In this issue

This month’s cover story focuses on the Summer Olympics host, Paris, and 17 of its most unforgettable outdoor experiences. From scenic waterways and open-air pools to historical walking tours and rooftop bars, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy the French capital. Elsewhere, we find how divine gastronomy and spirited religious festivals define Phuket, Thailand’s largest island; discover why Europe’s first wild river national park is Albania's best-kept secret; explore Algeria's landscape of ochre citadels, nomadic peoples and volcanic plateaus; and plan daring itineraries to experience Scotland's wave-rattled northern and western fringes.

HOW I GOT THE SHOT

PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE

2 mins

THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR

FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.

8 mins

VALLETTA

In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries

10 mins

A timeless city

Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.

5 mins

SANDS OF TIME

COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES

2 mins

Sumitra Acharya

THE HIMALAYAN TREKKING LEADER IS PART OF A NEW GENERATION OF NEPALESE WOMEN CLAIMING THEIR SPACE AMID SOME OF THE WORLD'S HIGHEST PEAKS

3 mins

WHERE TO STAY ADELAIDE

A clutch of new design-led hotels pays tribute to the South Australian capital's landmarks

2 mins

MUMBAI

Inventive chefs are sharing their stories through food in India's ever-evolving west coast metropolis, but the city's appetite for street food, thalis and Parsi dishes remains a comforting constant

7 mins

FLINTSHIRE

Visit this North Wales county to sleep on a former prime minister's country estate, hike mountains and go foraging or wild swimming

3 mins

Scandi cool

EXPLORE THE NORWEGIAN COASTLINE’S NEW OPENINGS AND CULTURAL EVENTS UNDER THIS SUMMER'S MIDNIGHT SUN

2 mins

IN HIGH SPIRITS

The southern Thai island of Phuket has an intriguing and distinctive identity - with an annual vegetarian festival that confounds all expectations, pastel-hued old town and Peranakan culture rooted in China

10+ mins

A river runs through it

A new generation of passionate locals is putting the bucolic southern regions of Albania on the map, offering opportunities to dine with shepherds, dip into hot springs and raft in Europe's first wild river national park

10+ mins

17 WAYS TO SEE PARIS OUTDOORS

Pinned by the Eiff el Tower, threaded by the Seine and punctuated by grand gardens that are multiplying as part of the city’s bid to become one of Europe’s greenest, Paris is among the world’s most impressive destinations. And with all eyes on the French capital this summer for the Olympics, there’s never been a better time to visit

6 mins

The craftspeople of Sarawak

From ancient pottery to embroidery fit for Miss World, meet the producers championing traditional artisanal creations in Malaysia's island region.

5 mins

ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES

From ice skating and cross-country skiing to snowy train rides and cosy cabins stays, there are many memorable ways to make the most of the European winter

6 mins

GOLDEN YEARS

Join the celebrations century of statehood as the island marks half a with fireworks and parades

1 min

A TASTE OF The Philippines

A TRIO OF BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS DOMINATES THIS ARCHIPELAGO NATION'S UNIQUE CUISINE

2 mins

WHERE TO STAY Helsinki

FINLAND'S CAPITAL HAS AN OFFBEAT SIDE THAT SHINES THROUGH IN ITS CREATIVE HOTEL SCENE

2 mins

A YEAR OF ADVENTURE

Make 2024 one to remember with these epic trips, putting fairytale castles, cultural exchange and slow travel front and centre

2 mins

Bear Grylls

THE TV PRESENTER AND FORMER SAS OFFICER ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, COMFORT ZONES AND EXPLORING THE WORLD ON HIS DOORSTEP

3 mins

BOSTON

In the 19th century, Boston was nicknamed 'The Hub of the Solar System' such was its importance at the heart of the young American nation.

5 mins

BALI

Known for its beaches, jungles and colourful temples, the Indonesian island of Bali is also home to a vibrant and hugely varied offering of local dishes, from grilled octopus with starfruit to rich Padang-style curry

5 mins

MANCHESTER

A spirit of rebellious creativity infuses the northern city, with old factories turned into artists' studios and a unique sense of style on display throughout

7 mins

CARVED IN STONE

THE ONE-TIME CAPITAL OF AN ANCIENT HINDU KINGDOM, HAMPI WAS ABANDONED IN THE 16TH CENTURY, AND TODAY THE RUINS HAVE BECOME A SITE OF PILGRIMAGE

1 min

RHYTHMS & FLAVOURS

A TWO-WHEELED MEANDER THROUGH THE LOWLANDS OF CENTRAL EMILIA-ROMAGNA REVEALS THE GASTRONOMIC HIGHS OF ITALY'S 'FOOD VALLEY'

10+ mins

MONTREAL

Canada's French-speaking second city mixes the best of North America with the best of Europe, from hybrid culture and superb shopping to some of the world's best bagels

7 mins

The Big Trip Hiking in New Zealand

IMMORTALISED ON THE BIG SCREEN AND BELOVED BY OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS, NEW ZEALAND'S SOUL-STIRRING LANDSCAPES ARE ITS CROWNING GLORY. FOR HIKERS, COMPLETING ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S 'GREAT WALKS' IS A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.

10+ mins

THE END OF THE RAINBOW

Surfers are drawn to Tahiti's southeastern corner for its mythical waves, but there's so much more for adventurers - from waterfall-washed peaks to hiking trails that take over as the roads run out

8 mins

Argentina

FROM THE STREETS OF BUENOS AIRES TO THE PEAKS OF PATAGONIA, THIS VAST COUNTRY OFFERS ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF EXPERIENCE, WHETHER YOU WANT TO HIKE IN A NATIONAL PARK, SAMPLE LOCAL WINE, GO WHALE-WATCHING OR STAY ON A RANCH

10+ mins

ICELAND VOLCANOES

As seen in recent eruptions, seismic activity in the country is hotting up. From travel advice to volcano tourism’, here’s what you need to know about visiting

3 mins

Read all stories from National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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