travel blog
10 best day hikes on South Island, New Zealand | Atlas & Boots
From the alpine majesty of the Hooker Valley to the turquoise vistas of the Abel Tasman, these are the best day hikes on New Zealand’s South Island New Zealand’s South Island is a masterpiece of contrasts, where snow-draped Alps rise sharply above sapphire lakes, and pristine beaches curve gently into sheltered bays. Ancient forests, glacier-fed rivers and The post 10 best day hikes on South Island, New Zealand appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Why air travel makes us so cranky – and what to do about it | Atlas & Boots
The holidays are coming, airports are packed, and emotions are running high. You’ve probably seen it or even been part of it: that tense moment when a passenger snaps at a flight attendant, or a near-meltdown over a seat reclining too far. Why does flying seem to bring out the worst in us? The post Why air travel makes us so cranky – and what to do about it appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
I’m going to spend three months counting penguins in Antarctica | Atlas & Boots
For those of you who have been following the blog for a while, you may recall that in 2023, I secured a coveted job at the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), a charity responsible for preserving British heritage sites in Antarctica. The post I’m going to spend three months counting penguins in Antarctica appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Epic drives: 5 best road trips in Patagonia | Atlas & Boots
I’ve visited Patagonia multiple times. I’ve watched ice carve away from the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier (twice); hiked the iconic trails around El Chaltén (twice); visited the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego (twice); and I’ve explored Chile’s spellbinding Torres del Paine National Park (once). Yet somehow I’ve never taken a proper road trip through its vast, wild landscapes. The post Epic drives: 5 best road trips in Patagonia appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 hardest long-distance treks in Europe | Atlas & Boots
From the remote tundra of the Nordkalottruta to the gruelling heat of the Trans-Pyrenean Trail, these are the hardest long-distance treks in Europe The post 10 hardest long-distance treks in Europe appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Why we don’t mourn for daredevil adventurers | Atlas & Boots
In May 2024, I heard news that two hypothermic, frostbitten climbers were stranded near the summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. I scanned the reports for detail, but rangers would not release any information other than to say that the climbers were not from the United States. Why my interest? Because Peter, my partner of 14 years, was attempting to summit Denali at that exact same time. The summit rate at that point was a mere 15%, so even if Peter was okay, there was very little chance that he had reached the summit. The post Why we don’t mourn for daredevil adventurers appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Is the GR20 the toughest trek in Europe? | Atlas & Boots
There's no question. The GR20 in Corsica is a challenge. It requires early starts, long days and hiking along exposed, steep and technical terrain, but the rewards are myriad: sweeping views over jagged peaks and deep valleys, serene swims in natural pools, the thrill of navigating rugged alpine passes, and the deep satisfaction of completing a legendary trek. The post Is the GR20 the toughest trek in Europe? appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Most polluted capital cities – ranked | Atlas & Boots
Delhi in India is the most polluted capital city in the world, according to the latest World Air Quality Report from IQAir, a Swiss air‐quality technology company. The post Most polluted capital cities – ranked appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
US national parks were created at a cost to Native Americans | Atlas & Boots
Abraham Lincoln has an almost saintly place in US history: the 'Great Emancipator' whose leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and abolished slavery. Often overlooked among his achievements is legislation he signed in 1864, during the thick of the war, but only marginally related to the conflict. The Yosemite Valley Grant Act preserved the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove in California as a park “held for public use, resort, and recreation … for all time.” The post US national parks were created at a cost to Native Americans appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Trekking Mt Meru: the alternative to Kilimanjaro | Atlas & Boots
While Kilimanjaro steals the spotlight, its lesser-known neighbour quietly offers one of East Africa’s most rewarding trekking experiences. Mt Meru, towering above the savannah of Arusha National Park, is often overlooked – but that’s precisely its charm. The post Trekking Mt Meru: the alternative to Kilimanjaro appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 best long-distance treks for beginners | Atlas & Boots
Trekking has been an enormous part of my life for decades. It has taken me through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on the planet, and I have met people from all over the world and made lasting friendships on the trail. The post 10 best long-distance treks for beginners appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 stunning archaeological World Heritage Sites in danger | Atlas & Boots
we asked you to name a famous World Heritage Site, there’s a good chance you would name the Great Pyramids of Giza. Other likely contenders include the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and Petra. These archaeological sites are some of man’s greatest marvels and are accordingly celebrated and protected. Not all World Heritage Sites, however, enjoy the same security. Our own Stonehenge nearly landed on the World Heritage in Danger list last year due to plans to build a two-mile tunnel nearby. The post 10 stunning archaeological World Heritage Sites in danger appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
