Since the beginning of 2026, APL Media’s travel and lifestyle editors have been drawn to some of the world’s most exciting corners during their travel assignments. Read the behind-the-scenes accounts of their trips below: 

Karlina Valeiko, digital content editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK): 

“On a January trip to Finland for an online article, I had the opportunity to partake in myriad Arctic adventures but the most memorable was a short hike above the Polar Circle. The thermostat fell to -43C that day and defrosting my lashes afterwards was definitely a challenge.” 

Read more about Karlina’s trip: Come for the Northern Lights, stay for Arctic adventures in Rovaniemi 

Lorna Parkes, executive editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK): 

“At the beginning of the year, I travelled to the lesser-known cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota in search of the magnificent quetzal bird, whose iridescent feathers were once prized as highly as gold by the Aztecs and Mayans. While Costa Rica usually tempts wildlife-lovers with sloths, it was the incredible birdlife that I came to love most.” 

Read more about Lorna’s trip: How to see this ‘feathered serpent’ — one of the world’s most dazzling birds — in the wild 

Angela Locatelli, acting features editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK) 

“Back in February, I visited Brussels to find the city’s best Belgian waffles for National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s On the Menu series. I took the assignment seriously: I ate 11 in two days — sweet and savoury, seated and on the go. It was fully worth the sugar rush.”  

Read more about Angela’s trip: Where to find the best Belgian waffles in Brussels 

Charlotte Wigram-Evans, lead editor, The Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK): 

“It was the first time I got to experience the green season in Zimbabwe, and I was amazed by how the parched landscapes I’d imagined had given way to emerald grasslands and overflowing waterholes. The highlight was following a pride of lions as they slunk through the grass, lightning flashing across the horizon. It was perhaps the most extraordinary wildlife encounter I’ve ever had.” 

Aisha Nazar, associate picture editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK) 

“Accompanying my colleague Sam Kemp, I spent a week capturing Uzbekistan well beyond the usual tourist trail. We hiked from village to village, crossed rivers, walked through fertile valleys, and spent our evenings in family-run homestays. Every day felt more beautiful than the last!” 

Anna Evdokimou, acting editor, Living360 

“In April, I roamed the hills of Cotignac — a small village in southeastern France — for Living360. I embarked on a two-hour hike to reach its famous sanctuary, Our Lady of Graces, which people trek thousands of miles to visit each year, and came across two famous apparition sites along the way.”  

Read more about Anna’s trip: Inside Cotignac — the village in the Var made for movie stars 

Emma Al-Mousawi, senior project editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK) 

“I had the pleasure of heading to the Sardinian capital of Cagliari on assignment for National Geographic Traveller (UK). The city’s Castello neighbourhood tells the story of Phoenician, Roman and Pisan past lives, while the Villanova district is home to artisans and independent galleries. Add five miles of beach as well as standout seafood and you have the makings of a perfect weekend break.” 

Hannah Wild, assistant project editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK) 

“I explored Tunisia’s Cap Bon Peninsula for an upcoming issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). I wandered through the stone tunnels of Carthage and picked up the art of haggling from my guide Mehdi in Hammamet. At Douar Laroussi farm, I joined my hosts in making tabouna bread and more, learning the hard way how Tunisians like their harissa — very hot!” 

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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 is also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers, with content created for national newspapers, too. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide. aplmedia.co.uk