It was quite a challenge to pick the winner of our Best of 2012 contest. We received so many stellar images of everything from glowing night markets to glistening canals. We could only pick one top shot, but we nonetheless wanted to share some of our favorite entries with you. Here are some of the most beautiful, eye-catching, and interesting town and country photos submitted by our well-traveled readers.

Reader JillOsteen describes the cover photo of Hallstatt, Austria, (above) as:

"The perfect honeymoon spot!"