National Geographic

Not far from the high-tech hubs of San Francisco and the vineyard crowds of Napa lies a nature reserve that produces some of the country’s best oysters.

The natural world continues to inspire travel writers. Standout books for the year ahead include a collection of stories, illustrations and poems that explore our connection with nature, plus a travelogue inspiring us to discover the small green spaces on our doorstep. Walking remains a popular topic for authors, as evidenced by a pair of upcoming travelogues that hit the trail in rural Spain and Istanbul, respectively, plus a collection of literary works that asks the question: why explore on foot? And to celebrate Bradt Travel Guides reaching its 50th anniversary this year, founder Hilary Bradt is set to release a memoir about her pioneering journeys both in print and around the lesser-explored corners of the planet.

From regenerative farming and organic kitchen gardens to foraged, fermented and plant-based foods, fine-dining menus are increasingly inspired by nature. Eschewing additives and processing, chefs are paying homage to wholefood ingredients, showcasing the likes of heritage grains, heirloom veggies and rare-breed organic meats in creative dishes that are both indulgent and nourishing.

Taiwan, a series of small subtropical islands sat in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, is a destination known for its natural beauty. But these islands are also home to one of East Asia’s most exciting culinary scenes — one that has been influenced not only by the region's unique climate and lush landscapes, but also its rich, multi-faceted history. First inhabited by Austronesian-speaking Indigenous groups, Taiwan has acted as a cultural crossroads for over 500 years, having played host to Japanese, Dutch, Spanish and Chinese settlers. Now, Taiwan's streets sing with sizzling street food, are lined with world-class restaurants and boast dishes that cement the region's cuisine as a melting pot of ingredients and cooking techniques. 

Downtown Los Angeles is bursting with flavour, thanks to the sublime combination of sun-ripened Californian produce, American innovation and global influence from a colourful array of communities. You’ll find authentic Mexican eats alongside traditional Korean dishes; classic Italian plates next to American diner fare — and even examples of all of them fused together. There’s so much to savour, it can be hard to know where to start. These five crucial stop-offs are the perfect intro to DTLA’s many edible highlights.

West Virginia’s Blue Ridge peaks, dramatic gorges, and rushing rivers put it on the map for hikers, rafters, and rock climbers. But the Mountain State isn’t just an adventure destination—it’s also home to historic Civil War sites, old-time music venues, and some of the best stargazing in the United States. We consulted local artists, chefs, and Nat Geo staffers from the region to plot your course in the place that the classic country song calls “almost heaven.”

The UNESCO World Heritage sites of the former capital Kyoto give unforgettable insights into Japanese history, but across Japan are numerous, less heralded (and less visited) destinations that can transport travelers back in time. Be it the tales unearthed in castle ruins or fortresses that have withstood the tests of time, a journey to Japan's Kansai region and the islands of Okinawa can offer travelers fresh insights into Japan's past and the moments that shaped its future.

Never mind being the city that never sleeps — New York is the city that never stays the same. Whether it’s your first time or your 30th time, you’ll find every district of the Big Apple full of new places to discover. And it’s not just limited to the new restaurants and shops that dot streets from the Bronx to Staten Island — there are vast arts centres, cultural districts and even an entire new landmass, cast off into the Hudson River. Manhattan is the epicentre of some of the most exciting recent developments, and on this one-day itinerary you’ll zoom in on them across a manageable chunk of Midtown and Downtown. Here’s everything you shouldn’t miss on an exploration of New York’s latest and greatest.

It was a typical day at Colorado’s Breckenridge Ski Resort, 80 miles west of Denver—until a large moose lumbered up to the base lodge.

Japan is a whimsical amalgamation of high-tech modernity and historic charm steeped in nature. Just a train journey from a bustling metropolis, travelers are greeted by the splendor of Japan’s majestic mountains, exquisite flower gardens, and enchanting forests. These tranquil landscapes, particularly in hidden-gem locales within Hokkaido, Ehime, and Hiroshima, provide the perfect settings for a rejuvenating wellness retreat. Guided by Zen traditions and cultural wisdoms, these small towns, villages, cities, and islands may hold the secret to greater longevity, as well as a holistic rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit.

