National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2018
Our fourth annual Reader Awards is the definitive word on the best places, experiences, hotels, operators, travel personalities, podcasts and more, as shortlisted by our judges and voted for by you. Here are your winners

The Winners
RISING STAR (CITY/REGION)
The destinations making a name for themselves.
Bristol, UK
RETURN TICKET (COUNTRY)
It’s the destination you keep going back to, again and again.
Italy
NEW NATIONAL TREASURE (UK ATTRACTION)
Britain’s best new attractions. It could have opened in 2017 or launched a new exhibit, or maybe it’s made some changes and is finally finding its groove.
Temperate House, Kew Gardens
FAR & AWAY (OVERSEAS ATTRACTION)
Be it a thought-provoking museum or a thrilling theme park, new experiences and attractions are popping up all over the world.
Circus Maximus, Rome
LANDMARK LEGEND (FAMOUS ATTRACTION)
All-time favourite monuments or sights that exceeded expectations.
Grand Canyon, USA
ONE FOR THE KIDS (FAMILY EXPERIENCE)
From savvy tour outfits and resorts, to tailor-made activities and idyllic places, these are the travel experiences that please all the family.
Walt Disney World, Florida
RIGHT TRACK (RAIL)
Celebrating rail experiences, from luxury transcontinental journeys to impeccably serviced short hops, or high-tech, high-speed connections that make sitting in a seat a unique travel pleasure.
Eurostar, London to Amsterdam
THE EXPERIENCE (TRAVEL EXPERIENCE)
The bucket-list experiences that really brought a destination to life.
A helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
ACROSS THE WAVES (CRUISE & FERRY)
From smooth-riding river cruises to plush ferry services, these are the travel experiences afloat that left you feeling truly buoyant.
MS Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Cruise Line
DOMESTIC BLISS (UK HOTEL)
What sets a hotel apart from the rest? Is it its indie spirit, innovative design or unique British service?
Gleneagles Hotel, Perth and Kinross
THE DESTINATION HOTEL (OVERSEAS HOTEL)
Some hotels are destinations in their own right. A great hotel can give you an insider’s take on a place, and with great design and carefully curated facilities, they can be far more than just a place to lay your head.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
TRAVEL EXPERTS (TRAVEL COMPANY)
The brains behind the operation — agents and operators have the inspiration and know-how to turn our whims into expertly organised, once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Trailfinders
HIGH CLASS (AIRLINE EXPERIENCE)
From seating to service, entertainment to ambience, these guys excelled.
Emirates
TRUE CLASS (AIRLINE VALUE)
It isn’t necessarily about no-frills flying — these are the carriers that offer genuine value for money.
British Airways
GREEN LIGHT (ECO TRAVEL)
Be it a hotel, a travel company, a region or attraction, we’re applauding the forward-thinking eco warriors out there.
TUI Cruises
BOOK WORM (BOOK)
A travel book knocked your socks off? Took you on a literary foray to lands unknown? Expanded your mind and inspired your next trip?
Islander, by Patrick Barkham (Granta Books, 2017)
SCREEN & SOUND (TV & RADIO)
A TV or radio programme that encapsulates all that’s good about travel.
Blue Planet II (BBC One)
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO TRAVEL
Bill Bryson
