National Geographic | Emerge: Your monthly travel newsletter

National Geographic

This month's travel inspirations: Winter trips for every type of traveler; charming U.S. Christmas markets; California boomtowns; see America's newest World Heritage site; how to visit London with kids; forgotten Hawaiian hiking trails; and more.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MIKE CRISS, ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION

Winter vacations don't have to be about snow—check out these perfect getaways

Winter may not be everyone's favorite season, but with fewer crowds and serene landscapes, it could be one of the best times to travel. From scenic coastal journeys to wildlife watching in Yellowstone, Hawaii, and Alaska, we found a trip for every type of winter wanderer.

WINTER TRIP IDEAS

FOR THRILL SEEKERS AND STARGAZERS: 9 North American adventures +

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBEN BELLOMO, BELLOMO STUDIOS/CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT

These U.S. Christmas markets feel like a fairy tale

Europe is famed for its Christmas markets that bring a fairy tale sense of wonder to the season. But you don't have to journey abroad for holiday magic—from a charming Danish village lookalike in the West to a historic bluff-top town in the South, these destinations add local flavor to holiday merrymaking.

6 U.S. CHRISTMAS MARKETS

THE BIRTH OF THE YULE LOG: How the bûche de Noël became a festive favorite +

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN SASSE, LAIF/REDUX

California gold rush towns are booming again. Here's what to see and do.

An 80-mile drive through a string of former mining towns in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada are bursting with trendy shops and restaurants, revamped 19th-century hotels, and outdoor activities along with gold rush sites. Here's how to explore.

VISIT THE WILD WEST

IS THIS THE NEW NAPA? Vintners in this California region hope not. +

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOM ENGBERG, THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Inside the secret world of the Hopewell Mounds, our newest World Heritage site

Eight sites in central and southern Ohio comprise the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, sprawling embankments built by little-known Indigenous tribes. The largest geometrically shaped earthworks on the planet are now on par with fellow World Heritage sites Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FROM NAT GEO

Looking for a last-minute gift? Here are a few road-tested—and wallet-friendly—ideas from our editors.

As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*

PHOTO COURTESY ART OF PLAY

Vintage National Parks Map Puzzle

Does someone in your life love parks—and puzzles? This will help pass the cold months, and help them plan their next trip. Read our recommendation.

FIND IT AT ANP.ORG

PHOTO COURTESY WINSOR & NEWTON

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set

Long ago, practically every explorer carried watercolors. This compact set will help anyone find zen in the midst of chaos. Read our recommendation.

FIND IT AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY ALL BIRDS

Allbirds Women's Wool Runners

These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and hold up well on long-distance walks. Read our recommendation.

FIND IT AT ALLBIRDS

PHOTO COURTESY AMAZON

Philips One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush

This sleek model, perfect for traveling, comes with a sturdy travel case that lets air circulate. Read our recommendation.

FIND IT AT AMAZON

WHAT TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

PHOTOGRAPH BY SOL DE ZUASNABAR BREBBIA, GETTY IMAGES

Home of Big Ben, Harry Potter filming locations and endless free world-class museums catering to families, London is a justifiably popular city break for young and old alike. Here's what to see, what to eat, and where to stay with toddlers, tweens, and teens.

OUR GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

WHERE ELSE TO GO: See our family city guide to Edinburgh +

HAWAIIAN HIKING TRAILS YOU WON'T FIND IN A GUIDEBOOK

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAURITIUS IMAGES, ALAMY

From the beach where hula was said to be born to sacred sites where spirits roam, miles of lesser known trails tell the story of Hawai’i. "A lot of these ancient trails have been in use for more than a thousand years—and people still use them."

WHERE TO HIKE HERITAGE TRAILS

EXPERIENCE 'ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE'

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS GORMAN, GETTY IMAGES

Nearly annihilated during World War II, the French seaside town Saint-Malo has long been a beacon of maritime adventure—and potent rebellion. Here's how to experience the sights depicted in the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel turned Netflix series.

OUR MOST POPULAR STORIES OF 2023

PHOTOGRAPH BY HARALD SUND, GETTY IMAGES

From a look at the breathtaking natural wonders that no longer exist to the best places for northern lights in Europe to remedies for motion sickness, these are the stories travelers were most interested in this year:

1.

These breathtaking natural wonders no longer exist

2.

One of these 7 places may be America's next national park

3.

Is this California wine region the new Napa? Its vintners hope not.

4.

Puerto Rico's stunning new trail traverses a tropical rainforest

5.

Walk across the sky in the U.S.'s highest-elevation city

6.

What causes motion sickness—and how can you prevent it?

*By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave NationalGeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

Clicking on the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

This email was sent to: [email protected]. Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored.

This email contains an advertisement from:
National Geographic | 1145 17th Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036

Stop all types of future commercial email from National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences.

Manage all email preferences with the Walt Disney Family of Companies.

© 2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.