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The best travel magazines in the UK.

The Best Travel Magazines To Inspire Your Next Adventure

Stuck at home? Perhaps you’re suffering from those post-trip blues? Unsure of where you want to go? Not to worry, here are the best travel magazines in the UK to inspire your next adventure…

I’ve always found magazines to be a great source of inspiration. Although, I do know what you’re thinking… Why buy travel magazines when plenty of content is available online? This may be true. However, searching the internet can sometimes lead to an overwhelming bombardment of repetitive information. When was the last time you stumbled across a truly unique article offering something of actual value? Buying a travel magazine gets you an extremely well-thought-out, original, and beautifully curated companion. Additionally, it’s a welcome change to have something physical to read instead of staring at a screen!

Best Travel Magazines In The UK

National Geographic Traveller

  • Format: Print/Digital
  • Published: 10 issues per year
  • Shelf Price: £5.25 (single physical copy)
Photo of National Geographic Traveller UK travel magazine.

National Geographic Traveller is one of the most popular travel magazines. It’s also my go-to publication when I’m seeking inspiration. The magazine was launched in the UK in December 2010 and has won multiple awards. It is the right choice for many different types of world explorers, especially those looking for jaw-dropping photography and inspirational travel writing.

If learning about culture and discovering some of the most spectacular corners of the globe interests you, then National Geographic Traveller will satisfy your curiosity. The magazine tends to have a very nature-focused theme and heavily encourages sustainable travel, which I’m sure you’ll agree is something we should all be incorporating into our adventures, near and far.

As you’d expect from a highly regarded travel magazine such as National Geographic, the pages are full of beautiful landscapes from remote destinations, thought-provoking features, and practical advice on immersing yourself in the journey of a lifetime at a slower pace. Learn about the places and people within while dreaming up your next big trip.

Wanderlust

  • Format: Print/Digital
  • Published: 6 issues per year
  • Shelf Price: £6.45 (single physical copy)
Photo of Wanderlust UK travel magazine.

Taking the road less travelled is what Wanderlust is all about. The publication was established in 1993 and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent travel magazines. Wanderlust has won numerous well-deserved awards and never fails to impress even the most hard-to-please traveller (like myself). This magazine is an excellent option for those hoping to experience the world through the eyes of impartial travel writers and expert photographers.

Wanderlust delivers the side of the story that many others tend to forget. It amplifies the voice of the communities it covers and reminds us of the importance of responsible, conscious, green travel. The magazine is a gold mine of off-the-beaten-track experiences and slow travel inspiration. With Wanderlust, you won’t have much trouble discovering the next exciting destination to add to your travel bucket list.

Each issue is jam-packed with inspirational stories, trip planners, advice, news, reviews and interviews. What’s more, the presentation of the magazine is beautiful. Wanderlust will help you discover and dig deeper into some of the most fascinating cultures… and places you’ve probably never thought about before. With its incredible travel photography and beautifully written articles, you can’t go wrong with Wanderlust magazine.

Condé Nast Traveller

  • Format: Print/Digital
  • Published: 10 issues per year
  • Shelf Price: £5.99 (single physical copy)
Photo of Conde Nast Traveller UK travel magazine.

Condé Nast Traveller is the best choice for those with more stylish (and expensive) tastes. Everything about this publication screams luxury. Even the adverts feature products from some of the most prestigious designer labels in the world. Yet another of the country’s best, award-winning travel magazines. Perfect for scoping out the most desirable, super exotic destinations imaginable. Condé Nast Traveller was first published in the UK in 1997 and has been a source of high-end travel inspiration ever since.

For many of us (myself included), the expense of luxury travel isn’t justifiable. But, after reading Condé Nast Traveller, to say that you may be a little tempted is an understatement. Targeted towards wealthy travellers, the magazine gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to see the world in style. A peek at how the other half lives.

Read about classy restaurants, the best places to shop, luxurious accommodations, and with the help of the magazine’s impressive photography, imagine yourself in some far-off land. Even if it’s just for a moment, it’s worth it. If using your imagination doesn’t quite do it for you, Condé Nast Traveller might encourage you to splash out, treat yourself and begin exploring the expensive world of luxury travel.

Escapism

  • Format: Print
  • Published: 4 issues per year
  • Annual Subscription: £11.96 (to cover postage)

The UK’s premier independent travel magazine, Escapism, is back with a refreshed outlook and a promise to provide readers with unparalleled travel experiences. Starting a new chapter, Escapism has unveiled an extremely tempting offer… A complimentary print subscription delivered straight to the doorsteps of readers across the UK.

Initially, I was a wee bit sceptical about this (almost) free travel magazine subscription. However, my doubts vanished as soon as I received the first issue. Escapism effortlessly rivals its premium counterparts, presenting exciting features, insightful reviews, comprehensive guides, and captivating stories written by its award-winning travel writers… All at no cost to the subscriber (other than postage).

True to its name, Escapism embodies the very essence of its title, transporting its readers in the blink of an eye, or in this case, the turn of a page.

Get yourself online and request your subscription today!

Final Thoughts

So, that’s my list of the best travel magazines in the UK. I hope that you found this blog post helpful. In case I didn’t make it obvious, each title mentioned has its distinct strength and style. Personally, National Geographic is my couch and coffee escape. Although, I do still occasionally find myself reaching for one of the others on the shelf. They all provide a different type of value.

Which travel magazine is your favourite? Have I missed any titles that should be included? Let me know in the comments below!


Not quite what you’re looking for? Here are more magazines you may be interested in:

4 Best Outdoor Magazines Available In The UK

4 Best Cycling Magazines Available In The UK


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The Unexplored Road, Craig Swain.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Craig Swain has lived in Ayrshire (Scotland) for almost 40 years. He travels extensively around the region, seeking the best destinations, adventures, and experiences.

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2 Comments

    • Craig Swain

      January 5, 2024 at 11:37 am

      Hi Emily!

      Sorry, I’m unaware of any free England travel magazines that can sent to the US. However, if you join the Wanderlust magazine mailing list on their website, they send a free digital version of each issue shortly after release. I’m unsure if this is available for US residents, but it could be worth a try!

      Reply

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