As 2026 is slowly but surely coming to an end, many people are already looking ahead. Travellers in particular are starting to become excited for 2027 and planning their next trips as airlines, train companies, and other industry stakeholders are announcing numerous novelties for the year to come.

National Geographic, too, is getting ready for 2027. The organisation has just published its yearly ‘Best Places in the World to Travel to’ list, featuring no less than 25 destinations across the world. From adventurers to cultural-minded city dwellers to culinary enthusiasts, the 2027 ranking features something for every kind of traveller.

“Our audience, and travellers in general, are looking for their travel to be meaningful and enriching in some way, so we also really look for places that deliver something that feels like it’s going to add to the experience and give you a bit more. People’s leisure time is so precious − it is one of those things that none of us feels we have enough of. That’s why I think our list is really focused on trying to find places that deliver that for people across a wide range of interests,” Nathan Lump, National Geographic editor-in-chief, told USA TODAY.

The 25 best places to visit in 2027

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In order to decide which destinations made the 2027 selection, National Geographic started by asking the question to its community. Writers, reporters, photographers, videographers, National Geographic explorers, editors, and staff members all submitted their favourite destinations for the year to come, which resulted in a list featuring hundreds of proposals. 

By carefully going through every submission, the National Geographic editors eventually managed to narrow it down to just 25 destinations. According to Lump, all finalists must have a certain wow factor to them, while the final list must show a good range of geographies, special interests, and passion points.

The 2027 list thus features destinations from across the world, from the US to Armenia and Japan. History fanatics can discover the birthplace of the American railroad, Baltimore, while creative wellness offerings await at Grenada.

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As far as Lump is concerned, the destination that stands out the most is Kuélap in northern Peru, a destination that only a few people have heard of. 

“Is a really interesting pre-Incan site that has only recently become more accessible to visitors. It was built by the Chachapoya people in about 500 BC, and it’s an incredible feat of engineering. They’ve got like human-shaped sarcophagi perched on a cliffside, and it’s like one of those really mysterious places that most people have probably never heard of It’s a really, really fascinating place,” he told USA TODAY.

National Geographic also gave its readers the chance to vote for a Readers’ Choice Best of the World destination. Catalina Island, located at an hour-long ferry ride from Long Beach in California, came out as the winner for 2027.

L’article National Geographic reveals the 25 best destinations to visit in 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. York, England

In York, a ghost can be a souvenir as well as the subject of a frightening story. The York Ghost Merchants, a shop selling small ghost sculptures, organises Ghost Week, which runs from 24 October to 1 November this year. Its programme includes storytelling, creative workshops and a Gothic tea dance in York Cemetery Chapel. Visitors can also join the free Little York Ghost Hunt on selected evenings, searching for miniature figures hidden around the city. It gives you a reason to look twice into those shadowy corners. Finding something you can take home is considerably more reassuring than meeting an actual ghost.

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2. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has a strong claim on Halloween visitors: this is the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the author who gave the world Dracula. The city celebrates that connection with the Bram Stoker Festival, running from 23 to 26 October 2026. The programme includes theatre, literary discussions and a parade, with events for families as well as fans of darker stories. It offers a chance to explore the writer’s legacy beyond the familiar image of a vampire in a cape. For a quieter encounter with the past, Glasnevin Cemetery offers a different perspective on the city through the lives of those buried there.

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3. Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania comes with a Halloween reputation that needs little introduction, but there is more to the region than plastic fangs. Bran Castle is its most recognisable vampire attraction, with towers and a rocky setting that help explain its popular association with Dracula. The connection needs a little care, though: Count Dracula is a fictional character, and Bram Stoker never visited Romania. The castle’s appeal lies in the mix of history and vampire legend. Beyond Bran, the medieval streets of Brașov and autumn forests of the Carpathian Mountains offer plenty of reasons to extend the trip. You can leave the cape in your suitcase for those outings.

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4. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges does not need to cover every building in cobwebs to create a Halloween setting. Its medieval streets and canals provide the atmosphere, particularly when explored after dark. Night tours introduce visitors to local legends and the more unsettling stories behind the city’s romantic appearance. Among them is a tale of a water ghost associated with the Lake of Love, giving that reassuring name a rather different meaning. Travellers who prefer museum displays to ghost stories can visit the Torture Museum, although its subject matter makes this a less gentle option. Afterwards, returning to the lights of the city’s squares may feel especially welcome.

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5. Prague, Czech Republic

In Prague, even the clock has a reminder that your time is running out. A skeleton representing Death forms part of the Astronomical Clock’s mechanical display, alongside its procession of apostles. Elsewhere, the city’s stories draw on alchemy, a historical practice that mixed early experiments with beliefs about transforming metals and discovering the secrets of life. For an excursion outside Prague, visitors can explore the folklore surrounding Houska Castle, north of the city. According to legend, its chapel covers an opening to hell, supposedly sealing dangerous creatures beneath the building. That is a supernatural story rather than an established account of its construction, but it certainly gives visitors something to think about while looking at the floor.

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6. Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry is an option for travellers who would rather join the Halloween celebrations than spend the evening waiting for something to jump out at them. Its annual festival brings performances, costumes and illuminated displays into the streets, with activities designed for different ages. Celtic folklore helps shape the celebrations, giving the spectacle a connection to the season’s older traditions. The carnival parade takes place on 31 October, turning Halloween night into a shared city celebration. Families can look for suitable activities in the programme, while groups of friends have an excuse to make dressing up part of the trip. Here, the other visitors are as much a part of the atmosphere as the setting.

