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The 50 most influential travellers of our time

By Condé Nast Traveller

Angelina Jolie

Hollywood humanitarian and the un's special envoy superwoman read more.

The Dalai Lama

Nobel peace prize-winning monk-on-the-move spreading happiness from the himalayas to the white house read more.

Pharrell Williams

Stratospheric singer-producer-fashion designer happy writing songs onboard his private jet read more.

Prince Charles

King-in-waiting on a permanent gap year read more.

Levison Wood

Extraordinary ex-paratrooper and tv adventurer who has walked the himalayas and the nile read more.

Melinda Gates

The tech whizz giving her heart and her fortune to the world's greatest causes read more.

Richard Branson

Adventurer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and pioneer of commercial space travel read more.

The Beckhams

Ultimate celebrity family whose world has no borders read more.

Bruce Dickinson

Iron maiden frontman and hero of the skies read more.

Janine di Giovanni

Fearless frontline foreign correspondent and war reporter read more.

The world's most famous anonymous graffiti artist stencilling from London to the Louvre read more

Sheryl Sandberg

The lean in author and facebook coo inspiring women across the world read more.

Rene Redzepi

Culinary revolutionist and superstar chef of best-restaurant-in-the-world noma read more.

Dervla Murphy

Tireless traveller and octogenarian author of 24 travel books who will sometimes stop for a pint read more.

Billionaire inventor (PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX) setting his sights on Mars read more

Christine Lagarde

Dynamic head of the imf brokering global trade deals read more.

Sir David Tang

Hong kong-born billionaire bon viveur known worldwide for his legendary parties read more.

Hanli Prinsloo

The south african record freediver exploring the world's oceans one breath at a time read more.

College-dropout turned trailblazing tech entrepreneur read more

Edurne Pasaban

Indomitable mountain-climber and the first woman to summit the planet's 14 highest peaks read more.

Karim Rashid

The willy wonka of design, reshaping the world around us read more.

Susan Wojcicki

Youtube ceo and champion of working mothers read more.

Bethan Gray

Exquisite furniture designer inspired by traditional crafts around the world read more.

Federica Mogherini

High-flying (though always in economy class) politician on a mission to promote world peace read more.

Antonio Pappano

Energetic royal opera house music director conducting concerts across europe read more.

Gavin Thurston

Bafta-award-winning cameraman behind the lens of the world's greatest wildlife documentaries read more.

George Butler

British illustrator capturing struggles in the world's danger zones read more.

Colonel John Blashford-Snell

The maverick intrepid explorer who has inspired adventurers from sir ranulph fiennes to bear grylls read more.

Frank Gardner

The bbc's security correspondent who has reported on conflicts and crises from afghanistan to the arctic read more.

Maggie Draycott

The woman behind the world's most exclusive (and highly secretive) frequent-flyer's club read more.

Pope Francis

He can draw crowds of millions around the world, flying between destinations on his plane shepherd one read more.

Bushcraft survival specialist who runs expeditions from Borneo to the Kalahari, via the Lake District read more

Isabelle Legeron

Natural-wine champion unearthing the greatest vineyards across the globe read more.

The 'Indiana Jones of surgery' dodging bullets to save lives in war zones read more

Lucia Griggi

Surf photographer who has ridden waves in almost every surf destination in the world read more.

Justine Evans

Planet earth documentary camerawoman shooting out in the wild read more.

Karen Darke

Paralympic gold medallist who has travelled the globe by bike, ski and kayak read more.

Mulatu Astatke

'travelling troubadour' and 73-year-old father of ethiopian jazz playing sell-out concerts around the world read more.

Andrea Marshall

Marine biologist diving the world's oceans who can recognize individual manta rays by the spots on their backs read more.

David Wright

Committed charity worker trying to improve the lives of the next generation read more.

Helen Clark

Snapchatting former new zealand pm and the un's top development advocate read more.

Gail Rebuck

The most powerful and well-travelled woman in the publishing world read more.

Anita Zabludowicz

Voracious international art collector with galleries around the world read more.

David Macdonald

Oxford's first professor of wildlife conservation saving endangered species around the world read more.

Cherae Robinson

Hip and happening entrepreneur revolutionising travel across africa read more.

Anna McNuff

Adventuring athlete who runs, rides and rollerblades wherever her social media followers send her read more.

Sue & Bleddyn Wynn-Jones

Intrepid rare-plant hunters scouring wildernesses from jungle to desert read more.

Jason Atherton

Impeccably groomed superstar chef and global restaurateur from balham read more.

Galahad Clark

The cobbler encouraging us to go barefoot as we tramp around the world read more.

Hong Ra-Hee

South korean art collector and champion of emerging artists read more.

By Michelle Jana Chan and Harriet Compston

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20 Most Famous Travellers In History

• by Jonny Duncan
• February 17, 2024 February 18, 2024

These famous travellers, driven by curiosity, ambition, or a quest for knowledge, embarked on epic expeditions that expanded the boundaries of geographical understanding.

Famous Travellers

Throughout history, the world has been shaped by the journeys of these famous travellers, intrepid explorers and adventurers who dared to traverse distant lands, cross treacherous seas, and delve into uncharted territories.

From the ancient Silk Road wanderers to the modern-day spacefarers, their stories inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the boundless spirit of exploration that resides within the human soul.

These are some detailed accounts of the lives of these famous travellers and explorers.

Marco Polo is one of the most famous travellers in history whom you have most likely heard of already. He was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who travelled extensively throughout Asia along the Silk Road.

Born in Venice in 1254, Marco Polo embarked on a journey to the East with his father Niccolò and uncle Maffeo in 1271, when he was only 17 years old. They travelled through Central Asia, reaching the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of the Yuan Dynasty in China.

Marco Polo served as an emissary and official in the court of Kublai Khan for approximately 17 years, during which he travelled extensively throughout China, Mongolia, and other parts of Asia. He documented his travels and experiences in a book titled “Il Milione” or “The Travels of Marco Polo,” which became one of the most famous travelogues in history.

In his book, Marco Polo described the geography, culture, and customs of the regions he visited, introducing Europeans to many aspects of Asian life for the first time. His accounts of the riches of the East, including spices, silks, and other exotic goods, fueled European interest in trade and exploration with Asia.

He died in 1324 in Venice, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of history’s most famous travellers.

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta , fully known as Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battuta, was a Moroccan scholar and explorer born in Tangier in 1304. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest travellers in history, known for his extensive journeys across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe during the 14th century.

In 1325, at the age of 21, Ibn Battuta embarked on his first major journey, which would span nearly 30 years and cover over 75,000 miles. He initially set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), a religious obligation for Muslims, but his travels went far beyond this initial goal.

Throughout his travels, Ibn Battuta visited places such as Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia (modern-day Iran), Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. He served as a judge, diplomat, and advisor in various courts along the way, gaining insights into the cultures, societies, and politics of the regions he visited.

Ibn Battuta documented his experiences in a travelogue called “Rihla” (The Journey), which provides valuable insights into the medieval world and remains an important historical source. His writings offer vivid descriptions of the places he visited, including cities, landmarks, people, customs, and traditions.

Ibn Battuta’s travels were remarkable not only for their extent but also for the diversity of the regions he explored and the challenges he overcame. His adventures have left an enduring legacy, contributing to our understanding of medieval geography, cultures, and interactions.

Charles Darwin 

Charles Darwin was a renowned traveller. His most famous voyage was aboard the HMS Beagle, a British naval vessel that embarked on a five-year expedition around the world from 1831 to 1836. Darwin was originally intended to be the ship’s naturalist, but his observations and discoveries during this voyage ultimately led to his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology.

During the voyage, Darwin visited various locations, including the Galápagos Islands, where he made significant observations of the unique flora and fauna that would later inform his theory of natural selection. His travels also took him to South America, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Darwin meticulously documented his observations in journals and collected specimens that contributed to his later scientific investigations and publications, most notably his seminal work “ On the Origin of Species ,” published in 1859.

Wilfred Thesiger

Wilfred Thesiger, born on June 3, 1910, was a British explorer, travel writer, and photographer known for his extensive travels in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East. He is renowned for his profound respect for traditional cultures and his vivid descriptions of the landscapes and people he encountered.

Thesiger’s most famous journeys took place in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. He first travelled to the region in the 1940s, where he lived among the Bedouin tribes of southern Arabia, including the Marsh Arabs of Iraq and the nomadic tribes of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali). Thesiger’s experiences during these journeys were documented in his classic books “Arabian Sands” (1959) and “The Marsh Arabs” (1964).

Backpackingman note: Arabian Sands is one of my favourite travel memoirs that I have read.

Thesiger’s writings reflect his deep admiration for the harsh beauty of the desert and his respect for the traditional way of life practised by the nomadic peoples who inhabit these regions. He was critical of the modernization and development that threatened to erode the ancient cultures and landscapes he cherished.

In addition to his writings, Thesiger was also an accomplished photographer, capturing stunning images of the landscapes, peoples, and cultures of the regions he explored. His photographs provide a visual record of a way of life that has since undergone significant changes.

Thesiger’s legacy continues to inspire adventurers, travellers, and writers today, as his works remain celebrated for their insight, empathy, and evocative prose. He passed away on August 24, 2003, at the age of 93.

Fridtjof Nansen

Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian who lived from 1861 to 1930. He is best known for his groundbreaking explorations of the Arctic region and his innovative work in oceanography. Nansen’s achievements earned him international acclaim and left a lasting legacy in multiple fields.

Nansen gained fame for his daring expedition aboard the ship Fram (meaning “Forward”) in 1893-1896. His goal was to reach the North Pole by allowing the ship to become frozen in the Arctic ice and drift with the currents.

Although the expedition did not reach the pole, it set a record for the farthest north latitude attained at that time and provided valuable scientific data about the Arctic Ocean.

Freya Stark

Freya Stark was a British explorer, travel writer, and cartographer known for her extensive travels in the Middle East and her vivid writings about the region. She was born on January 31, 1893, in Paris, France, and grew up in England.

Stark began her travels in the Middle East in the 1920s and 1930s, at a time when few Westerners, especially women, ventured into the region. She explored remote and challenging areas of the Middle East, including parts of Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Stark was known for her adventurous spirit, intelligence, and ability to connect with people from different cultures. She learned several languages, including Arabic and Persian, which allowed her to communicate with local inhabitants and gain insights into their lives and customs.

Throughout her travels, Stark produced numerous books, articles, and photographs documenting her experiences and observations. Her writings are celebrated for their lyrical prose, keen observations, and deep appreciation for the landscapes, cultures, and history of the Middle East.

Some of Stark’s most famous works include “The Valleys of the Assassins” (1934), “A Winter in Arabia” (1940), and “The Southern Gates of Arabia” (1936). Her books became bestsellers and earned her widespread acclaim as one of the most accomplished travel writers of her time.

Freya Stark continued to travel and write well into her later years, and her legacy as a pioneering explorer and cultural ambassador for the Middle East endures today. Her works remain influential and continue to inspire travellers, writers, and scholars interested in the region. She passed away on May 9, 1993, at the age of 100.

David Livingstone

David Livingstone was a Scottish physician and explorer who played a significant role in the exploration of Africa during the 19th century.

Over the course of his life, Livingstone undertook multiple expeditions across the African continent, with the primary goals of spreading Christianity, combating the slave trade, and exploring unknown regions.

Livingstone’s most famous expedition began in 1852 when he set out to explore the Zambezi River and its surrounding regions. During this journey, he became the first European to witness the majestic Victoria Falls. Livingstone’s explorations also led to significant geographic discoveries, including the identification of Lake Malawi and the exploration of the Zambezi River system.

Livingstone’s explorations and writings captured the imagination of people around the world and earned him widespread acclaim as one of the greatest explorers and famous travellers of his time. His accounts of his travels, including books such as “Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa,” inspired subsequent generations of explorers and missionaries.

Livingstone died on May 1, 1873, in what is now Zambia, while on his final expedition to explore the sources of the Nile River.

Zheng He was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, and admiral during the Ming dynasty. He is best known for his extensive maritime voyages in the early 15th century, which took place decades before the famous European Age of Discovery.

Zheng He’s voyages were remarkable for their scale and reach. He led a series of expeditions from China to various parts of Asia and Africa, commanding a vast fleet of ships that included massive treasure ships, some of which were reported to be several times larger than the European ships of the time.

Zheng He’s expeditions visited countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and the east coast of Africa. These voyages facilitated cultural exchange, trade, and diplomacy, with Zheng He presenting gifts from the Ming emperor to local rulers and receiving tribute in return.

Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator and pioneering woman in the field of aviation. Born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, Earhart developed an early interest in flying and became one of the most famous female pilots and travellers of her time.

Earhart set numerous aviation records during her career. In 1928, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, accomplishing the feat in her single-engine Lockheed Vega. This flight propelled her to international fame and established her as a symbol of women’s advancement in aviation.

In 1932, Earhart made history again by becoming the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic, replicating Charles Lindbergh’s famous feat from five years earlier. She flew from Newfoundland to Ireland in approximately 15 hours.

One of Earhart’s most ambitious goals was to circumnavigate the globe. In 1937, she embarked on an attempt to fly around the world along the equator. However, tragically, Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean during the final leg of their journey.

Despite extensive search efforts, their fate remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus, born in the Republic of Genoa (in present-day Italy) in 1451, was an Italian explorer whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean paved the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus made his first voyage in 1492 under the sponsorship of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

Columbus’s initial goal was to find a westward route to Asia, particularly to India and the lucrative spice trade. However, he instead encountered the islands of the Caribbean, landing on an island he named San Salvador (though the indigenous Taíno people called it Guanahani). Believing he had reached the East Indies, Columbus referred to the indigenous people he encountered as “Indians.”

Over the next several years, Columbus made three more voyages to the Caribbean and explored various islands, including Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Cuba, and Jamaica. His voyages initiated widespread European contact with the Americas and marked the beginning of the European colonization of the New World.

Columbus’s voyages had significant and far-reaching consequences, including the exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and cultures between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. While his expeditions were celebrated in Europe, they also led to the colonization, exploitation, and displacement of indigenous peoples, as well as the transatlantic slave trade.

Today, Christopher Columbus is a controversial figure, with his legacy debated in terms of his role in history and his impact on indigenous populations. While some view him as a courageous explorer who initiated global connections, others criticize him for his treatment of indigenous peoples and the lasting negative effects of European colonization in the Americas.

Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who is best known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. He was born around 1480 in Sabrosa, Portugal, and he served as a navigator and explorer for the Portuguese crown before offering his services to the Spanish crown.

In 1519, Magellan set sail from Spain with a fleet of five ships and around 270 men, aiming to find a western sea route to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) in the East Indies. On September 20, 1519, they departed from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain, and after a long and perilous journey across the Atlantic, they reached the coast of South America.

Magellan navigated through the treacherous waters of what is now known as the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the southern tip of South America.

After passing through the strait, Magellan and his crew sailed across the vast Pacific Ocean, enduring severe hardships such as starvation, scurvy, and storms. They reached the Mariana Islands and the Philippines, where Magellan was killed in a skirmish with local inhabitants on April 27, 1521.

Magellan’s expedition was a landmark achievement in the history of exploration, proving that the Earth was indeed round and demonstrating the vast extent of the Pacific Ocean.

Ernest Shackleton

Sir Ernest Shackleton was a renowned British explorer who led several expeditions to Antarctica during the early 20th century. He is best known for his heroic leadership and remarkable survival during the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917.

Born on February 15, 1874, in County Kildare, Ireland, Shackleton began his career as a seaman and later became involved in Antarctic exploration.

Shackleton’s most famous expedition, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, aimed to make the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent. The expedition, launched in 1914 aboard the ship Endurance, encountered numerous hardships, including being trapped in pack ice in the Weddell Sea.

Despite the loss of their ship, Shackleton and his crew managed to survive for over a year on the ice before finally making a daring escape in small lifeboats to Elephant Island.

Realizing that rescue was unlikely on Elephant Island, Shackleton embarked on an epic voyage with a small crew in an open boat, the James Caird, across 800 miles of treacherous seas to reach South Georgia Island. After successfully reaching South Georgia, Shackleton and his companions completed a hazardous overland journey to a whaling station, eventually rescuing the remaining men on Elephant Island.

