ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|January/February 2024
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
OLIVER SMITH
ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES

1. Snowshoe in Romania

There’s no better time to sink your teeth into Transylvania than winter. One of Europe’s wildest corners becomes a smidgen wilder in the colder months: meadows are buried under drifts, bears snooze in woodland burrows, church towers and castle battlements are strung with icicles. Exodus offers a winter hiking tour of the Romanian region, using either boots or snowshoes, depending on the depth of snow. Participants poke their noses into bat caves, look for wolf prints on mountain plateaus and stop in traditional villages and farms to taste plum brandy. The tour ends with a visit to Bran Castle, traditionally, if not accurately, known as the home of Dracula. Eight days from £1,299 per person. 

2. Spot wildlife in Scotland

Mull is among the most stately of the Hebridean islands, with a convoluted coastline carved up by inlets and an interior crowned by brooding Ben More. Up close, it’s equally captivating, particularly if you happen to be snooping on its animal residents through binoculars. Join a week-long winter wildlife safari with Naturetrek to see Mull during this most majestic season, when snow dusts the hills and the vegetation has thinned out, making it easier to spot herds of red deer. Birds of prey are busy at this time — look out for both golden eagles and white-tailed eagles riding the thermals, as well as otters swimming in the sea lochs below. Seven days from £1,795 per person. 

3. Take a train through the Alps

Denne historien er fra January/February 2024-utgaven av National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra January/February 2024-utgaven av National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK)Se alt
DIRECTORY
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

DIRECTORY

Lush Paul Valley, located at the foot of the COVA crater, is surrounded by rocky peaks, constituting one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island of Santo Antão.

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3 mins  |
Lakes and Mountains Collection 2024
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

To summit Kilimanjaro is an expedition of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a first-timer, there are key questions to consider before tackling the Tanzanian peak.

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6 mins  |
Lakes and Mountains Collection 2024
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT

TO VISIT OREGON IS TO EMBRACE THE ELEMENTAL POSSIBILITY OF BIGFOOT, THE HAIRY, HUMAN-LIKE MYTHICAL CREATURE. THE PROSPECT AND THRILL OF THE CHASE MAKES THE AREA'S THICK FORESTS, GURGLING CREEKS AND SCENIC HIKING TRAILS A TRUE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.

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8 mins  |
Lakes and Mountains Collection 2024
FOR THE BIRDS
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

FOR THE BIRDS

A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.

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9 mins  |
Lakes and Mountains Collection 2024
ON THE WATER
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

ON THE WATER

From swimming to standup paddleboarding, boating to biking, here's how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of world's most beautiful lakes.

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9 mins  |
Lakes and Mountains Collection 2024
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

HOW I GOT THE SHOT

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

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2 mins  |
June 2024
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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.

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8 mins  |
June 2024
VALLETTA
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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

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10 mins  |
June 2024
A timeless city
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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.

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5 mins  |
June 2024
SANDS OF TIME
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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

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2 mins  |
June 2024