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7. Copenhagen, Denmark

For those whose ideal Halloween involves more pumpkins than nightmares, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens offers a gentler starting point. Its Halloween season runs from 2 October to 1 November 2026, combining autumn decorations with the historic amusement park’s rides and seasonal stalls. It suits a visit built around browsing, eating and enjoying the displays, with a few rides between stops. After dark, the Tivoli Lake becomes the setting for Halloween Illuminations, a show combining lasers, fire, smoke and water with music. The evening spectacle gives visitors a reason to stay beyond daylight, even if haunted corridors hold little appeal.

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Choosing where to go depends on what you want from a Halloween break. York, Dublin and Derry offer organised celebrations, while Transylvania and Prague invite visitors to explore the places behind enduring legends. Bruges lends itself to an atmospheric evening walk, and Copenhagen combines seasonal displays with amusement park entertainment. Check individual event dates and booking requirements before travelling, as some celebrations take place before Halloween itself. The hardest decision may be whether to pack a costume or leave room for a ghost souvenir.

L’article Ghost hunts and vampire legends: Seven European escapes for Halloween 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail traverses northern Ibaraki Prefecture, connecting satoyama and communities. It has been seven years in the making, since the project was launched in 2019 by Ibaraki Prefecture. The Hitachinokuni Trail Club, a volunteer organisation of about 1,000 members, played a central role in developing it, restoring old and abandoned paths and opening new ones alongside existing mountain trails, hiking and cycling routes.

“The route has turned out to be one that allows people to experience the beauty of Ibaraki to the fullest,” Ibaraki Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa said at the opening ceremony in Hitachiomiya on 19 September.

The trail already appears to have captured walkers’ imaginations. In a 2025 poll by the Japan Long Trail Association, it was voted the trail people most wanted to walk among the organisation’s 29 member routes.

Definitely more than “simply hiking towards a destination”, as the official site promises visitors, the trail crosses a vast range of attractions. It connects Kitaibaraki, Takahagi, Hitachi, Hitachiota, Hitachiomiya and Daigo, passing through lush forests and satoyama landscapes, those traditional rural areas shaped over generations by the coexistence of people and nature, where mountains and woodland sit alongside rice fields, meadows, ponds, and villages.

As the trail is not very elevated and not overly affected by snowfall, much of it is walkable all year round.

Some sections are, however, more difficult, such as the Central Area in the Yamizo mountain range, on the northern edge of Daigo. Those who do hike it will be rewarded with magnificent views of Fukuroda Falls, the rocky peaks of Okukuji Nantaiyama, and Ryujinkyo Gorge.

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The northeastern section offers peaks such as Eizomuro and Hanazono Yama but also stretches of coastline and beaches. It takes walkers through the region’s history on the ancient Salt Road and past the Edo-era Jukkokubori Canal.

In the southeastern area, open since 2024, the route begins in Hananuki Valley before climbing Mount Tsuchidake, past waterfalls and castle ruins, to reach the Kuji River.

Every section offers hikers another angle on Japan’s culture and history, and the communities that shaped them. Travellers can talk to locals, discover the region’s many faces, from space exploration to mythology and prayer, traditional crafts and fermentation culture, taste regional specialities, and revel in the surrounding nature.

The trail also highlights the difference between hiking and climbing. Whereas the end goal of climbing is to reach the top of a mountain, when hiking, the journey really is the goal.

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Hikers might even get to feel a little like characters in Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood, wandering for hours through mountains and woods with no great urgency about reaching anywhere in particular.

Long walks form an integral part of Japanese cultural and spiritual history and predate the modern enthusiasm for hiking as wellness tourism by centuries. From the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network to the Shikoku pilgrimage, people have been walking such routes for more than 1,000 years.

There is obviously no obligation to undertake the entire 350 km in one go. The whole point is to take it slowly, each at their own pace, choosing whichever part best fits their interests and physical ability.

“Walking a long trail stimulates all five senses,” adventure racer and trail ambassador Yoki Tanaka said at the opening. “Even scenery that might pass unnoticed in everyday life can reveal something new when your perspective or pace changes.”

L’article Japan’s longest loop trail opens across 350 km of Ibaraki est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The national park extends well beyond the 205-hectare Tervuren Park beside the AfricaMuseum. Its designation brings nature, heritage, agriculture and tourism into a shared regional project, with a long-term plan to strengthen, expand and connect natural habitats.

A landscape connected by nature and history

Brabantse Wouden’s masterplan covers the period 2024–2048, with particular attention to rare and sensitive animal and plant species. Connecting habitats involves both extending natural areas and reducing the barriers created by roads and other infrastructure.

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Agriculture also has a place in this landscape, through sustainable local food production and practices that support biodiversity. The partnership involves twelve municipalities, including Tervuren, with cooperation addressing issues such as drought and flooding.

Alongside its forests and valleys, the national park encompasses a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of settlement. Beersel Castle, dating from the 14^th century, is one example of the heritage found across the wider area.

Tervuren’s gateway to the Sonian Forest

Tervuren’s connection to the national park centres on the Sonian Forest, known in Dutch as the Zoniënwoud. Its avenues and branching paths provide options for short walks and longer excursions, with Tervuren Park forming one of its Flemish gateways.

Five strictly protected areas within the forest received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017 as components of the transnational site, Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe. This designation applies to those specific reserves, rather than the entire forest or national park.

De Warandepoort visitor centre provides information for planning local excursions. During autumn, changing foliage adds a seasonal dimension to the walking routes around Tervuren, from pond-side paths to woodland trails.

