Best Travel Magazines – Your Ultimate Guide to Inspiring Journeys
In a world driven by wanderlust, travel magazines remain timeless companions for explorers and dreamers alike. They offer a blend of breathtaking photography, immersive storytelling, and expert travel insights that spark curiosity and inspire meaningful journeys.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply daydreaming about faraway places, these top travel magazines will transport you across continents—offering rich cultural insights, practical tips, and visual escapism that no screen can fully replicate.
Below, you’ll find the best travel magazines that cater to every kind of traveller—from luxury jetsetters to rugged adventurers.
1. National Geographic Traveler
Focus: Cultural immersion & sustainable travel
Frequency: 6 issues per year
Website: www.nationalgeographic.com/travel
Famed for its iconic yellow border, National Geographic Traveler stands as a cornerstone in travel journalism. Its blend of captivating photography and in-depth cultural reporting encourages readers to explore responsibly and with wonder.
Highlights:
- World-class photography capturing authentic local life.
- In-depth features exploring global history, heritage, and people.
- Expert tips for immersive, sustainable, and offbeat adventures.
2. Condé Nast Traveler
Focus: Luxury and boutique travel
Frequency: 8 issues per year
Website: www.cntraveler.com
Condé Nast Traveler caters to travellers seeking sophistication and style. It combines luxurious travel experiences with insider guides to hidden gems, delivering both aspiration and authenticity.
Highlights:
- Detailed hotel and restaurant reviews.
- Curated destination guides by seasoned writers.
- Striking photography that embodies elegance and adventure.
3. Travel + Leisure
Focus: Luxury leisure & lifestyle travel
Frequency: 12 issues per year
Website: www.travelandleisure.com
A go-to publication for travellers worldwide, Travel + Leisure celebrates exploration in all its forms—from island escapes to cultural city breaks.
Highlights:
- Annual “World’s Best” Awards recognizing top destinations and hospitality brands.
- Practical itineraries, travel hacks, and expert recommendations.
- Rich editorial features blending culture, food, and exploration.
4. Afar
Focus: Experiential and immersive travel
Frequency: 6 issues per year
Website: www.afar.com
Afar encourages readers to travel deeply—connecting with people, traditions, and stories that shape every destination. It’s a magazine for those who value meaningful experiences over mere sightseeing.
Highlights:
- Off-the-beaten-path journeys and community-driven travel.
- Authentic storytelling that prioritizes connection and culture.
- Inspiring advice for travellers seeking transformative adventures.
5. Lonely Planet Magazine
Focus: Budget-friendly & adventure travel
Frequency: 12 issues per year
Website: www.lonelyplanet.com/magazine
Derived from the legendary guidebook brand, Lonely Planet Magazine combines inspiration with practical travel guidance—ideal for independent travellers and explorers.
Highlights:
- Destination guides tailored to every budget.
- First-hand advice from seasoned travel experts.
- Itineraries, photography, and storytelling that ignite adventure.
6. Departures
Focus: Luxury travel & exclusive experiences
Frequency: 6 issues per year
Website: www.departures.com
Departures caters to affluent readers seeking refined, one-of-a-kind experiences. From private resorts to fine dining and design-led escapes, it’s a portal to indulgent journeys.
Highlights:
- Luxury hotel and resort reviews worldwide.
- Insider guides to exclusive destinations and hidden retreats.
- Elegant visuals reflecting sophistication and taste.
7. Backpacker
Focus: Outdoor adventure & wilderness travel
Frequency: 9 issues per year
Website: www.backpacker.com
For adventure enthusiasts, Backpacker is a trusted resource for exploring nature’s wildest corners. It celebrates the spirit of exploration with trail guides, gear reviews, and inspiring outdoor stories.
Highlights:
- Detailed hiking routes and trail maps.
- Expert reviews of backpacks, tents, and outdoor gear.
- Motivational stories celebrating resilience and discovery.
8. Wanderlust
Focus: Independent and adventurous travel
Frequency: 13 issues per year
Website: www.wanderlust.co.uk
Founded by travellers for travellers, Wanderlust is one of the UK’s leading magazines promoting ethical and immersive exploration. It combines inspiration with practicality.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly travel ideas and hidden gems.
- Authentic storytelling from passionate explorers.
- Expert tips for sustainable, offbeat adventures.
9. Suitcase
Focus: Design-led & creative travel
Frequency: 4 issues per year
Website: www.suitcasemag.com
Suitcase blends travel with art, fashion, and culture. Each issue feels like a collectible coffee-table book—designed for aesthetes and creative travellers alike.
Highlights:
- Destination features through a creative lens.
- Interviews with photographers, artists, and influencers.
- Elegant visuals emphasizing style and cultural storytelling.
Comparative Table of the Best Travel Magazines
| Magazine | Focus | Frequency | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Traveler | Cultural immersion, sustainable travel | 6 / year | Stunning photography, in-depth features |
| Condé Nast Traveler | Luxury and boutique travel | 8 / year | Hotel reviews, insider destination guides |
| Travel + Leisure | Luxury and lifestyle travel | 12 / year | “World’s Best” awards, practical tips |
| Afar | Experiential, cultural immersion | 6 / year | Authentic experiences, local stories |
| Lonely Planet Magazine | Adventure & budget travel | 12 / year | Destination guides, expert itineraries |
| Departures | Luxury, exclusive experiences | 6 / year | High-end hotels, elegant design |
| Backpacker | Outdoor adventure | 9 / year | Trail guides, gear reviews, inspiring stories |
| Wanderlust | Independent travel | 13 / year | Offbeat destinations, travel tips |
| Suitcase | Design-led and boutique | 4 / year | Curated guides, artistic storytelling |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose the best travel magazine for me?
Identify your travel style—luxury, adventure, or cultural immersion—and select a magazine that aligns with your interests and budget.
2. Can I subscribe to travel magazines online?
Yes. Most magazines offer digital subscriptions through websites or apps, often bundled with print editions.
3. Are travel magazines still relevant in the digital age?
Absolutely. Travel magazines offer curated, reliable, and visually captivating content—something the internet’s fragmented information can’t match.
4. How often do travel magazines release new issues?
Publication frequency varies—typically between 4 and 13 issues per year. Refer to the comparative table above for exact details.
5. Can travel magazines help plan trips?
Yes. They include destination guides, itineraries, travel hacks, and insider tips that make trip planning more efficient and inspired.
Conclusion
Travel magazines remain a gateway to the world—combining storytelling, imagery, and expert insight to fuel the spirit of adventure.
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury escape, an eco-friendly exploration, or a thrilling hike off the grid, there’s a magazine perfectly tailored to your journey.
So, grab your favourite issue, explore new horizons, and let these publications guide your next great adventure—one page at a time.