Miraculously, Shackleton’s leadership and determination ensured the survival of all the members of the expedition, despite enduring extreme cold, hunger, and danger. Their remarkable tale of endurance and perseverance has become one of the most celebrated stories in the annals of exploration.

Following his Antarctic expeditions, Shackleton continued to pursue various ventures, including further attempts at Antarctic exploration. However, he died of a heart attack on January 5, 1922, while on an expedition to Antarctica.

Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang)

Xuanzang, also known as Hsüan-Tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveller who lived during the Tang Dynasty. He is renowned for his legendary journey to India in the 7th century AD, during which he travelled overland across Central Asia to study Buddhism and collect Buddhist scriptures.

Born in 602 AD in what is now Henan Province, China, Xuanzang became a Buddhist monk at a young age and dedicated himself to the study of Buddhist scriptures and philosophy. Despite government restrictions on travel abroad, Xuanzang was determined to visit India, the birthplace of Buddhism, to deepen his understanding of the religion and to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures that were not available in China.

In 629 AD, Xuanzang set out on his epic journey to India. He travelled overland through treacherous terrain, across deserts and mountains, encountering numerous hardships and dangers along the way. Despite these challenges, Xuanzang persevered, driven by his unwavering faith and determination.

During his 17-year pilgrimage, Xuanzang visited many Buddhist monasteries, universities, and sacred sites in India, studying with renowned Buddhist masters and scholars. He also collected thousands of Buddhist scriptures, which he later brought back to China.

Upon his return to China in 645 AD, Xuanzang was hailed as a hero and a scholar. He spent the rest of his life translating the scriptures he had collected into Chinese and sharing his knowledge and insights with others. His translations played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in China and had a profound influence on Chinese culture and philosophy.

Xuanzang’s extraordinary journey and his contributions to Buddhist scholarship have made him a legendary figure in Chinese history and in the history of Buddhism. His life and adventures have been immortalized in literature, art, and folklore, and he remains a revered figure in Buddhist tradition.

Isabella Bird

Isabella Bird was a 19th-century British explorer, writer, photographer, and naturalist. Born on October 15, 1831, in England, she defied the societal norms of her time by embarking on extensive travels, often alone, to various remote and challenging regions of the world.

Bird’s first major journey took her to North America in 1854, where she travelled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Her experiences during this trip were chronicled in her book “The Englishwoman in America,” published in 1856.

Throughout her life, Bird continued to embark on remarkable journeys. She explored the Hawaiian Islands, Canada, Japan, India, Persia (now Iran), Kurdistan, Tibet, China, and many other regions. Her travels were not only adventurous but also pioneering, as she often ventured into areas that were little known to Westerners at the time.

Bird was an avid writer, and she published numerous books and articles based on her travels. Her writings were highly acclaimed for their vivid descriptions of landscapes, cultures, and people.

Isabella Bird’s adventurous spirit, keen observations, and literary talents have earned her a lasting legacy as one of the most remarkable female explorers of the 19th century. Her works continue to inspire travellers and readers around the world, offering unique insights into the diverse cultures and landscapes of the places she visited.

Amerigo Vespucci

Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer, navigator, and cartographer who played a significant role in the early exploration of the Americas. He was born in Florence, Italy, in 1454 or 1455, and he began his career working for the prominent Medici family in Florence.

Vespucci made several voyages to the New World between 1497 and 1504, primarily under the auspices of Spain and Portugal. While the details of his early voyages are somewhat unclear, Vespucci is best known for his accounts of his voyages, particularly his claim to have reached the mainland of the Americas before Columbus’s third voyage.

The German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller is credited with naming the continent after Vespucci, as he included the name “America” on his 1507 world map, the first to depict the Americas as separate from Asia.

While Vespucci did not make any significant discoveries or advancements in navigation himself, his writings and the use of his name for the continents had a lasting impact on European perceptions of the New World and its place in the world map.

James Cook was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest explorers of all time. He was born on October 27, 1728, in England. Cook made significant contributions to the exploration and mapping of the Pacific Ocean and its islands during the 18th century.

Cook began his career in the British Royal Navy, rising through the ranks as a skilled seaman and navigator. He gained recognition for his precise cartography and his ability to navigate difficult waters.

In 1768, Cook was appointed as commander of the HMS Endeavour and embarked on his first voyage, which was commissioned by the Royal Society and the British Admiralty, to observe the transit of Venus from Tahiti and to explore the South Pacific.

During this voyage, Cook and his crew made extensive explorations of the South Pacific, including the mapping of the eastern coast of Australia, which he named New South Wales. Cook’s meticulous charting and observations laid the groundwork for later British colonization of Australia. Cook’s expedition also included the first recorded European contact with the eastern coastline of New Zealand.

Cook went on to make two more major voyages of exploration in the Pacific. His second voyage, from 1772 to 1775, aimed to locate the hypothetical southern continent of Terra Australis and further explore the Pacific. During this expedition, Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle.

On his third voyage, from 1776 to 1779, Cook attempted to find a northwest passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic. Although he did not succeed in finding the passage, he made significant discoveries in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including the Hawaiian Islands.

Nellie Bly, born on May 5, 1864, was an American journalist, writer, and pioneering investigative reporter. She is best known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days.

In 1889, Bly embarked on her most famous adventure: a solo journey around the world inspired by Jules Verne’s novel “Around the World in Eighty Days.” She travelled by steamship, train, and other means of transportation, completing the journey in just 72 days, a record at the time. Her trip captivated the public’s imagination and solidified her reputation as one of the most famous travellers in history.

Throughout her career, Bly wrote about social issues, women’s rights, and travel. She worked for various newspapers and magazines and authored several books, including “Ten Days in a Madhouse” and “Around the World in Seventy-Two Days.”

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway, the acclaimed American novelist and short story writer, was also an avid traveller who drew inspiration from his journeys around the world. Throughout his life, Hemingway travelled extensively, often immersing himself in the cultures and landscapes of the places he visited.

Some of his notable travel experiences include:

• Paris, France: Hemingway spent much of the 1920s living in Paris, where he was part of the expatriate community of writers and artists known as the “Lost Generation.” His experiences in Paris, particularly in the bohemian neighbourhoods of Montparnasse and the Left Bank, would later influence his writing, including his novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
• Spain: Hemingway was deeply influenced by his experiences during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where he worked as a war correspondent. He spent time in Madrid and other cities, witnessing the conflict firsthand and drawing inspiration for his novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” which is set during the war.
• Key West, Florida: Hemingway lived in Key West during the 1930s and 1940s, where he wrote some of his most famous works, including “A Farewell to Arms” and “To Have and Have Not.” His house in Key West, now a museum, is a popular tourist attraction.
• Africa: Hemingway embarked on several safaris in Africa during the 1930s and 1950s, where he hunted big game and drew inspiration for his short stories “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.”
• Cuba: Hemingway had a deep connection to Cuba, where he lived for many years and wrote several of his major works, including “The Old Man and the Sea.” His home in Cuba, Finca Vigia, is preserved as a museum and is a popular tourist destination.

Hemingway’s travels greatly influenced his writing, and his experiences in different parts of the world are reflected in the settings, characters, and themes of his novels and short stories. His adventurous spirit and love of travel are an integral part of his legacy as one of the greatest writers and famous travellers of the 20th century.

Ok, these last two aren’t in “history” as they’re still going even in their late age…

Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Ranulph Fiennes , born on March 7, 1944, is a British explorer, adventurer, and author known for his daring expeditions and record-breaking achievements in extreme environments around the world. He is often described as one of the greatest living explorers.

Fiennes has undertaken numerous expeditions throughout his career, often pushing the limits of human endurance and overcoming immense challenges.

In the Transglobe Expedition (1979–1982) Fiennes led the first circumnavigation of the Earth along its polar axis, traversing both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The expedition covered over 52,000 miles and took over three years to complete, making it one of the most ambitious polar expeditions in history.

First to reach both Poles by surface travel: Fiennes became the first person to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel when he reached the South Pole in 1982 and the North Pole in 1986.

In addition to his exploration endeavours, Fiennes is also a prolific author, having written numerous books about his adventures and experiences.

Fiennes continues to be actively involved in exploration and adventure, inspiring others to push their limits and explore the unknown. His legacy as one of the world’s greatest explorers is firmly established, and his adventures continue to captivate and inspire people around the globe.

Michael Palin

I’m going to end this list with one of my favourite modern-day travellers, Michael Palin . I have loved his TV travel shows for decades now. Michael Palin is a British comedian, actor, writer, and television presenter known for his travels around the world documented in various television series and books.

Palin’s travel adventures began with the groundbreaking television series “Around the World in 80 Days,” which aired in 1989. In this series, Palin attempted to circumnavigate the globe without flying, following in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne’s novel. The journey took him through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and back to Europe, and it was documented in a book of the same name.

Following the success of “Around the World in 80 Days,” Palin continued to travel and document his journeys in subsequent television series and books, including:

• “Pole to Pole” (1992): In this series, Palin travelled from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
• “Full Circle with Michael Palin” (1997): Palin embarked on a journey around the Pacific Rim, travelling through countries such as Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Australia, and Chile.
• “Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure” (1999): Palin retraced the footsteps of the American writer Ernest Hemingway, visiting places significant to Hemingway’s life and work in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• “Michael Palin’s Sahara” (2002): Palin explored the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Sahara Desert, travelling through countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Niger, and Mali.
• “Himalaya with Michael Palin” (2004): Palin journeyed through the Himalayas, from Pakistan and India to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and China, exploring the mountains, cultures, and people of the region.

Palin’s travel adventures have inspired and entertained audiences around the world, making him one of the world’s most beloved travel presenters and one of the most famous travellers of them all.

The legacies of these famous travellers endure as testaments to the indomitable human spirit and the insatiable thirst for discovery. Their courage, resilience, and insatiable curiosity have left an indelible mark on history, shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring future generations to venture beyond the known horizon.

These are just a few examples, and countless other explorers and travellers have made significant contributions to our understanding of the world through their journeys and discoveries.

For a look at another well-known modern traveller have a look at my article about a good friend of mine who is regarded as one of the most travelled man in the world today.

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10 Most Legendary (And Infamous) Travelers In History

• https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=282238

Fridtjof Nansen

Fridtjof Nansen was the first man to cross Greenland’s ice cap. He also sailed farther north in the Arctic Ocean than any man before him. That’s pretty awesome. He and a colleague even endured nine winter months in a hut made of stones and walrus hides, surviving solely off polar bears and walruses. Nansen explored the great white north and had an asteroid named after him.

Christopher Colombus

Here’s a guy who had no idea where he was when he landed so assumed he was in India, enslaved a population (for which he admitted to feelings of remorse later in life), and brought a host of terrible diseases to an entire hemisphere (he got syphilis from the native people, in return). Colombus showed Europeans there was a new world out there, and ushered in a new age of European exploration.

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta was a great Muslim explorer who travelled more than 120,000 kilometers through regions that, today, comprise 44 countries — from Italy to Indonesia, Timbuktu to Shanghai. He was mugged, attacked by pirates, held hostage, and once hid in a swamp. His travel writings provide a rare perspective on the 14th century medieval empire of Mali (from which not many records survive).

Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, intrepid traveler, and translator who documented the interaction between China and India in the early Tang Dynasty. He became famous for his 17-year overland journey to India, on which he was often ambushed by bandits, nearly died of thirst, and survived an avalanche.

Lewis and Clark

These two guys lead an expedition of 50 men to chart the northwestern region of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase and establish trade with the local populations. They set out in 1804 and didn’t return until 1806. They rode off into the unknown, were helped by the famous Sacagawea, and were the first Americans to set eyes on the Columbia River. They faced disease, hostile natives, and extreme weather conditions. They were true adventurers and scientists.

Ernest Hemingway

The manliest of manly travelers, Hemingway traveled extensively. His journeys inspired many of his greatest stories. He was a fisherman, hunter, soldier, and ardent drinker who lived in Paris, Cuba, and Spain. He was the most interesting man in the world before it was cool to be the most interesting man in the world.

This legendary Venetian set out with his father and uncle to explore Asia when he was just 17 years old. They came back 24 years later after traveling over 15,000 miles. He’s inspired generations of travelers with tales that provide fascinating insight into Kublei Khan’s empire, the Far East, the silk road, and China.

Ernest Shackleton

Antarctica’s most famous explorer (though Roald Amundsen was the first to reach it in 1911), Ernest Shackleton is synonymous with Antarctic exploration. He traversed the continent many times and is most famous for the 1914 voyage that trapped his ship Endurance in ice for 10 months. Eventually she was crushed and destroyed, and the crew was forced to abandon ship. After camping on the ice for five months, Shackleton made two open boat journeys, one of which—a treacherous 800-mile ocean crossing to South Georgia Island—is now considered among the greatest voyages in history. Trekking across the mountains of South Georgia, Shackleton reached the island’s remote whaling station, organized a rescue team, and saved all the men he had left behind. That’s badass.

Neil Armstrong

First man to set foot on the moon. That pretty much means he wins. He was a modern adventurer who traveled to the moon (no easy feat) and took one giant leap for mankind. Neil Armstrong is living proof that when we put our mind to it, there’s no place we can’t explore.

Freya Stark

About the author

Matthew Kepnes

Budget travel expert, author of “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day” at Nomadic Matt .

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The 10 greatest travellers of all time

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Just who is the world's greatest traveller? That is the question posed by Wanderlust magazine. While there is some consensus about the greatest movie ever (Citizen Kane) and best pop record (Bohemian Rhapsody), opinion is divided on the top explorer. In a bid to discover the Orson Welles/Freddie Mercury of the travel world - and provoke a bit of healthy debate - Wanderlust asked a selection of experts to pick the person who they believe has most changed the way we travel. This is the final top 10, counting down to the best traveller of all time. But do you agree? Please e-mail [email protected], and we will compare notes with the readers of Wanderlust.

10 APHRA BEHN (1640-1689)

First Englishwoman to make a living by the pen; possibly the world's greatest armchair traveller

Nominated by Dea Birkett, travel writer: "Aphra Behn was groundbreaking, claiming to have sailed to Suriname in the 1660s. Yet 300 years after writing Oroonoko, her powerful anti-slavery novel set in Suriname, we still don't know if she went to South America or not. She started the tradition of European travellers grossly exaggerating and lying about what they'd done. We've been fictionalising ever since."

Travelling style: mysterious, incognito - often travelled as a spy, and in the 17th-century equivalent of economy class.

Places visited: Suriname (probably), Antwerp, the Netherlands. Behn's plays suggest knowledge of Italy - though this may be the fruit of her stupendous imagination.

Hardships suffered: Rumour suggests she lost family members in Suriname and was once shipwrecked.

Changed-the-world rating: Helped to invent the English novel and the travel memoir. Oroonoko is fictional, one of the first great exotic travel narratives and an indictment of slavery. An unusual mix today, this must have seemed outlandish 300 years ago.

9 MICHAEL PALIN (1943-)

Affable Python and actor who went from spoofing Alan Whicker to replacing him as TV's foremost traveller

Nominated by Charlotte Hindle, Lonely Planet author: "He's done more than anyone else to bring the world into everyone's living room."

Travelling style: Intrepid, good-humoured Englishman abroad, self-confessed dromomaniac - one who suffers from the compulsive urge to travel.

Places visited: Around the world in 80 days, pole to pole, full circle, across the Sahara and through the Himalaya.

Hardships suffered: Cracked ribs, altitude sickness, getting a cut-throat shave from a blind barber, being mistaken for Eric Idle, having his car rocked by an angry mob.

Changed-the-world rating: The surges in bookings that follow his televised travels are known as the "Palin effect". Travel on TV once meant Judith Chalmers wishing you were there; Palin turned travel into a prime-time attraction and made the world a more exciting, accessible, place.

8 YURI GAGARIN (1934-1968)

Starman - the first man in space - who became the man who fell to earth, dying in a crash on a routine flight

Nominated by Mark Ellingham, Rough Guide's founder: "He took the greatest leap into the unknown since Columbus - or at least since Laika, Sputnik 2's dog."

Travelling style: Focused and fearless. On 12 April 1961 Yuri was blasted into space in crude terms - in a seat on top of a tin can, which was itself on top of a bomb.

Places visited: Around the Earth and 315km above it.

Hardships suffered: In training he withstood 13Gs of force in the centrifuge and sat in a dark, silent room for 24 hours; being grounded after his historic flight drove him to drink.

