According to mythology, many of Greece’s islands were crafted by the gods, and these creation myths appear apt given the islands’ exceptional beauty and other-worldly qualities. Estimates for the number of Greek islands and islets dotted along the expansive coastline vary between 1,200 and 6,000, of which 227 are inhabited, leaving you with plenty of options when planning a holiday in Greece. You can’t really go wrong with any of the Greek islands – each possesses its own individual charm and a scattering of stunning beaches – but if you’re struggling with where to start,
Sculpted by wind and wild weather for decades, centuries and even millennia, sand dunes are some of the most extraordinary natural landforms on Earth, with their seemingly limitless cumin-coloured cascades or caster-sugar sands. Sand dunes are dotted across deserts, coastlines and semi-arid regions around the world, some with pointed peaks, some towering above the rest, and each different to the next.
5th January 2025 - The Natural World
Last updated: March 2026 by Ben Williams, our Conde Nast Traveler Egypt Specialist Hello, fellow traveller. You may find yourself here because you’ve typed ‘Is it safe to travel to Egypt’ into your search engine. Or perhaps you’ve stumbled upon us in the same way those archaeologists accidentally found hundreds of rock-cut tombs in Egypt in 2021. Either way, you’re in the right place to learn more about this country (particularly if you’re already looking at flights) because it’s always worth doing some research before exploring somewhere new.
2nd March 2026 - Egypt Travel Tips
Sharing a border, coastline and mountain-range, the similarities between Colombia and Ecuador make it challenging to choose just one as a holiday destination. Both countries have recently been removed from the restricted travel list, making now the perfect time to also cross them off your bucket list. The question is: which one first? Evenly matched in many respects, Colombia vs. Ecuador promises to be a close contest,
10th November 2021 - Travel Inspiration
Italy is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places on the planet, and it’s no wonder that it’s the fifth most visited country in the world. Home to soaring snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes, idyllic vineyards and a breathtaking coastline, the country’s natural splendour is abundant. Italy’s beauty comes in many forms, however, and you’ll find equally enchanting vistas throughout the urban cityscapes; Renaissance facades, ancient palazzos and Baroque basilicas juxtapose contemporary skyscrapers and boutique bistros.
10th January 2025 - Italy Travel Inspiration
The Amalfi Coast is the pastel-coloured crown jewel of Campania. Expertly stacked fishing villages spill down the cliffsides, charming coves punctuate the coastline and the world’s jet-set flock here come summer for sublime Italian food, fine wine and the postcard-primed setting. In other words, this slice of the Sorrentine Peninsula is nothing short of iconic and a must-visit on your next holiday to Italy.
23rd June 2023 - Italy Travel Tips
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, can be seen in various polar regions, but the Norwegian far north is one of the best destinations in the world for observing these famous green rays. When it appears in the darkness of night, this emerald spectacle is a breath-taking natural phenomenon which never fails to enchant and delight those who see it. Often people become so wrapped up in the magic that they turn into ‘aurora hunters’ during their Norway trips and get caught up in a never-ending quest to see the lights again and again.
22nd December 2021 - Norway Travel Tips
The poster-child for all things eco, Costa Rica is the star pupil in the world’s ecotourism class. Sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, this tiny Central American country prides itself on the conservation and protection of its wonderfully biodiverse environment. The country is home to half a million species and one quarter of the country’s wild lands are protected by law. Boasting 26 national parks,
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Responsible Travel
The wonderful thing about the USA is no two cities are the same. Each has its own distinctive personality, quirks and beat, and so choosing just five of the most beautiful cities in the USA was a tough ask. While Charleston is known for its southern charm and rich history, Portland, Oregon has hipster style and hangovers – home to many bustling breweries. Seattle features the iconic Space Needles tower, while Savannah is renowned for making seriously sweet iced tea.
28th December 2024 - USA Travel Inspiration
With the football world cup in full swing, we are all in for some healthy competition, and when it comes to travel, these countries put on a thrilling match. Thailand and Indonesia are two tropical paradises that sit high on every traveller’s bucket list. With striking scenery, fabulous food, unique landmarks and tropical climates, these Southeast Asian hots spots are worthy competitors and it’s a tough bet to make.
3rd January 2023 - Travel Inspiration
White waves crash onto the inky Icelandic shore, creating foamy holographic patterns on the sweeping pitch-black sandy beach. Infamous for its perpetual volcanic activity and rugged scenery, Iceland’s black sand beaches draw crowds from far and wide. Age old lava is broken down into glistening onyx-coloured sand to form one of the most beautiful yet unearthly attractions that tourists can explore. A visit to some of the island’s volcanic beaches is a must for budding photographers, geography enthusiasts and those who admire the sheer wonders of the Icelandic landscape.
7th March 2022 - Iceland Beaches & Islands
Portugal’s main cities seem to get most of the attention. Lisbon is lauded as the perfect place for a city break, while Porto is praised as the capital’s charming culture-filled counterpart. Both are blessed with the added benefit of close proximity to the coast, meaning your city stay can feature a seaside sojourn as well as world-class dining, exquisite architecture and vinitourism (wine tasting).
26th September 2022 - Portugal Beaches & Islands
From soaring sand mountains to misty coastal dunes and polar ice sheets, the most beautiful deserts in the world are a diverse lot. Whether you’d rather seek out Earth’s tallest sand dunes in Namibia or enjoy some stellar stargazing in Chile’s Atacama, there’s a quiet beauty found in every harsh environment. But with 33 major desert areas in the world, the question is, where to begin? Read on for our roundup of the best of the bunch… 1.
29th December 2024 - The Natural World
Welcome to the fourth issue of Original Traveller. Inside you’ll find wonderful articles by the UK’s finest travel writers, accompanied by pictures from award-winning photographers. These lovely long-reads are supplemented by the latest travel news, views and trends brought to you by the Original Travel team, who have – as ever – been circumnavigating the globe on research trips. The issue is themed around travel’s simple pleasures, so you’ll also read about our recommendations for sleeping under canvas (in comfort), foodie foraging tips and new train routes to take. Happy reading!
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