Best of the World: 35 incredible places to discover in 2021 and beyond
Our global travel editors have lined up 35 of the best places our planet has to offer for 2021 and beyond: destinations that speak of resilient communities, smart sustainability efforts and unforgettable experiences for post-pandemic explorations.
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A neighbourhood guide to Seville
The Andalucian capital may have a collection of classic sights, but that’s only half the story. Its atmospheric barrios, home to fresh flavours and burgeoning art scenes, are breathing new life into the city.
Three outdoor UK adventures to embrace the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv
As winter sets in, the temptation to stay indoors grows. Break tradition this season, and do as the Norwegians do by embracing the outside world.
How to spend a weekend in Fort William and Glencoe
In the shadow of Ben Nevis, the town of Fort William and the nearby valley of Glencoe offer a rugged springboard for outdoors adventures, with hiking, biking and Highland history all in easy reach.
A taste of Santa Barbara, from local wines to lobster rolls
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. We look at three essential foodie experiences — from an urban wine trail to visiting a chocolate artisan — and share a classic lobster roll recipe to recreate at home.
A neighbourhood guide to Milan
The world’s fashion capital has long conjured up images of runway shows and haute couture, but tucked away in hidden corners is the real Milan, a treasure trove of museums, public art, jewellers and gin bars.
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Meet the adventurer: Reza Pakravan on crossing Africa’s Sahelian belt, from Senegal to Somalia
British explorer Reza Pakravan is the first person in modern history to travel the width of Africa via the Sahel, the semi-arid zone south of the Sahara Desert. His Amazon series, The World’s Most Dangerous Borders, launched in 2020. Here, he discusses endurance, mental health and documenting the lives of indigenous people.
Go wild in the country: eight new adventure tours in the UK for 2021
Exploration once meant going to the other side of the world, but a host of travel companies are now championing local adventures right on our doorstep.
10 travel experiences for 2021, chosen by the editors of National Geographic Traveller
From stargazing tours in the Namib Desert to shepherd’s hut stays in Lancashire, the editors of National Geographic Traveller and National Geographic Traveller Food share the experiences at the top of their travel wish lists.
Everything you need to know about travel during the coronavirus outbreak
A compilation of stories and reports covering the coronavirus outbreak across the globe, brought to you by the experts at National Geographic Traveller (UK) and National Geographic.
Photography
Photo Gallery
Photo story: surf culture and local traditions along Portugal's Vicentine Coast
Cape St Vincent, Europe's most southwesterly point, witnessed the beginning of Portugal's 15th century Age of Discovery. Since then it's drifted back to a peaceful pace, where dramatic cliffs and sun-baked scrub form a backdrop to life on land and at sea.
National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Best of the World
While the pandemic has brought journeys to a standstill, it’s not quieted our curiosity. Ahead of a new year — with the promise of a return to travel — we’re eager to share these 35 tales of timeless places that will define our future itineraries.
Photograph by Getty Images
The Jan/Feb issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) reveals the Best of the World list — the 35 global destinations set to define our future itineraries. Compiled in collaboration with National Geographic and the 15 other international editions of National Geographic Traveller, this list profiles inspiring places, communities and innovations, and offers an optimistic dose of escapism for the year ahead.
Framed by five categories — Sustainability, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, Culture & History and Family Travel — each inclusion honours a superlative destination with a relevant story to tell for the year ahead. The 2021 list profiles conservation successes, preservation achievements, cultural resilience, and tales of communities overcoming daunting obstacles to thrive despite the pandemic.
Elsewhere in the issue, we explore France’s central Pyrenees, set sail for the eastern isles of Indonesia and spend a long weekend in Malta, while our photo story highlights the sun, sand and surf of Portugal’s Vicentine Coast. We cover the cities of Hamburg, Los Angeles and Edinburgh, plus, we take a look at openings and anniversaries in Washington, DC; the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv; new hotels in Antwerp; a drive through Mexico’s Yucatan region.
Read more in the Jan/Feb 2020 issue — SUBSCRIBE TODAY
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The Jan/Feb 2020 issue of National Geographic Traveller
Photograph by Clockwise from top left: Celia Topping; Alamy; Richard James Taylor; Markel Redondo
Destination guides
Food and travel
The latest stories from National Geographic Traveller Food
Where to go, what to see and how to explore the world by way of its unique culinary experiences.
Editors' picks
Steak and kidney pie: the story behind a British classic
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.
Veganism: a worldwide quest for plant-based perfection
All over the world, the plant-based lifestyle is growing, with chefs putting together amazing new vegan menus. We explore the UK's vegan scene including hotspots in London, and reveal the world's seven best vegan restaurants.
