Editor’s letter

Predicting the year ahead is a tough job at the best of times, but in the current climate it’s particularly challenging. If our cover story is anything to go by, though, one thing is for certain: 2022 is ripe for some incredible — and long overdue — adventures.

This is the second year we’ve joined forces with the 13 other international editions of National Geographic

Traveller to compile our Best of the World list, o ering millions of readers worldwide the destinations to add to their wish list for the next 12 months.

From an up-and-coming safari hotspot in eastern Namibia to the traditions being kept alive in China’s Yunnan tea mountains, this year’s list highlights sustainable, environmental and community initiatives alongside new openings and developments.

And whether your focus is closer to home — exploring the best of the UK and Europe — or your sights are set on journeys further afield, a new year o ers a fresh chance to consider how and why we travel and what it means to be a traveller in 2022.

This issue, we also reveal the results of our Reader Awards, which returns aŽer a pandemic-induced hiatus to celebrate the best in travel, as voted for by you. Here’s to a happy and prosperous new year.