Changed-the-world rating: Fuelled the space race. With space tourism still somewhere between a prophecy and a joke, we haven't seen the full impact of his heroism.

7 FRIDTJOF NANSEN (1861-1930)

Skier, oceanographer, humanitarian, godfather of polar exploration; has an asteroid named after him

Nominated by Pen Hadow, explorer: "Nansen was the first to cross Greenland's ice cap and the Arctic Ocean, and sailed further north than man had been before."

Travelling style: Brave but not reckless - he never lost a single man nor major piece of equipment.

Places visited: Skied across Norway, crossed Greenland and travelled 255km further north than any man had been.

Hardships suffered: Endured nine winter months with a colleague in a hut made of stones and walrus hides in Franz Josef Land, eating polar bear and walrus.

Changed-the-world rating: Technologically revolutionised polar exploration, inventing a cooker and water bottle still used today.

6 CHARLES DARWIN (1809-1882)

Founder of evolutionary theory

Nominated by William Gray, TV presenter and writer: "Darwin discovered many species, while his observations during his voyage on the Beagle formed the bedrock of his theory of evolution through natural selection."

Travelling style: Argumentative, determined, blessed with an inexhaustible curiosity.

Places visited: Across the Atlantic, Pacific, both coasts of South America, remote islands such as the Galapagos and Tahiti; he also rode across the Argentinian plains, hiked up mountains and trekked through the Peruvian desert.

Hardships suffered: Stomach pains, vomiting, heart palpitations, boils, storms and revolution in Buenos Aires.

Changed-the-world rating: He changed the way we think.

5 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (1451-1506)

The most controversial explorer in history

Nominated by Bill Bryson: "Christopher Columbus didn't actually discover America, but he opened the door to the European exploration of two mighty continents."

Travelling style: Visionary, fearless, neurotic, ruthless. Stopped travelling only when mortally ill.

Places visited: Four voyages across the Atlantic, around the Mediterranean and, possibly, to Iceland.

Hardships suffered: Arthritis, flu, temporary blindness, fever, bleeding eyes, malnutrition, insomnia.

Changed-the-world rating: "He was head of the horde that introduced yellow fever, dengue, malaria, smallpox, measles, diphtheria, typhoid and a few others to the Americas," says the explorer Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth. "In exchange, they brought back syphilis." Columbus paved the way for Spain's global empire, genocidal conflict with the indigenous cultures, slavery and the European settlement of North America.

4 IBN BATTUTA (1304-1368 OR 1377)

Medieval geographer who made Marco Polo look like someone who ought to get out more

Susan Spano of the Los Angeles Times says: "His tale is a wild but true yarn that surpasses that of Marco Polo."

Travelling style: A charming freeloader, resilient, brave, a bit of a fussbudget and teller of tall tales.

Places visited: Travelled more than 120,000km, through regions that, today, comprise 44 countries, from Italy to Indonesia, Timbuktu to Shanghai.

Hardships suffered: Muggings, attacks by pirates, was held hostage, once hid in a swamp for a week without food.

Changed-the-world rating: He was the last great Muslim geographer. His work offers an unparalleled insight into the 14th-century Muslim world and a rare perspective on the medieval empire of Mali.

3 SIR RICHARD BURTON (1821-1890)

Diplomat, fencer and explorer; man of towering intellect

Nominated by John Gimlette, travel writer: "While others travelled to blow the family cash, for Sir Richard Burton it was all an exercise in comprehension. He constantly challenged convention, and left his readers gasping."

Travelling style: "Disloyal, waspish, foul-mouthed, scruffy, drunken and misogynistic, he was the worst of travelling companions," says Gimlette. But he was seldom short of courage, ideas or a word - he knew 30 languages and 60 sounds in the vocabulary of monkeys.

Places visited: India, Arabia, East Africa, Fernando Po, Brazil, Syria, the US West and Trieste.

Hardships suffered: A spear struck through his jaw, syphilis, malaria, rheumatic ophthalmia, attacked by bandits, smoked too much opium and was circumcised to make his disguise as a Muslim more convincing.

Changed-the-world rating: Burton may have been the first modern anthropologist, and he helped John Hanning Speke to discover the source of the Nile. His feat in becoming only the second European to visit Mecca, inspired countless explorers. His translation of the Arabian Nights opened up a mysterious - and still misunderstood - culture to the West.

2 XUANZANG (602-644 OR 664)

Chinese Buddhist monk who went on the mother of all pilgrimages and pioneered travel writing

Nominated by Michael Palin: "Xuanzang travelled alone on a pilgrimage to discover the origins of Buddhism. The scope, scale and significance of these travels for Chinese and Indian history have never been equalled."

Travelling style: "He was curious, courteous, determined, intelligent and courageous," says Palin.

Places visited: Xian, the deserts and mountains of western China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, all of India.

Hardships suffered: hunger strikes, often caught by bandits, nearly died of thirst, survived an avalanche.

Changed-the-world rating: "He left a priceless legacy in the record of his journeys and translations of Buddhist writings that might otherwise have been lost," says Palin.

1 CAPTAIN JAMES COOK (1728-1779)

Indefatigable explorer who had all the essential traveller's virtues - until he went a bit funny at the end

Nominated by Sara Wheeler, travel writer: "Captain Cook discovered more of the earth's surface than any other man and excelled as a scientist, cartographer and surveyor. He was bad-tempered - I like a touch of clay feet in a hero."

Travelling style: Precise - an excellent navigator, he always drew up accurate charts; indomitable - when his ship, the Endeavour, ran aground in the Coral Sea, he beached and repaired it; shrewd - he averted scurvy by forcing his crew to eat fruit and sauerkraut; open-minded - his notes show genuine interest in other cultures.

Places visited: He circumnavigated the globe twice, visited all seven continents and crossed the Arctic and Antarctic circles.

Hardships suffered: Sailed with Captain Bligh, recovered from biliary colic by eating stew made from a ship's dog; was clubbed to death in Hawaii.

Changed-the-world rating: By finding Australia and mapping New Zealand, Captain Cook essentially created the map of the Pacific we know today. He also anticipated ethnology and anthropology - and, arguably, independent travel. His aim to go "farther than any man has been before me but only as far as I think it possible for a man to go" is an inspiration to every traveller.

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Being well-travelled is one thing. Being an explorer is quite another. From Marco Polo’s Silk Road expedition to Nellie Bly’s epic 1889 voyage around-the-world-in-72-days, these 15 famous world explorers sure knew how to make the most of their time on earth. What’s more, these famous explorers' names might just provide inspiration for places to visit during your own trip of a lifetime. 

• 1. Marco Polo (1254 -1324)
• 2. Abubakari II (c.1280 - c.1337)

3. Christopher Columbus - undoubtedly one of the most famous world explorers (1451 -1506)

4. amerigo vespucci (1454 -1512).

• 5. Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - 1521)

6. Charles Darwin (1809 -1882)

• 7. Dr David Livingstone (1813 - 1873)

8. Isabella Bird (1831 - 1904)

• 9. Nellie Bly (1864 - 1922)
• 10. Freya Stark (1893 - 1993)
• 11. Matthew Henson (1866 –1955)
• 12. Jacques Cousteau (1910 -1997)

13. Ranulph Fiennes (1944 - present)

14. fran sandham (1965 - present), 15. mario rigby (1985 - present).

And we’re talking ultimate  bucket list experiences . It's important to note, though, that many famous explorers in history aren’t without their controversies due to the imperialist notion of Europeans “discovering” long-settled places. In the piece that follows we've included a few lesser-known voyagers among the more famous explorer names, along with trailblazers making history today.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Travel ideas for Spain, created by local experts

Andalucía Explored

Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

Made for Madrid

Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city, Madrileño-style. Explore age-old churches and pretty plazas, stroll through the lovely Buen Retiro Park and visit captivating Toledo. Then, come sundown, discover the city's vibrant barrios and lively nightlife.

A Madrid getaway

Spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid: from fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia over exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.

Hidden Spain - From Barcelona to Basque Country

Do you want to explore highlights in Spain while staying in nature at the same time? Look no further. Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona before heading off to the mountains - drive your rental car to Andorra and further on to Basque Country. Decide between driving yourself or guided tours.

 1. Marco Polo (1254 -1324)

Famed for his travels along the  Silk Road , thirteenth-century Venetian Marco Polo is unquestionably one of the world’s most famous historical explorers.

One of the first European explorers to visit  China , he left Venice in 1271 and crossed the Middle East with his family. They traversed Jerusalem, Afghanistan and the Gobi Desert for three years on their way to China. There they visited Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor. Polo stayed in China for 17 years, and only around 1292 - after escorting a Mongol princess to Iran - did he make the return journey to  Venice  via  Istanbul .

Marco Polo's portrait on the Italian 1000 lira banknote © Shutterstock

If you fancy following in Marco Polo’s fearless footsteps, you could explore our customisable tailor-made trips. Among them an exploration of some of Uzbekistan’s unique cultural highlights and inspirational itineraries around China . But fear not if you’re looking for closer to home adventures. You could always discover more about the man on a  Venetian land and water tour  that includes a visit to his birthplace.

2. Abubakari II (c.1280 - c.1337) 

Abubakari II might not be one of the most famous explorer names, but some scholars argue that he deserves a prominent place alongside them. Thought to have been the ninth mansa (sultan or emperor) of West Africa’s Mali Empire, Abubakari II abdicated to undertake an exploratory ocean voyage.

According to an account recorded by the Arab historian Ibn Fadlallah al-Umari or al-Umari, Abubakari II “did not believe that it was impossible to reach the extremity of the ocean.” So, “he equipped two hundred boats full of men, like many others full of gold, water and victuals sufficient enough for several years.” It’s said that Abubakari II didn’t return from this voyage, and a few scholars have posited the view that he travelled to the New World.

Having said that, the jury’s still out, with other academics arguing that there’s simply not enough evidence - for the time being at least. One thing’s for sure, on-going research and debates around Abubakari II are important reminders of the need to keep an open mind when it comes to understanding the past. New discoveries about famous historical explorers are always possible, much like the possibilities envisaged by explorers themselves.

Map of Africa by Abraham Ortelius, circa 1570 © Shutterstock

Undoubtedly one of the most famous explorers in history, Christopher Columbus was born in  Genoa  in 1451. From a young age his impulse to travel was strong - he went to sea as a teenager and made  Portugal  his base. Having failed to secure royal patronage for his planned “enterprise of the Indies” (to reach Asia by sailing west), he went to Spain .

After a time, he secured backing from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and on 3rd August 1492 he set sail across the Atlantic. Ten weeks later, land was sighted. But he was far from Asia. This land was, in fact, what later become known as the Bahamas.

After landing on other islands around the Caribbean  (devastating indigenous populations), Christopher Columbus returned to Spain. Having been made admiral of the Seven Seas and viceroy of the Indies, he undertook three further transatlantic voyages, never reaching the Asian lands he’d originally planned to find.

Christopher Columbus — one of many famous explorers © Shutterstock

When visiting the Caribbean, be sure to check out museums that uncover Christopher Columbus from the perspective of those whose lives he impacted. The  Seville Great House  heritage site in St Ann’s,  Jamaica , for example, is home to an excellently curated history of the region. The exhibition covers the area and its peoples from the indigenous Taíno (who Columbus and his men abused and murdered in their thousands).

Alternatively, if you’re in Genoa, you could take a  guided tour of the city  to see where Christopher Columbus was born and learn more about its history back in his day.

Florence-born Amerigo Vespucci is another name that comes to mind when thinking of world famous explorers.

A merchant and navigator with a well-connected family (they counted the Medici’s among their friends), Vespucci relocated to  Seville  in 1492. Here he worked for Florentine merchant Gianotto Berardi, who invested huge sums of money in Columbus's first voyage. Berardi also won a potentially profitable contract to provision Columbus’s second fleet.

Statue of Amerigo Vespucci on the facade of the Uffizi gallery, Florence © Shutterstock

As for Vespucci’s discoveries, considering that the Americas are named after him, the documentation is surprisingly scant. What is certain is that during the late 1490s he undertook two voyages to the New World. While another two trips have been alleged, the letter-based evidence is patchier, and the documents’ authorship is debated.

During these voyages he did, however, observe that the continent he was exploring was not part of Asia, as was believed at the time. He also explored the coast of modern-day  Brazil , including areas of the  Amazon  and Para Rivers. Strong currents put paid to any plans they may have had to explore deeper.

In 1502, during Vespucci’s second voyage, his fleet found a bay that they named  Rio de Janeiro  after the date - 1st January.

If you fancy following in Vespucci’s footsteps in South America, check-out our customisable Brazilian trip itineraries  for inspiration. Chances are, you’ll see more of this vast country than Vespucci did during his voyage.

Related articles from the blog

5. Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - 1521)

As famous historical explorers go, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was no stranger to embracing the hazards that often went hand in hand with his profession. 

After an early life as a page to queen consort Eleanor and Manuel I in Lisbon , Magellan jumped ship and sailed on behalf of Spain. This came as a result of Magellan being accused of illegal trading. Manuel I refused to support of Magellan’s plan to find a new spice route by sailing west through South America to Indonesia and India.

Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in the Philippines © Shutterstock

Not one to be deterred, Magellan found favour with Charles V in Spain and secured the funds for a five-ship voyage that set off in 1519. His Spanish crew weren’t best pleased to be taking orders from a Portuguese captain, to say the least. In fact, they mutinied in present-day Argentina .

With one ship destroyed, and another making its way back to Spain, Portuguese explorer dealt with the mutineers (some were beheaded) and gained control of his reduced fleet. After navigating the treacherous channel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans he and his sickly crew made landfall on the Micronesian island of Guam. There a missing small boat prompted them to kill some of the island’s indigenous people.

A month later, Magellan reached the Philippines . Since an enslaved crew member he’d bought before the voyage could speak the indigenous language, it seems this chap had circumnavigated the globe before Magellan. And Magellan didn’t make it the full way around either. After demanding that local people convert to Christianity, he was killed, leaving his crew to complete the round-the-world voyage without him.

Charles Darwin is undoubtedly one of the world’s most influential European famous explorers. In 1831, aged 22 and fresh out of Cambridge University, Darwin joined the crew of the HMS Beagle to survey the coast of South America.

Rebellion in Río de la Plata, fossils in Bahía Blanca, observations in the Andes and, of course, finches in the Galápagos turned his mind into “a chaos of delight”. Later it paved the way for one of the greatest theories in history: evolution.

Statue of Charles Robert Darwin in Natural History Museum, London © Shutterstock

7. Dr David Livingstone (1813 - 1873) 

Missionary, abolitionist and explorer, Livingstone was vital in the mapping of the African interior. In 1852 he embarked on a four-year expedition to find a route from the upper Zambezi to the coast. Then, in 1855, he was the first European to see Victoria Falls and in May 1856 he became the first European to cross the width of southern Africa.

The legendary meeting between Henry Morton Stanley (left) and David Livingstone in Africa in 1871 © Shutterstock

Ten years later he set out, on what would be his final trip, to locate the source of the Nile. Uncontactable for several months, he was found by Henry Stanley, explorer and journalist, near Lake Tanganyika in 1871. It was here the famous phrase was coined: “Dr Livingstone I presume?”

If you want an unforgettable solo travel experience, perhaps our list of the best places to travel solo can help you decide on the best destination for you.

When it comes to famous world explorers' names, Isabella Bird probably doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Yet this fearless Yorkshire woman definitely deserves to be reckoned among the world’s famous historical explorers.

After a sickly childhood, her adventures began when her doctor advised that she take an overseas trip to improve her health. As a result, Isabella accompanied her cousins to America, on instruction from her clergyman father that she could remain away for as long as her £100 allowance lasted.

1885 hotel porter - Isabella Bird's celebrated photography © Isabella Bird/Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons Attributio n

The letters Bird wrote home during this trip become the basis of her first book, “An Englishwomen in America”. Following the deaths of her parents, she continued to travel and write to support herself. Her most notable exploration are Hawaii, as described in her second book, “Six Months in the Sandwich Islands”, as they were then known.

Bird later rode 800 miles through the Rocky Mountains  (as desrcibed in “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains”) and explored Asia (as recounted in “Unbeaten tracks in Japan”). She also studied medicine so she could travel as a missionary, and studied photography so she could document her travels.

Eternally defying the conventions of her day, she travelled to India at the age of 60. She later explored China and Korea, with her last book, “The Yangtze Valley and Beyond”, published in 1900.