Cheese pilgrimages: the nine destinations that should be on every cheese-lover's bucket list
From the Dutch Cheese Valley to the lush pastures of Normandy and the wild Californian north west, here are the places we think should be on every cheese lover’s bucket list.
12 wintry comfort food dishes from around the world
Winter is the ideal season for comfort food, but don’t just rely on pies, stews and curries to get you through to spring. Check out our selection of some of the world’s best-loved dishes.
What to do on a family trip to the Isle of Wight
With vintage theme parks, beaches galore and gentle countryside, there’s no better place to head for a slice of holiday nostalgia.
A portrait of pastoral life in France's Central Pyrenees
A week in the Central Pyrenees, tucked in the south west corner of France’s Occitania region, reveals a pastoral life little changed in centuries. Here, among medieval market towns and lush valleys, the past’s thread snakes its way through the present.
How to spend a weekend in Lake Como
As northern Italy’s most exclusive getaway, Lake Como offers la dolce vita in spades — lakeside glamour, rooftop dining and sleepy nooks — all easily explored in a slow-paced weekend.
A walking tour of east London’s best public art
The capital is home to hundreds of works of public art, from vibrant murals to large-scale installations and sculptures — and many of the best are to be found in the city's eastern neighbourhoods.
Photo Gallery
Photo story: the historic diners of Arequipa, Peru
With a heritage stretching back centuries, the picanterías of Peru’s second-largest city dish up delicious portions of traditional comfort food every lunchtime.
Where to eat in Ludlow, Shropshire
With an abundance of great produce on its doorstep, ‘local’ is the watchword for this Shropshire town’s dining scene.
Meet the fantasy coffin-designers of Accra, Ghana
Ernest Anang Kwei has followed in his father’s footsteps, continuing a tradition of building elaborate coffins that represent the profession, dreams or vices of the deceased. From carved aeroplanes to crocodiles, his commissions — and those of his father’s other apprentices — have elevated the funerary experience to an artform.
How to plan a cultural road trip around the Yucatán, Mexico's Maya heartland
A drive through the Yucatán reveals natural wonders both above and below ground. Freshwater sinkholes, spectacular Maya ruins and colourful nature spots are scattered across the peninsula, tucked into the lush, jungly interior.
Is Bengaluru India's most exciting city for vegetarians?
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.
How to spend a weekend in Malta
Beyond its ancient history and melting-pot cuisine, Malta’s islands offer striking, sun-blessed coastlines for outdoor adventures. Here's how to plan the perfect long weekend on the Mediterranean archipelago.
Life in the rapids: globetrotting sportsman Antonio Trani on making river rafting a lifestyle in Southern Italy
Antonio Trani rafted some the world’s major rivers before returning to his Italian hometown near Pollino National Park, founding rafting tour operator River Tribe and offering multi-day adventures in southern Italy’s largest protected wilderness.
11 of the best winter adventures in Lombardy, Italy
Whether you’re looking for adrenalin-packed action or simply want to unwind in renowned thermal baths, consider the Lombard mountains for a future trip.
What you need to know about post-Brexit travel to Europe
Rules on travelling to and from EU countries changed on 1 January 2021. We answer 10 key questions regarding the new regulations, from pet passports to the new Global Health Insurance Card and more.
What they're eating in Athens
Japanese-Peruvian dishes, slow-cooked rabbit and pistachio mousse are all on offer in the Greek capital. Here are six unmissable dishes — and the innovative restaurants that created them — to seek out on your next trip.
Wildlife expert Newton George on Tobago’s pristine ecosystem and top forest trails
Tobago’s North-East region has been recognised by UNESCO for its unique biodiversity. We talk to Newton George about his love for the island and why we need to head to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve to witness nature at its most impressive.
Meet the maker: the oyster king of Denmark
In the waters off the tiny island of Venø, Kristian Borbjerggaard harvests wild oysters for the kitchens of some of Denmark’s finest restaurants. His began his enterprise seven years ago as a teenager, earning the respect of restaurateurs and sparking a small but significant shellfish renaissance in the nation's culinary scene.
The seven trends shaping family travel for 2021
What sort of journeys will your family be setting off on this year? We look at the latest trends, from virtual tours to private cruises.
The highlights of Burmese cuisine, according to chefs Amy and Emily Chung
London-based supperclub hosts Amy and Emily Chung — authors of The Rangoon Sisters Cookbook — share their highlights of Burmese cuisine, from Mohinga to Gin thoke.
