23 May 2025: Since the beginning of 2025, the editorial team at APL Media has been out on the road — and across the oceans — discovering destinations near and far. From the vibrant markets and coffee haciendas of Puerto Rico to the remote wilderness of Brazil’s Cerrado, the historic pilgrimage routes of Italy to the beaches of California, and even the peaceful countryside of Essex, our writers have been immersing themselves in culture, cuisine and nature. 

These trips have been undertaken on behalf of National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Living360 and made possible through collaborations with tourist boards and specialist organisations including Visit Spain, UTracks, Journey Latin America and Visit Newport Beach. The journeys showcase the breadth of stories our team brings to life — combining immersive travel experiences with compelling storytelling. 

Here’s what our editors got up to on their latest assignments:

Angela Locatelli, commissioning editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK): Brazil 
“Back in April, I spent 10 days in Brazil, exploring some of the country’s natural wonders. I first visited the Cristalino River in the southern Amazon to kayak through the so-called ‘flooded forest’. Then, I headed to the Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah, to go on an alternative safari experience. I spotted rare maned wolves — almost mythical-looking creatures, known in the area as ‘foxes on stilts’ — and iconic, elusive, majestic black jaguars. It was, without a doubt, one of the best trips I’ve ever been on.” 

Sam Kemp, assistant editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK): Italy 
“I’ve just come back from Italy, where I spent Holy Week walking the final leg of the Via Francigena, a medieval pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury to Rome. The journey took me through forests carpeted in pink cyclamen, honey-hued hilltop towns and ancient Etruscan valleys riddled with caves. With so few people on the road, I often had these extraordinary places entirely to myself, so that by the time I got to Rome, the modern world felt like a half-remembered dream. It turns out, walking is a form of time travel.” 

Zoe Bell, project editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK): Puerto Rico 
“I was thrilled to visit Puerto Rico this March for a food-focused tour of the island. We explored the colourful streets of Old San Juan; attended a cooking class, where we learnt how to make several classic Puerto Rican dishes; and travelled along the coast to the traditional kiosks of Loíza, where we tried plenty of delicious fried snacks. A highlight was the day we spent driving up into the island’s Central Mountains, where we visited a working coffee hacienda and sampled locally grown coffee. Learning all about Puerto Rico’s cuisine was an incredible way to dive into the island’s fascinating history.” 

Sara Crossley, senior editor, branded content, National Geographic Traveller (UK): US 
“In April, I had the pleasure of visiting Newport Beach in Orange County, California, on a press trip hosted by PR agency Fox Communications on behalf of Visit Newport Beach. I spent four days with a brilliant group of female journalists from both the UK and the US. Highlights included whale-watching in the Pacific, a sunset cruise through Newport’s iconic harbour and indulging in some of the region’s best seafood. For anyone who grew up watching The OC, the real place didn’t disappoint!” 

Katie Sipp-Hurley, assistant editor, Living360: Finchingfield, Essex 
“Last month I challenged myself to spend 72 hours alone in an off-grid cabin near Finchingham in Essex. After locking my phone away in a box, I spent the weekend negotiating country trails and the local village with a physical map, capturing deer and rabbits on an instant camera and using the retro Nokia to book myself pub lunches!” 

Look out for the more detailed stories to be published through National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Living360. 

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About APL Media    
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Founded in 1997, it publishes National Geographic Traveller (UK), supported by a portfolio of brand extensions including bespoke guides, supplements, events and digital platforms. APL Media delivers impactful, audience-focused storytelling through custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy and industry-leading events such as the Travel Media Awards and the professional development initiative Step Up. Its trade publishing portfolio includes Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, while it also creates and supplies digital and print content for a number of national newspapers.
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