between ease and authenticity is just right. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Deep in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, the ancient Berbers live on, defying a harsh environment, and remaining loyal to their traditions and way of life in some of the most hard-to-reach parts of the African continent. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The beautiful city of Tinghir during sunset. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Ben Youssef Medersa still works its charms on visitors. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Given Moulay Idriss’ picturesque setting, historic core and national importance, it’s a mystery why more tourists don’t visit. The good news is that its lack of popularity means you can often have the place all to yourself. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Marrakech is a vibrant city. And also a colourful one. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Women carrying an enormous bundle of hay in the High Atlas Mountains. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The dunes of Erg Chebbi reach a height of up to 150 meters in places and altogether it spans an area of 50 kilometers from north to south and up to 5–10 kilometers from east to west. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

As Austrians, we had to visit ANIMA, one of the most imaginative gardens in the world, designed by André Heller. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Atlas Studios is a film studio located near Ouarzazate. Measured by acres, it’s the world’s largest film studio. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The mountain passes across the High Atlas Mountains were not only adventurous, but the landscape was simply breathtaking. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Eilean Donan Castle is the most famous of all castles in Scotland. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Neist Point is one of the most photographed spot. It’s true beauty comes out during sunset, when the dark blue ocean clashes with the steep orange cliffs. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The landscape around Neist Point is just as beautiful and shouldn’t be well looked at as well. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIERThe landscape around Neist Point is just as beautiful and should be well looked at as well. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Scotland is home to almost seven million sheep and less than six million people. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The Quiraing is a landslip on the Isle of Skye and a world famous hike. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The Quiraing is an essential walk for any photographer as it passes though some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The landscape around Loch Eilein is mystical and exactly what you’d expect in Scotland. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

We hiked the Quiraing loop with winds to strong it almost blew us off the cliffs. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The 13th century island castle stands in the middle of Loch an Eilein and was built as a natural defensive site. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

© ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. We expected much more of both, but neither Loch Ness nor the castle really impressed us. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

© ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIERDuring our road trip through Scotland, we passed this cute little town called Gourdon. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

John o’ Groats is the most norther tip of mainland England and a beautiful photo spot. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

© ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The landscape while hiking along the Quiraing. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

More cliffs of Scotland. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The landscape while hiking along the Quiraing. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Portree is a beautiful fishing village and can’t be missed when on the Isle of Skye. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Neist Point lighthouse. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The landscape while hiking the Quiraing. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Angkor Wat was once an important Buddhist shrine, so a visit to the temple is a pilgrimage for monks. They come from within Cambodia and from all over the world. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Ta Prohm temple is probably the most well known in Angkor Wat. Walking through it, it feels like a battle between nature and architecture, in which the Cambodian jungle is clearly the winner. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh was a former high school, which was used as the Security Prison 21 (S-21). Out of the 17.000 people who died there, only 7 survived. 14 others had been tortured to death as the Vietnamese were closing in on the city. Their graves have been placed inside the courtyard. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

For most westerners, Angkor Wat induces an image of a lone European explorer hacking his way through the thick jungle of Cambodia when he by chance stumbling across the lost ruins of Angkor… Ruins, which turned out to become a wonder of the ancient world. But this is just an urban myth; when Henri Mouhot came across the temples in 1860, Angkor was run-down, succumbing to nature and being in a serious state of disrepair, yet it was never lost as many people think… The location of all Angkor sites, which are on the tourist itinerary today, was always known to the Khmer and other westerners have been there before. Mouhot himself never claimed that he was the one to discover it, yet somehow he became associated with it. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Less than 200 kilometres bee-line lie between Cambodia’s island paradise and the well known beach-neighbour Thailand. Thailand’s picturesque beaches attract millions of tourists every year, but this popularity has its price: finding a pristine, quite spot has become almost impossible. But there are other islands in the Gulf of Thailand that lack of nothing and have not been overrun by mass tourism. One of these is Koh Rong Samloem. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Koh Rong Samloem is Cambodia’s own paradise island and a dream for everyone who has fantasised about tropical beach-feeling, yet still needs some sort of contact to the outer world. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The view from the lighthouse on on Koh Rong Samloem is quite something. Depending on where you start, the trip will take you between 1 1/2 – 2 hours each direction. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The monkeys in Angkor Wat might look cute, but they can be real jerks. Make sure your belongings are safe when trying to photograph them. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The landscape around Neak Pean temple in Angkor Wat was one of the most stunning ones in the entire area. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The area around the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is frequented a lot once the sun goes down. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world. It’s the crowning achievement of the classical Khmer Empire, which once ruled most of Southeast Asia. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

Ta Som temple is not as well known as it’s bigger brother Ta Prohm, but it’s gateway, which has been overtaken by fig trees is probably the most impressive one in all of Angkor Wat. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER

The gateways to Bayon temple are also covered with gigantic face sculptures. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER