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Each year, the editors of Outside hand out our list of Travel Awards . Beginning with our 2015 Travel Awards, we will consistently award the same five prizes each year, in addition to a collection of other awards given at our discretion. The five annual awards will go to the Best U.S. Adventure Hub, Best International Adventure Hub, Best Outfitter/Travel Company, Best Lodge, and Best Guide(s). We invite applications for each of the awards, which will be decided by our team of travel editors and industry experts.

To Apply: Please answer the following questions in a pdf or word document, and send an email to [email protected]  with the award type (Best Outfitter/Travel Company, Best Domestic Adventure Hub, Best Lodge, etc) as the subject line.

Deadline: All applications must be received by November 15, 2014.

Decision: Finalists will be announced online in February 2015. Winners will be featured in our April 2015 issue.

Best Outfitter/Travel Company

• What new trips are you offering in the coming year?
• What trip or trips (no more than three) are you most noted for?
• What kind of involvement do your tours have with the local community?
• How do you research your trips?
• Does your company have exclusive access to any areas?
• What does your company do to mitigate your environmental impact?
• What is the average group size on your trips?
• What kinds of customization do you offer to clients?
• What percentage of your clients return for future trips?
• What are your hiring requirements for guides?
• What is the experience level of your guides and are any of your guides particularly noteworthy for their accomplishments?
• What is your safety record and what safety precautions do you take?
• Do you have any type of philanthropic program?
• When was your lodge founded?
• What new activities or events will your lodge host in 2015?
• What types of trips or activities are available through your lodge? Or they guided or self-guided?
• Do you have guides on staff? If so, describe their experience and qualifications
• Does your lodge offer any trips or activities to exclusive areas?
• Briefly describe the rooms, accommodations, and amenities offered at your lodge.
• What efforts has your lodge made to reduce its environmental footprint?
• Please describe the area the lodge is in, including terrain, weather, and adventure potential.

Best Guides

• How many years experience does your nominated guide have?
• What safety training and record does your guide have?
• What trip is your guide best at or most known for?
• What other qualifications does your guide have?
• What is the client satisfaction rate for your guide?

Best U.S. Adventure Hub

• What sports/activities are available within your city or state?
• What type of adventure-focused lodging is available within your city or state?
• What new trails, parks, lodges, etc have opened in the past year that make your city or state the best in its field?
• Is there anything about your city or state that helps it stand above others in your field?

Best International Adventure Hub

• What sports/activities are available within your city or country?
• What type of adventure-focused lodging is available within your city or country?
• What new trails, parks, lodges, etc have opened in the past year that make your city or country the best in its field?
• Is there anything about your city or country that helps it stand above others in the field?
• Budget Trips
• Outfitted Trips
• Trips of the Year

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My Brief, Boggy Time as a Rough Stuff Cyclist

In a small town in England in the early 1950s, a group of Brits gathered at a pub to form the world’s first off-road cycling club. They came from all classes—barons rubbed elbows with foundry workers—but were united by their love of the wild and a shared belief that a bike could get them anywhere they dreamed of. Seventy years on, Tom Vanderbilt heads to the UK to join a few current members in pursuit of the rough stuff.

America’s Next Food Craze Is Buried in Appalachia

All over America’s ancient eastern mountains, there’s an organism that lives underground, tethered to tree roots, waiting to be hunted. It’s among the world’s rarest and most expensive foods, and it grows in a wide range of conditions. But there’s only one guy in the country who really knows how to find it. Rowan Jacobsen joins him in the search for the Appalachian truffle.

The Terrifying War Over California’s Coast

With increased coastal flooding and erosion, climate change is harshing California’s mellow vibes. Officials say it’s time to retreat from the shore altogether. Residents want to stay and fight. Paul Kvinta reports from the front lines of a pitched battle, where geologists and millionaires are squaring off, and friendly fire between surfers isn’t so friendly.

How to Save a Ski Town

All over the West, a housing crisis is causing workforce shortages, crippling local businesses, and threatening the culture and existence of mountain towns as we know them. But amid the doom and gloom, some people are fighting for solutions.