9. Nellie Bly (1864 - 1922)

In 1888, at the age of 25, Nellie Bly set off to travel the world in 80 days, just like Jules Verne’s Phileas Fogg. Her trip took her from New York to London. Then onwards from Calais in France to Brindisi in Italy, Port Said in Egypt, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Penang in  Malaysia ,  Hong Kong ,  San Francisco  and finally back to New York City.

Bly actually completed the journey in 72 days, winning a bet struck with Verne himself. Of this achievement, she declared: “It's not so very much for a woman to do who has the pluck, energy and independence, which characterize many women in this day of push and get-there."

Portrait of adventuress Nellie Bly © Shutterstock

Not only a trail-blazing, record-breaking traveller, Nellie Bly was also a pioneering investigative journalist. She reported on everything from the lives of impoverished working girls in Pittsburgh, to corruption and poor living conditions in Mexico . She also investigated the living conditions and treatment of patients in a New York insane asylum, even faking her own illness in order to be admitted to the asylum.

All that considered, Bly certainly merits a place at the table of famous explorers. And, while it goes without saying that she's a pretty impossible act to follow, if you fancy embarking on an epic solo voyage (or several) of your own, you might want to check out our list of tips for doing exactly that.

10. Freya Stark (1893 - 1993) 

Born in Paris to bohemian parents - a British father and Italian mother - Freya Stark studied Persian and Arabic at the University of London.

At the age of 30 she began her lifelong immersion in the Middle East some four years later when she caught a cargo ship to Beirut. This pivotal trip saw Stark travel widely through Syria in secret (at this time it was under French control). This trip paved the way for a future as one of the most esteemed, knowledgable and famous explorers of the Middle East.

Stamp created in honour of Dame Freya Madeline Stark © Shutterstock

In the coming years Stark trekked into western Iran’s wilderness, areas of which had never been visited by Westerners. In 1934 she voyaged down the Red Sea with the aim of reaching the ancient city of Shabwa, thought to have been the Queen of Sheba’s capital. Though illness curtailed this particular journey, Stark’s exploration of this region resulted in a clutch of seminal books. Later she was awarded with the Royal Geographical Society’s Founder's Gold Medal.

During WWII Stark worked for the British Ministry of Information in Yemen and Cairo, and later travelled extensively through Turkey . She made her last expedition in 1968 (a trip to Afghanistan at the age of 75), though she continued to travel well into her eighties.

11. Matthew Henson (1866 –1955)

As the first person to reach the top of the world, there’s no doubt that intrepid African-American Matthew Henson should be recognised as one of the world’s most famous historical explorers. 

Born in Maryland, where his parents were subjected to attacks from the Ku Klux Klan, Henson was orphaned as a child and set sail as a cabin boy at the tender age of twelve. Under the tutelage of the ship’s Captain Childs, Henson was educated and became an accomplished sailor. He voyaged China, Japan , Africa, and the Russian Arctic seas.

When Childs died, Henson though his seafaring days were over until he met Robert Peary, a US Naval officer and explorer.

Peary took Henson on to assist his next assignment - mapping the jungles of Nicaragua. During this trip, the men formed a lifelong bond. Henson went on to play a pivotal role in Peary’s exploration of the Arctic. He mastered the Inuit language and learned skills that were essential for their survival during their expedition to the North Pole in 1908-09 (Peary’s eighth attempt).

US stamp showing Robert E Peary and Matthew Henson © IgorGolovniov/Shutterstock

Peary was lauded as the first man to reach the North Pole. However, Henson’s account of the final push of this attempt, as recounted in his 1921 memoir “A Negro Explorer at the North Pole”, describes otherwise. Henson rode in the lead sledge, his footprints were first to make their mark at the North Pole, and it was Henson who planted the American flag.

In 1937 the inaccuracy of Peary being deemed the first man to make it to the North Pole was rectified when Henson was made an honorary member of the prestigious Explorers Club of New York. Then in 1946 the US Navy awarded him the same medal they’d issued to Peary. Henson was also later honoured by Presidents Truman and Eisenhower.

12. Jacques Cousteau (1910 -1997) 

In the field of underwater expeditions, famous historical explorers don’t come more well-known than Jacques Cousteau - the researcher, photographer, filmmaker and marine conservationist who co-invented the Aqua-Lung.

Cousteau’s early career in naval aviation was cut short by a car accident, and led to him following his love for the ocean. In the mid-to-late 1930s he worked for the French Navy’s information service, which saw him sent on missions to  Shanghai and Japan.

Jacques Cousteau statue in La Paz, Baja California Sur, northwest Mexico © Shutterstock

In 1943 Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan co-created the Aqua-Lung. This breathing apparatus revolutionised underwater exploration by making it possible to stay submerged for longer. A few years later, he showcased his first films, bringing the wonders of the ocean to a far wider audience. He also pioneered the field of underwater archaeological exploration.

Cousteau’s conservation achievements include making a key contribution to restricting commercial whaling, and leading a campaign against the French government’s plan to dump nuclear waste in the Mediterranean Sea.

Hailed as the world’s greatest living explorer by the Guinness Book of World Records, Ranulph Fiennes has led over fifteen gruelling expeditions in the past forty years. He is living proof that intrepid exploration still exists: he led the first hovercraft expedition up the Nile. Also, he was the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis – a feat of 52,000 miles, starting in the Antarctic and ending at the North Pole.

In 2003 he completed seven marathons, in seven days, on seven continents, and was the first British pensioner to climb Mount Everest, raising £6.2 million for charity.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes © Foreign and Commonwealth Office

In 1997, lecturer, author and former Rough Guides editor Fran Sandham threw caution to the wind and left his London life to walk 3000 miles across Africa. Remarkably, there was no big plan. There was no big sense of purpose beyond achieving that ambitious goal of traversing the continent in a spirit of adventure, on foot and alone - no sponsors, no strings, no support team. 

Namibia's Skeleton Coast, starting point of Fran Sandham's journey across Africa © Shutterstock

As recounted in  Traversa , Sandham’s boundlessly engaging account of his epic journey, he modelled his route on the Victorian-era "traversas" journeyed by the likes of Henry Morton Stanley and Dr David Livingstone.

Sandham's journey took almost a year. During the journey he was stricken with malaria, and the threat of lions and mines never left his mind. All this demonstrates the human impulse to set out and do things his own way. Traversa suffused in a spirit of joie de vivre, albeit brilliantly tempered by the author's endearing self-deprecating wit.

Modern-day adventurer  Mario Rigby  is surely set to become one of the world's most famous explorers. Born in Turks and Caicos, Rigby grew up in Germany and Canada, where a talent for athletics saw him pursuing a career as a personal trainer. It was an athletics competition in San Salvador that first inspired Rigby’s desire to explore more of the world, and ultimately led to his  Crossing Africa  expedition.

If you are inspired by Mario Rigbys adventures check our list of the world's best backpacking destinations.

Adventure explorer Mario Rigby, Crossing Africa © Quantumtoastmedia/Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

In November 2015 Rigby left Toronto for Cape Town from where his incredible adventure began. An astounding 12,000 km trek north through eight African countries by foot and kayak that saw him reach Cairo in 2018. Contracting malaria, and dodging bullets and wild dogs along the way, Rigby was driven to learn from the people he met along the way. He also committed to share their stories with authentic, respectful realism.

Also a powerful, inspirational advocate for eco-conscious travel, Rigby’s continued adventures help support a number of charities. Among them are the  Rainmaker Enterprise  in Sudan and Toronto-based  My Stand , a mentoring scheme for vulnerable young people.

If you prefer to plan and book your trips without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

To find more inspiration for your future journeys check our Rough Guides guidebooks and find out all the information you need about your dream destination.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Header image: map of Columbus's voyage © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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50 greatest travel experiences on the planet right now

--> BY Megan Arkinstall & Carla Grossetti

Last updated . 13 June 2024

For International Traveller ’s 50 th  issue, we bring you the 50 greatest travel experiences to have on the planet right now, from new hotel openings to adventurous tours with community at heart to destinations that eternally hover at the top of our bucket lists.

Great travel experiences can be the sum of a whole trip or can boil down to a smaller moment, so when we considered what to include on this list, we focused on the micro – such as thought-provoking museums , unique hotels that offer sleep-focused programs or the world’s best bar – as well as the macro – epic railway journeys across Europe , a private jet expedition and an adventurous tour through Mongolia and Kazakhstan . We looked at shiny, new experiences: the first cruise down Colombia’s Magdalena River and the return of Hong Kong ’s most luxurious hotel. And experiences that will leave our world a better place: a community-owned wildlife conservancy in Kenya and Paris ’s hurtle towards being the greenest city in the world . Enjoy and happy travelling!

1. Stay at Kenya’s first community-owned wildlife conservancy

At the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the heart of Kimana Sanctuary, intimate new lodge Angama Amboseli is Kenya’s first community-owned conservancy. The safari lodge is a haven for herds of East Africa’s Super Tuskers, the elephants that saunter through the sanctuary some 45 minutes from Amboseli National Park. There are just 10 suites at the lodge, which all have uninterrupted views of Kili from every corner.

Angama Amboseli is Kenya’s first community-owned wildlife conservancy. (Image: Brian Siambi)

2. Ride the rails through Malaysia onboard the relaunched Eastern & Oriental Express

One of the world’s most luxurious trains, The Eastern & Oriental Express , A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, has been relaunched to include even more elevated onboard experiences. In addition to the appointment of Taiwanese-born chef André Chiang as culinary curator, the Belmond brand has announced a new Wild Malaysia route for 2024, which captures the country’s history, opulence and natural beauty from rice plantations to sparkling beaches. Its bespoke Veuve Clicquot Journey will include a series of tastings, events and special inclusions.

The Eastern & Oriental Express is one of the world’s most luxurious trains.

3. Join an expert-led art tour for cultural immersion

Scratch below the surface of a destination with Renaissance Tours , whose 2024 expert-led program is curated by special interests and packed with immersive experiences. The French Impressionism Art Cruise is a highlight for arts lovers, exploring the cities and landscapes that inspired greats such as Monet and Van Gogh with a former university art history lecturer and gallery curator. Design buffs can tour Japan with a lens on contemporary arts, architecture and design on the More Than Meets the Eye tour. While budding historians can join an Egyptologist on the Eternal Egypt tour, which includes special access to dig sites and artefacts normally hidden to the public.

Discover the life and works of French Impressionists like Claude Monet with Renaissance Tours.

4. See Italy in a new light on an agriturismo walking tour of the Amalfi Coast

The best way to explore Italy ’s Amalfi Coast is on foot. Cover plenty of ground on Explore Worldwide’s Amalfi Coast Walking – Agriturismo itinerary. Keep your carbon footprint low on the Walk of the Gods, experience generous Italian hospitality at a rustic agriturismo and walk ancient stone stairways that link seaside villages such as cliffside Ravello and picture-postcard Positano.

Explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast on foot. (Image: Getty/Tommasolizzul)

5. Discover Rwanda from a new luxury expedition vessel on one of Africa’s great lakes

See Africa from one of its great lakes onboard l uxury houseboat Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga , which is now cruising on spectacular Lake Kivu, which forms Rwanda’s western boundary. The new eco-friendly vessel has 10 berths, a deck with a plunge pool and separate lounge and bar. Mantis stands for Man and Nature Together is Sustainable and guests onboard will experience this mantra first-hand by seeing diverse wildlife such as the country’s gorillas, chimpanzees and exotic monkeys and engaging with local fishing communities.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure onboard luxury houseboat Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga .

6. Cruise the African continent

Culture, nature and wildlife collide on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage that loops around the diverse shores of Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar and South Africa. A 12-day cruise from Port Louis, Mauritius, on Norwegian Dawn includes a game-drive safari in Richards Bay, a visit to a traditional Zulu village and a wine-tasting tour outside Cape Town.

You’ll visit countries such as Mauritius on an Africa cruise with NCL.

7. Live out your pop-star dreams on a luxury private jet expedition

Make like a pop star and circle the globe by private jet as part of the new 2024 partnership between Aman and luxury tour operator Remote Lands. Aman Jet Expeditions offers small private jet trips that include multi-night stays in a selection of spiffy Aman properties scattered around the globe. The itineraries on offer include the Aman Japan Culinary Journey (14–23 May) and A Mindful and Cultural Journey from Nepal to Sri Lanka via Bhutan and India (14–28 October).

Visit luxurious Aman properties via private jet. Talk about travelling in style.

8. Take a wildlife and wine safari in South Africa

Combine community tourism, adventure and comfort on a Geluxe Collection tour, the new roster of small-group itineraries from G Adventures . Offering travellers a more premium experience, these 45 tours have comfort at their core, with OMG Stays (aka unforgettable accommodation) and OMG Days (unforgettable experiences) while providing meaningful interactions with local communities. The South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards itinerary, for example, is a perfectly paced adventure that includes e-biking through vineyards in Franschhoek and tracking wildlife on foot.

G Adventures’ Geluxe Collection combines wine and wilderness on their South Africa itinerary.

9. Be the first to cruise along Colombia’s Magdalena River

Be one of the first to sail Colombia’s Magdalena River when AMA Waterways ’ new ship, AmaMagdalena , launches on the river in November. Sister ship AmaMelodia will also explore the inland waterway between Cartagena and Barranquilla when it sets sail for its inaugural voyage in June 2025. Both ships, which will accommodate just 60 and 64 passengers respectively, boast a sun deck pool, al fresco dining and Colombian-inspired decor. Itineraries include walking tours and jazz performances.

Be one of the first cruise passengers to travel Colombia’s Magdalena River with AMA Waterways. (Image: Getty/Benedek)

10. See the northern lights at their most dazzling in Norway

The remote Arctic Circle Region is a picturesque melange of fjords, glaciers, mountains and islands, and one of the top places on Earth to see the northern lights – which will reach their solar maximum this year, making it your best chance in a decade to see them. The occurrence of aurora borealis depends on solar activity, geomagnetic conditions and atmosphere; so leave the solar seeking up to the experts at Up Norway , which has curated journeys to deliver unforgettable polar light experiences designed to have a net-positive impact on society. Aside from this cosmic phenomenon, the year-round itineraries showcase the diverse destination of Norway, from an epic rail journey through the Arctic Circle to skiing in the Sunnmøre Alps and a sustainable foodie journey in and around Trondheim, a European City of Gastronomy.

Many people flock to Norway to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. (Image: Getty/SJO)

11. Hike, bike and kayak through southern Greece on an adventure tour

Kayak along Kefalonia’s coastline, meander along the Menalon Trail and cycle to a historic castle while on the Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour with Intrepid Travel . The seven-day active adventure is one of 100 new itineraries the B-Corp small group tour operator launched for 2024. It takes in a diverse landscape that includes everything from gnarled olive trees to rugged coastlines and ancient archaeological sites. This trip supports World Bicycle Relief, which supplies school kids, health workers and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare and income.

Chase the sun in Southern Greece. (Image: David C Tomlinson)

12. Explore Antarctica with a boutique operator passionate about protecting it

The best time to see Antarctica is now. And the way to see it is with a company such as HX or Aurora Expeditions , which are passionate about caring for its delicate ecosystems. Likewise, luxury operator Ponant  remains dedicated to protecting our poles and oceans. The Ponant Foundation has pledged an annual grant to the Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation aimed at raising awareness about climate change and the sub-Antarctic ecosystem. Macca, as it is affectionately known, is one of the ‘wonder spots of the world’ and is home to 3.5 million seabirds.

Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. (Studio Ponant/Morgane Monneret)

13. Have a fairy-tale European Christmas

Experiencing a white Christmas is a festive dream for many; make it a reality with Albatross Tours in 2024. The Australian-owned Europe specialist has carefully curated a premium itinerary that revolves around wintry wonderlands in Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Be it wandering around the snow-covered streets of a Christmas market, finding frozen waterfalls in a magical forest or visiting historical castles, the fully escorted tours are designed to enchant.

Nowhere does Christmas quite like the wintry wonderlands of the northern hemisphere.

14. Take a sleep-focused holiday

Come away from your holiday feeling rested with a Maldives resort stay that is focused on catching up on much-needed sleep. JOALI BEING has jumped onboard the global sleep tourism trend by offering personalised programs that include everything from guided meditation and yoga to sound healing remedies. JOALI BEING’s Tranquil Sleep program is tailor-made for guests with sleep concerns who want to feel rejuvenated after a dreamy getaway to this tropical paradise. Hitting snooze on a sun lounger is also an option.

