travel blog
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.
Bill Bryson’s best books – ranked | Atlas & Boots
There's a part in Notes from a Small Island where Bill Bryson describes a painful train journey to Milton Keynes. He is sat facing a "bleating woman" and her 10-year-old son, who keeps picking his nose, kicking Bryson's shins and staring at him with his "piggy eyes". Bryson tries to ignore the child but is irritated by his smug stare and "busy finger". When the train finally pulls into Milton Keynes, Bryson takes great pleasure in getting his rucksack from the overhead rack and dragging it across the boy's head The post Bill Bryson’s best books – ranked appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Discovering Italy’s volcanoes: from active giants to ancient wonders | Atlas & Boots
Italy, a land of timeless beauty, is not only home to some of the world’s most captivating art, cuisine and architecture but also numerous volcanoes, which have played a central role in Italian life for millennia. The post Discovering Italy’s volcanoes: from active giants to ancient wonders appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 climate photographs that changed the way we see the world | Atlas & Boots
There are certain photographs that have changed the course of history. Usually, they are political: Tank Man in Tiananmen Square, Iraqi soldier on the Highway of Death, Napalm Girl in Vietnam. These photos are chilling but powerful. Climate photographs are less celebrated but often just as powerful. Below, we chart 10 climate photographs that have brought the primary crisis of our times into sharp relief. The post 10 climate photographs that changed the way we see the world appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
20 most beautiful mountains in the UK | Atlas & Boots
Alpine, Britain is not. In the UK, there are no sky-scraping summits; there are just 141 peaks over 1,000m (3,281ft), let alone the atmosphere-kissing eight-thousanders found in the great ranges of Asia. In fact, with an average mean elevation of just 162m (531ft), the UK is one of the world's lowest countries. The post 20 most beautiful mountains in the UK appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
7 best rail journeys that you can do on a budget | Atlas & Boots
Here at Atlas & Boots, we’ve long had differing opinions on the virtues of train travel. Peter believes it’s the best way to see a country: slow, sustainable, ground level. In contrast, I generally find it cramped and stressful. I like the romance of rail travel and would certainly like to do it more but, in reality, hauling a suitcase down a narrow corridor into a compartment full of strangers is not my idea of fun, nor is shared commode. The Orient Express and its ilk are a different matter of course, but they’re not exactly suited to a modest budget. The post 7 stunning rail journeys – for a modest budget appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