The World’s Most Dangerous Mountains

Each year an estimated 300,000 smugglers, known as ‘kolbars,’ haul millions of pounds of contraband from Iraq to Iran over the 14,000-foot peaks of the Zagros Mountains. More than 50 of them will die—shot dead, killed in accidents, or freezing to death—and countless more will be arrested and imprisoned. Alex Perry travels to Iraqi Kurdistan to investigate the roots of a trade that all but defies comprehension.

Where to Live Now (and in the Rapidly Changing Future)

The past year showed us all that having access to the outdoors is essential for our health and well-being. It also magnified the inequities inherent in that access. For 2021’s Best Towns package, we chose 13 of the country’s most diverse places and evaluated them according to the factors that matter today: sustainability, affordability, and outdoor equity. Here are the cities of tomorrow.

The Future of Nature Therapy Is Psychedelic

Oregon voters have opened the door to treating mental illness with substances like ketamine and psilocybin. In a peek at the future, our seeker attends a backwoods retreat where patients get help from a powerful combination of drugs and the outdoors.

Getting Schooled by an Ultralightweight Hiking Legend in Buckskin Gulch

On a backpacking trip through Utah’s Buckskin Gulch with ultralight gear legend Glen Van Peski, our writer learns about the Crotch Pot, an Oscar-winning actor’s anti-snoring technique, and that there’s a whole lot of shit you don’t need when you’re on the trail 1,000 miles from home

How We Find Our Way

We’re taking a look at how we’ve historically used maps to move through and understand the world, and how that’s changing now

Hiking the Appalachian Trail: A Beginner’s Guide

More than 3,000 people attempt to walk the entire Appalachian Trail every year. Only about a quarter of them succeed. This intel from an AT thru-hiker provides key information to help you tackle and complete the 2,193-mile trek from Georgia to Maine.

When the Techies Took Over Tahoe

Spun-out Teslas on snowy roads. Cabins bought for cash, sight unseen. A shoveling disaster. Locals bemoan the pandemic-induced migration of Bay Area residents to the mountains. But there are two sides to the Zoom-town story.

Outside Receives Seven Lowell Thomas Awards Presented by the Society of American Travel Writers

Outside Ties for Most Awards Won

September 8, 2023

Boulder, Co. – September 8, 2023 – Outside Interactive, Inc., the world’s leading creator of active lifestyle content, services, events, and experiences, announced it is the recipient of seven Lowell Thomas Awards presented by the Society of American Travel Writers.

For its 39th year, the Lowell Thomas Awards honored the best in storytelling and travel journalism. The prestigious awards honor excellence in writing for the outstanding work in helping make the world of travel accessible, understandable and achievable. This year, Outside tied for first place for the most awards (along with Travel & Leisure)—more than the New York Times, National Geographic, and Conde Nast Traveler, among others.

“Every year, Outside has had the opportunity to showcase its caliber of talent and in the last five years has been the recipient of more than 40 Lowell Thomas Awards,” said Chris Keyes, editorial director for Outside. “These accolades are a testament to the Outside team’s unwavering commitment to producing captivating and insightful travel stories that inspire our readers to get outside. It also underscores the dedication of our entire team to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in journalism.”

The travel team at Outside, led by Mary Turner with Tasha Zemke and Alison Osius, won bronze for their overall travel coverage, recognizing the outstanding coverage in print and online this year. Tasha Zemke had two other stories win awards—one in the Health/Safety category and another in the Environmental Tourism category. Alison edited an essay that won an award in the Personal Comment category.

Longtime Outside contributing editor and travel writer Stephanie Pearson won gold for travel journalist of the year, a huge acknowledgement of her contributions to Outside. 

Editor Alex Heard edited a story that won a gold award for Special Purpose Travel. Abbie Barronnian edited a beautiful essay written by Lewann Babler about traveling with her son that also won bronze in this category.

Check out the full list of awards and links to the stories:

Travel Coverage in General Magazines

Bronze:  Editors: Mary Turner, Tasha Zemke, Alison Osius, and the entire Outside magazine staff

Robert Haru Fisher Award for Travel Health/Safety Coverage

Honorable Mention: Jen Murphy, Should I Travel to Mexico or Costa Rica Right Now? I’m 

Concerned About Safety , Editor: Tasha Zemke

Service-Oriented Consumer Work

Silver: Grayson Haver Currin, Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: A Beginner’s Guide , Outside

Environmental and Sustainable Tourism

Silver:  Kate Siber, Should I Stop Flying? It’s a Difficult Decision to Make , Editor: Tasha Zemke

Special-Purpose Travel

Gold: Tim Neville, The Last Ride of Legend, a Pony Who Lived Up to His Name , Editor: Alex Heard

Bronze:  Lewann Babler, The Brief, Wondrous Life of Little Leo , Editor: Abigail Barronian

Personal Comment

Bronze: Roger Marolt, Aspen Has Been Overrun by Zillionaires. Has the Town Lost Its Gonzo Soul? , Editor: Alison Osius

About Outside

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in the endurance sports, outdoor, and healthy living spaces. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its 30+ media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, access to NASTAR courses, and more. Learn more at OutsideInc.com.

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Your Next Adventure Is Right Here

Arkansas’s Monument Trails named best bike trail winner in Outside magazine travel awards

The Monument Trails , high quality mountain bike trails located in four Arkansas state parks, are Outside magazine’s pick in the Biking category of the magazine’s annual travel awards.

The construction of the trails, located in Devil’s Den, Hobbs, Mount Nebo and Pinnacle Mountain state parks, was funded by the Walton Family Foundation via the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation.

The foundation’s former director Suzanne Grobmyer is now the chief of staff of the state Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Bryan Sanders , husband to Gov. Sarah Sanders, is reportedly the de facto head of the department. He’s the chairman of the Natural State Advisory Council .

Grobmyer hosted a forum discussion with Walmart heir Tom Walton, Murphy USA CFO Mindy West and Bryan Sanders at the Rotary Club of Little Rock last week . All four are members of the advisory council.

Sanders talked about how much he likes to mountain bike and said he wanted Arkansas to double the $3.5 billion tourism contributes to the state economy over the next decade. “Particularly in this region of the country, I think we can crush all neighboring states as a destination for outdoor recreation,” he said.

Walton said his favorite things to do outside were hunting morel mushrooms and wildflowers.

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10 Adventure Travel Magazines You Want To Read Right Now

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The larger the global adventure travel industry gets, the more competition there is for authenticity and supplying the 'true' adventure. At Cascada Expediciones we feel we are as close to nailing down this truth and authenticity as possible. Our local guides are able to take you on journeys which expose you to both outstanding landscapes as well as enabling you to get a feel of the culture of the place you are visiting.

However, we appreciate it is not always possible to be horse-riding and trekking through Patagonia, or stargazing in the Atacama desert. So whilst you are not on one of our various adventure trips, here are some online and print travel journals which should serve to inspire you to get out into the wilderness – in search of the truth.

Storytelling

1. sidetracked magazine.

Founded: 2011 HQ: UK Twitter:  @John_Summerton

Sidetracked is a collection of some of the most out there and wild adventure writing around. Their values are strong; producing inspirational content with outstanding photography. Reading Sidetracked, you cannot help but be encouraged to get outside and experience your surroundings - to run, cycle, paddle, or just be outdoors. Unsurprisingly, Patagonia and the Torres del Paine National Park feature strongly in this magazine; check out this great article to get a taster of what you can experience on the Cascada Expediciones Torres del Paine W Trek!

2. Eldorado Experience

HQ: Barcelona Twitter:  @eldoradoexp

A product of Folch Studios in Barcelona, a design agency focussed on producing clean and conceptual content. Whilst the adventures completed by those contributing to Eldorado may not be quite as extreme as those in Sidetracked, the human experience in these beautiful landscapes is most important here. Most contributors are visual artists, photographers or filmmakers – giving the journal a far more artistic and stylised feel. The stories are not about the physicality of the experience, but rather what one can learn about themselves whilst connecting with nature. 

3. Roads & Kingdoms

This insightful magazine was awarded “Best Travel Journalism Site” by the Society for American Travel Writers - and for good reason. Roads & Kingdoms takes you around the world with a balanced mix of high quality content and photography. This magazine takes travel writing extremely seriously, exposing you in a literary sense to different cultures through food, drink, and longform dispatches.

Sport Specific

4. clever hiker.

