National Geographic Traveller (UK) is launching Reader Awards for 2026 and is looking for your votes. Celebrating the best destinations, experiences and journeys in 2026, the awards will take the pulse of UK travellers and reveal the places around the world they love the most. 

Which destination is most underrated at the moment? Which city break is everybody talking about this year? Where are families making memories? And what train journeys are turning heads? National Geographic Traveller (UK) wants readers to get online and help get their favourites recognised.  

Voting will be open for a month from 16 July and results will be announced in the November issue, on sale 1 October 2026. 

There are incentives for taking part, too, from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Costa Rica and short breaks in Sweden to incredible travel gear. All readers have to do is complete the voting form to be in with a chance of winning.  

Maria Pieri, editorial director, said: “National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s readers are a discerning group of frequent travellers, and we can’t wait to celebrate the places, people and experiences they feel most passionately about. 

With so many exciting destinations, experiences and travel products capturing people’s imaginations, 2026 feels like the perfect time to relaunch our Reader Awards. From more thoughtful, responsible ways to travel to the innovations that are reshaping how we explore the world, these awards are a chance to recognise the people, places and experiences that are inspiring travellers today.” 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) Reader Awards 2026 will be promoted in the September magazine issue, on socials and in newsletters across July and August. To cast your votes, head to https://www.natgeotv.com/uk/special/national-geographic-traveller-uk-reader-awards-2026

Voters in the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Reader Awards 2026 will be automatically entered into a prize draw and could win: 

A 15-day wildlife holiday for two to Costa Rica with Explore, including flights 

Discover this Central American country’s abundant biodiversity on a two-week holiday with Explore. Highlights include the jungle waterways of Tortuguero and the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. explore.co.uk  

A weekend for two in Swedish Lapland, including flights 

Explore Swedish Lapland with Sunvil. The weekend includes a three-night stay at Brändön Lodge near Lulea in a two-bedroom cabin, on a full-board basis — plus snowmobiling and winter-skills experiences. sunvil.co.uk 

A trekking backpack from Fjällräven 

The Fjällräven Kajka X-Lätt 45 is a lightweight yet hardwearing trekking backpack, built for multi-day trail adventures with a spacious 45L capacity and adjustable fit. fjallraven.com 

A year’s subscription to National Geographic Traveller (UK) 
For fans of the magazine, there are 10 subscriptions that could be won. 

###  

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