National Geographic photographers ventured to places far and wide to capture the year’s most fascinating images.
Taking the Plunge
Atka Bay, Antarctica
A young emperor penguin jumps off a 50-foot cliff for its first swim. The species normally breeds on low-lying sea ice, but some colonies have been found on higher and more permanent ice shelves, behavior likely to become increasingly common with climate change. Left by their parents a month earlier, the chicks must fend for themselves and find food by hunting in the sea.
National Geographic Traveller Magazine (November 15, 2024): The latest issue features a Canadian wilderness governed by its Indigenous inhabitants; a vibrant Mexican city where mariachi music reigns supreme; and a remote corner of New Zealand where the rare kiwi bird is making a comeback — uncover unmissable travel destinations for the year ahead.
From a jungle treehouse in Mexico to a California-inspired sun ranch in Australia, these are the best new and improved hotels, according to National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s annual Hotel Awards.
Could this be Europe’s best hut-to-hut hiking trail?
On the northwest border of Slovenia is a mountain range as dramatic as it is accessible, offering hut-to-hut hiking on multi-day adventures — with plenty of hearty food and local tales to sustain the journey.
What it’s like to travel along the West Coast on a train
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the US, the Coast Starlight’s route unspools along the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles via Sacramento to Seattle. With miles of coastline, towering mountain ranges and glistening cityscapes, this is the ultimate American slow travel experience.
Bali: A long-distance hike through the Indonesian island’s forested interior Ireland: Exploring the ancient landscapes of the Burren, County Clare New Mexico: Meet the rangers protecting the US state’s wealth of parks and monuments Morocco: Itineraries to experience the country’s bohemian cities, desert villages and more Athens: A layer cake of ancient and modern, the Greek capital overflows with intrigue Oxford: Rambling gardens and cosy bookshops in England’s ‘city of dreaming spires’ Cascais: Historic mansions, museums and moreish seafood on the Portuguese Riviera Ticino: Mediterranean and Alpine cuisines intermingle in this southerly Swiss canton Jamaica: The island’s best hotels, from secluded mountain cabins to intimate beachside escapes
A team of scientists and artists transformed a jumble of bones entombed in tons of rock into a towering dinosaur that will leave visitors to L.A.’s Natural History Museum wonderstruck.
What life is like when your brain can’t recognize faces
The common neurological disorder affects roughly 2 percent of the population. Author Sadie Dingfelder shares her perspective navigating the world with it.
National Geographic Traveller Magazine (June 11, 2024): The September 2024 issue features a look beyond Istanbul and the Turquoise Coast in Turkey to descend into the subterranean cities of Cappadocia, a feast in the blossoming culinary region of Urla, and a marvel at Edirne’s age-old oil wrestling festival. Plus, trekking in Sri Lanka, a weekend in Montenegro and a guide to Miami.
Also inside this issue:
Sri Lanka: The Indigenous Vedda people are leading immersive treks in the jungled highlands Valencia:Journey through the parks, wetlands and groves of 2024’s European Green Capital Austria: Drink up the views from Carinthia’s lakeside restaurants and lofty mountain trails Japan: Itineraries to experience the archipelago’s urban life, scattered islands and more Miami: Explore the influences that have shaped Florida’s sun-soaked capital Dublin: A guide to the Irish capital, from big-ticket attractions to intimate audiophile bars Bay of Kotor: From medieval towns to national parks, this is Montenegro at its prettiest Perth: The capital of Western Australia is fresh out of an unprecedented hotel boom
Plus, a Silk Road adventure in London’s British Museum; Spain’s Parador hotels unveil new tours; the global influences behind Guyanese cuisine; fine dining in Sorrento; the inside scoop on St John’s, Canada; canal boating trips in the UK; a bucolic escape in the Forest of Dean; the best autumn literary festivals; and portable kit for your next adventure.
We talk with author Oliver Smith on finding peace at Britian’s holy sites, and former astronaut José Hernández on reaching for the stars. In our Ask the Experts section, the experts give advice on digital nomad visas, planning a music-themed road trip in the US and more. The Info sets sail for Venice’s historical regatta, while Hot Topic explores the rise of tiger mosquitos across Europe and the Report asks whether costlier safaris really mean more money for conservation initiatives. Finally, photographer and writer Simon Urwin discusses capturing the otherworldly landscapes of Algeria in How I Got the Shot.