JOALI BEING is a centre for rest and rejuvenation.

15. Join a new women, whales and wellness tour in Tonga

Majestic Whale Encounters has launched a new female-focused tour in Tonga for 2024. The Women, Whales & Wellness Tours are tailored towards solo female travellers who want to experience a chilled-out week of yoga, kayaking, snorkelling and an enchanting underwater encounter with humpbacks. The eco and wellness tours are scheduled for July, August and September.

Whales and wellness go hand in hand at Majestic Whale Encounters.

16. Go island-hopping in Fiji

Fiji is recognised the world over for its unparalleled golden beaches. But those of us who visit time and again know its true drawcard: the people who call it home. Find the kind of meaningful connection we are all craving in the world right now by island-hopping your way across the country, from Marriott’s Sheraton Resort & Spa on Tokoriki Island to Likuliku Lagoon Resort on Malolo Island. And from Turtle Island , where each day in paradise is crowned by communal cocktails at golden hour and the chance to get to know its passionate team, to a culturally-enriching expedition cruise through the Yasawa Islands with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji .

Fijian hospitality is world-renowned.

17. Discover New Zealand’s hottest new dining destination

Sandwiched between Arrowtown and Queenstown on New Zealand ’s South Island, Ayrburn is a must-visit swanky new food and wine hub. The 160-year-old, 60-hectare estate is the brainchild of developer Chris Meehan (formerly of Australia’s Belle Property) who has thrown a cool $184 million at the precinct since he bought it in 2018. Spend the morning drinking coffee and eating bakery treats. While away an afternoon on the sun-drenched terrace eating pizza. Or hole up in The Manure Room drinking wines from the exclusive Ayrburn range.

Ayrburn is New Zealand’s swanky new wine hub.

18. Cruise the Nile

Exploring Egypt’s most wondrous sites and sights via the Nile remains an eternal fixture on bucket lists. And you can sail in luxury onboard Uniworld ’s S. Sphinx and River Tosca ships on a Splendors of Egypt & The Nile cruise. This captivating adventure-filled itinerary starts and ends in Cairo and includes a visit to the famous Egyptian Museum. Follow in the footsteps of pharaohs at the Temple of Karnak, venture into the Valley of the Kings and journey to Giza to gaze upon the ancient Pyramids on the 12-day cruise.

Encounter wonders of ancient history as you cruise down the Nile. (Image: Uniworld).

19. Have the ultimate family holiday onboard Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is considered one of the most family-friendly cruise ships for a reason. This record-breaking 20-deck vessel sleeps 5610 guests, has eight neighbourhoods, six waterslides, seven pools, nine whirlpools and the largest pool at sea. The cruise company is renowned for its family-focused facilities, including a huge range of staterooms that can fit up to eight guests – making it the ultimate holiday for families with young kids to multi-gen groups.

Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship ever built.

20. Put the endlessly alluring country of Türkiye on your radar

Türkiye is being billed as a key destination to set your sights on this year (not that it ever went away) and the best way to immerse yourself in this exotic destination is with Abercrombie & Kent , known for curating thoughtful itineraries with expert guides and behind-the-scenes experiences. Its Treasures of Turkey journey takes guests on a magic carpet ride around the country, which lays claim to being one of the oldest continually inhabited regions in the world. Highlights include a visit to the hidden world of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, a behind-the-scenes tour of Topkapi Palace and an excursion to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

Immerse yourself in Türkiye, one of oldest continually inhabited regions in the world.

21. Find space on a new Camino in northern Spain

The ever-popular Camino de Santiago is a link that tethers us to our wayfaring, wandering past. But with the trail reaching cult status and beckoning nearly half-a-million pilgrims each year, hikers seeking serenity should set their sights elsewhere. Galicia’s Camiño dos Faros (Lighthouse Way) is a new trail, relatively speaking, that overlaps sections of the iconic Camino but sticks to pristine, secluded beaches and pretty fishing towns. Self-guided walking company On Foot provides luggage transfers, itinerary planning and a local contact to provide intel – such as the best seafood restaurants for a post-hike feed.

There are plenty of pretty vistas along the Lighthouse Way. (Image: Jeremy Zafiropoulos).

22. Explore Mongolia and Kazakhstan with a trailblazing Aussie tour company

Traverse nomadic frontiers of vast empty plains, snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes and ancient cities with trailblazing Aussie company Crooked Compass . The one-off Inaugural Founder’s Tour: Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival & Kazakhstan (departs 11 September 2025) celebrates the company’s 10-year anniversary and will be hosted by founder Lisa Pagotto. It includes culturally immersive experiences such as golden eagle demonstrations and Kazakh games at Mongolia’s famous Eagle Festival, Charyn Canyon and its ancient Valley of Castles, and dining with local families in their homes.

The yurt is an iconic dwelling found primarily in Mongolia.

23. Dive into the heart of Old Delhi at a new boutique stay

Even getting to the front door of The Golden Haveli in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is a magical Exotic Marigold kind of experience. The 20th-century haveli, hidden amid a maze of narrow streets and colourful alleys (and just a few doors down from sister stay Haveli Dharampura), has been lovingly restored to provide a peek into the neighbourhood’s past and future. The 12 rooms at the boutique hotel are filled with Mughal motifs and built around a central courtyard. Stay in the Gandhi Suite named in honour of the revered Indian leader, who was a regular guest at the many influential family havelis of Old Delhi.

Explore Old Dehli from the comfort of The Golden Haveli. (Image: Bharat Aggarwal)

24. Stay at a reimagined grand dame ahead of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary

The very essence of Amsterdam will be distilled when grand dame Hotel De L’Europe unveils ‘t Huys ahead of the city’s 750th-anniversary celebrations in October 2024. ‘t Huys translates to ‘house’ as well as ‘at home’, a nod to the fact this dynamic new Dutch hub will be a place where art, style, luxury and craftsmanship come together. The hotel’s glitzy new wing will feature 16 unique ‘t Huys suites filled with priceless art from the private collection of the Heineken family, who have owned the Hotel De L’Europe Amsterdam since the 1950s.

The Hotel De L’Europe is set to get a glitzy new wing for Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations. (Image: Andy Tan)

25. Check into the first vertical urban resort in Dubai

One Za’abeel is the perfect example of how Dubai is taking the concept of an urban resort and elevating it to another level. The one-of-a-kind One&Only vertical resort features the UAE’s longest sky infinity pool, 11 unique wining and dining concepts and a three-storey health and wellness centre. The new landmark building also reaches for the sky with its sustainable practices by using passive architecture principles and aiming to use natural resources more efficiently.

Experience this one-of-a-kind One&Only vertical resort in Dubai.

26. Stay in sustainable style in Siem Reap

A stay at the luxe and eco-conscious Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap – Cambodia ’s first single-use plastic-free hotel – is all about giving back to the local community. The stylish boutique hotel donates a portion of its turnover to local NGOs and is known for initiatives such as tree-planting, a Refill Not Landfill program and for launching Jaya Organics, the natural skincare range offered as an in-room amenity.

Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap delivers a luxe, eco-conscious stay. (Image: John W McDermott)

27. Discover the latest in Mexico’s wave of design-led, community-minded hotels

Mexico is well known for attracting a certain type of tanned traveller who likes to stay poolside while clad in a billowing kaftan. And while the latest wave of Design Hotels in Mexico might check a lot of the boxes for rest, relaxation and adventure, the portfolio brings together a new kind of conscious hospitality. Both Hotelito at MUSA and Boca de Agua offer opportunities to connect and support local artists through workshops, retreats and artist-in-residence programs.

Boca de Agua is one of Mexico’s sparkling design-led hotels. (Image: Bookings via designhotels.com)

28. Head to a new culinary hub in the Swiss Alps this season

The iconic Hotel Kulm St. Moritz has reimagined its culinary program to include a roster of gourmet experiences. Diners will find comfort at the new Peruvian eatery Amaru (formerly K) led by Claudia Canessa , with interiors by artist Luke Edward Hall, and enjoy a tribute menu by Michelin-starred chef Tom Booton at Sunny Bar . The reimagined Kulm Country Club is elevated by Mauro Colagreco’s three Michelin star experience, complemented by a soundtrack curated by famous music director, Arman Naféei .

Inside the reimagined Kulm Country Club at the iconic Hotel Kulm St. Moritz. (Image: Gia Giovanoli)

29. Eat your way around Vancouver, Canada’s new foodie capital

There’s a bold new food scene flourishing in British Columbia where Vancouver is vying for attention as Canada ’s new foodie capital. All up, the 2023 Michelin Guide to Vancouver includes 77 restaurants; 17 were awarded Bib Gourmands and nine have Michelin stars. Okeya Kyujiro , led by chef Takuya Matsuda, is the latest eatery to receive the honour in Canada’s third-largest city. Book a table and order the theatrical omakase experience. Chef Andrea Carlson has also put Michelin-starred eatery Burdock & Co on the map for epicureans.

Vancouver is fast becoming a foodie haven thanks to offerings like Michelin-starred eatery Burdock & Co. (Image: Hakan Burcuoglu)

30. Sip a drink at the world’s best bar in Barcelona

There is perhaps no better place to say ‘bottoms up’ than at Sips in Barcelona , which topped the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2023. Surrender yourself to the whim of the bartender in the drinkery house where sipping cocktails is immersive and interactive and akin to performance art. Plump for the Primordial (a blend of 12-year-old Scotch, Ruby Port and pera nashi) so you can enjoy the eccentric concoction served in a metal cast of two hands, rather than a glass.

Order up a drink at the World’s Best Bar for 2023 at Sips in Barcelona.

31. Eat at the best restaurants in the world in Peru

Peru is considered one of the great gastronomic capitals of the world thanks in part to the inclusion of its eateries Central (#1), Maido (#6), Kjolle (#28) and Mayta (#47) on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino (ex-Malabar, ámaZ) is also credited with fusing Amazonian ingredients with traditional techniques. The award-winning chef will showcase the Peruvian cuisine he is so proud of as part of  Aqua Expeditions’ series of Chef Hosted Departures onboard Aqua Nera from 14–18 May and 17–21 September.

Peru’s Central landed in at number one of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants for 2023.

32. Experience a meal like no other in Copenhagen (and no, it’s not Noma)

Expect all kinds of wizardry at the aptly named Alchemist in Copenhagen where diners are whisked away to a whimsical world of culinary craftsmanship. Cutting-edge chef and chief alchemist Rasmus Munk has reclaimed the kitchen as a place for art; every element of his 50-course feast demands the full attention of diners. The restaurant sits at #18 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023.

Expect to be blown away by culinary craftsmanship at Copenhagen’s Alchemist. (Image: Kim Holtermand)

33. Dine at Josh Niland’s new restaurant in Singapore

Merimbula rock oysters. Grilled Abrolhos Islands scallops. Shark Bay scampi. Charcoal-grilled Aquna Murray cod. Dry-aged Mooloolaba swordfish. The menu at FYSH at EDITION in Singapore features an impressive array of sustainably sourced Australian seafood. It’s restaurateur and chef Josh Niland’s first foray overseas and, like everything the visionary seafood butcher does, the menu is anchored in sustainability and much greater than the sum of its parts.

Josh Niland makes sustainably sourced Australian seafood the star of the show at FYSH at EDITION. (Image: Josh Niland)

34. Drink Champagne at the source

A bottle can only be labelled Champagne if it is produced in the appellation of Champagne in France .  It’s made in the traditional method, méthode Champenoise , which is a time- and labour-intensive process – hence the price tag. Famous Champagne houses in the region such as Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger offer consistency of style and quality for the price. But you can find nuance, excitement and value by looking for lesser-known ‘grower’ Champagnes, where the grape grower also produces the wine.

Sip your way around France’s famous Champagne houses. (Image: Getty)

35. Get the insider’s view on Shanghai

Shanghai ’s past and present is divided by the Huangpu River: Old Shanghai on one side, where the historical Bund district is filled with a melange of architectural styles from Art Deco to Baroque, and New Shanghai on the other with its shimmering, futuristic skyline. On a half-day tour with Wendy Wu Tours , you can bounce between the parts that shout and the pockets that whisper led by an expert local guide, including 400-year-old temples, neon-lit East Nanjing Road, shikumen (stone gate) houses and bustling markets where you can queue for dumplings.

Let a local tour guide show you the hidden parts of Shanghai.

36. Tap into the cultural heart of London

In iconic Leicester Square, in the thick of the West End, The Londoner   is emphatically London . This five-star hotel was billed as the world’s first ‘super boutique hotel’ for its level of intimacy at a mighty scale. Here you’ll find a style that nods to London’s eclectic character, works by Britain ’s greatest artists, and pinch-yourself panoramas of the city’s icons from Big Ben to Westminster from the comfort of your Corner Suite. The hotel is also a two-minute walk from the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery , which has been completely reframed for the 21st century and tells the history of Britain through portraiture.

The Londoner truly epitomises what the city is all about. (Image: Andrew Beasley Photography)

37. Spend 48 hours in the up-and-coming cultural capital of Manchester

Manchester was at the heart of Britain’s industrial revolution and is home to its most successful football team. And while history buffs and sports fanatics will have the northern city on their radar, Manchester is going through a cultural renaissance that will appeal to all manner of travellers. From award-winning gin distilleries and Michelin-starred restaurants to a multi-million-dollar Aviva Studios art space that hosts immersive theatre and a tour that visits filming locations for Peaky Blinders, Coronation Street and Captain America .

Meander along historic buildings in Castlefield, Manchester. (Image: Chris Curry)

38. Go green in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympics

The French capital has made incredible progress towards reaching its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has made it her mission to transform the City of Light into a cleaner and healthier place since she came into office in 2014. Almost a decade on, Paris was named The Greenest City in Europe – with 530 parks, gardens and squares, 30 urban farms, some 1500 beehives, and more than 300 new green spaces planned alongside the planting of 170,000 trees. Add to that the already laid 100 kilometres of cycling trails, a multi-billion-dollar clean-up of the Seine, 1200 fountains and water-filling stations, a car-free day every month and more, and the 2024 Olympic city proves that being green is possible.

Paris lives up to its title as the greenest city in Europe. (Image: EoNaYa via Getty Images)

39. Explore Seattle through its grunge and coffee scenes

Seattle has never followed the mainstream. It’s the birthplace of grunge and the coffee revolution, both of which represent a generation seeking authenticity and raw expression and were born in an era that valued the underground and alternative. Nowadays these cultural enclaves reside well beyond the fringe, with baristas upping the ante with their pedigreed beans all around town, while local institution, non-profit KEXP radio station  – where Nirvana and Pearl Jam got their start on the airwaves, continues to accept demo tapes and hosts live sessions where bands play mini concerts for free.

Non-profit KEXP radio station in Seattle has paved the way for the greats of grunge to take centre stage. (Image: Nataworry Photography)

40. Recharge and reset at a luxury wellness resort in Ubud

Hidden in the lush, emerald jungle outside of Ubud, COMO Shambhala is a stay that allows guests to choose their own path. Simply escape the hubbub of Bali’s beloved beaches in luxe and tranquil surroundings or partake in one of the resort’s famed wellness programs tailored to individual needs. With breathwork, yoga, spa treatments and wholesome nutrition doused in Southeast Asian flavours on the agenda, guests come away from this stay with a health reboot that lasts longer than a tan.

Craft your own wellness journey at COMO Shambhala in Ubud.

41. Check into one of Marrakech’s new wave of riads

Be it traditional, ultra-luxe or one of the many new design-led digs around the city, a stay at a riad is a quintessential Marrakech experience. These traditional Moroccan homes are often hidden in a maze or souks and alleyways in the medina, and offer respite to the bustle outside, with garden courtyards, water features, rooftop terraces and fine craftsmanship. Take El Fenn , for example, a vibrantly hued riad where Madonna celebrated her 60th birthday; L’Hotel , a discreetly designed riad featuring six romantic suites; and La Sultana , a restored former palace with decorative flourishes. Or Rosemary and IZZA , the city’s newest (and coolest) boutique stays.

