The stunning shortlist from the UK's biggest amateur travel photography competition

It's the event that most amateur travel photographers would love a shot at, but only a select few make the cut. Wanderlust's Travel Photo of the Year 2011 competition is rapidly coming to a close and we present 20 of our favourite pictures from the shortlist.

Editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes spoke to MSN Travel, saying: "This has been a very strong year for the competition with around 9,000 entries. Asia - India and Burma in particular - has had a strong presence in the competition yet again; not surprising given the wealth of colourful subject matter available. However, it is not all about the exotic. It's been interesting how many terrific shots of the British Isles we have received this year, with original images of London and Brighton impressing the judges, as well as stunning shots from Northern Ireland and Scotland, proving that there are photo opportunities everywhere.

"We also received some beautiful images from South Georgia and Antarctica; very fitting given that this is the centenery of Scott's death, and the interest in the poles is stronger than ever, thanks to Frozen Planet."

Wanderlust have partnered with Photobox - you can buy prints of the shortlist photographs online from under £5.