CATEGORIES

Can You Pandemic-Proof Insurance?

Planning your post-lockdown escape? Travel insurance companies now offer policies for those determined to keep travelling during the pandemic.

Namibia Sand, Stars & Safari

One of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth, Namibia is a byword for vast landscapes shaped by fierce elemental forces. From the blustery, shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast and wildlife utopia of Etosha in the north, through the central region — home to extreme sports hub Swakopmund and the capital, Windhoek — to the ochre dunes of Sossusvlei and the mighty Fish River Canyon in the south, this is Africa at its most wild and raw. The country’s offering to travellers is developing apace: be it safari, sandboarding or camping under the stars, adventure beckons, with new lodges and camps blossoming in remote regions. And the nation’s fascinating indigenous history and bush lore are being preserved and protected in captivating new Living Museums

OF MIST & MYTH

Warrior queens, loch monsters, fairies and feuding clans — legends abound on the Hebridean island of Skye. For centuries, colourful tales have shaped the lives of those who call Scotland’s ‘Misty Isle’ home, and are still deeply intertwined with its soul-stirring landscapes

RIDING THE RAILS IN THE ROCKIES

All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, its dapper carriages climbing leisurely from multicultural Vancouver to the peak-ringed resort of Banff. The two-day route, following historic and hard-won train tracks, reveals supersized summits, pioneering settlements and forested valleys stalked by grizzly bears

RETURN TO THE SEAS

In this new world of sanitation and testing, cruise companies are reinventing the onboard experience and offering new opportunities. From wildlife excursions to cultural odysseys and polar visits, we bring you some of the best cruise experiences for 2021 and beyond

GRANADA

The grand, medieval Alhambra palace sets the tone in a historic city awash with traditions. But while one foot is in the past, the other is tapping out a modern beat: scratch the surface to discover hidden trails, markets and a youthful music scene.

ALSACE

Tucked up against the German border, France’s once-contested region has been shaped by centuries of upheaval. Today, chefs and winemakers alike are celebrating a legacy of culinary diversity.

BANSKO

The Bulgarian resort is known for its winter sports, but its lively taverns, local crafts and outdoor adventures make for a memorable escape year-round.

BANGKOK

With its boho bars, blossoming crop of art and design festivals, and a burgeoning Creative District, the Thai capital is becoming a Southeast Asian hotspot for lovers of art.

INTO THE EAST

SET SAIL ALONG THE EASTERN FRINGES OF INDONESIA’S VAST ARCHIPELAGO TO DISCOVER REMOTE ATOLLS HOME TO COMMUNITIES OF SEA NOMADS, THE WORLD’S LARGEST CONCENTRATION OF REEF SPECIES, AND THE BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES THAT HELPED SHAPE THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION

STAY AT HOME ISLE OF WIGHT

With vintage theme parks, beaches galore and idyllic countryside, there’s no better place to head to for a classic English break

KIKI BOSCH

Without a wetsuit or any apparatus, Kiki Bosch free-dives in the world’s coldest waters — a healing therapy she turned to after a sexual assault

Portugal

Europe’s most southwesterly point — the Cape St Vincent — witnessed the beginning of Portugal’s fabled Age of Discovery in the 15th century. Since then, this stretch of coastline, running north along the Atlantic, has drifted back to a peaceful, unhurried pace, where dramatic cliffs and sun-baked scrub form a backdrop to life on land and at sea

THE PANDEMIC VS SAFARI CONSERVATION

WITH THE PANDEMIC CONTINUING TO OBSTRUCT THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, SAFARI AND CONSERVATION TOURISM ARE BEING HIT HARD. HOW ARE AFRICA’S RURAL COMMUNITIES COPING?

HOW TO TRAVEL IN 2021

What sort of journeys will your family be setting off on next year? We look at the latest trends, from virtual tours to private cruises

High on a hill

A WEEK IN THE CENTRAL PYRENEES, TUCKED AWAY IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FRANCE’S OCCITANIA REGION, REVEALS A PASTORAL LIFE LITTLE CHANGED IN CENTURIES. HERE, AMONG MEDIEVAL MARKET TOWNS AND LUSH VALLEYS STALKED BY BEARS, THE PAST’S THREAD SNAKES ITS WAY THROUGH THE EVERYDAY PRESENT

BEST OF THE WORLD

The joy of travel comes from the unexpected. And while the pandemic was just that, bringing journeys to a standstill, it’s certainly not quieted our curiosity. With the new year comes the promise of a return to travel, and we’re eager to get going. The editors of the 16 editions of National Geographic Traveller around the world have lined up 35 of the very best places our planet has to offer for 2021 and beyond: superlative destinations that speak of resilient communities, smart sustainability efforts and unforgettable experiences for post-pandemic explorations. The world is full of wonders — even if they’re hard to reach right now — so take this time to plot and plan your next journey and lay the foundation for that much-dreamed-about big trip

DISCOVER THE EUROPEAN CAPITALS OF SMART TOURISM

The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative champions EU tourism destinations striving for inclusivity, creativity, digitalisation and sustainability. Gothenburg and Málaga, the 2020 capitals, are leading the way

ASK THE EXPERTS

NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? THE TRAVEL GEEKS HAVE THE ANSWERS…

Try It Now - Veggie Christmas

Too few at the table for turkey? Try a showstopping veggie centrepiece in ste ad

Deconstruct - Steak & Kidney Pie

Popularised in the 19th century, this British classic has since become a pub staple. And while over the centuries the ingredients have been up for some debate, these days the kidneys are non-negotiable

ONE OF THE whānau

Hospitality and communal dining are central to Māori culture, and on New Zealand’s North Island, Nadine Toe Toe and her whānau (family) welcome guests with open arms

Made WITH love

Whether as an ingredient, snack or main event, a well-crafted cheese is the stuff of obsession. From the new generation of homegrown heroes to the iconic cheeses of Europe and beyond, we celebrate the world’s best, and salute the passion they inspire

MY LIFE IN FOOD - ROMESH RANGANATHAN

The comedian talks Ethiopian cuisine, bizarre food experiences and his mum’s top-secret spice blend

FRIED CHICKEN

The right treatment will ensure your chicken is tender and juicy inside, with a perfectly crisp coating.

FIVE WAYS WITH Kohlrabi

ALTHOUGH UNDERUSED IN THE UK, THIS BRASSICA IS A STAPLE IN CENTRAL EUROPE.

EVGENY VIKENTEV THE PIONEER

IN ST PETERSBURG, EVGENY VIKENTEV PUTS A DISTINCTLY MODERN SPIN ON RUSSIAN CUISINE. FACED WITH BANS ON WHOLE SWATHES OF FOREIGN PRODUCE, CREATING EXPERIMENTAL, OUTWARD-LOOKING DISHES CAN BE TOUGH —BUT HE’S UP TO THE CHALLENGE.

Dosas Vadas Dhal & Darshini

It’s known for being India’s tech capital, but Bengaluru is also arguably the country’s best city for vegetarians and vegans, with a truly vibrant meat-free dining scene.

A TASTE OF SANTA BARBARA

From the seafood served across the city to the wine produced in the shadows of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara offers a true taste of California

READY, STEADY, GOLD

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be jointly hosted by Milan and the ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here’s a look at what’s ahead for both the city and the region