A walking itinerary through the arboretum

Established in 1902, Tervuren’s geographical arboretum brings together trees and forest types arranged according to their geographical origins. The collection offers a different perspective on woodland, placing forest communities from different regions within a single walking destination.

The approximately seven-kilometre Royal Walk provides a structured itinerary through the Tervuren arboretum. Sequoias from western North America and araucarias from the Andes are among its distinctive trees.

The route can form the main excursion of a day focused on woodland, with a separate park walk or museum visit adding a cultural element.

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Combining parkland with architectural heritage

Tervuren Park brings together French gardens, ponds and wooded avenues on the former hunting grounds of the Dukes of Brabant. The 5.5-kilometre Warande Walk passes the AfricaMuseum, Africa Palace and Chapel of St Hubert, linking the estate’s natural surroundings with its historical landmarks. It features among six routes for discovering Tervuren on foot.

The baroque chapel dates from 1617, while the remains of the ducal palace recall the estate’s earlier role as a residence. The Africa Palace, formerly the Palais des Colonies, was built for the Brussels International Exposition of 1897. Today’s AfricaMuseum occupies a separate building inaugurated by King Albert I on 30 April 1910.

The exhibition’s collections formed the basis of a permanent museum established in 1898. Today, the institution combines scientific research with exhibitions on Central Africa’s societies, history and natural environments. Its reopening in 2018 followed five years of renovation.

Exploring beyond Tervuren

For a first visit, choosing the Royal Walk or Warande Walk as the main excursion creates a manageable day itinerary. A shorter alternative follows the 1.5-kilometre AfricaMuseum promenade between the museum and Tervuren’s church, with nine information panels explaining the institution’s connection to the town.

Longer stays allow time to explore the national park’s other landscapes, from Hallerbos near Halle to Meerdaalwoud and the Dijle Valley near Leuven. Tervuren provides an introduction to a regional destination whose forests, waterways, farmland and heritage can be explored over several outings.

L’article Discovering Brabantse Wouden National Park through Tervuren est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The legendary Bayeux Tapestry made its highly anticipated public debut at the British Museum on 10 September, marking the first time the 11^th-century masterpiece has been displayed in the UK.

The approximately 68-metre-long embroidered work depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

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Demand to see it has been extraordinary. The initial ticket release generated queues lasting several hours, with the exhibition setting a new British Museum record for tickets sold in a single day.

The museum is itself one of London’s top attractions, many of which can be seen during a tour of the UK capital aboard a classic London double-decker bus.

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Afternoon tea on the move

One of the more novel tours is operated by Brigit’s Bakery. The difference is that passengers can also enjoy another Great British tradition: afternoon tea.

The experience offers the chance to soak up the city’s culture, history and famous landmarks from a classic Routemaster bus.

The tours started in 2013 and last around 90 minutes. Setting off from Victoria, passengers are soon immersed in the history of London and Britain, passing places such as Knightsbridge, home to the world-famous Harrods and some of the most expensive property in the country.

The route also passes the Albert Memorial, dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband and located opposite another London landmark, the Royal Albert Hall.

Three major museums can also be seen along the way, including the Science Museum.

It is good fun and a pleasant way to take in some of the city’s most famous sights.

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A taste of India at Bulbul

After traipsing around one of the world’s great cities, you will most likely have worked up quite an appetite. If you enjoy Indian food, one of the capital’s newest additions is Bulbul.

Having opened this summer, the restaurant in Blackfriars is the first London venture from Indian restaurateurs Rohan D’Souza and Twinkle Keswani.

Its location alone is fascinating, just around the corner from famous Fleet Street, once the home of the UK’s newspaper industry, and close to the offices of some major companies and law firms.

A great deal of time and effort has clearly been invested in the restaurant, extending even to authentic furniture and design elements sourced from India.

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The minute you venture down the steps, you are greeted by an impressive water fountain, creating a sense of entering the courtyard of an Indian house.

The décor features a large ceiling mirror that lends depth to the space, while bespoke carpets come from Jaipur Rugs. Bulbul also features a private dining room for celebrations and special gatherings.

The eye-catching uniforms worn by staff were created by Mumbai fashion label Papa Don’t Preach.

But, of course, any newcomer to London’s highly competitive restaurant scene is ultimately judged on its food and drink.

Cocktails are taken seriously here, with the drinks designed to complement the food and draw inspiration from different regions, ingredients and culinary traditions across India.

Dishes include Jim Corbett Hunter’s Murgh Mussallam, rustic Mughlai chicken slow-cooked with warm whole spices, and Nilgiri Beef Short Rib Korma, slow-braised beef short ribs enriched with coriander, mint and aromatic spices.

Some dishes have been named after members of D’Souza’s family and are marked as such on the menu.

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Those who prefer less spicy food can also find plenty to choose from, with the wider menu showcasing the considerable diversity of Indian cuisine.

Bulbul is the first UK restaurant from D’Souza, whose hospitality portfolio includes ventures across India.

Together with Keswani, named Young Restaurateur of the Year by India’s Economic Times in 2023, D’Souza aims to offer “vibrant small plates, inventive cocktails and immersive design”.

The pair developed their menu after travelling across India, drawing inspiration from regional cooks, home kitchens and local markets and exploring recipes and techniques that rarely travel beyond their places of origin.

The team also includes experienced restaurant consultant Rajesh Suri, formerly of Grand Trunk Road, who played a key role in the opening.

Launching a restaurant in London’s crowded culinary landscape is no small undertaking, particularly at a time of economic uncertainty.

