David Attenborough travel tips

For more than 70 years, Sir David Attenborough has been the face and voice of countless wildlife documentaries, and has continued to bring the vast scale and diversity of the natural world to our screens.

The BBC’s Planet Earth series has been educating us on the wonders of the natural world since 2006. Hosted by Sir David Attenborough, the show has taken us from the depths of the world’s deserts to the peaks of the highest mountains and into the deepest, darkest caves. We’ve seen how animals and plants survive in an ever-changing world, adapting to increasingly difficult climate conditions. As Planet Earth III finally comes to the small screen, we chat to series producer Mike Gunton—research scientist, author and senior executive at the BBC Natural History Unit (the world's largest wildlife film production unit)—about what it’s been like working on the iconic show. He let us in on his favorite places to visit for wildlife watching, what it’s like to work with Sir David Attenborough and the most frightening animal he’s come face-to-face with during filming.

With an El Nino weather pattern extending its hold on a longer dry season, and as the holiday period approaches, Christmas Island is gearing up for an extraordinary natural phenomenon – the annual red crab migration in time for Christmas. Last year the migration occurred in October, however in 2023 this captivating event is anticipated to create a mesmerising red spectacle, perfectly in time with the festive spirit of Christmas this December.

Of the half million annual visitors to the Edinburgh International Festival (running from 4-28 August this year), the vast majority don’t leave the city. Which is understandable given the cultural smörgåsbord on offer, and that it takes place in (arguably) the UK’s most attractive city. But it’s also a wasted opportunity given that this is the capital of one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a wealth of stunning scenery on its doorstep.

Thinking of something a bit…bigger than another beach holiday? We might suggest heading to the remotest points on Earth – literally.

The Galapagos Islands are about 1,000 km from continental Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago comprises 127 islands, islets, and rocks. Its remote location has allowed many species to evolve in isolation from other parts of the world and is one of the most exciting places to visit if you are interested in fauna and flora. The biodiversity here has attracted brilliant minds of scientists such as Charles Darwin and Sir David Attenborough and is often considered so special that visiting would be out of the question. This is not the case. It is very expensive, to go, but you can stay on the Galapagos, and if you plan your trip in advance, you can find ways to keep costs at a minimum. One of the best ways to do this is to opt for an Airbnb Galapagos rental. Not only will you be able to live out a The Wild Thornberrys fantasy adventure, but you can cook at home and have a more comfortable, local experience. Here are some of the best Airbnb options on the islands for families, couples, and solo travelers.

He has met cannibals in Papua New Guinea, played with mountain gorillas in Rwanda and has several flower and animal species named after him. In a career of more than sixty years, naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough’s name is synonymous with utterly absorbing wildlife documentaries, including 1979’s Life on Earth, which became a yardstick for quality wildlife show production.

Trim out the religious and/or mystical connotations and Buddhism boils down to something quite simple – brain training. Emptying your mind of white noise in the Buddhist manner – and thereby opening it up to richer focus and awareness – has never been easy. But the digital age is making it even harder, with an ever-billowing storm of information clamouring for our attention. So, retreat – a Tibetan Buddhist monastery might just be the perfect balm to your perpetually flicking and scrolling mind.

Travel isn't always easy, but in these destinations it's certainly a little more challenging. Here are some of the world's more difficult destinations that are totally worth the effort.

A graceful tail fluke slipping beneath the surface, a mist of spray hanging on the horizon, a vast shape sliding into view beyond a ship’s bow — there’s no denying the appeal of whale-watching.