El Fenn riad embodies style and sophistication. (Image: Igor Demba)

42. Travel Europe by rail

Traversing Europe by rail is a rite of passage for all travellers: criss-crossing between ever-changing landscapes and cultures from the comfort of a railcar. Travel from Paris to Portofino on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express , a Belmond Train, which recalls the romance of a golden age of travel. Step aboard ‘the slowest train in the world’ – The Glacier Express – to soak up the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Or journey through the French Riviera , an enduring muse that owes much of its prowess to the iconic Blue Train that carried wealthy socialites and artists here in the 20th century.

Spacious suites onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evoke the golden age of rail travel.

43. Contribute to the community with a Northern Thailand farm stay

Family-operated Ahsa Farm Stay , in the foothills of Doi Mae Salong in Northern Thailand , is set amid 14 hectares of organic working farmland and offers guest cottages to travellers. Its aim is to introduce visitors to hands-on experiences such as rice harvesting, gathering fruit and rubber-tree tapping, as well as cooking Lanna (North Thai) cuisine and trekking to nearby hill tribes. The farm stay creates employment for young people and a sharing of authentic cultural knowledge; a win-win for visitors and locals.

Rice planting at Ahsa Farm Stay, an important farming tradition in Thailand. (Image: Ahsa Farm Stay)

44. See an iconic hotel reborn in Hong Kong

The reimagining of l egendary five-star hotel Regent Hong Kong – which opened last year after a two-year, multi-million-dollar refresh – is a balance between legacy and modernity, unlocking new levels of luxury in Asia. Its enviable position on Victoria Harbour is complemented by a formula of quietude, decadence and function. Not simply a return home of the hotel brand’s Asian flagship, the reopening of Regent Hong Kong is a return of the city itself, after years of lockdowns, political ambiguity, mother country pressures and economic upheaval.

The Presidential Suite at Regent Hong Kong is regarded as one of the best rooftop penthouses in the world. (Image: Courtesy Regent Hong Kong)

45. Help Maui’s recovery with the ultimate Hawaiʻi holiday

The Hawaiian island of Maui is rich in natural beauty and a strong community spirit , which came into sharp focus following last year’s wildfires. Locals are inviting mindful travellers to put Maui back on their itineraries and bring their aloha. Engage with local businesses such as Trilogy Excursions , known as Maui’s best snorkel tours; dine at family-owned restaurants such as Mama’s Fish House ; shop in small boutiques like in Pa‘ia, which exudes a yogic surfer vibe; and tip generously to make a huge difference to this community that is still in recovery mode.

Snorkelling Maui’s reef, where monk seals and turtles can be found. (Image: Hawai’i Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson)

46. Find an alternative side of Austria in the 2024 European capital of culture

Covering the Austrian states of Salzburg, Styria and Upper Austria, the region of Salzkammergut blends the ageless beauty of limestone mountains, cobalt lakes and timber A-frame houses with agrarian tradition and – surprisingly – cutting-edge art. The Great Space Walk, which is part of the program for Bad Ischl Salzkammergut’s designation as one of the European Capitals of Culture 2024, guides travellers up the isolated karst landscape of the Totes Gebirge while listening to recordings along the way that touch on everything from arts to agriculture and Buddhism. Traditional dress is also making a resurgence as well as craftsmanship, with watchmakers, bookbinders, coffee roasters and mustard makers as relevant today as they once were.

The Trisselwand is a mountain in the region of Saltzkammergut which has long inspired Austria’s most famous writers. (Image: Karl Steinegger)

47. Walk Japan’s remote and under-the-radar Kunisaki Peninsula

Of the some 25 million international tourists that visited Japan last year, only a fraction of them made it beyond the major urban areas. And even fewer regional areas, such as Kunisaki, a bucolic peninsula that’s the setting for the 73-kilometre Self-Guided Kunisaki Wayfarer walk by Walk Japan . This trail follows the historic footsteps of monks and ascetics in search of solitude as it traces Kyushu’s rural peninsula along raised paths between rice fields, overgrown trails linking long-neglected shrines and country lanes that pass by family homes, with each day ending with multi-course dinners and steam-filled onsens .

 48. Explore an up-and-coming Italian neighbourhood with young local guides

In the 20th century, the Naples precinct of Rione Sanità gained notoriety as a Camorra stronghold labelling the pretty neighbourhood a no-go zone. But change is afoot, and artists, historians and travellers alike are being lured in by classically Neapolitan streets adorned in flags and laundry and bustling with pasticcerias and pizzerias, its famous catacombs and grandiose basilica.

Find out why Rione Sanità is about to be the place to visit in Naples. (Image: Alamy/Laura Di Biase)

49. Watch the solar eclipse

Astronomy fans in North America will huddle around their telescopes on 8 April to catch the solar eclipse when it passes over the United States , Canada and Mexico. Travel publication Atlas Obscura is throwing a festival that extends the three-minute 36-second solar event into four days of music, science, art and cosmic wonder, with a line-up that includes astrophysics pros and indie psych-rock.

Make your way to North America in April to be treated to a solar eclipse. (Image: James Sprankle)

50. Visit Washington DC’s National Museum of Women in the Arts

In 1987 it was the first museum of its kind, and now, after a US$66 million renovation completed by female architects, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is an even grander stage for female creatives to shine. Located in the heart of Washington D.C. the museum is housed in a former Masonic Temple, which was notoriously exclusive of women, and boasts a powerful display of works by women spanning six centuries, from Frida Kahlo to Australian Aboriginal artist Audrey Morton Kngwarreye.

Find artworks by Frida Kahlo inside the National Museum of Women in the Arts. (Image: Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky , 1937)

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One Comment

Absolutely love this list! I’m glad to see so many unique and unheard-of activities that make for an exciting and immersive cultural experience. Perfect for truly diving into local cultures. Looking forward to ticking all these one by one.

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Travellers' Tales Around The World

Interested in  Travellers' Tales From Around The World ? Read on....

I started the  “Travellers’ Tales ” section in 2016 and I have now published over 120 interviews. Over hundred travellers from around the world have shared their fascinating travels on my blog thus far. Find the links to their interviews below.

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Do you enjoy reading Travellers' Tales ? Travellers from around the world talk about their travels, experiences, travel memories and favourite places here.  Scroll lower down this page to  read the interviews.  

I want to share your travellers' tales with my readers too. You don’t need to be a blogger. If you do have a website though, feel free to include your website URL and/or social media follow links.

Travel questionnaire

• Tell us a bit about yourself.
• What is your earliest travel memory?
• Where was your last holiday?
• What was the best thing you did there?
• What was your best holiday ever? Why?
• What is your favourite travel destination?
• What is the one thing one must do there?
• Who is your favourite travel companion/s?
• Name one item you must have when travelling.
• Your best travel advice?
• The one place you want to visit before you die?
• How can people connect with you? (Optional)
• Please include a photo of your holiday/holiday destination.

More Optional Questions

• Your favourite place in South Africa?
• Any embarrassing travel moments?
• Worst travel experience?

This questionnaire is not cast in stone. Feel free to adapt or write as much or as little as you like.

Responses will be featured on my blog under “ Travellers' Tales ” .

Simply click on the "Travel Questionnaire" link below to download the document, enter your responses in the document and email it with 3-4 photos to [email protected].

I look forward to reading your responses.

Travel Questionnaire

Travellers' Tales

• Helen from Holidays from Hels talks about her travels here .
• Ummi from Ummi Goes Where talks about her travels here .
• Cosette from KarsTravels talks about her travels here .
• Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl talks about her travels here .
• Denise from Shababu Safaris talks about her travels here .
• Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan talks about her travels here .
• Rachel from The RX for Travel  talks about her travels here .
• Luke and Meagan from Two Restless Homebodies talk about their travels here .
• Emily and Adam from Two Get Lost  talk about their travels here .
• Bruna from I Heart Brazil talks about her travels here .
• Rai from A Rai of Light talks about his travels here .
• Nick and Kia from The Danish Nomads talk about their travels here .
• Steve from The Trip Goes On talks about his travels here .
• Zoe from Duende By Madam Zozo talks about her travels here .
• Natalie from Natalie Explores talks about her travels here .
• Lynnette from Life Without a Roadmap talks about her travels here .
• Julie and Zach from Ruhls of the Road talk about their travels here .
• Viola from The Blessing Bucket talks about her travels here .
• Jeanne from Learning to Breathe Abroad talks about here travels here
• Sarah from Borders and Bucketlists talks about her travels here .
• Anwesha from  Going Places With Anwesha talks about her travels here .
• Lynne from Wander Your Way talks about her travels here .
• Julie from More than Main Street talks about her travels here .
• Fiona from Passport and Piano talks about her travels here .
• Maria from Tigrest Travel Blog talks about her travels here . Dee from Vanilla Papers talks about her travels here
• Josie from Josie Wanders talks about her travels here .
• Iuliana from Authentic Travels talks about her travels here .
• Heather from  Oregon Outdoor Family talks about her travels here .
• Hayley from MS Blissness talks about her travels here .
• Esther from The Adventurous Feet talks about her travels here .
• Michelle from We At The Sea talks about her travels here
• Sam from Honest Explorer talks about her travels here .
• Noraly from Itchy Boots talks about her travels here .
• Bruna from Maps N Bags talks about her travels here .
• Demi from  Around the world with her  talks about her travels here .
• April from The Unending Journey talks about her travels here .
• Lisa & Lisa from Soul Drifters talk about their travels here .
• Carmen from Wellington World Travels talks about her travels here .
• Margie from DQ Family Travel  talks about her travels here .
• Amber from The World Beneath My Feet  talks about her travels here .
• Adrien from Strangers Abroad Podcast talks about her travels here .
• Melissa from High Heels & A Backpack talks about her travels here .
• Alma from Roaming Fox talks about her travels here .
• Tereza from Czick On The Road talks about her travels here .
• Sarah from Travel Breathe Repeat talks about her travels here .
• Carmen from Meanderings talks about her travels here .
• Janine & Ryan Avery from 5 Star Stories talk about their travels here .
• Owen from My Turn to Travel talks about his travels here .
• James from Worldwide Shopping Guide talks about his travels here .
• Priya from Glorious Sunrise talks about her travels here .
• Nicola Subben from Peanut Gallery 247 talks about her travels here .
• Rebecca from Tattling Tourist talks about her travels here .
• Delphine from LesterLost talks about her travels here .
• Scott and Hayley from International Hot Dish talk about their travels here .
• Alya and Campbell from Stingy Nomads talk about their travels here .
• Laurence from Finding The Universe talks about his travels here .
• Justine from Wanderer of the World talks about her travels here .
• Daisy Li from Beyond My Border talks about her travels here .
• Amelia from Voxate Writing and Editing talks about her travels here .
• Magda from Follow The View talks about her travels here .
• Gabby from Packs Light talks about her travels here .
• Paroma from Year of the Monkey talks about her travels here .
• Lyndsay from The Wild Perhaps talks about her travels here .
• Elise from Travel , Work , Play talks about her travels here .
• Kristen from The Touring Yorkie talks about her travels here .
• Kat from Memoirs of a Globetrotter talks about her travels here .
• Suzie from I Am But Wandering talks about her travels here .
• Alex from Lost With Purpose  talks about her travels here .
• Rianne from Sunny Journeys talks about her travels here .
• Maegan from The Wanderlust Dietitian talks about her travels here .
• Janine Good from Fill My Passport talks about her travels here .
• Kelly and Dwayne from Trippin Turpins talk about their travels here
• Amber from We, The Lost Girls  talks about her travels here.
• Leigh from Campfires & Concierges talks about her travels here .
• Catalina from Miss Adventures Abroad talks about her travels here .
• Shaurya from Asian Tours and Holidays talks about his travels here .
• Charlene from High Heels & Fairy Tales talks about her travels here .
• Elle from Dressing Danishly talks about her travels here .
• Amanda from  Amanda Around the World talks about her travels here .
• Nicole from Camping for Women talks about her travels here .
• Wendy from World Wide Wendy talks about her travels here .
• Gaynor from Tulips & Phoenixes talks about her travels here .
• Nicole from TravelGal Nicole talks  about her travels here .
• Samantha from " Have Seat, Will Travel:Adventures of a Pilot’s Wife"  talks about her travels here .
• Sabeeha from "Tattoo My Passport" talks about her travels here .
• Dawn from "5 Lost Together"   talks about her travels here .
• Ivy from "Kollecting Koordinates"  talks about her travels here .
• Meghan from “The Traveling Teacher” talks about her travels here .
• Tamara and Daphne from "Girls Wanderlust" talk about their travels here .
• Cory from  “You Could Travel”  talks about her travels here .
• Zoe from "Zo Around The World" talks about her travels here .
• Jurga from "Full Suitcase" talks about her travels here .
• Valerie from Maple Leopard talks about her travels here .
• Carol from Wayfaring Views talks about her travels here .
• Tracy from "Tracy’s Travels in Time" talks about her travels here .
• Sianna from "Eo Stories" talks about her travels here .
• Naomi from "Probe Around The Globe" talks about her travels here .
• Barbara from Jet-Settera talks about her travels here .
• Fray from "Packing the Write Way" talks about his travels here .
• Jess from "Ben and Jess's Adventures" talks about her travels here .
• Natalie from "Why She Lives to Run" talks about her travels here .
• Anisa from "Two Traveling Texans" talks about her travels here .
• Kristina from "I Left Home" talks about her travels here .
• Kathy from "Walkabout Wanderer" talks about her travels here .
• South African Vloggers, Thalia and John , talk about their travels here .
• Joanna from "The World in My Pocket"  talks about her travels here .
• Karen from Wanderlustingk talks about her travels here .
• Roxanne Reid from RoxanneReid.co.za   talks about her travels here .
• Tara Harrison from "ShaTara Travel"  talks about her travels here   .
• Valerie Wilson from "Trusted Travel Girl" talks about her travels here .
• Lottie Reeves, from "Princess in a Caravan" talks about her travels here .
• Gillian McLaren, travel and science writer from  GillianMcLaren.Blogspot talks about her travels here .
• Sue Bedford, author of “It’s Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker ” talks about her travels here .
• Cynthia Lee, from "Every Footstep an Adventure"  talks about her travels here .
• Katalin Waga from "Our Life Our Travel" talks about her travels here .
• Vicki Garside from "Make Time to See The World " talks about her travels here .
• Neeta Raga Dullabh of "Love Art By Neeta"  talks about her travels here .
• Jyotsna Ramani from "Wander With Jo" talks about her travels here .
• Sindhu Murthy from "Interlude Journey" talks about her travels here .
• Anandi from "SA Places to See"  talks about her travels here .
• Tamlyn Ryan from "Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust"  talks about her travels here .
• Verushka Ramasami from Spicegoddess talks about her travels here .
• Sadaf Afshan from "My Culinary Adventures"  talks about her travels  here .

Find accommodation around the world .

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.

Related posts

• Meet Tamlyn Ryan from "Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust"
• Travellers’ Tales - Verushka Ramasami
• Make Time To See The World - Meet Vicki Garside
• Travellers Tales - Meet Kathy from Walkabout Wanderer

22 comments on “Travellers' Tales Around The World”

[…] would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog […]

Thank you for inspiring some wanderlust within me while we are unable to travel (for now). It's wonderful to reminisce about all the lovely places we'll go when we can.

Thanks Iga. I'd love to read your responses too 🙂

Some amazing stories! This will keep me busy for a while.

Will get you my questionaire with answers also, if that's ok, because I would love to be in it.

That will be great. I'm looking forward to reading it!

Thanks for sharing such pleasant thoughts. I have read it fully.

Hi! Do you need to get approval or be selected to fill out the questionnaire and be chosen to be featured? I am a family travel blogger and would love to answer these exciting questions. Would that be ok? Thanks so much! What a fun idea! Jen

Hi Jen, Nope, go ahead and answer 🙂

It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd without a doubt donate to this brilliant blog!

I guess for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

Interesting, I'd like to share my travel experiences too 🙂

That would be lovely, Nafisa . I would love to read about your travel experiences 🙂

I would love to answer these questions as I lived my South African dream this year itself.

Hi Manjulika, That would be great! Please complete the questionnaire and email it to me.

Pinned this to get the word out! Really enjoyed reading about the journeys of others particularly Spicegoddess' comment that she loves to travel with her mum- that is so lovely!

Thanks for reading Danni. I hope to have you as a guest soon.

This is a really great initiative,

How does one get in touch with you, RE: Interview

Thank you Di. You can email me on [email protected] .

