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.

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor’s letter

Nicole Parker, Soho, New York

Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu, India

Let there be light • AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST FESTIVAL IS BACK IN NEW SOUTH WALES FOR 23 DAYS OF ILLUMINATIONS, FOOD AND MUSIC

DIGGING DEEP • Five years in the making, the new Ad Gefrin museum and distillery mixes Anglo-Saxon history and whisky tastings

A TASTE OF Taiwan • FISH, TROPICAL FRUIT AND COMFORTING NOODLE DISHES ARE ALL ON THE MENU IN TAIWAN

LIVERPOOL • As the UNESCO City of Music prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest this May, set off on a tour of its musical hotspots

Bath • WITH NEW ATTRACTIONS AND HOTEL OPENINGS, THE SOMERSET CITY IS FLYING HIGH THIS YEAR

CORNWALL CALLING • Rock pools, ice cream, shipwrecks and legends — for families, pretty Porthleven is hard to beat

CHRISTCHURCH • COMBINING ARCHITECTURAL CHARM WITH ART, NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND CITY IS KNOWN AS MUCH FOR ITS INNOVATION AS ITS BEAUTY

WHITLEY BAY • This Tyne and Wear seaside town charms with its Blue Flag beach, regenerated town centre and inventive food

Meeting of minds • LITERARY FESTIVALS ARE ALL OVER THE UK AND IRELAND THIS MONTH, IN LOCATIONS JUST AS APPEALING AS THE BOOKS THEY SHOWCASE

PADDLEBOARDING • Make like a pro this spring and get stuck into the rising trend of paddleboarding with the help of these clever products

A SEVEN-DAY TRIP FOR TWO TO ANTIGUA • National Geographic Traveller (UK) has teamed up with The Verandah Resort & Spa to offer an all-inclusive stay on the Caribbean island

BARBARA J ZITWER • The American novelist travelled to South Korea to meet the free-diving fisherwomen of Jeju, and it changed the course of her career

Amar Latif • THE GLASWEGIAN EXPLORER DISCUSSES SENSORY DISCOVERY AND MAKING TRAVEL MORE ACCESSIBLE TO BLIND PEOPLE

TOP STORIES • Here’s what you’ve been enjoying on natgeo.com/travel this month

WHAT’S ON IN MAY • With summer on the way, Europe’s beach resorts are getting ready to host an array of seaside festivals and arts events.

ULTIMATE FRENCH COOK-OFF: 100 VOLUNTEERS, 15,000 EGGS • DURING BESSIÈRES’ GIANT OMELETTE FESTIVAL, LOCALS CELEBRATE EASTER WITH AN UNUSUAL CULINARY TRADITION.

PUNKAHARJU • Ringed by forests and quiet islets, this wildlife-filled region of the Finnish Lakelands offers a maze of waterways where visitors can retreat for kayaking trips, summer swims and waterside hikes.

NAPA VALLEY • It may be synonymous with vineyards and bold Cabernet Sauvignon, but dig deeper and you’ll find experimental menus rich in local produce and a gutsy craft beer movement that prove there’s more to the region than grapes

MEXICO CITY • Welcome to Mexico City — afascinating and chaotic sprawl of 25 million people where lively weekend craft markets are held in leafy parks, mariachis serenade in neighbourhood plazas and the air carries the aroma of roasted corn from roaming street sellers. Once just seen as the region’s gateway city, Mexico’s capital has grown in popularity in recent years, and there are an increasing number of hotels in the city’s trendiest locales. The historic centre has experienced a resurgence, with beautiful hotel conversions of heritage buildings. Beyond it, buzzing neighbourhoods such as Roma, Condesa and Coyoacán are where to head for stylish guesthouses.

ULTIMATE ITALY • Famed for its crowd-pleasing cuisine, cypress-cloaked landscapes and elegant palazzos, Italy...