But a visit to Bulbul offers a journey through, and celebration of, the diversity of Indian cuisine.

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Historic stay at Paddington

Of course, any visit to this ever-bustling city deserves at least one or two nights, and one option is the ideally located Hilton London Paddington.

The hotel first opened in 1854 and is steeped in history, having been designed as the grand façade of Paddington Station.

The historic property has been undergoing a major multi-million-pound renovation of its guestrooms, ballrooms and interiors, designed to preserve its Victorian character and Art Deco spirit while introducing contemporary comforts.

Original architectural details have been restored and complemented by bespoke Art Deco-inspired furnishings, refined fixtures and carefully reupholstered heritage pieces.

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Bold geometric motifs, refined tilework and layered textures sit alongside contemporary elements, creating a balance between the building’s historic character and modern design.

One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is the lobby’s grand European crystal chandelier, which remains a focal point of the property.

Its event spaces include the Great Western Suite ballrooms. Great Western I and Great Western II, named after iconic locomotives, are light-filled, pillar-free rooms featuring classic architectural detailing and Venetian chandeliers.

The spaces can be combined for large-scale conferences and celebrations or used independently for more intimate gatherings.

With its ongoing transformation, Hilton London Paddington is seeking to reinforce its position as a heritage hotel combining historic architecture with modern hospitality.

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Публикация от Jennifer Tuffen | London Travel Blogger (@izkiz)

Location is another major advantage. Sitting above Paddington railway station, the hotel provides easy access to the Heathrow Express and five Underground lines.

Guests also have Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens within easy reach, while the hotel offers dining, a fitness centre and an executive lounge.

London calling

With history buffs currently in their element thanks to the Bayeux Tapestry, there is no shortage of reasons to visit London this autumn and winter.

A major cultural event, a new addition to the capital’s Indian dining scene and a historic hotel undergoing a significant transformation offer three very different ways to experience the UK capital.

L’article Bayeux Tapestry leads the reasons to visit London this autumn est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As the season returns to the Northern Hemisphere, satellite images captured in 2024 offer a striking view of this annual transformation. Published by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA’s Earth Observatory, they reveal autumn landscapes across Europe, the United States and Mongolia.

Shorter days and falling temperatures prompt many deciduous trees to slow and eventually stop producing chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for their green colour. As it breaks down, other pigments become more visible, creating the shades associated with autumn.

Gold and bronze across Europe

A series of images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission captures autumn foliage in three European regions: Italy’s Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the mountains along the border between North Macedonia and Greece, and Romania’s southeastern Carpathians.

Taken in October 2024, the images show forests shifting from green to golden-brown. All three regions support European beech, Fagus sylvatica, whose autumn foliage forms expansive gold and bronze canopies visible from orbit.

Along the North Macedonia–Greece border, the colours extend across the Baba Mountains and Pelister National Park towards northern Greece’s Verno/Vitsi mountains. European beech predominates at higher elevations, while oak grows at middle and lower altitudes.

Michigan’s colourful mitten

Across the Atlantic, Michigan’s Lower Peninsula offers another distinctive autumn scene. Nicknamed “the mitten” because of its shape, it appears in an image captured by the NOAA-20 satellite on 19 October 2024 and published by NASA’s Earth Observatory.

Maples bring reds and oranges to the northern Lower Peninsula, while aspen and larch add yellow. Evergreen conifers provide a green backdrop. The timing varies by location and year, but Michigan’s autumn colours generally begin appearing in mid to late September and can linger into late October.

Mongolia’s forests turn yellow

Around Lake Hövsgöl in northern Mongolia, the seasonal shift is especially clear in NASA’s comparison images. Views captured on 17 August and 26 September 2024 show green forests becoming golden, with snow already visible on nearby mountain ridges.

The surrounding forests consist mainly of Siberian larch, Larix sibirica. Unlike evergreen conifers, these trees turn yellow and shed their needles in autumn.

Autumn is brief in this part of Mongolia. Ice can begin forming on Lake Hövsgöl as early as November and persist into June, leaving a short window between the forests’ golden display and the long winter ahead.

L’article What autumn looks like seen from space est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Post Office priced the same eight purchases in every destination. They include a coffee, local beer, soft drink, glass of wine, bottled water, suncream and insect repellent. The eighth purchase is a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine. Prices came from tourist offices where possible, with online research used elsewhere. The totals were converted into pounds for the original ranking. The euro figures below are approximate conversions using the European Central Bank’s reference rate for 28 September 2026.

Cape Town takes first place, with the eight purchases costing around €67.89 in total. Mombasa, Kenya, follows at €74.21, putting two African destinations at the top of the ranking. Tokyo is third at €77.82, although it offers a different kind of winter break from a warm beach destination. The top ten also includes places in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

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The ten cheapest destinations in the Post Office’s published table are:

1. Cape Town, South Africa: €67.89
2. Mombasa, Kenya: €74.21
3. Tokyo, Japan: €77.82
4. Colombo, Sri Lanka: €87.18
5. Phuket, Thailand: €89.05
6. Algarve, Portugal: €96.00
7. Costa del Sol, Spain: €97.43
8. Tenerife, Canary Islands: €101.95
9. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: €104.59
10. Penang, Malaysia: €104.67

The gap between the two ends of the ranking is substantial. In Scarborough, Tobago, the same basket costs approximately €168.04. That is €100.15 more than in Cape Town for the eight purchases combined. It does not mean every meal or drink in Tobago costs more than twice as much. Visitors may spend differently depending on where they eat and shop, but the basket shows how much these selected costs can vary.

