National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Each issue is packed with authentic travel experiences and vivid photography, plus insights and tips to inspire would-be explorers to travel widely, ethically and safely. We are passionate about experiencing the world, championing sustainable travel and celebrating journeys from a local or cultural perspective.

CALLING ALL ASPIRING TRAVEL WRITERS • Do you have a way with words? Are you forever regaling your friends and family with tales from your travels? If the answer’s yes, then our Travel Writing Competition’s just the thing for you. Submit your 500-word entry before 19 September to be in the running to win an eight-night luxury tour of Kenya, courtesy of Kuoni and Governors’ Camp Collection — plus, the chance to kickstart your travel writing career in our pages

Dear 2019,

Contributors

National Geographic Traveller

Editor’s letter

Phongsaly province, Laos • The remote mountain villages of Laos’ northernmost province are home to the Akha-Noukouy people. While visiting the region, I met this teenager wearing a traditional indigo dress embroidered with various designs. She talked me through the embellishments, each of which has its own cultural significance: the colourful, chequered headdress is worn by younger tribeswomen who are ready for marriage, while the coins pinned to their garments indicate the wealth of their families.

Valensole, Provence, France • very July, the fields surrounding the small town of Valensole in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southwest France are ablaze with violet shrubs. I picked this spot between the rows of lavender, as they roll gently over the hill and lead your eye to the perfectly placed tree on the horizon. I hadn’t been shooting long before a brightly dressed photographer named Marco turned up and started snapping away too. He politely asked if he could get a little closer if he was quick, and I immediately noticed the contrast of his yellow T-shirt against the purple lavender, and happily agreed.

SEEING STARS • Lights, camera, action! Hollywood’s cinema museum is finally set to open after a decade of delays

MORE MOVIE MAGIC

ACCESS ALL AREAS • Step behind the doors of private buildings this autumn with a bevy of open-house events

TOP TOURS

FRENCH CARIBBEAN • From patties to plantain, Vanessa Bolosier selects her favourite flavours of Guadeloupe and Martinique

ROTTERDAM • The Dutch city has long been pushing architectural boundaries — from a 1930s functionalist house to a futuristic art depot, these are the buildings to see.

KOS • Views of the Aegean take pride and place in the Greek island’s crop of stylish hotels

KING OF THE CASTLE • A new generation of Robin Hood fans has plenty to get excited about this summer, as Nottingham Castle reopens after a £30m transformation

Kate Kvalvik’s favourite art & architecture hotspots • Kate Kvalvik and her husband Alaa Said restored an ancient former palace in the medina and now run it as the guesthouse Dar Seffarine. darseffarine.com

FEZ • Lose yourself in the Moroccan city’s maze-like medina and discover crafts, cafes and age-old mansions awash with colourful tiles

WEARDALE • Long walks and industrial heritage await in this area of County Durham

GET THE GUIDES • We select this season’s best new guidebooks to help you head back out into the world and explore with expert assistance

BEACH ESSENTIALS • Get ready for the coast with some sustainably minded and ethically produced beach gear

PLASTIC-FREE ACCESSORIES

A FOUR-NIGHT STAY AT A LUXURY TREEHOUSE IN SCOTLAND • National Geographic Traveller (UK) has teamed up with The Treehouses at Lanrick to offer a luxurious four-night break for two people in Perthshire

PORTUGAL • A return visit to the...