Perhaps not technically a magazine, but we can bend the rules for this website. We just discovered the incredibly useful site which sets out to provide you with all the information you need in order to have a great experience hiking. Sign up for their newsletter for solid and friendly advice! 

5. Bikepackers Magazine

Founded: 2011 HQ: US Twitter:  @bikepackersmag

Getting prepared for a bike trip? Then start doing your research through Bikepackers magazine. With short films and articles from ordinary people doing big trips on their bikes, this magazine shows how there is something in adventure travel for everyone. Take a look at our Epic Patagonia – Multi Sport Adventure where you will cycle, kayak and horse-ride your way through Torres del Paine National Park.

6. Powder Magazine

Founded: 1972 HQ: California Twitter:  @PowderMagazine

Coming on a Cascada Expediciones ski trip? Take a look at Powder magazine for updates on the sport, amazing photography , and news on snow conditions! This is the skiing magazine - tips on gear, great films - everything you need to get yourself psyched before you come and shred the Andes! Powder to the people!

7. Canoe & Kayak

Founded: 1973 HQ: US Twitter: @CanoeKayakMag

Our origins at Cascada Expediciones are rooted in kayaking - we started out as a small kayaking company. Canoe & Kayak is the original magazine for all your motivation to come on a Cascada Expediciones Kayaking Adventure!

The Classics

Founded: 1977 HQ: Santa Fe, New Mexico Twitter:  @outsidemagazine

EcoCamp feature:  South America 2009 Travel Awards Outside magazine is more or less the ultimate adventure travel magazine. Covering everything from running to backcountry skiing – Outside started in 1977 and states its mission as wanting to inspire people to get outdoors and participate in the world around them. It certainly does exactly that.

8. National Geographic

Founded: 1888 HQ: Washington DC Editor's Twitter: @susanbgoldberg EcoCamp feature: Best Hotels in Chile

The trailblazer of both adventure and environmental conservation since 1888. We are sure that National Geographic does not require too much introduction. Check out their Adventurer of the Year 2014, Alastair Humphreys , for ideas on how to make the day-to-day more adventurous!

9. Jungles in Paris

Jungles in Paris uses film and photography to convey their message. Focussing on nature and culture, this is a brilliant showcase of up-and-coming photographers and film makers, travelling the world and bringing us beautiful images.

10. Banyak Films

Founded: 2006 HQ: London @banyakfilms

Banyak films specialise in documentaries - they have produced films for The North Face, BBC and Al-Jazeera, amongst many others. Check them out for great travel documentaries from around the world, as well as this beautifully simple shot film - The Runners .

What is your favorite travel magazine? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us @cascada_travel

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The Chilean Way

Want to learn more about the beautiful country of Chile? Download our insider’s guide to learn all the best travel tips and tricks.

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Updated October 4th, 2022

Dear Traveler,

We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile. Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:

• You only have to present the vaccination certificate issued in your country when boarding to Chile. Those who do not have their vaccinations must present a negative result in a PCR test dated less than 48 hours from departure to enter Chile. Those who are under 18 years of age do not have any requirements to enter Chile
• A negative PCR upon arrival is not compulsory any more but diagnostic tests will be carried out randomly at the entry point to Chile. Confirmed cases shall be isolated according to the general health regulations.
• Medical insurance covering any expenses caused by COVID-19 is not compulsory any more
• The use of a face mask is voluntary

In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!

The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia

Outside Magazine Travel Awards

  About Outside Outside is America’s leading active lifestyle brand. For more than 35 years, Outside has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. The Outside family includes Outside magazine, the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence, The Outside Buyer’s Guides, Outside Online, Outside Television, Outside Events, Outside+ tablet edition, and Outside Books. Visit us on www.outsideonline.com

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Shopping cart items, geographic expeditions named best travel company by outside magazine.

"For starters, GeoEx has consistently taken travelers to remote regions of the world,"  Outside writes, "from  Everest's north side to  Patagonia's glaciers to the far reaches of  Papua New Guinea ." The magazine also singles out the company's emphasis on safety and its pioneering relationships with nonprofits and NGOs. "But the primary reason more than half the company's clients come back for more,"  Outside says, is "its outstanding guides" - from 20-year veteran Vassi Koutsaftis, who is heading a trailblazing  trek to the north face of K2 this year, to famed Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman , who leads meditation trips in  Bhutan , to mountaineer  Dave Hahn , who guides the company's expeditions to  South Georgia Island .