Asian destinations fill three of the top five places. Tokyo is the cheapest Asian destination in the survey, ahead of Colombo and Phuket. Its high position may surprise travellers looking specifically for warmth. Tokyo is a city break with a distinct winter season, rather than a tropical beach destination. Its place in the ranking reflects the cost of the purchases surveyed, not how suitable the weather is for sunbathing.

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The Algarve is the cheapest European destination surveyed and ranks sixth overall. Spain’s Costa del Sol follows in seventh place, with Tenerife in eighth. These places offer European travellers alternatives to the longer journeys needed to reach the top five. Their winter weather varies, however. The Algarve and Costa del Sol generally offer mild conditions, while Tenerife is known for warmer winter weather.

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Punta Cana is the only Caribbean destination in the top ten. The Post Office places it just ahead of Penang, with around eight euro cents separating their converted basket totals. At the expensive end of the survey, Scarborough is followed by St George’s, Grenada, at approximately €155.83. Funchal, Madeira, is next at approximately €151.11. Those figures cover the same eight purchases as the top-ten list.

For someone booking from Belgium, the basket is only one part of the budget. The euro amounts are conversions of prices collected for a UK survey, rather than prices collected separately for Belgian travellers. Flights, hotels, local transport and activities are not included. A long-haul destination with cheaper meals and drinks could still cost more for the whole trip than a European destination lower down the ranking. Travel dates and the length of the stay will also affect that comparison.

L’article Planning a winter escape? These are the best-value destinations in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The cathedral city of Hereford was once an important military centre. That was a few centuries ago but, today, Herefordshire is a real leader in other ways, from innovation and championing local products to the sheer friendliness of its people.

Here are 10 reasons to put Herefordshire on your travel list.

1. Start the day in style

As you’re in England, what better way to start the day than by sampling some of the county’s best produce, including a full English breakfast, perhaps?

There are a couple of spots well worth trying, including the lovely Castle House Hotel in Hereford, whose wholesome breakfast offering is open to both guests and non-guests. It also has an interesting Benelux connection, having once been owned by Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands.

Away from the county’s main city, you’ll find the terrific, multi-award-winning Lowe Farm B&B, set in the rolling Herefordshire countryside and celebrating its 30th anniversary next year.

The place is lovingly overseen by Juliet Williams, a larger-than-life character who serves up delicious and healthy breakfasts sourced almost entirely from local products and producers.

Juliet, who is nearing 70 but remains full of energy and enthusiasm for what she does, has welcomed a staggering 27,000 guests since opening, including the Spanish ambassador to the UK and coachloads of Japanese tourists. Some 60% are repeat visitors, a clear sign of the quality of service she provides.

Juliet and her husband Clive also boast a minor Belgian connection: the best man at their wedding was from Belgium. She takes great pride in sourcing her products locally and cooking with healthy ingredients, some sourced from the same local butcher used by famous TV chef James Martin.

2. Discover Hereford’s history

2026 marks the 1,350th anniversary of the Hereford diocese and the city oozes history.

One must-visit attraction is Hereford Cathedral, dating back to Saxon times, and its Mappa Mundi, one of the world’s unique medieval treasures. Constructed on a single sheet of vellum more than 700 years ago, the map shows how the world was interpreted by scholars at the time.

Look closely and you’ll spot Ghent on the map in the Europe section, curiously located in the bottom left of the world.

Close by is the equally wonderful Chained Library, home to some 229 medieval manuscripts and more than 1,200 early printed books. It is the largest library of its kind to survive with all its chains, rods and locks intact.

The magnificent cathedral is also home to impressive architecture, a mighty Willis organ, stained glass, including a tribute to the UK’s SAS, which is based locally, and numerous works of art. It is all brought to life by a 400-strong team of volunteers who are passionate about what they do.

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A short walk away is Hereford’s historic Town Hall, home to the current Lady Mayor, something of a rarity as there have only been seven women mayors in the city’s entire history.

Tours are available, offering an insight into Hereford’s rich history and a reminder that its castle was once second only in size to Windsor.

The city boasts another proud record: along with the City of London, it has never been defeated in battle.

There is also another historical connection to Belgium. In the council chamber, where the mayor presides over meetings, a framed and unusual Union Jack hangs above one of the doors, featuring a central shield with a French inscription.

The inscription reads: “Expression of our gratitude to our benefactors Mr & Mrs GB Greenland and members of the Committee – Belgian refugees in Hereford, Nov 9th 1915.”

Following the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914, roughly 250,000 Belgian refugees fled to Britain. Hereford City Council holds the distinction of being the first British city to officially step forward and offer hospitality and sanctuary to displaced Belgian families.

On 9 November 1915, Belgian refugees living in Hereford presented a silk flag to Mayor G.B. Greenland as a permanent token of friendship and “immense gratitude” for the local community’s safe housing and kindness.

Tours of the Town Hall are overseen by the entertaining Scotsman John Marshall, the Mayor’s Officer. He is responsible for looking after some serious silverware, including the 349-year-old Civic Sword, mayoral robes, including one used in Queen Victoria’s coronation, and the mayoral golden chain, which dates from the 1800s.

There’s precious little that the very likeable John doesn’t know about Hereford and its rich history. Like so many others in the county, he genuinely loves his job, so much so that he is happy to extend his planned retirement to continue doing it.

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Публикация от Jon Simpson (@just.jon.simpson)

3. Meet the local artisans

Whisky production in a traditional cider county? Well, yes, and very good it is too.

