The 2026 Lakes & Mountains Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK) showcases the growing appeal of quieter, less-explored destinations. With overtourism reshaping some of Europe’s best-known hotspots, travellers are increasingly seeking quieter alternatives: hidden lakes, remote mountain valleys and landscapes where nature still feels untamed.     

Discover some of Europe’s most overlooked lakes, from Slovenia’s wild Lake Bohinj — surrounded by the peaks of Triglav National Park — to Finland’s wildlife-rich Lake Saimaa and North Macedonia’s ancient Lake Ohrid, where Byzantine churches cling to the shoreline.  

Sacha Scoging, editor of National Geographic Traveller, UK, The Collection, said: “Lakes and mountains naturally lend themselves to a sense of escape, whether that’s hiking to a remote pub in the British countryside or paddling across a silent Alpine lake at sunrise.” 

The issue also looks at how mountain destinations are reinventing themselves for a new generation of travellers. In Uzbekistan, travel by rail from Silk Road cities into the snow-covered peaks of the Western Tien-Shan to discover how ski resorts, hiking routes and high-speed trains are opening up an unexpected side of Central Asia.  

Also inside: 

• Climb volcanoes in Indonesia and Ecuador  
• Explore inspiring rewilded landscapes around the world 
• Hike to Britain’s most remote rural pubs  
• Wander the bazaars and backstreets of Kathmandu  

All this, plus a curated roundup of scenic hotels and retreats — produced by The Collection’s advertising partners — offering inspiration for future lakeside and mountain escapes. 

Website: News, features and more: nationalgeographic.com/travel 
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK 
Instagram: instagram.com/natgeotraveluk 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital

###

Notes 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed with you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel 

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok. 

CONTACT: 

For editorial enquiries: 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906 
[email protected] 

Maria Pieri, editorial director & chief operating officer 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906 
[email protected] 

Matthew Jackson, chief executive officer 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909 
[email protected] 

Anthony Leyens, chairman and co-founder 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909 
[email protected] 

### 

About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.  

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It is also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk