National Geographic Traveller (UK) is turning its gaze northwards. Over the last few years, the number of travellers considering so-called ‘coolcations’ has surged dramatically, with global travel network Virtuoso reporting a 44% increase in bookings to more northerly destinations such as Iceland, Canada and, of course, Norway. But the latter’s appeal lies beyond its pleasant summer temperatures. Teetering on the northeastern edge of Europe, the Scandinavian nation is one big outdoor adventure, with the summer months promising kayaking excursions between islands, hikes over mountains carpeted with wildflowers and cabin stays in forests filled with cloudberries and chanterelle mushrooms.  

This month’s issue explores Norway from top to bottom, from the art-filled streets of Oslo’s Grünerløkka district to the wild archipelago of Vesterålen and the region of Sunnmøre, where a new generation of Norwegians are keeping ancestral foraging and farming techniques alive. Readers can uncover all this and more in the May issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), available now.  

Don’t miss: 

• Bolivia: Meet the Indigenous Aymara women leading climbs in the mountains of the Andean Plateau 
• Crete: Tasting the cuisine of Greece’s largest island, the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026 
• Egypt: In the desert mountains of the country’s east, gardens have sustained life for centuries 
• São Tomé & Príncipe: Lives are tethered to the tides on these Atlantic islands 
• Mediterranean: We round up six of the best islands to consider for a family trip 
• Delhi: In India’s capital, the legacy of the Mughal Empire lives on in monuments and green spaces 
• Isles of Scilly: The subtropical Cornish archipelago where honesty boxes are more common than cars 
• Brussels: Searching the city for the best take on waffles, the crispiest of Belgian street foods 
• Chicago: The best sleeps in the Windy City, from warehouse conversions to heritage hotels 
• Melbourne: Divided by the Yarra River, each side of this Australian city has its own unique character 

The Edit: Madeira’s beloved hiking trail welcomes walkers back; the best openings, new experiences and book releases on our radar; an outdoorsy trip in Tavira, Portugal, gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park; kitchen gardens take centre stage at these food-focused hotels; the best bites in Florence, according to a local chef; an active weekend in the hills of Carmarthenshire; a First Nations-run hotel in Canada’s Quebec City; hillside parks and striking art in Prague; and the rise of Irish seaweed bathing.  

Special Interest: Daniel Stables meets the firewalkers of Tokyo 

In Focus: Catch up on all the latest from the world of travel photography  

Expert Traveller: As the nation unveils visa-free travel, China is our One to Watch this month; The Lowdown explores how zoos are upping their conservation game; Kit List returns with the best buys for baby’s first adventure; The Story Behind delves into the history of Highland bagpipes; How To serves up tips for protecting your money on your travels; and Great Little Place sees National Geographic Traveller (UK) staff and readers pick their favourite haunts around the world. Finally, comedian Phil Wang shares the joys of laksa (and Newcastle) in My Travels. 

PLUS: Win a five-night glamping stay in Somerset with Lantern & Larks: natgeotv.com/uk/competitions 

For a 26-page digital sample of the May issue, visit: magazine.natgeotraveller.co.uk/may26 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) has a cover price of £6.25, is available via subscription and on newsstands and is published 10 times a year. Find out more at nationalgeographic.com/travel 

Current subscription offer: Get five issues for £25 
checkout.natgeotraveller.co.uk/offers 

Website: News, features and more: nationalgeographic.com/travel 
Find us on:
Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK 
Instagram: instagram.com/natgeotraveluk 
Pinterest: pinterest.com/natgeotraveluk 
LinkedIn: national-geographic-traveller-uk 
TikTok: tiktok.com/@natgeo

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

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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 full of 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. 

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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. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.  
aplmedia.co.uk