At least that is the case at Rosemaund Farm Distillery, which has recently been brought back under family ownership. Described as the “largest little distillery in Herefordshire”, the site, formerly home to Chase Distillery, is a real hive of activity and has just marked its latest release, “The Director’s Cut”.

The sprawling site even boasts a touch of Hollywood glitz, as world-famous film director Guy Ritchie is involved with his Wild Kitchen/Wild Table concept, an outdoor cooking and dining experience where a full meal can be enjoyed after a tour of the impressive whisky-making operation.

Criss-crossing some of the county’s marvellous, meandering country roads leads to another laudable local artisan: Monkland Cheese Dairy.

It was run for more than three decades by Mark and Karen Hindle, who now operate the adjacent café, while former chef Dean Storey owns the dairy, makes the cheeses and runs tours.

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While the French may be world-renowned for their cheeses, here’s proof, if it were needed, that the Brits can do the job just as well.

Public tours offer the chance to see up close how its delicious cheeses are made, partly using an impressive Dutch Gouda vat capable of holding 1,000 litres of cow’s milk.

4. Enjoy a spot of lunch

Back in Hereford, the county’s entrepreneurial spirit is certainly alive and kicking at The Yard, a collective of small-scale eateries.

Overseeing things are two go-ahead brothers, Edwin and Dorian Kirk, who offer vital mentoring to would-be local start-ups.

Ed says: “We help people who are just starting out to build up their own business and become owners themselves. In a way, it is all about achieving their dreams, just as me and Dorian have managed to do.”

After trekking around all morning, it’s a great place for a filling, tasty but affordable light lunch, be it pizza, a burger or steak, accompanied by one of the local ales.

As with so many places here, it is all about cutting food miles and “buying local”, with much of the food sourced directly from local producers.

If you happen to visit in late October, the space transforms for Oktoberfest, complete with Bavarian beers and music.

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5. Try your hand at pottery

One of the reasons this county is described as a hidden gem is its welcoming locals, including Jon Williams and Sarah Monk, who run Eastnor Pottery.

Having met at art school in Bath, the couple moved to “idyllic” Herefordshire, where they live and work on the Eastnor Castle estate, offering enjoyable potter’s wheel experiences alongside making their own ceramics.

It’s an opportunity to get hands-on with one of the county’s creative traditions and experience another side of rural Herefordshire.

6. Explore Eastnor Castle

After having fun on the potter’s wheel, make time to admire Eastnor Castle, home of the Hervey-Bathurst family, with lavish interiors containing medieval armour, fine art and yet another reminder of Belgium.

This comes in the shape of impressive Belgian tapestries, including three from Bruges in the Staircase Hall and more in the Gothic Dining Room.

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James Hervey-Bathurst, the current owner, moved here with his family in 1989, but his family have been there since 1949 and have ancestral links to the original owners going back centuries.

He recalls: “We were presented with a wonderful but daunting challenge.”

That’s a reference to the rundown state of the property, which has since been restored to its former glory.

Before leaving, take a look in the grounds at something you might not expect to see in rural England: a segment of the Berlin Wall.

James bought the three-metre-high, 2.6-tonne section last year and had it shipped to the UK. He hopes its presence, close to the deer park, reminds visitors of how conflict can divide people and communities, a message as relevant today as ever.

7. Discover more of the countryside

You need to allow time to fully experience everything this county has to offer.

Time and energy permitting, there’s plenty more to keep visitors busy, including Black Mountain Adventure near Brecon, Canwood Gallery, a contemporary art space, and the many farm shops dotted across the landscape.

These include Oakchurch, just the place to stock up on some lovely local produce before heading home.

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Публикация от Black Mountain Adventure (@blackmountainadventure)

8. Taste the local food scene

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sampling the county’s wonderful local produce, whether in the north, south, east or west.

In the south, at Woolhope, for instance, is The Crown, a terrific pub and restaurant run by another friendly Herefordian, Annalisa Slocombe.

The recently refurbished eatery serves a mix of pub classics, including good old fish and chips, along with local beers.

Located in a tiny village of around 200 residents, the menu is constantly evolving. But, as Annalisa explains, favourites such as steak remain “to avoid a customer revolt”. From the end of this month, she hopes to have eight en-suite rooms available too.

Cricket lovers will feel at home here, with plenty of memorabilia on the walls, including a bat used at the England v New Zealand Test in 1999 and a collection of Wisden books dating back to 1988.

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Another great place, this time back in Hereford, is The Beefy Boys. Hereford was the first location in what has become a fast-growing chain, with its latest restaurant scheduled to open in Cambridge later this month.

The county is renowned worldwide for the quality of its beef and that, along with great service, is one reason why the burgers here stand out. The meat is sourced from a single local farm.

The Beefy Boys story started in Hereford and the venue has expanded in recent years to accommodate up to 250 people.

Assistant General Manager Kai says: “Even midweek it’s bustling here and we’re still growing.”

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Not too far away, to the east, is L’Ecole des Amis, which serves refined French cuisine in a beautifully restored old schoolhouse.

At the helm are Cedric L’Herbier, who hails from Le Touquet in France, and Bruce Havard.

Cedric, who has more than 40 years’ experience in the restaurant trade in both the UK and France, recalls how the rundown building was badly in need of “some TLC” when they acquired it.

A rapid restoration, completed in just 12 months, has resulted in a lovely, informal place to enjoy top-class cuisine that Cedric describes as “unsophisticated and unpretentious”.

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They change a couple of dishes every few weeks and there is also a brasserie-style lunch menu.

