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Magazine
Awards are nothing new in the travel space. But what’s different about Traveller’s awards, introduced last year, is that they’re extremely personal selections from our expert writers – people who travel a lot, and know a good thing when they see it. We asked them to nominate a favourite place or experience from their past year of global travel, and then a senior panel of editors chose 10 winners in each of 12 categories. The choices are not necessarily the latest opening or newest launch, but they do come highly recommended by a profoundly knowledgeable team. Of course, in a world of chatbot hallucinations and paid influencer content, expert advice and opinion from independent writers on the ground is increasingly valuable. (Some of our travel is sponsored, but we never promise positive coverage in return.) We hope you enjoy reading about these bucket-list experiences, they really are the best of the best.
13 stories
Innovation
Meet the trailblazers changing the way we travel, from a hotel that’s a green sanctuary to an ambitious plan to turn a UAE city into a new cultural capital.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Reinvention
These award winners show how taking something inherently beautiful or unique and adding zeitgeisty features can double the joy.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Bang for buck
It might be an airline making high-flying accessible to the majority or a hotel offering a slice of luxury at a price that doesn’t sting. These affordable travel gems over-deliver.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Change makers
We shine a spotlight on the people and companies changing travel for the better, from a visionary safari lodge to a company championing accessible travel.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Fun times
From a hotel suite with a secret tunnel to a boozy day out on a tequila train in Mexico, this list is all about travel that sparks joy and adventure.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Food & wine
Read our global gastronomic bucket-list to discover where in Greece you’ll find a UNESCO-recognised culinary city or who’s the best ramen guide in Tokyo.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Immersive
Fancy a spiritual journey in Bali or a deep dive into the history of Washington DC? These experiences are for those who crave a holiday with depth, where every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and be transformed.
- September 19, 2025
Adventure
From an adrenaline-pumping quad-bike dash in the bush or a soul-searching hike, these hand-picked experiences come with a lasting sense of accomplishment.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Style & design
From an 1881 merchant’s house transformed into a boutique hotel in Athens, to Mondrian’s entry into Australia on the Gold Coast, we celebrate the brands getting creative and banishing bland.
- September 19, 2025
Sustainability
As informed tourists increasingly prefer to tread lightly on holiday, we profile the places and experiences leading the way on sustainability and conservation.
- September 19, 2025
Wellness
Go on an inner journey to these locations lauded for restfulness, harmony and peace.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
Insider intel
Our reporters share the bounty of their global roamings, name checking the hottest new spots and experiences alongside old favourites that still deliver.
- September 19, 2025
- Traveller team
