Which are the best Travel Magazines for planning your next Luxury Escape?
I love a good magazine – in fact I might venture so far as to say – I can think of no better way to relax, than sitting somewhere quiet with a glossy in hand.
There was a time when my shelves groaned under the weight of Fashion mags, Gossip rags, Foodie guides, and Home & Interiors eye candy…Travel magazines also always featured in there somewhere (I still have some Conde Nast from the ’80’s…). However with all the images and information that is now available at our finger tips (Pinterest & Blogs anyone…); it can be difficult to justify their expense, I really want my purchases to deliver.
Travel publications are the only ones I tend to still spend money on…(oh except for UK Vanity Fair which I adore). I have tried to read magazines on a tablet; however as an avid page folder (or ripper – oh horror) – saving bookmarks online just doesn’t have the same appeal. The following are my favourites for various reasons – and come up trumps every time…
FIVE STAR KIDS – Travel + Lifestyle Indulgent yes, accessible certainly. If you are in the market for memorable moments, holidays that are a cut above, then this is the magazine for you (and your little ones). From Food Safaris in Hong Kong to Turtle Conservation in Bali – it is not just about upmarket frippery, meaningful experiences abound. Even if you are more Holiday Park rather than Five Star, Five Star Kids delivers gorgeous photography, and family holiday ideas you might not have thought of.
PRICE AUD$8.95
MiNDFOOD Okay so not strictly a travel publication; MiNDFOOD delivers a long, slow read (and yes there is always a travel component included). It is a thinking persons magazine, with mindful (sorry I had to sneak that in) stories and travel from a different perspective. Articles about local communities around the globe and a large health component lend a feel good factor. Beautiful photography – and loads of cool competitions. Available internationally on subscription too.
PRICE AUD$9.90 (Subscription special at the moment on their website)
HOLIDAYS WITH KIDS Covering the spectrum of Resorts to Holiday Parks; Urban to Rural, Domestic and International; driving and flying holidays. The Writers are travel experts and generally parents themselves – so their suggestions have been roadtested specifically with families in mind. Another lovely bonus with this magazine is that it is supplied to Rebel Sports stores and is in-flight on Qantas; otherwise available at newsagents.
PRICE AUD$7.95
INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLER Billed as a travel publication for ‘Modern Explorers’, International Traveller covers what is new and hot in the world of travel, offereing suggestions on destinations, travel related products (how and what to pack), tips from well-travelled people around the globe and where to stay. This magazine looks for different options from the norm, generally with a slant on luxurious. A ‘sister publication ‘Australian Traveller’ – is also worth a read for all happenings domestic.
PRICE AUD$9.95
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER My glossy treat – my preference is for the UK version, followed closely by the US. I mentioned above that I collect them, I love paging through the stunning properties, looking at the gorgeous photography and drooling over the designer luggage and resort clothes – many of these are out of my league, but a girl can dream… A pile of these is perfect rainy day fodder…
PRICE AUD$155 for a 12 month subscription for UK Edition. However many local newsagents sell copies – prices vary. I quite often pick up a copy at an overseas airport, where you pay considerably less.
I have included links to the websites for these publications. Whilst they will never surpass the actual magazine for me, they are all fantastic and stand alone as a great travel resource.
As they say (or maybe no one did, but I will now…) – half the fun of travel is in the planning….so go forth, read and enjoy!
DO YOU STILL LOVE TO READ HARDCOPY MAGAZINES?