On opening night, an estimated 80% of customers travelled from where Cedric previously worked in another part of the county, about 18 miles away, and he and Bruce continue to command a loyal customer base.

It is largely down to the fresh food, cooked with real care, which makes one Frenchman glad that he took the plunge for “one last adventure” in his working life.

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9. Stay in the Herefordshire countryside

If you enjoy peace and quiet, with a few animals for company, Pudleston Court could be the place for you.

Nestled in 50 acres of beautiful private parkland, it’s hard to imagine you are just a few kilometres from the busy town of Leominster.

It is home to seven holiday lets, five of which are original estate buildings, formerly used for everything from housing geese to a rifle range, and all have been carefully refurbished.

One, the delightful Meadow View, is a barn conversion sleeping up to six people with its own private pool. It boasts underfloor heating, three bedrooms, a log-burning stove and a delightful terrace.

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Don’t be surprised if, on arrival, you are greeted by some curious “locals”: peacocks roam freely around the estate, while charming young alpacas can be found in a nearby field.

There is also another connection to the Heijn family, who formerly owned the property. The current owner is a Swiss woman who fell in love with it after reading an article about it in Country Life magazine.

She had always dreamed of owning her own English castle and this was her chance to do just that.

She has overseen a careful restoration that is still ongoing, with future plans including expansion into the corporate market through company stays, board meetings and training days.

Approached via those unique meandering roads, where the only hold-up is likely to be cattle crossing, this is a genuine oasis of peace and tranquillity in an increasingly hectic world.

And there’s yet another Belgian connection: Rhi Baines, the Chief Operating Officer, has fond memories of Belgium after celebrating her 21^st birthday in Brussels.

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10. Enjoy a road trip from mainland Europe

It could hardly be easier for people travelling by car from mainland Europe, including Belgium. Once off the ferry or shuttle, motorways cover much of the journey to Herefordshire.

After navigating the M25 around London, travellers can continue via the M40 and Gloucester or the M40 and Worcester.

There are no motorways in Herefordshire itself, however, so allow a little extra time for getting around.

It all adds up to a great getaway, whatever the time of year. Pay a visit and it’s easy to see why this pretty part of England is described as a “hidden gem”.

One excellent way of finding out more about this creative county is through Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, a leading independent destination marketing company.

It supports Herefordshire’s food and drink businesses, accommodation providers, activities, leisure venues and events, while also promoting the county’s craftspeople, creatives and artisans.

L’article 10 reasons to discover Herefordshire, England’s ‘hidden gem’ est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The two tour operators frame the collaboration around a shared mission of “exploring the world and leaving it better than they found it”. That mindset is at the heart of the itineraries, which are designed to pique travellers’ interest and curiosity and help them gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

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It is an ambitious programme, one that only companies with such complementary expertise, and years in the field to back it up, could pull off: science and storytelling for National Geographic, and community-rooted tourism for G Adventures.

Twenty-four of the new or updated itineraries are new National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, while six are updated National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures.

The trips span the globe and encompass a wide range of experiences, including city breaks, nature retreats, culture-steeped itineraries, and wildlife encounters. Destinations include the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, the vineyards of France, and the Christmas markets of Central Europe.

Among the most anticipated new journeys is the eight-day Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands itinerary, which focuses on the archipelago’s extraordinary wildlife. Travellers will meet conservationists working to protect the islands, spend time with researchers at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and go on a boat excursion with a naturalist.

Other highlights include visiting an organic farm to learn about local crops and snorkelling off the shores of an uninhabited island.

For families, the nine-day Peru Family Journey could become a winner. The Amazon & Machu Picchu, open to children aged seven and over, combines rainforest wildlife with Inca history. Activities include exploring Machu Picchu with a local guide before heading out into the Amazon at night to spot nocturnal creatures or observe the southern sky through telescopes at the Cusco Planetarium.

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Exotic, however, does not necessarily mean far from home. A special journey has been designed for the Christmas season, taking travellers from Prague to Budapest with stops in Český Krumlov and Bratislava, as well as a day trip to Vienna. Highlights include a Czech cooking class, a Danube dinner cruise and a chocolate-making workshop. Glühwein is generously provided throughout the journey, which should be enough to convince the unconvinced.

For those who want the Wein without the Glüh, another eight-day tour of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux might be just the thing. Travellers will visit France’s most famous castles, including Chenonceau. A local historian will be on hand to guide visitors as they make their way through the castle, sharing its rich history and, hopefully, some of the lesser-known tales that have been passed down over the years. 

The trip is punctuated by wine tastings that ground the trip in place, In vino veritas, after all, as travellers make their way from the banks of the Cher to the ancient catacombs of Saint-Émilion, discovering the region’s grapes, and its people, along the way.

@gadventures

It’s official: National Geographic Signature with G Adventures is HERE! See the world through National Geographic’s iconic lens with this all-new collection of refined itineraries that reveal a world unseen. Travel with a National Geographic Expedition Expert, a leading specialist whose insight brings each place vividly to life. Unlock rare access to places few travellers ever see, with invite-only experiences beyond the guidebook. Experience Signature Moments — exclusive, expert-led encounters rooted in National Geographic storytelling and closed to the public. Enjoy five-star hospitality in extraordinary, story-rich properties that feel like living history, chosen for their distinctive spirit. Explore with peace of mind thanks to seamless planning, 24/7 support, and Guaranteed Departures. Travel with purpose, with every tour directly supporting local communities and showcasing travel’s power to be a force for good. Joining Journeys and Family Journeys in our collection of National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures, Signature represents the next chapter in a partnership shaped by curiosity, discovery, and a love for our world. Bookings are now open for early 2027 departures. Explore what’s ahead via the link in our bio. Discover National Geographic Signature. Discover A World Revealed.