For centuries, the Seine River has been Paris’s dumping ground. A billion-dollar cleanup is trying to make it swimmable again.
How the Seine River shaped the city of Paris
The history of Paris is inextricably linked to the river that flows through its center—from Neolithic settlement to this year’s Olympic games.
Meet the ancient goddess of the Seine River: Sequana
The opening ceremony for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will take place on the fabled French waterway. But did you know it was named for a Gallo-Roman deity?
National Geographic Traveller Magazine (June 11, 2024): The July/August 2024 issue features a look beyond California’s vineyards and glacier-carved national parks to savour its tranquil coast, home to laid-back surf resorts and wave-lashed islands harbouring wildlife found nowhere else on Earth with the Jul/Aug 2024 issue. Plus, high-octane thrills in the deserts and mountains of Ras Al Khaimah and a slow journey along ancient trails in Cape Verde’s elemental hiking country.
Also inside this issue:
Ras Al Khaimah: The Emirate state of mountains, deserts and coastline is now emerging as an adventure hub Cape Verde: The West African archipelago is prime hiking country, with ancient trails running through farms and mountains Slovakia: The past is felt with every step in the central region of Horehronie, home to lush valleys and a diverse folk culture Peru: Unforgettable itineraries through which to discover the nation’s cuisine, culture and complex history Barcelona: There’s always time for one more cocktail on streets peppered with clandestine speakeasies Hamburg: Wedded to the water, Germany’s ‘gateway to the world’ has long welcomed the tides of change Danish Lakes:Dive into the waters around Silkeborg, where wild swimming spots mingle with fairytale forests South Devon: Award-winning wines, local rums and stellar farm shops in the south west Rome: Savour the Eternal City with a stay that incorporates its rich history, from secluded boutiques to grand palazzi
Plus, The return of Liguria’s much-loved Via dell’Amore; Ireland’s new national park; the story of Belgian cuisine; Tartu’s best hotels; a salsa-lovers guide to Cali, Colombia; Alpine thrills in Austria; a UK break in North Staffordshire; books for the summer months and kit for family trips to the coast.
We talk with author Sophie Yeo on the legacy of ice fishing in the Finnish wilderness, and ranger Edward Ndiritu on the future of anti-poaching in central Kenya. In our Ask the Experts section, the experts give advice on planning a food tour in Malaysia, low-impact French hiking holidays and more. The Info peeks behind the curtain of the Edinburgh Fringe, while Hot Topic explores the state of travel in Cyprus 50 years since its division. After a look at the winning images of this year’s Photo Competition, photographer Ulf Svane discusses distilling the magic of Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival for our June issue in How I got the shot.
From cardiovascular disease and obesity to a weakened immune system, the side effects of stress can be life-altering. But there may be a way to prevent those outcomes.
ByYudhijit Bhattacharjee
Does meditation actually work? Here’s what the science says.
Research is finally catching up to the idea that meditation—which has been practiced for millennia—also provides many health benefits, including managing stress and anxiety.
National Geographic Traveller Magazine (May 2, 2024): The latest issueExplore 17 unique ways to get out and about in Paris as it celebrates its Olympic year with the June 2024 issue. Plus, take a look beyond the resorts of Phuket, go on a wild adventure in Albania and discover the long-flourishing desert community of Scottsdale, Arizona.
From sailing its scenic waterways to cooling off in open-air pools or stepping back in time on a historical walking tour, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Paris as it welcomes the warmer weather. One of Europe’s most majestic and storied capitals, with plans to turn it into one of continent’s greenest well underway, this is a city best explored outdoors.
Also inside this issue:
Phuket: Divine gastronomy and spirited religious festivals define Thailand’s largest island Albania: Home to Europe’s first wild river national park, this adventure hub is the Balkans’ best-kept secret Algeria: Slip into a landscape of ochre citadels, nomadic peoples and volcanic plateaus Scottish Isles: Experience the nation’s wave-rattled northern and western fringes with these daring itineraries Valletta: Whether on a church ceiling or in a subterranean necropolis, art can be found all over the Maltese capital Scottsdale: This Arizona city’s past, present and future are bound to the mountains and the desert Northern Lanzarote: Forget the beach resorts — this island’s northern reaches are ripe for adventure Mumbai: In this vast city, a love of street food is as immovable as the streets themselves Santiago: Hang behind in the Chilean capital to discover museums, street art and characterful hotels
News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious
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