Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2025 i Wanderlust

Well-informed Wanderlust travellers love to research their journeys. They book their trips with expert tour operators and explore with knowledgeable local guides. Adventurous Wanderlust travellers are curious about the world and always seek out the road less travelled. They delve beneath the surface of a destination to find authentic experiences all year round. Nature-loving Wanderlust travellers relish the feeling of being in the natural world. They delight in exploring the outdoors and encountering wildlife where it belongs: in the wild! Discerning Wanderlust travellers seek out meaningful culture, art, music and gastronomic experiences to better immerse themselves in the destinations they visit. Eclectic Wanderlust travellers have a wide range of interests and will explore every angle of a destination. From hiking and rail adventures to luxury stays and expedition cruises, each…

V&A East Storehouse’s David Bowie Centre has opened in East London. Visitors can book to view items from an archive of some 90,000 objects, including costumes (pictured) and handwritten lyrics. vam.ac.uk/east Art in Central Asia has a new platform in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Museum of Arts. Due to open this autumn, it was founded by entrepreneur Nurlan Smagulov and features around 700 works by Kazakh artists. almaty.art The tenth edition of the Art Gallery of South Australia’s Tarnanthi Festival (17 Oct 2025–18 Jan 2026) opens this autumn in Adelaide. Explore 200-plus artworks from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists shown here over the past decade. agsa.sa.gov.au US audiences needn’t go far to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity. The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC hosts The Stars We…

“There are 1.2 million Latvian folk songs on record, and around a third of them concern Midsummer” “L- īst kā pa Jāņiem” (it’s raining like on Midsummer) is a common refrain you’ll hear at least once on a trip to Latvia. So, when the heavens opened at three o’clock in the morning while I was standing in front of what was once a towering bonfire, it didn’t come as a surprise, and it wasn’t unwelcome. I was simply ticking off the main elements of the Midsummer celebration in true Latvian fashion: eating cheese, drinking beer, staying up all night and getting drenched by the rain. Countries all over Europe and beyond mark the longest day of the year (we’ve surely all seen the 2019 film Midsommar by now), but in Latvia,…

Spy a rare Iberian lynx in Spain As with many of the cats featured here, the Iberian lynx recently faced extinction. At their lowest ebb, just 20 years ago, there were barely 100 left in the wild, having been devastated by habitat destruction and the loss of their main food source (rabbits) to disease. Thanks to a long-running conservation programme, these felines are bouncing back and were recently reclassified from ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are, however, still very hard to see, which makes Naturetrek’s Realm of the Iberian Lynx guided tour of two of their last refuges in Andalucia a rare opportunity for a unique wildlife encounter. The operator claims 80% of tours have yielded sightings in Doñana National Park and…

Santa Ana volcano hike A professional local guide must accompany hikers on the trek to the summit and back (2–4 hours). All being well cloudwise, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the blue-green crater lake at the top. San Salvador’s Historic Centre Getting to know the capital’s historic centre and its recent transformation is a highlight to bookend any trip to El Salvador. The Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and El Rosario Church are highly recommended. El Carmen Estate This coffee farm lies at an altitude of 1,300m on the outskirts of Ataco. Guided tours showcase the details and work that goes into the artisanal coffee production process. Lake Coatepeque Head to this large crater lake on the eastern slope of Santa Ana volcano for fishing, birdwatching, boat rides,…

“In 1883, the most famous luxury sleeper train of all time, the Orient Express, set off on its maiden journey from Paris to İstanbul. Roll on 142 years and there is once again a growing number of sleeper trains emerging across Europe, barely a decade after they were hounded out of the continent by the rise of cheap flights and the burgeoning promise of high-speed rail. This growth is being driven by more passengers opting to go by train rather than being cooped up on pollutionpumping low-cost flights. The journey itself is also part of the adventure. Not only do you save on a night in a hotel, but, as I found out on a European Sleeper service from Brussels to Venice this year, sliding into Italy via the beautiful…

1 Where can you party at the oldest Mardi Gras festival in the USA? Mobile, Alabama New Orleans, Louisiana Pensacola, Florida San Diego, California 2 In February, the town of Alpine, Texas, hosts an annual festival in honour of which literary art form? Beat poetry Cowboy poetry Elizabethan sonnets Japanese haikus 3 In March, Frozen Dead Guy Days in Estes Park, Colorado, celebrates the bizarre discovery in the town of a cryogenically frozen man in a shed. Which of these events will you not find at the festival? A parade of hearses A polar plunge Coffin races Tombstone throwing 4 Which of these US music festivals is the oldest, having first been held in 1959? Austin City Limits Lollapalooza, Chicago Newport Folk Festival New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 5 Which city holds the USA’s biggest Pride parade (with a record…

