Unfortunately, there are not nearly as many good travel magazines out there as there used to be, at least for those not on a Rolex and Prada budget. Here are travel publications that care more about the joy of discovery than they do about keeping up with the Joneses.
Outpost
Published in Toronto, with a Canadian perspective. Was always great, but is now hands down the best travel magazine in North America for thinking, independent travelers. Insightful and culturally sensitive writing, with a view from the ground, not from the Four Seasons balcony.
Transitions Abroad
Created in 1977 as the "antidote to tourism," it is the definitive guide to working, studying, or volunteering overseas. They also publish informative travel articles that provide plenty of no-nonsense advice. The publishing company is known for some very helpful books and directories for those planning to live overseas for some time and the web site is more than just a tease. Click here to subscribe or check a quality bookstore or library for a copy to see for yourself.
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
This magazine gets better all the time. It has gone from something mildly useful to being an essential read for the bargain-hunter. In the past year or so they seem to have focused more on independent travel on a budget and less on package tours. They're also not afraid to write about places that aren't filled with huge resorts and spas--a welcome change from the norm. You can subscribe for next to nothing by checking the Web subscription sites, so it's a cheap read for yourself or a relative. An especially good read for those who like to travel in relative comfort, but don't want to be a number.
National Geographic Travel
This high-circulation magazine still slips into "isn't this place luxurious?!" drooling mode now and then, but it at least makes an attempt to keep the focus on travel. Unlike its jewelry-ad-filled competitors, it is not afraid to run stories on places where there are no five-star hotels and it employs a lot of experienced writers and book authors who have been there, done that on every continent.
Wanderlust
This UK magazine is a great find if you can get a Europe-bound friend to pick it up or you live near a magazine store that carries imports. Literate travel articles, great travel book reviews, and beautiful photography, but all the while still remembering that most travelers aren't living off $500 a day.
Abroad View Magazine
This unique magazine (founded by the now-editor of Transitions Abroad), is an impressive glossy that comes out twice per year and focuses on real life and experience from the eyes of those who are studying and working abroad. Contributors share their life-changing travel and study abroad stories, document both experiential and cultural research, and voice their views on important global and regionally focused cultural, environmental, political, and social issues and ideas.
International Travel News
This far-from-attractive publication, in black-and-white on newsprint pages, is nevertheless the best resource for those who prefer group tours. It gives you the lowdown on what the tours are actually like, with articles written by subcribers who may or may not be professional travel writers. It is aimed at readers who want to travel with a group, but want to get beyond the surface-level package tours that treat you like a number. It is also refreshingly free from luxury travel hype.
International Living
This publishing company is relentless about trying to upsell you and cross-sell you on all their various products, so be prepared for loads of junk mail, but it's still the best resource around for anyone who wants to retire overseas or live abroad for an extended period.
