Contributors

Wanderlust is brought to life by people from all over the planet. Here are just some of the individuals who helped to create this issue – and their hot tips for new destinations in 2019

Hilary Bradt Co-founder of Bradt Travel Guides

Recently made an Officer of the National Order of Madagascar, Hilary kicks off our new ‘Dispatches’ page (p40) by exploring the misunderstood joy of a Madagascan traffic jam. 2019’s hot destination: “North Korea. My source (author of the new edition of the country’s Bradt guide) says it’s changing fast – fewer restrictions, more places accepting visitors. Who knows what the future holds there.”

Martin Symington Travel writer

Martin has spent his life unearthing unusual travel tales, though this issue’s journey across the Baltic states (p112) – particularly its miraculous Hill of Crosses – is his most unexpectedly uplifting. 2019’s hot destination: ”Nepal’s Langtang area. Lodges here, devastated by the 2015 ‘quake have now been rebuilt, but tourists remain few. Exult in Himalayan grandeur while helping locals get back on their feet.”

Sarah Baxter Travel writer & author

Formerly deputy editor of

Wanderlust, Sarah is now a freelance travel writer, editor and author but still helps out at Wanderlust HQ. Her latest book, the Inspired Traveller’s Guide to Literary Places, is out in March 2019. 2019’s hot destination: “Jordan. Apart from the new live-action Aladdin film making me want to fly a magic carpet across Wadi Rum, I’d love to hit the new Jordan Trail, ticking off Petra en route.“

Damien Gabet Travel writer

Damien is a freelance scribe who embraces any opportunity to cycle, eat or head out to sea. This issue he finds himself doing all three in South Africa’s fascinating ‘third city’, Durban (p157). 2019’s hot destination: “Safety concerns over the last few years saw visitors stay away from Egypt. But after a period of calm, and in anticipation of 2019’s opening of Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum, now is the time to return.”

Gareth Clark Wanderlust’s writer & sub-editor

Having lived in the Middle East and Asia for six years – pounding the streets of Abu Dhabi and Beijing for

Time Out – this issue sees Gareth explore the nooks of ‘unseen London’ (p161). 2019’s hot destination: “Exploring tunnels under our capital is one thing, but Italy’s city of Matera is built almost entirely on paleolithic grottoes. It’s also a European Capital of Culture for 2019, so go now to beat the crowds.”

Emma Gregg Travel writer

Emma has visited over 30 countries across Africa, sampling everything from festivals to safaris – her guide to the latter is on p80 – and is the author of several Rough Guides. 2019’s hot destination: “South Africa celebrates 25 years of democracy in April, and with several new flight options from the UK and a favourable exchange rate, now’s the time to experience its jaw-dropping heritage, landscapes and wildlife.”