Off-the-beaten-path and off-season destinations and experiences around the world Thought-provoking content for all kinds of travellers, ranging from culture, history, art and heritage through to our unrivalled nature, wildlife and adventure-travel coverage Extensive coverage of immersive, authentic and longer travel experiences for passionate travellers who care deeply about our planet and its people A strong focus on responsible, sustainable travel throughout our publications in print and online, culminating in our unique and annual The Travel Green List™ issue Advertisement Features Every issue of Wanderlust includes ‘advertisement features’ – advertising content that Wanderlust Travel Media Ltd has been paid to produce by advertisers. These are clearly marked by the words ‘Advertisement Feature’ and can be further identified through a coloured borderline at the bottom of each relevant page. While written by…

£5 off! Latin America Travel Festival, 8 November 2025 Celebrate all that is special about Latin America at this unforgettable one-day event at London’s Royal Geographical Society (RGS; see page 134). Wanderlust will be there, and the good news is that Club members get an extra £5 off the ticket price (including the earlybird offer). We’ll see you there! WIN! Walk the Earth by Federico Veronesi This hauntingly beautiful book (see page 20) is a heartfelt tribute to the majesty of African elephants, capturing their strength, resilience and wisdom in spectacular images that will stay with you. Particularly moving are its shots of Africa’s last super tuskers, of which there are fewer than 20 left in the wild. We have two copies to give away. 25% OFF Water-to-Go sugarcane water…

1 Ask for facts, not labels. Never rely on vague terms such as ‘accessible’; instead, ask for specifics: are there steps? What’s the doorway width? Is the shower roll-in or over-bath? Can they guarantee an accessible room on arrival? Clear information helps you make confident, informed choices. 2 Request photos or videos whenever possible. A picture speaks louder than a tick box. Ask for up-to-date photos or videos of entrances, bathrooms, lifts and communal spaces. These visual details let you assess the space for yourself, thus catching any red flags early. 3 Read reviews from other disabled travellers. Apps such as AccessAble and Be My Eyes – or even Facebook groups – can be a goldmine for real-life accessibility details. Look for reviews from people with similar access needs to yours,…

It was heartbreaking to hear of the devastating fires that ripped through the town of Jasper back in 2024. They forced the evacuation of the town and destroyed and damaged around a third of its buildings. I had happy memories of Jasper, so I felt trepidation at returning. However, I needn’t have worried, as it still has its charm and personality – and every local I met stressed that they need the tourism. Indeed, many residents are still in temporary accommodation, and it will take several years before the town fully rebuilds. But there was a real feeling of resilience and determination. I’d worried too about the impact on the wildlife; however, on walking out of my cabin at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the late afternoon, I spotted…

Montpellier The MO.CO. Panacée, located in the former Royal College of Medicine, is a fantastic space for emerging artists, and it also offers a taste of Montpellier’s spirit: open, creative, cultural and historical. Afterwards, delve into the streets of l’Écusson, the medieval centre, to admire the 19th-century buildings of the Place de la Comédie, then head for the giant lagoon of l’Étang d’Or for sunset. Nîmes Among the remains of the Roman colony that still exists in present-day Nîmes are two masterpieces of the ancient world: the Maison Carrée temple and the Arena of Nîmes, a vast amphitheatre that rivals Rome’s Colosseum. Learn more at the Musée de la Romanité, then take a bus to Pont du Gard, the world’s tallest Roman aqueduct Narbonne The city’s location – where two…

“Over the course of the last two to three years, we’ve really seen an uptick in people being interested in, and much more open-minded about, this type of travel. With the journey being so immersive, the feeling that you’re part of your surroundings makes it very appealing. It’s so different to looking out of the window of a plane. I think of rail as the kind of journey that is part of the adventure and the experience. People see it often as a mode of transport, but it’s so much more than that: the social interaction, the views from the windows, the engagement with your surroundings. If I ever talk to people about the greatest rail journeys of their lives, they’ve always got a story to tell, you know, and…

Urban adventures California 1 Embrace art and activism in San Diego’s Barrio Logan San Diego’s centre sits barely 30km from the Mexican border, and that cultural influence is palpable across the city, especially in Barrio Logan, its oldest Mexican-American neighbourhood. This area was devastated in the 1960s, when the I-5 freeway and Coronado Bridge were built through its heart, displacing thousands. But the community rallied and lobbied to have the land beneath the bridge designated as a public park. Now, Chicano Park is bright with eye-catching murals (the largest collection of its kind in the US; pictured) and a museum that retells its story. You can also connect with locals in the businesses that line Logan Avenue, the Barrio’s main street. Visit Por Vida for coffee and a pan dulce (sweet…

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A historic hotel, set within the Italian mountain village of San Cassiano, has recently reopened as Aman Rosa Alpina (pictured), offering a plush base for exploring the Dolomites. During the winter months, you can snowshoe and ski, whereas the summer season puts biking, hiking and exploring via ferrata routes on the agenda. aman.com Radisson has opened the second-ever ‘net-zero hotel’ – having had its status verified by an independent auditor. The Radisson RED Oslo City Centre makes use of 100% renewable energy and low-carbon menus. Among its many innovations is the use of tracking software to reduce food waste, as well as placing recycling bins in rooms and public spaces. radissonhotels.com A recent addition to New Hampshire’s outdoors-focused Lakes Region in the USA is The Lake Estate. Situated right next…