To choose the Best Travel Company,  Outside asked a global network of correspondents to evaluate adventure travel companies based on "the quality of a company's guides, the authenticity and diversity of its trips, its level of service, philanthropic credibility, safety record, and, most important, clients' reviews and experiences." The result? "Geographic Expeditions stood above the rest."

"We are extraordinarily pleased and honored to be selected as Best Travel Company in  Outside 's first Active Travel awards," says GeoEx President Jim Sano. "We can't think of a better way to celebrate our 30 th anniversary than with this recognition of the passion, expertise, and care we put into every journey we craft, whether in Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, or the Poles." Adds Chairman George Doubleday, "For three decades we have been committed to creating transformational experiences for our travelers - and forging connections that nourish and preserve the places and peoples we cherish around the globe. We are exhilarated and humbled that  Outside 's seasoned experts and our own travelers have recognized these efforts in naming us the Best Travel Company."

In addition to the adventure travel destinations mentioned by  Outside - Bhutan, South Georgia, Patagonia, and Papua New Guinea - GeoEx has pioneered travel to  Myanmar , named Best New Frontier by  Outside . GeoEx also features Outside 's Best Eco-Lodge - Ecuador's Mashpi Lodge - on the  Mashpi Rainforest tour in its Galápagos journeys, and creates  private, custom journeys to the  Seychelles , named Best Islands .

For more information about GeoEx, to learn about its destinations, or to receive a free 2012 catalog, call  800-777-8183 , email  [email protected] , or visit  www.GeoEx.com .  Outside 's Active Travel Awards are featured on www.outsideonline.com and in the April issue of the magazine, on newsstands now.

Catskills No. 1 Mountain Escape in the Nation

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Panther’s eastern ridge

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Outside Magazine has declared The Catskills the “mountain winner” for 2023

“The Catskills and their namesake park—comprising about 700,000 acres of forested peaks, narrow valleys, and countless streams just 100 miles from Manhattan—are steeped in history. They’re also undergoing a renaissance, thanks to a handful of new lodges, hotels, and restaurants.”

The 36 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. for Adventure

Read : Outside Magazine’s Travel Awards 2023

Their recommendation goes on to say, “There are thousands of miles of well-maintained hiking trails.”

I don’t know about that. There are about 300 miles of marked trail in The Catskills. Admittedly, some of the best hiking trails in the country! But if you know where the other 1700+ miles are, please bust this thing wide open for the rest of us. I would love to hike the cryptic, concealed Catskills.

Of course, it’s true: The Catskills stand as a testament to the allure of untouched wilderness. With trails for every ability level, vibrant biodiversity, and a rich historical backdrop, hiking anywhere The Catskills is an immersive journey into a landscape that’s captivated hearts for centuries.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a bird-watcher, a camping aficionado, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, the Catskills provide an unrivaled outdoor adventure.

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THE 22ND ANNUAL

7TH NOVEMBER 2023

The british museum, 2023 headline partner.

2023 Insurance Partner

In Association with

2023 WINNERS

View the full list of winners below from our amazing awards evening at the British Museum .

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Celebrating the best in travel for 22 years, the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards shines a spotlight on the travel industry’s greatest stars. This year the ceremony will be held at the iconic British Museum, with awards handed out in an evening that assembles industry heavy-weights and esteemed guests.

The awards are completely free to enter and open globally to tourism boards, tour operators, and destinations.

The winners will be decided either by an independent panel of expert judges, or, by the most serious, passionate travellers of them all, the Wanderlust readers.

THE CEREMONY

Welcoming the world’s foremost travel leaders, industry specialists, writers, and celebrities, the 22nd Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards will be held at the British Museum. Guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes private viewing of the world-famous exhibition galleries, and a spectacular ceremony in The Great Court, accompanied by Italian gourmet cuisine and live entertainment, alongside a foray into the MetaVerse through Wanderlust MetaTravel.