♬ original sound – G Adventures

Asia gets its share of adventure, too. The 12-day Southeast Asia Family Journey whisks families from Hanoi to Siem Reap, through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Children and adults alike can cruise through Ha Long Bay, learn how to cook Vietnamese food, try their hand at making authentic noodles and even pick up some circus skills in Cambodia during a workshop with Phare, the Cambodian Circus.

There is quite a lot of cooking involved, but food is, after all, a universally recognised way of bringing people together across cultures and generations.

L’article National Geographic Expeditions and G Adventures unveil 30 new itineraries est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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The list was created with travel forecasting company Globetrender and draws on information from local guides, tourism boards and Intrepid teams in 35 countries. Destinations had to receive fewer visitors than comparable places and possess enough infrastructure to accommodate growth. New flights, railway links, tourism projects and cultural events were also considered. The report is not a scientific ranking, but combines available data with local knowledge and editorial judgement. “If we want tourism to continue to be a force for good, we need to constantly rethink how and where we travel,” Intrepid’s general manager of experiences Erica Kritikides said.

Samburu National Reserve leads the list as a quieter alternative to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. It receives around 30,000 to 40,000 visitors annually, roughly one-tenth of the Maasai Mara’s total. Travellers can search for the “Samburu Special Five”, which include Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk. Community-led tourism also helps fund conservation and local services. Second-placed Mestia is a Georgian mountain town surrounded by the traditional villages and medieval defensive towers of UNESCO-listed Upper Svaneti. Improved access and tourism investment are positioning the area as a year-round base for hiking and skiing.

@mandy.hrr Underrated & Unforgettable: Why Samburu National Park Is Kenya’s Best-Kept Secret Far from the crowds, Samburu offers an exclusive safari with rare wildlife like the elegant gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx – the “Samburu Special Five.” Add elephants, leopards, and striking desert scenery, and you’ve got a truly wild adventure. #SamburuNationalPark #HiddenGemKenya #SafariSecrets #SpecialFive #UntamedAfrica #WildlifeWonder #BucketListTravel #SaveThisPost #AfricanAdventure #TravelInspo #Safari #Kenya #Kenyasafari #kenia ♬ sonido original – KiaraMarBalto

Jordan’s Northern Highlands occupy third place and show a greener side of a country usually associated with Petra and Wadi Rum. The region combines Roman remains, forest reserves and mountain paths. Whitehorse in Canada’s Yukon follows in fourth place, with northern lights, hiking and winter activities among its attractions. A new Arctic tourism initiative is developing community-led cultural, wildlife and adventure experiences. Guided activities can also introduce visitors to the history and traditions of Yukon First Nations.

Alonnisos in Greece takes fifth place after welcoming about 70,000 visitors in 2024, compared with approximately 500,000 on nearby Skiathos. The island lies within Europe’s largest marine protected area, which provides an important habitat for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Visitors can also explore the Peristera shipwreck, presented as Greece’s first underwater museum. Investments in recycling, desalination, renewable energy and biowaste management are intended to support more sustainable development.

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Dili in Timor-Leste occupies sixth place as new air connections make one of Southeast Asia’s least-visited countries easier to reach. The capital provides access to reefs, beaches and mountains, while its Tais Market showcases the country’s traditional woven cloth. Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail follows in seventh place. The 300-kilometre route has 22 stages crossing tea estates, forests and rural communities. Tourism spending can reach local guides, farmers, cafés, craftspeople and guesthouses along the way.

Liepāja, Latvia, is eighth and will host more than 500 events as a European Capital of Culture in 2027. Its Baltic beach, musical heritage and former military district offer reasons to travel beyond Riga. Chile’s Carretera Austral takes ninth place and runs for 1,240 kilometres through the fjords, glaciers and forests of northern Patagonia. Dalsland completes the list with lakes, forests, kayaking, cycling and wild camping. A direct Malmö–Oslo railway service introduced in 2026 has made the Swedish region easier to access. It received around 320,000 visitors in 2025, compared with almost 16 million for Stockholm.

@katiesaway Just came back from the most amazing weekend in Dalsland! We were gifted two nights stay at Nordic Refuge and spent the weekend hiking, swimming, cycling and just enjoying the Swedish summer! Here are all the places we visited: • Håverud and the aquaduct • Fröskogs Kyrka • Vandra i Ronjaland – hiking the trail to see where the film Ronja Röversdotter was shot • Not Quite • Sörknatten Naturreservat • Ärrsjön If you want our full itinerary you can find it on my blog (links in bio) #dalsland #sverige #visitsweden #sverigetiktok #resaisverige #dalsland #svensksommar ♬ Makeba – Jain

Promoting overlooked places can, however, raise fears that tourism pressure will simply be moved to a new destination. “The real test is whether tourism can grow without overwhelming local communities, ecosystems and infrastructure,” Globetrender founder Jenny Southan said. Previous editions have already brought greater attention to featured regions. Intrepid said its Pakistan bookings rose by 67% after Gilgit-Baltistan appeared on an earlier list, while bookings to Kyrgyzstan increased by 62%. The company has introduced five new itineraries connected to the 2027 selection, covering Kenya, Canada, Sri Lanka, Jordan and Georgia.

L’article Kenya’s Samburu leads Intrepid’s 10 ‘Not Hot’ destinations for 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.