What an awesome post! I'd love to do this. I have downloaded this and will send it back to you as soon as the mad rush of WTM is done 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to put this together Sara.

Awesome. I'm looking forward to reading your responses, Beatrice 🙂

Hey so our last holiday was in Mauritius. And it was awesomeness!!!Needed your advice on a possible holiday destination for us in October this year. With the economy in such a crappy state it would have to be South Africa or Africa. What's a decent holiday resort but history filled destination that we could go to with my daughter who should be 2yrs by then? Looking at lots of activities and sightseeing that's not far away from where we stay. 7 nights. Gave you some homework there,help me out yo!

Thanks for the homework, Fazila 😉 . My recommendations: South Africa: Have you seen this article I wrote? http://inafricaandbeyond.com/10-family-friendly-hotels-to-visit-in-south-africa-this-holidays . Also look at St Lucia. Africa: Zanzibar, Morocco, Reunion. Overseas - there are some overseas countries/cities where you can still have a good holiday with the rand - Thailand, Istanbul, Malaysia, India (although I'm not sure if that's advisable with a 2 year old) Let me know what you decide.

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I Sailed on the Longest Luxury River Cruise in the World — Here's What It Was Like

A cultural ritual in Varanasi, 15 days in Bangladesh, and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities were among the trip's highlights.

The Operator

The itinerary.

Courtesy of Exotic Heritage Group

The Ganges is to India what the Nile is to Egypt and what the Euphrates is to Mesopotamia: It's the beating heart of the destination's cultural and economic life. Flowing more than 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges nurtured the Hindu holy city of Varanasi for thousands of years. It was on these banks that the Buddha preached his first sermon in 528 BCE, and it was along these waters that the British built the first capital of the British Raj, Kolkata.

Where the river flows through land, it shelters some of the most endangered aquatic fauna in the world, and where it meets the sea, it spawns one of the largest mangrove forests on Earth. And yet, never has a luxury river cruise sailed the Ganges — at least not one that compared to world-class river itineraries in other parts of the world.

This changed last year, when India's Antara Luxury River Cruises launched an epic itinerary down the Ganges and its sister river, the Brahmaputra. Covering nearly 2,000 miles in 51 days, it is the longest river cruise in the world.

Here's what it's like.

Kolkata-based Antara Luxury River Cruises operates the tour, a subsidiary of the Exotic Heritage Group , which has been involved in luxury travel in India for the last 30 years.

Raj Singh, an Indian wildlife expert and luxury travel pioneer, is among the trip promoters of this journey, as is Andrea Massari , a Singapore-based cruise expert who has previously managed luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar with Ayravata Cruises and the Mekong River in Vietnam with Pandaw Cruises. An architect by training, Massari oversees the technology of the cruise ships. A third director is Annapurna Garimella , an art historian, designer, author, and doctor of philosophy from Columbia University, who oversees the design elements of the cruise.

The group owns four luxury cruise vessels deployed on shorter luxury cruises until now.

The cruise begins at the holy city of Varanasi in central India. While here, guests witness Ganga Aarti, an awe-inspiring ritual performed at sundown each day on the banks of the Ganges. In this tradition, a cohort of priests offer ritual prayers in honor of the river, which is worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism. 

With flickering flames of multi-tiered brass lamps dancing against the night sky, the deep, harmonic thrum of conch shells piercing the air, and the chant of soul-stirring mantras floating over the water, the Ganga Aarti is a spellbinding performance of a living tradition that has continued unbroken for thousands of years. Once departed from Varanasi, the cruise journeys downstream and to more than 50 remarkable destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural parks, and historical metropolises. Kaziranga National Park is among these special places, home to more than two-thirds of the surviving population of the endangered one-horned rhino, as well as Majuli — the largest river island in the world.  

mlharing/Getty Images

Other major stops along the route include Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment and one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists all over the world; Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, once the capital of the British Raj in India and home of Nobel laureates Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata is also the epicenter of the global jute industry, accounting for the bulk of its production and export.

Murshidabad and Sualkuchi — two cities famous worldwide for their mulberry silk textiles — are also significant itinerary stops. Guests get to see the art of sericulture (silk production) up close and the craft of weaving some of the finest silk textiles on earth.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a bustling city of crafts, culture, and beautiful Islamic architecture. The cruise spends 15 days in Bangladesh before reentering India. 

MD MARUF HASSAN/Getty Images

In the Sundarbans — the largest mangrove forests on earth and home of the endangered Bengal tiger — guests are privy to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mangroves, comprised of trees that grow in saline water, typically where rivers meet the sea, are biodiversity hotspots and act as huge carbon sinks, helping combat climate change. It is an ecological wonder to behold firsthand.

The cruise ends at Dibrugarh, a city in the northeastern Assam region of India known for its eponymous Assam tea. Famous for its sprawling tea estates, Dibrugarh produces so much high-quality tea that it is known as the Tea City of India.

All this is in addition to the remarkable views guests can expect while onboard the boat, with the geography and the landscape changing as you sail. Animal spotting is undoubtedly likely, as the Ganges is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, otters, at least 15 species of freshwater turtles, and three varieties of crocodile, including the critically endangered gharial , found only in the Ganges.

The MS Ganga Vilas is a luxury vessel done in Art Deco style. At more than 200 feet long and nearly 40 feet wide, it is a vessel made for small, intimate journeys rather than big, boisterous tours.

There are 18 luxury suites here, and they spread across three decks with a capacity to host 36 guests in total. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling French windows for optimal views. For an even more expansive perspective, guests can head to the sundeck to sunbathe, participate in a yoga session, or just relax.  You might spot river dolphins leaping out of the water if you're lucky. 

The restaurant onboard seats up to 40 guests and serves Indian and Continental fare. There’s also a spa and a gym available. The vessel is also home to a reverse-osmosis water plant, which provides fresh and safe drinking water. Its hospital-grade silencers ensure a noise-free cruise experience for guests and the river’s fragile fauna. 

To further ensure that the vessel causes the least stress on the river’s ecosystem, the operator uses sea vessel-grade oil-water separators to ensure that the oil is separated from the water in the vessel’s discharge. Premium sewage treatment plants ensure that no contamination of the river water occurs from the waste generated on the ship. No plastic is used on board; water is served in aluminum water bottles, which guests can take as souvenirs. 

Tickets for the 51-day cruise start at $16,500 and can be booked here .

Related Articles

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

World nomads plans available, world nomads travel insurance cost.

• How to File A Claim with World Nomads Travel Insurance

Compare World Nomads Travel Insurance

World nomads travel insurance faqs.

• Why You Should Trust Us

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're looking for travel insurance that allows you to confidently participate in a wide range of sports and adventure activities around the world, then World Nomads Travel Insurance might be right for you. The company's policies cover travel to almost anywhere on the globe and are available to residents of nearly every country. 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Among the best international travel insurance companies , World Nomads is particularly good at insuring athletes, covering well over 300 sports, including skydiving, bungee jumping, and golf. World Nomads is also a great last-minute purchase, allowing you to purchase coverage even after your trip has started. However, if you purchase a plan after departure, you will have to wait 72 hours before your plan kicks in.

That said, World Nomads lacks crucial coverage options, such as cancel for any reason coverage and coverage for pre-existing conditions. It also doesn't insure travelers older than 70.

Additionally, the service has received middling reviews from customers, averaging 3.4 stars out of five across 2,510 reviews. Customers often complained about their lengthy claims processes and poor customer service.

Some also took issue with the "Nomads" branding, as some travelers with multiple destinations and long-term trips found their trip wasn't covered by Nomads' specific policies. It's worth noting that World Nomads was very responsive to positive and negative reviews on Trustpilot.

World Nomads has two basic policies: Standard and Explorer. Each covers essentially the same things, but Explorer has higher amounts than World Nomads is willing to pay out for claims. The company's policies cover more than 150 specific activities. These range from bungee jumping and rock climbing to hang gliding and hot-air ballooning. You can see the full list on the company's website.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

One of the most common upgraded features of a travel insurance policy is cancel for any reason (CFAR) , where you really can cancel for reason beyond what's in a standard policy. This is not available on every policy, but it is often a feature that travelers are looking for while shopping for travel insurance before their trip. At this time, World Nomads doesn't offer CFAR coverage.

At the time of this review, World Nomads also offers sports equipment coverage. In February of 2022, it expanded coverage to include more than 150 sports and activities including Pickleball and FootGolf. It currently covers over 300 sports. So, as you can imagine, plans with sports coverage will cover virtually any sport you might play.

You can obtain a quote from World Nomads on its website by providing details about you and your trip. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your destination(s)
• Duration of trip
• Your country of residence
• State of residence (if you're from the US)
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age

Notably, World Nomads does not ask you for the price of the trip, which many travel insurance companies factor into the trip of your policy. As such, World Nomads may be a good option if you're going on a particularly expensive trip. 

We ran a few simulations to offer examples of how much a World Nomads policy might cost. You'll see that costs usually fall between 5% and 7% of the total trip cost, depending on the policy tier you choose.

As of April 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following  World Nomads travel insurance quotes:

• World Nomads Standard: $76.58
• World Nomads Explorer: $123.34

Premiums for World Nomads's plans are well below the average cost of travel insurance .

World Nomads provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• World Nomads Standard: $85.83
• World Nomads Explorer: $155.06

Once again, premiums for World Nomads plans are between 2.2% and 3.8%, below the average cost for travel insurance.

A couple of 65-years of age looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following World Nomads quotes:

• World Nomads Standard: $152.96
• World Nomads Explorer: $276.34

Premiums for World Nomads plans are between 2.6% and 4.6%, once again below the average cost for travel insurance. This is especially impressive as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.

How to File A Claim with World Nomad Travel Insurance

You can start an insurance claim by filing it on the company's website. 

You can call toll-free in the US and Canada if you need to reach the company in an emergency at: (877) 289-0968.

Callers from outside the US and Canada can reach the company at: (954)-334-8143.

The email address is: [email protected]

You'll need to have the following ready to file a claim:

• Your policy number
• A contact number
• The nature of your problem
• Your location
• Prescribed medication (if any)

Keep any documents related to the claim you're filing, including receipts, notices, and invoices.

World Nomads is particularly good at insuring traveling athletes, but let's see how it stacks up against the best travel insurance companies .

World Nomads Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance is a strong competitor against World Nomads, especially for travelers looking for a more business-oriented option. The company has been in business for more than 120 years and offers a wide range of insurance, not just travel-related, around the world. A key difference between World Nomads and Allianz Travel Insurance is that Allianz Travel Insurance offers travel insurance that can cover multiple trips in the same year. You can take an unlimited number of trips within the same calendar year, but you do have to double-check that all of your destinations are covered by the policy you select. 

Another difference is that Allianz Travel Insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers for qualifying customers. World Nomads doesn't have the same coverage, requiring that the pre-existing condition is fully stable in order for limited coverage with respect to trip cancellations or having to end a trip early. 

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

World Nomads Travel Insurance vs. AIG Travel Guard

Travel Guard , a product backed by AIG Travel, is another potential alternative to World Nomads. AIG is a prominent player in the insurance industry, and the Travel Guard product represents true global coverage. 

Unlike World Nomads, Travel Guard has coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but there are conditions. Travelers must purchase their policy within 15 days of the initial trip payment to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Both travel insurance companies use a tiered approach, but Travel Guard has higher dollar amounts across the board. For example, trip cancellation for Travel Guard covers 100% of the trip cost, while with World Nomads the amount will depends on the tier of the coverage you purchase. Trip Interruption is also a fully covered event with Travel Guard's. Depending on the plan selected, it will either cover 100% or 150% of the trip cost. 

If you're concerned about COVID-19 coverage with trip insurance, there's more coverage with World Nomads than Travel Guard. With Travel Guard, coverage for having to stay in a country past your original booking dates is an add-on, not a standard part of the policy. 

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

Compare World Nomad vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

If you already have a major credit card in your wallet, you most likely have some travel insurance benefits that come with it. These benefits do vary from card to card. Be sure to check your card's specific policies.

Not all credit cards will feature travel insurance protection. The ones that do may have specific limitations. For example, many credit cards with travel protection require that your airfare is paid for with the card in question for protections to take effect. 

Reimbursement isn't guaranteed. The credit cards do require that you file your claim and wait for a decision. World Nomads makes it easy to file a claim online and submit receipts and documentation. The response is fairly quick based on reviews from travelers who have actually had to file claims. 

The more premium the credit card, the more likely expanded travel protections are part of its features. If you don't already have a premium credit card, it's better to get travel insurance. This is also the case if you have multiple trips planned. Some credit cards limit not just the total dollar amount, but the number of claims within a 12-month period.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Yes, you can extend your World Nomads plan while traveling, but you cannot upgrade a standard plan to the Explorer plan. 

World Nomads covers COVID-19 like any other illness under its emergency medical coverage.

You can file a claim on World Nomads's website, over the phone, or by mail. Make sure to provide as much documentation as possible to ease the claims process. 

World Nomads currently covers 326 sports and adventure activities, from ziplining to zorbing.

Yes, you can purchase World Nomads insurance for a trip that has already started. However, a policy purchased during your trip will have a 72-hour waiting period before insurance starts.

How We Reviewed World Nomads Travel Insurance

To prepare this review on World Nomads, we started by detailing the company's travel insurance offerings. Then we looked at the best travel insurance plans and compared them to World Nomads. We looked at things like typical policy costs, coverage options, available add-ons, what's covered, and claim limits.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 Have Been Announced

By Sarah James

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has just announced “The World’s Best Restaurant” as part of a prestigious awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. This year’s winner is Disfrutar in Barcelona , Spain.

The 2024 ceremony took place at Wynn Las Vegas and saw world-famous chefs and well-respected restaurateurs from all corners of the globe come together to find out which restaurant would be named the world’s best for 2024.

And the title went to Disfrutar in Barcelona, Spain .

A restaurant that has previously claimed the top spot is not eligible for a second win. Instead, they join the elite ‘Best of the Best’ list, which features renowned establishments like Noma, Osteria Francescana, and Mirazur. This means that the 2023 winner, Central in Lima, will now be part of this prestigious list, creating the opportunity for Disfrutar to take the top spot.

What is The World’s Best Restaurant in 2024?

The World’s Best Restaurant is Disfrutar in Barcelona, Spain. Disfrutar has long been well-regarded by the panel—it placed second on the 2023 list and has been a permanent fixture at the awards since 2018 when the team bagged the Highest New Entry gong. Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas met at El Bulli (a Best of the Best restaurant) in the 1990s, and went on to open Disfrutar in the Eixample district of Barcelona, which is known for its curiously creative menu and beautiful dining room.

Barcelona's Disfrutar has been named the World's Best Restaurant in 2024.

How are The World's 50 Best Restaurants chosen?

The list is decided by a panel of experts, and there are a few rules: those on the panel can’t vote for any restaurant they have an economic interest in, and they must have eaten at restaurants that won their votes in the previous 19 months.

The highest ranking restaurants in each continent were given a special mention. The best restaurant in Africa was La Colombe. Atomix was the highest ranking restaurant in North America, and the highest ranking restaurant in Asia was Gaggan. The best restaurant in South America for 2024 is Maido. And the best restaurant in Europe, and the winner of The World’s Best Restaurant in 2024, is Disfrutar in Barcelona.

Individual awards included the Resy One To Watch award, which went to Kato in Los Angeles. The World’s Best Pastry Chef award was awarded to Nina Métayer. The Highest Climber award, meanwhile, went to The Chairman in Hong Kong.

Which restaurants placed 1-50 in 2024?

