Readers, this is your space. Let us know what you think about the magazine, give us your unique travel tips, or simply ask us a question. Get Instagramming, emailing or tweeting! Next issue’s Star Letter wins a Gandys Vegan Bali backpack! Lifestyle brand Gandys’ fi rst-ever vegan backpack is expertly crafted from cotton canvas fabric, faux leather trims and buckles made out of vegan-friendly, PU leather. There are plenty of pockets and zip-up compartments to stash any valuables, and bags are well-sized for day trips out in the city or exploring wild landscapes across the world. gandyslondon.com fiin [email protected] GET IN TOUCH IMAGES: GETTY ffnbox STAR LETTER Warrior spirit Your feature on Zhangjiajie in China (November 2018) reminded me of our own recent trip to China, which included a few days in Xian where the Terracotta Warriors reside. The warriors were produced by a very powerful emperor of the Qin dynasty in 200BC to protect his spirit in the next world. Wanting to live and rule forever, he sent an envoy to fi nd the elixir of life. However the cra y explorer came back and spiked his drink with mercury instead, so the emperor died a slow death at the age of 49. Along came the Han and smashed his Terracotta Army, burnt down his palace and stole all the weapons of his clay men. The warriors are now being painstakingly pieced together once again — all 8,000 of them. And what a tremendous sight they are! MARY HUNTER Indian summer I was absolutely fascinated by your cover story, India on safari (October 2018), which opened my eyes to another side of a country I thought I knew quite well. I backpacked around India in my early 20s — many years ago now — and have been on safari in Africa a couple of times. I’d ticked those experiences o my bucket list. Of course, I knew India was home to an impressive array of animals, but I’d never thought of it as a safari destination. Now I’m desperate to return this summer to visit as many of the national parks mentioned in the piece and to try and see a snow leopard. SUSAN PICKFORD-SMITH The rise and rise of Manchester Thank you National Geographic Traveller (UK)! As a keen adventurer, I’m forever scouring travel magazines for inspiration about the next place to visit. And while I love reading about beautiful, faraway places and seeing incredible photographs of paradise isles, I o en feel our own island is overlooked. So it was with a big smile on my face that I read your excellent article on my home town of Manchester (March 2019). The writer did a great job of capturing the spirit of a city that just keeps getting better and better. I defy anyone to fi nd somewhere that o ers such an eclectic array of entertainment in such a small area. JAMIE PETERSON Chat back What’s your favourite city and why? #NGTUK NatGeoTravelUK @SIMPLYGEARY Istanbul without a doubt, a cliche to say east meets west, but a defi antly unique city @IAMJCTRAVELS I love Chiang Mai in Thailand @GLOBAL_GADABOUT Miami for its hidden depths @JOWESTN I somehow reached my 40th birthday before deciding it was time I went to Rome. I absolutely loved it and now want to see every part of Italy! GET IN TOUCH May 2019 201
�our pictures PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK) 2018/19 1 @twheat Flamingos, salt flats, Bolivia 2 @dadfar_photography Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan 3 @paulharrisphotography Greenland 4 @intrepid_photo Burano, Italy 5 @wiltonphoto Jaipur, India Every issue, we highlight the best photos you’ve shared with us on Instagram using #NGTUK. From Bhutan to Bolivia, these are a few of our favourites from the feed this month #NGTUK Use this hashtag on Instagram for your chance to be featured on our feed IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPECIAL PROMOTION 202 nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
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