A confluence of multicultural neighbourhoods, belle époque avenues and functional high-rises, Bucharest wears its past on its sleeve. While the Ceauşescu regime sought to erase all traces of the city’s history in the early 1980s, today, the Romanian capital overflows with character — its gritty exterior concealing a wealth of cosy bars, galleries and bookshops. 

San Diego may be known for its 70 miles of golden coastline, but California’s second largest city after Los Angeles isn’t just about sand and surf (though that doesn’t hurt). Throughout town, visitors find local treasures, such as rare plants, multicultural celebrations, and a vibrant arts scene. To maximize your time, we consulted San Diegans ranging from a chef to a nature expert and a scientist for their favorite spots. Here’s what to see and do.

San Diego stretches over nearly 350 square miles of beachfront and city, nature reserves and vibrant multicultural enclaves. The options for lodgings are nearly as varied as the terrain, from a pet-friendly, boutique-style high-rise to a historic grande dame in the heart of downtown. Here are the ones we love.

Seventy miles of sun-kissed coastline. The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Pop-culture fest Comic-Con. California’s first Catholic mission.

I’m on a dirt path surrounded by swaying coconut palms that offer up little in the way of afternoon shade. The heat is relentless, scattering everyone indoors and blanketing the village with stillness. I hurry along, seeking out an oasis. Then, around a corner I find it — a small farmhouse with a red tiled roof and a spacious balcony.  

Filmmaker and director Tommy Joyce is no stranger to the extremes of nature. His work has taken him across the world to camp alone 6,700m up a mountain in Nepal, chart the frozen wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and negotiate the dust clouds and intense 49C heat of the Sahara Desert. These are testing places for people and equipment — whether he’s capturing someone at the peak of human endurance or a landscape in just the right sunlight, it’s work that comes with both challenges and rewards.

Maybe it’s the nation’s glut of centuries-old cellars and tunnels. Or perhaps it’s the world-class bar scene, which led the way with speakeasy-style drinking dens when they were trending a few years back. Either way, the UK today is full of quirky places to say ‘cheers’ at a subterranean level. Whether your preferred tipple is wine, beer, whisky or a mixologist-crafted cocktail, these celebrated bars from London to Edinburgh will serve it to you amid atmospheric underground vibes.

Home to the country’s first capital, many of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines and a hinterland adorned with holy mountains, the region of Kansai not only marks the geographical centre of Japan but also stands as a cultural and historical heartland for the nation. Among its greatest treasures is Kyoto, which served as the imperial capital of Japan from the eighth to the 19th century, and is now renowned for its temples, geishas and gardens. Today, Kyoto remains as enchanting as ever, with ancient alleyways still evoking a picture-book Japan reminiscent of samurai and shoguns. 

Finland’s biggest city is also its most stylish. Once the home of influential local architect and designer Alvar Aalto, the capital’s art nouveau core is today complemented by contemporary Nordic architecture and offbeat design hits, including clothing and home furnishings company Marimekko’s flagship store and the subterranean Amos Rex Art Museum. Adding another dimension to the city is the harbour district of Jätkäsaari, a former backwater that’s reinvented itself in the past two decades with sleek apartment blocks anchored by restaurants, cafes, shops and a new public sauna.

The states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho — all part of the USA's Pacific Northwest region — offer a unique natural beauty that begs to be explored. From towering sea stacks and sandy beaches to ancient rainforests and enormous volcanic mountains, it's a region that's as diverse as it is impressive. Preserving its wildest corners, the national parks of the Pacific Northwest are often the choice destinations for travellers seeking the most awe-inspiring experiences. And, while the entire region rings with beauty, these five parks stand out, providing opportunities not just for exploration, but for connection, rejuvenation and discovery.

Modern Japan wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence and input of the region of Kansai — and its cities Osaka and Kyoto — which have significantly influenced the country’s political, cultural and economic development. Kyoto served as Japan’s capital for over a millennium and is today known as the nation’s cultural epicentre, attracting millions of travellers to the city’s streets each year.