1. Disfrutar, Barcelona

2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain

3. Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris

4. Diverxo, Madrid

5. Maido, Lima

6. Atomix, New York

7. Quintonil, Mexico City

8. Alchemist, Copenhagen

9. Gaggan, Bangkok

10. Don Julio, Buenos Aires

11. Septime, Paris

12. Lido 84, Gardone Riviera

13. Trèsind Studio, Dubai

14. Quique Dacosta, Dénia

15. Sézanne, Tokyo

16. Kjolle, Lima

17. Kol, London

18. Plénitude, Paris

19. Reale, Castel di Sangro

20. Wing, Hong Kong

21. Florilège, Tokyo

22. Steirereck, Vienna

23. Sühring, Bangkok

24. Odette, Singapore

25. El Chato, Bogotá

26. The Chairman, Hong Kong

27. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo

28. Elkano, Getaria

29. Boragó, Santiago

30. Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin

31. Belcanto, Lisbon

32. Den, Tokyo

33. Pujol, Mexico City

34. Rosetta, Mexico City

35. Frantzen, Stockholm

36. The Jane, Antwerp

37. Oteque, Rio

38. Sorn, Bangkok

39. Piazza Duomo, Alba

40. Le Du, Bangkok

41. Mayta, Lima

42. Ikoyi, London

43. Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin

44. Mingles, Seoul

45. Arpege, Paris

46. Single Thread, Healdsburg

47. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau

48. Hisa Franko, Kobarid

49. La Colombe, Cape Town

50. Uliassi, Senigallia

Spain has three entries in the top five, with DiverXo in Madrid taking fourth.

Which restaurants placed 51-100 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024?

100. Fauna, Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico

99. Cosme, New York, USA

98. Saint Peter, Sydney, Australia

97. Core by Clare Smyth, London, UK

96. Onjium, Seoul, South Korea

95. Meta, Singapore

94. Mountain, London, UK

93. Sazenka, Tokyo, Japan

92. Labyrinth, Singapore

91. Neolokal, Istanbul, Turkey

90. Smyth, Chicago, USA

89. Indian Accent, New Delhi, India

88. Tantris, Munich, Germany

87. Lyle's, London, UK

86. Mosu, Seoul, South Korea

85. Ceto, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

84. Restaurant Jan, Munich, Germany

83. Willem Hiele, Oudenburg, Belgium

82. Sud 777, Mexico City, Mexico

81. Mugaritz, San Sebastián, Spain

80. The Clove Club, London, UK

79. Alléno Paris Au Pavillon Ledoyen, Paris, France

78. Masque, Mumbai, India

77. La Grenouillère, La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, France

76. Flocons de Sel, Megève, France

75. Ernst, Berlin, Germany

74. Nusara, Bangkok, Thailand

73. Mil, Cusco, Peru

72. Aponiente, El Puerto de Santa María, Spain

71. Le Bernardin, New York, USA

70. Le Doyenné, Saint-Vrain, France

69. Fu He Hui, Shanghai, China

68. Burnt Ends, Singapore

67. Alcalde, Guadalajara, Mexico

66. La Cime, Osaka, Japan

65. Brat, London, UK

64. Orfali Bros Bistro, Dubai, UAE

63. Bozar, Brussels, Belgium

62. Coda, Berlin, Germany

61. Nuema, Quito, Ecuador

60. Fyn, Cape Town, South Africa

59. Enigma, Barcelona, Spain

58. Lasai, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

57. Potong, Bangkok, Thailand

56. Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan

55. Mérito, Lima, Peru

54. Kadeau, Copenhagen, Denmark

53. Leo, Bogotá, Colombia

52. Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler, Brunico, Italy

51. Le Calandre, Rubano, Italy

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.

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The rise of wellness travel, from rewilding to yoga and pilgrimages

Having escaped the confines of the spa, wellness now influences the travel experience far and wide, offering new ways to discover the world.

The number of people concerned about their health and wellbeing has rocketed since the pandemic began. The stats are legion but among them, 80% of those surveyed by Public Health England in 2020 — in the first year of Covid-19 — reported wanting to change their lifestyle in 2021 to become healthier. Meanwhile, an Ipsos study in 2021 noted that 62% of Americans believe health is more important to them than before the pandemic. And this has, as countless more reports will attest, changed the way many of us want to travel.

Just over a fifth (21%) of global travellers are currently travelling for health- and wellness-driven reasons according to the 2022 Travel Trends research by luxury travel network Virtuoso, conducted jointly with YouGov. And its findings suggest this is likely to grow in 2023, with 29% of global travellers stating interest in travelling for wellness reasons in the future. Trends include travel to reconnect — with friends, family, partners or children — and a growing focus on sleep wellness. The research notes ‘the rise in apps like Calm and Headspace permeating travel products, providing flyers the ability to plug in and meditate while in flight’ — not to mention the growing number of sleep retreats aimed at aiding insomniacs.

“Health and wellness technology is moving forward at a very fast pace and creating exciting new possibilities that we’re exploring, from sleep therapy and guided meditation to dynamic bathing, cryotherapy and infrared saunas,” says Emlyn Brown, vice president of wellbeing at Accor, Europe’s largest hospitality and hotels company, which released the Health to Wealth white paper earlier this year.

“Guests now come to us loaded with their own health data,” says Brown of the ubiquity of smartwatches and fitness apps. “We’re exploring ways that we can create bespoke wellness experiences for our guests in spa, nutrition, fitness and sleep.” Accor’s Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, for example, is home to the UK’s first spa multi-person cryotherapy chamber. Hotels Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy and Pullman San Francisco Bay, meanwhile, equip guests with Dreem, a technology wearable that monitors breathing, brain waves, heart rate and sleeping patterns.

Wellness travel is clearly no longer something that’s confined to the spa, but it’s travelled far beyond the hotel, too. “Wellness travel has evolved and expanded to encapsulate all manner of experiences that boost travellers’ mental and physical health,” says Paul Joseph, founder of Health and Fitness Travel , a specialist tour operator for wellness breaks. “Far from the ‘fly and flop’ wellness holidays of old, we’re able to send customers on a hand-picked retreat that includes a tailored wellness programme — from personalised nutrition and exercise plans to one-on-one coaching and holistic healing therapies. Following the pandemic and in spite of the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve seen a marked increase in bookings.”

It’s what Expedia is calling a ‘no-normal’ era of wellness travel. “We’re seeing a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond beaches and mountains,” says Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “Not a new normal, but people branching out to unexpected trends: the ‘no-normal’.”

The travel brand has seen a 30% increase in demand for wellness breaks between 2021 and 2022, and found that almost half (46%) of global travellers are more open to wellness breaks than ever before. And the quirkier, the better. Expedia’s Travel Trends report reveals activities as diverse as sylvotherapy (forest bathing), food bootcamps, chakra sessions, puppy yoga and laughter therapy were more popular than some standard spa offerings.

So, what exactly does ‘wellness’ mean today? According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) — the US-non-profit offshoot of the Global Wellness Summit, which has been driving research and business across the industry since 2007 — the term is varied. It can be associated with fitness holidays and adventure travel focused around improving a sense of wellbeing or life balance, along with the obvious mind and body retreats. And it’s a booming sector. GWI projects a 9.9% average annual growth in the wellness economy between now and 2025, when it will reach nearly $7 trillion (£5.5 trillion).

Meanwhile, US-based non-profit the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) was founded in 2018 with the aim of bringing standards to the growing wellness sector of the tourism industry, and defines wellness travel as simply that which allows the traveller ‘to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of wellbeing’.

“What constitutes a wellbeing holiday is subjective,” says Justin Francis, co-founder and CEO of activist holiday company Responsible Travel . “I’d say a painting holiday in the Scottish Highlands or a wild camping experience can be as much about wellness as a vegan Pilates retreat. Wellness holidays simply allow you to rest and revive in your own way, mentally and physically.”

The company has added numerous nature-based holidays to its offering since the pandemic, in response to rising demand. It notes that activities like river kayaking are becoming more popular, and that interest in trips that give customers a chance to really focus on their physical wellbeing has risen almost 100% in the last five years. “We’re all much more attuned to the benefits of switching off our phones and being outdoors,” says Francis.

Active relaxation

It’s clear that well before the pandemic hit, our travel habits were changing. A McKinsey report in 2021 noted that 79% of respondents believed wellness was important, and 42% considered it a top priority, but in the preceding two to three years consumers in every market it researched reported a substantial increase (from 27% to 65%) in the prioritisation of wellness. Within the last decade, yoga mats have become the norm in hip hotels and gym access a hospitality standard, while spa-focused accommodation is ever-expanding.

Sports travel, with its tangible benefits and measurable outcomes — such as the number of miles hiked — is a thriving area of wellness. This boom in so-called ‘endorphin tourism’ attracts travellers seeking trips that give them a natural high — from desert marathons to trail running in the mountains. In Europe, the Alps have become something of an outdoor wellness playground. A 2020 report for France Montagnes, an association promoting French Alpine tourism, states that up to 70% of travellers see the mountains as a synonym for wellness.

“For several years now, and particularly since the post-Covid period, the mountains have been popular with visitors looking for an escape, nature and wellbeing, alongside more sporting activities,” says association president Jean-Luc Boch. The activities on offer range from the expectedly athletic to such specialisms as communing with nature while learning how to herd goats, meditative waterfall bathing, guided foraging for medicinal plants and mindful marathon running.

Cycling holidays have also boomed, with weekend/leisure bikers increasing between 30% and 60% across the UK and Europe between 2019 and 2022, according to European Parliament estimates. And surfing is seeing similar spikes in popularity. The International Surfing Association reported that around 35 million people surf worldwide, a figure it forecast to rise to 50 million by 2020, though it’s yet to release numbers. Whatever that number is, it looks set to increase further if the NHS starts adding to its ‘green prescriptions’ — issued for people to improve their mental and physical health by spending time outdoors in nature — by prescribing surfing as a treatment. A 2022 trial by select NHS trusts in England looked into the benefits of surfing for young adults with mental health issues.

Our increased state of ‘permanxiety’, be it fuelled by the stresses of modern life, lack of access to nature, economic instability, political turmoil or climate change, may be alleviated by travelling to immerse ourselves in the natural world, be it forest bathing, cold water swimming or mindful hiking. Travel, it seems, can be a proposition for salvation, not least among the booming number of people making pilgrimages. Both mainstream walking-tour operators and religious organisations are reporting soaring interest in such popular routes as the Camino de Santiago, with pilgrimages offering the chance for a hike to connect with yourself with others and with nature, even if religious beliefs don’t come into play.

But for some, this is exactly what travel, at its best, has always been about. Wellness was not something you singled out, found in a spa or were prescribed, but was about finding yourself out in the world, making connections with others or spending time in the great outdoors. Wellness was integral to the kind of travel that happened as slowly as time and money allowed, staying local, exploring on foot. Walking, for one, is something British travellers have long seen as vital to their health and wellbeing. Ramblers , a charity founded in the wake of the 1932 mass trespass on the Duke of Devonshire’s Kinder Scout grouse moors in Derbyshire, has received lottery funding in recent years for its Walking for Health initiative. The programme has seen some 70,000 people discover the benefits of a hike.

For many of us, working from home or a hybrid approach to work life has simply allowed more opportunities to do the things we enjoy. And the travel industry has responded with almost limitless options. Wellness has even infiltrated the traditional sand and sea resort-based breaks. Package tour operator On the Beach , for example, has curated a list of ‘dopamine-inducing’ destinations — places that boost the body’s natural feel-good factor with high-contrast colours and all-senses stimulation. Think: blue-and-white Greek island villages fragrant with wild thyme and oregano, or high-colour sights and jasmine-perfumed smells of Morocco.

Even Tui , one of the world’s largest holiday companies, is getting in on the act. It launched curated wellness breaks last year, a programme that partnered with television personality Davina McCall as a spokesperson for its ‘find your happy’ campaign. And in some ways, that’s what travel has always been about: getting away from it all, recharging, taking a break from the norm. But as travel and wellness become ever-more inexorably linked, our choices on exactly how we find our happy have become more nuanced and focused, immersing us in the outside world to soothe our inner one. Whether it’s working with a goat farmer in Morzine or running a marathon in a desert.

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• LUXURY TRAVEL
• SEA KAYAKING

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Southwest flight drops to about 500 feet over Oklahoma suburb, triggers alert: 'You good?'

Federal aviation officials are investigating after a Southwest flight flew so low over Oklahoma early Wednesday it triggered an altitude warning from air traffic control.

After an automated warning sounded, an air traffic controller alerted the pilots on Flight 4069 the jet had descended to a low altitude nine miles away from Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, The Federal Aviation Administration told USA TODAY.

The automated system is the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW), per the FAA's website, which alerts controllers if an aircraft gets too low.

"Southwest 4069, low altitude alert. You good out there?" the air traffic controller asked just after midnight Wednesday, according to an  audio archive of transmissions provided by LiveATC.net .

Hawaii FAA investigation: Federal officials are investigating after Southwest plane plunged within 400 feet of ocean

Flight apparently dropped to about 500 feet over high school

The flight from Las Vegas, a Boeing 737-800, had been cleared to land on a visual approach from the northwest, The Oklahoman , part of the USA TODAY Network reported.

Transponder data shows the plane appeared to descend to about 500 feet as it passed over a high school in Yukon, a city in Canadian County about 18 miles northwest of downtown Oklahoma City.

Second Southwest flight under recent investigation by FAA

The incident is the second altitude-related incident at Southwest in just over two months being investigated by FAA.

Southwest Flight 2786 flight plunged to 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean near a Hawaiian island on April 11, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Monday.

The plane briefly dropped at "an abnormally high rate of more than 4,000 feet per minute" before pilots pulled up to avoid crashing into the water, according to a memo Southwest distributed to pilots obtained by  Bloomberg,  who first reported the news last week.

The flight crew performed a "roller coaster maneuver" the outlet reported, to avoid slamming into the ocean.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

Dreaming of going to the College World Series? You need to move fast and have a thick wallet

Could this be the great, historic year that Tennessee finally wins the College World Series?

The team finished as the runner-up in 1951, the closest it has come to winning. In total, the Vols have made it to Omaha five times.

If there's even a chance they make it happen, you have to be there. But how exactly are you going to make it work? And how much money will it cost you to have a seat at that sweet, sweet game?

We hope you're a fast reader, because you need to finalize your itinerary ASAP to make Game 1.

Get your hands on College World Series tickets

First thing's first. Let's make sure you've got a seat at the sporting event of your dreams.

The best-of-3 series will occur over two or three days, depending if Game 3 is required. Omaha is in the Central time zone, but we're listing them here in Eastern (we don't want to mess with anyone relying on us at home for first pitch times).

• Game 1:  Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. EDT
• Game 2:  Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. EDT
• Game 3 (if necessary):  Monday, June 24, 7 p.m. EDT

Fans looking to attend one of the games will need to be ready to shell out some big bucks for a ticket (and those prices are sure to rise if the series is extended). Prices for Game 1 already are starting at more than $300 per seat.

Game 1 (From $332):  https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/0e9O0jY

Game 2 (From $181):  https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/QLawqxE

Game 3 (From $22):  https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVkv2q1

Get in the car .... like, now

Driving is possible. Waze says Vols fans can arrive at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha in 13 hours with no stops (ha, good luck with that). It's more than 900 miles through Nashville, St. Louis and Kansas City.

As of June 20, there's a flood warning in effect until early Saturday afternoon along the route in Buchanan, Missouri, according to Google Maps, so drivers will also need to keep alternative routes in mind, extending an already lengthy journey.

Gas will cost about $219 round trip, according to AAA's website.

Or, grab that credit card and book your flight

You'd be cutting it close by leaving Saturday morning, so dedicated baseball fans will need to fly out to Omaha early Friday. In case Game 3 happens, we're accounting for a Tuesday return flight too.

Knoxpedia: Your guide to flying into and out of Knoxville at McGhee Tyson

That brings round-trip ticket prices for flights from Knoxville to Omaha to a total to $2,545 through United or $3,102 through Delta, according to Google Flights.

The good news is Delta offers two free checked bags, so at least all that Vols merch flies free.

Getting to Omaha under budget

Spent all your money on game tickets? We hope you're packed because you'll need to hop on a Greyhound Bus stat.

Each bus is almost full. But if you're lucky, you can find a seat leaving Knoxville late Thursday night and arriving in Omaha late Friday night. Prices are between $203.55 and $246.94, according to the Greyhound website.

What about lodging?

Obviously, you'll want to stay close to Charles Schwab Field. And while you're at it, go ahead and book the Hilton Omaha for a ballpark view so you don't miss a thing.

It'll run you about $8,600 for your Friday through Tuesday stay. Several other hotels in the area have already sold out of rooms, so hopefully price isn't an object.

Grand slam? What about the grand total?

If you're flying, you can count on spending $12,237 on your big trip to Omaha − and that's not even counting the three days worth of stadium dogs. If your wallet's big enough − or if you're a true VFL − well, bon voyage.

And if you're trying to do it on a budget by driving instead of flying? Good call – that'll cost you only $9,354.

Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email [email protected] .

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