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Readers get 10% off by using the code ‘Wandering’ on the Stanfords website (www.stanfords.co.uk). Wanderlust members can get 25% off. See p38 Michael Palin in Venezuela by Michael Palin Hutchinson Heinemann; £20 Stanfords Book of the Month for August Long-time Wanderlust favourite Michael Palin turns his wry eye on Venezuela, delving into life in one of South America’s most culturally rich yet troubled nations. As usual, it ties in with his latest TV series, but it also fleshes out the stories in a way that only Palin can, illuminated with his trademark honesty, warmth and humour. The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet Hutchinson Heinemann; £25 Back in 1969, the luxury Hotel Inter-Continental Kabul opened in the Afghan capital. At the time, it signified a new…

I realised recently that it had been more than 20 years since I had last been on a cycling trip. So, it was with some trepidation that I wheeled a bike from beneath the shade of a lemon tree, flung my leg over the saddle and set off into the full glare of the Italian sun, serenaded by the sawing screech of around a million cicadas. It was my husband, Ludo, who had announced a yearning to go to Puglia and explore it by bike. This region lies in the south-east of Italy and is often described by optimistic tour operators as ‘undiscovered’. It’s not, of course. It has been inhabited for millennia, and its rich architectural and cultural history, dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze ages, has been…

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh Ringed by sheer limestone cliffs, The Banjaran makes it feel like you’re in the middle of Malaysia’s pristine nature, even though Ipoh’s historic city centre is only a short drive away. Villas are tucked between the jungle and steaming hot springs, and each is equipped with its own plunge pool and open-air bathtub, with natural spring water pumped in throughout the day. The treats don’t end there. Guests can also swim in one of the large thermal spring pools, and spa treatments here make the most of the hot-spring minerals. A true highlight is the resort’s memorable dining spot, Jeff’s Cellar, which is set inside a dramatic limestone cave where chandeliers glow against the rock walls and tables are tucked between wine racks and stalactites.…

“There are around 200 working heritage railways in the UK today. For towns such as Swanage, Aviemore, Porthmadog and Whitby, these historical lines are a lynchpin of what they offer. The UK’s heritage railways generate an estimated £600m each year. They directly employ 4,000 people and are supported by a staggering 22,000 volunteers. Almost exclusively, they are run by charities, so every penny is reinvested in restoring and conserving these gems. Heritage railways were also reusing and recycling long before it became fashionable. It’s part of their DNA. Victorian steam locomotives have been rescued from scrapyard condition and Art Deco carriages dulled by 1950s modernisations have been transformed back to their former glory for visitors to enjoy. With steam power to the fore, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this…

“Maglev trains such as those we’re seeing in China (up to 450km/h) cost twice as much to build as conventional high-speed rail and are not compatible with existing kit, so they can’t access city centres or fan out at the end of high-speed sections over the classic network. It’s a dead end. But we will certainly see more high-speed lines, as well as conventional railways being modernised and restored. The Turks, Czechs, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Italians, even the British are all building them. For instance, Rail Baltica (250km/h) will link up the Baltic states as never before by 2030. As well as a growth in night services, there is currently also a resurgence in longer-distance daytime trains. Over the last ten years, people have become more willing to go further…

27.6195° N, 75.1504° E DID YOU KNOW? Some of India’s most influential business families – including the Birlas, Mittals, Piramals, and Goenkas – trace their ancestral roots to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal was born in Sadulpur (Churu district), while the families behind the Aditya Birla Group, Piramal Enterprises and RPG Group originate from the towns of Pilani, Bagar and Nawalgarh. Long before Mumbai staked its place as India’s financial capital, and Gurgaon sprouted its mirrored towers and tech parks, a quiet semi-desert region in northern Rajasthan had already laid the foundations for one of the most powerful mercantile communities in the subcontinent’s history: Shekhawati. The region’s name literally translates as ‘the garden of the Shekha clan’, and it was named after its 15th-century founder, Rao…

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” Alice asks the Cheshire Cat in the beloved children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. When asked where she wants to go, Alice says she doesn’t much care. To which the cat responds: “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” Tucking my copy of Lewis Carroll’s famous book into my bag, I gazed around the New Forest on England’s south coast and wondered which parts had inspired the author. Its ancient woodlands are almost 1,000 years old, and while its abundant wildlife – ponies, deer, pigs, donkeys – don’t play croquet or throw tea parties, its setting is said to have fired the imagination of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll). The New Forest’s largest village, Lyndhurst,…

There have been countless memorable encounters over the years, but some truly stand out. I will never forget meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2006. It’s a moment I deeply cherish, as I had always admired her grace and strength. And then there’s the gentleman from New Zealand who has stayed with us 52 times; every visit, we make it a point to sit down for a coffee together and catch up on the latest happenings at the hotel. My favourite spot in the hotel has to be the lobby. It’s not just because of its beauty, but because it’s where the Raffles story truly began. Before the main building was constructed, this was the site of the original ten-room bungalow that marked the birth of the hotel in…