As the UK’s longest running and largest travel magazine by circulation, Wanderlust has been at the forefront of authentic, sustainable, and off-the-beaten-track travel for the past 30 years. Through the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we hope to show our gratitude and support to those who represent the awe-inspiring, responsible travel, that our readers value. Wanderlust exists to inform and inspire travellers globally to take the road less travelled, by sharing specialist travel writing, stunning photography, and expert advice, both in print and online.

Awards & Press

The World’s 15 Best Tour Operators: Travel + Leisure 2022

For the second year in a row (and 11th overall!), we are proud to be recognized as one of Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Tour Operators. This award would not be possible without our passionate staff, outfitters and partners, and loyal travelers who voted for us—thank you!

July 7, 2022

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Jessica Reid | 08 November 2023

Wanderlust celebrates the best in travel at the 2023 reader travel awards.

The prestigious ceremony took place at the iconic British Museum, with legendary broadcaster Ben Fogle hosting the celebrations...

For the past several months, Wanderlust readers have been voting in their tens of thousands for the destinations they most desire. Last night (7 November), those results were revealed.  

The ceremony for the 22 nd annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards took place at one of London’s most iconic museums, the British Museum. Hundreds came to celebrate the best in travel for 2023, as well as  Wanderlust' s 30th anniversary.

With the magazine's   golden logo illuminated above the Greek Revival style columns and a red carpet rolled out, the museum’s grand entrance was ready to welcome hundreds of travel specialists, writers and celebrities.

Before the main ceremony began, guests were invited to take a virtual trip to Italy through the power of Wanderlust MetaTravel . After returning to reality, they moved on to the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery, which had transformed into a unique event venue. While dining on Italian gourmet cuisine and accompanied by a string quartet, guests could admire the fascinating artefacts surrounding them – including the Rosetta Stone, one of the most famous objects at the museum.

Guests gather in the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery (Wanderlust)

Guests were transported to Italy with Wanderlust MetaTravel (Wandrlust)

Covers - old and new - of Wanderlust were on display (Wanderlust)

Opera singers welcome guests as they take their seats (Wanderlust)

They were then escorted to the ceremony taking place in the remarkable Great Court, where two opera singers serenaded the room with their mesmerising vocals.

Legendary British broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle then took to the stage to present the evening’s much anticipated awards, joined by special guests throughout the evening, such as Simon Calder.

Wanderlust 's Editor-in-Chief George Kipouros had several moments with the audience, speaking about the future of   Wanderlust  and the drive to continue highlighting the world's lesser-known destinations and diversifying travel journalism. 

Founding Editor Lyn Hughes also said a few words, reminiscing about the magazine's journey over the past 30 years and thanking industry friends, tour operators and readers for their loyal support and partnerships.

The Wanderlust team with their 30th birthday cake (Wanderlust)

The results

This year, the Wanderlust Travel Awards celebrated destinations, tour operators and airlines who have inspired and excited our readers in 2023.

The top ten in 20 different categories were all announced during the proceedings, with the top three being awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold accolades.

Readers voted for Croatia as the Most Desirable Country in Europe, while Australia took home Gold for the Most Desirable Country in the World.

The top prize for Most Desirable City in Europe went to Seville in Spain, while the World’s Most Desirable City was awarded to Cape Town in South Africa

Wanderlust's Founding Editor Lyn Hughes presented an award (Wanderlust)

Ben Fogle and Wanderlust Editor-in-Chief George Kipouros (Wanderlust)

Ben Fogle poses for a photo with one of the evening winners, Croatia (Wanderlust)

Regions were also celebrated, with The Greek Islands reclaiming the Most Desirable Region in Europe title that it previously won in 2021, while the Canadian province of British Columbia also took home the honours for the World’s Most Desirable Region.

Ireland remains the reigning champion for the World’s Most Desirable Island in Europe, whereas Cuba was named the Most Desirable Island in the World.

New for 2023,   Wanderlust   also awarded countries for being the Most Desirable for Culture & Heritage, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, Gastronomy and Sustainable Experiences, as well as the Most Desirable Emerging Destination. 

Tour operators were also recognised for their outstanding contribution to travel. Among the five Gold winners were Trailfinders, who won Favourite General Tour Operator, and Journey Latin America, who won Best Specialist Tour Operator.

All the results, including the top ten in each category, can be found online   here .

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