The last month has seen a fresh collection of travel stories on National Geographic Traveller (UK) online, covering a wide spectrum of topics from destinations to food culture, appreciating the change in season and practical travel advice. 

But what really caught the editors’ attention? They were asked to select their favourite online stories from August and September, and pieces on slow travel, reimagined buffets and farm stays were among their picks.   

Here are the stories that the people in the know think should be on every traveller’s reading list.

Amanda Canning — deputy editor: Can you overcome a fear of flying? 

The jolt of adrenaline that typically accompanies travel is far less pleasant when it takes the form of anxiety, and for an increasing number of travellers, that anxiety is centred around flying. 

From breathing exercises to tricking your brain, these techniques can help you gain control of your nerves. 

Amanda says, “A fear of flying isn’t the most helpful phobia to have if you’re a travel journalist, but I used to approach every flight with real dread. I’m largely over it now but I found the expert tips in this feature genuinely useful — I used some of them on a recent, very turbulent flight in Botswana and they helped enormously.” 

Lorna Parkes — executive editor: Forget the Buffet — Hotel Breakfast is Having a Gourmet Makeover 

A growing number of top restaurants are serving multi-course breakfasts that rival evening offerings for complexity, craft and ingredient quality. 

From tasting menus to multi-course gourmet options, the most important meal of the day is also becoming the most delicious. 

Lorna says, “As someone who often travels for food, this on-the-money feature really resonated with me. I’ve experienced the multi-course breakfast menu myself in the UK, at a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, and I would definitely jump at the chance to work these gourmet breakfasts into my future travel plans.” 

Angela Locatelli — acting features editor: The Best Dark Sky Destinations in Europe for Stargazing 

Due to artificial light illuminating the night sky, true darkness isn’t something many people get to experience in the same way anymore. However, from the Canaries to the Scottish Borders, Europe is dotted with remote landscapes where exceptionally dark skies make stargazing an unforgettable part of the journey. 

Angela says, “The night sky has been fascinating humans since the dawn of time, and I’ve been meaning to plan a stargazing trip for a while now. I thought I’d have to travel to the other side of the world to find true darkness, but this piece recommends destinations closer to home — a reminder that Europe is full of natural wonders.”   

Sam Kemp — acting commissioning editor: Watch the Seasons Unfold on a Journey Through Nikko, Japan 

This photo story shines a light on the town of Nikko — a name that means ‘sunlight’ — and the changes it sees as the seasons move. 

Sam says, “In the middle of a never-ending London summer, coming across this captivating photo story tracing the turn of the seasons in Nikko, Japan, was a real balm. I particularly enjoyed imagining myself gazing out onto a filigree of frost-covered trees, glass of sake in hand.” 

Sarah Barrell — senior editor: Why Farm Hotels are Trending in the UK and Should You Try One 

The UK’s swathe of new-era farm stays is proof that traditional agritourism is getting an upgrade. People want to know where their food comes from, and these are just some of the chic new spots that have geared themselves towards the modern, discerning, food-focused traveller. 

Sarah says, “I thoroughly enjoyed researching our feature on food-led UK farm stays. There’s a quiet revolution happening on British farms — places offering beautiful, off-grid accommodation in rewilded fields, and spectacular produce. Bold, passionate farmers are producing everything from, say, small-batch ciders and champagne-quality sparkling wines in Somerset to free-grazed game in Suffolk and heritage veggies from regenerative agriculture plots in Sussex.”  

Read the latest articles on National Geographic Traveller (UK) online: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/topic/national-geographic-traveller-uk  

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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’s 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