Here's why portable photo printers are one of our favorite travel gadgets
Digital photos may be convenient for travel, but there's something special about holding a printed picture. Portable photo printers let you turn your favorite snapshots into instant keepsakes, no matter where you are.
'I've been journaling my whole life but started taking it more seriously in 2020 as a way to relive my adventures, and since then, I incorporate different creative elements into my journaling, including photography,' says Ayusha Ayalur, a product manager from New York City. 'Having a portable photo printer allows me to capture moments instantly and document them right away, making my journaling feel more immersive and personal.'
When shopping for a portable photo printer, Ayalur suggests one that's lightweight and compact. '[That] can make a huge difference in how often you print, and hence, justify the cost,' he says.
Lisa VanderVeen , a travel writer from New Jersey, says she's been keeping a journal since she was a student. Now, after visiting nearly 50 countries, she says she's used bullet journals, longform notebooks, and typed entries to memorialize her trips.
'These journals/albums are my favorite travel souvenirs, as I can pull them out years after a trip and remember sensory details,' she says. 'For example, I adhered a business card from a restaurant in my Greece journal, beside a photo of the delicious octopus I ate there.'
VanderVeen recommends a printer with photo paper that's easy to find while traveling, so you're not restricted to what you bring with you.
I've used the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer on many of my trips as a travel journalist. I love how simple it is to use and the 15-second printing time. It's easily my overall top pick, but I've found other portable photo printers that excel at other features too. Scroll on for my full review. The best portable photo printers
When choosing the best portable photo printer, look for high print quality. Pay attention to the type of connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), as that can impact portability. Of course, it should be compatible with your primary photo device. Additional factors, including print size, battery life, and ongoing costs, such as ink or thermal paper, can also be important. Best portable photo printer overall: Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer
Why we like it: As a travel photographer and journalist, I've used the Fujifilm Instax on trips for years. It's lightweight and develops images in under two minutes, then prints two-by-three-inch photos in just under 15 seconds. I love the fun creative features, which let you add extras like doodles, filters, and photo effects before printing. It has a seamless Bluetooth connection and charges via USB-C, making it compatible with most smartphones and tablets.
Keep in mind: It's easy to burn through the print packs, especially in the beginning as you figure out lighting and camera controls. You can only edit photos through the app.
Product details: Ink color: Color | Output size: 2 x 3 in. | Weight: 11.2 oz. | Printing tech: Thermal | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB Best Bluetooth portable photo printer: Aixiqee Portable Printer Wireless Bluetooth Compatible
Why we like it: This wireless portable photo printer is a great choice for frequent travelers. The Bluetooth connects to a variety of iOS and Android devices and prints on thermal, so you don't have to worry about running out of ink while you're on the go. We like that it's packable—at about two pounds, it easily fits into a backpack, yet it supports U.S. letter, legal, A4, and A5 paper.
Keep in mind: The print quality is great for documents and graphics, but it may not be ideal for high-quality images. The printer also relies on thermal paper, which can be difficult to find and expensive. Customers also point out that the paper rolls print on one continuous page. However, you can print one page at a time. It only prints in black and white.
Product details: Ink color: Black | Output size: Variety | Weight: 2 lbs. | Printing tech: Thermal | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
( How to turn your cellphone into a powerful travel tool ) Best portable photo printer for photo quality: Canon Selphy CP1500 Compact Photo Printer
Why we like it: This portable photo printer produces high-quality, non-pixelated, vibrant prints. It's easy to set up and weighs under two pounds. The printer supports both wireless and USB connections, enabling you to print directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It features a built-in three-and-a-half-inch display for viewing, editing, and adding filter effects to photos, which print in a four-by-six-inch size.
Keep in mind: This printer can be a good choice for casual photographers or anyone who enjoys printing personal photos on the go, but it's not the best for producing large prints. The paper and ink packs can get a bit pricey, especially if you print frequently. While it's not too heavy, it's a bulky box that would fit better in a carry-on than a backpack.
Product details: Color: Black | Output size: 4 x 6 in. | Weight: 1.9 lbs. | Printing tech: Dye-sublimation | Connectivity: Wi-Fi Best portable photo printer with scanner: HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer
Why we like it: The HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer is a versatile option for printing and scanning on the go. It connects wirelessly or with USB connectivity, so you can print, scan, and copy anywhere. It produces both black-and-white and color documents up to 8.5 x 11 inches and has an intuitive control panel for easy operation. We also like the long-lasting battery—up to 225 pages per charge, according to the brand.
Keep in mind: At 6.5 pounds this is not a lightweight printer and may not be ideal for trips where you're constantly on the go. The paper tray holds just 10 sheets, which can be an inconvenience. Additionally, because this is a printer and scanner, it's expensive and may be best suited to business travelers.
Product details: Ink color: Black and color | Output size: Variety, including envelope and photo (4 x 6 in.) | Weight: 6.5 lbs. | Printing tech: Inkjet | Connectivity: Wired and wireless
( For amazing travel photos, start with these essentials ) Best portable photo printer for wide prints: Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer
Why we like it: This printer produces wide-format prints (3.4 x 4.3 inches), offering more space than Instax Mini prints. Compact and lightweight, it connects via Bluetooth to both iOS and Android devices through a dedicated app. The app gives you creative control with features like filters, text, and QR codes. The print quality has a nostalgic instant film feel, and the images develop in about 90 seconds, which is great for scrapbooking, travel journaling, and casual photography during downtimes.
Keep in mind: The cost of the wide-format Instax film is more expensive than the standard Mini film, especially if you print often. The printer doesn't offer the same high-resolution quality as a digital photo printer, so while the prints are great for casual use, they may not be crisp enough for framing.
Product details: Ink color: Color | Output size: 3.4 x 4.3 in. | Weight: 12 oz. | Printing tech: Photographic print | Connectivity: Bluetooth Best portable photo printer for small prints: Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
Why we like it: This compact portable photo printer lets you print two-by-three-inch photos directly from your phone. It uses Zink (zero-ink) technology, which means you don't need ink cartridges, and the peel-and-stick paper makes it easy to adhere photos to your travel journal or anywhere. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and works with both iOS and Android devices.
Keep in mind: While it's easy to use, the print resolution can be a bit lacking, especially compared to more expensive or larger photo printers. The printer can also be a little slow, taking about a minute per print.
Product details: Ink color: Color | Output size: 2 x 3 in. | Weight: 8.8 oz. | Printing tech: Zink Technology | Connectivity: Bluetooth
( 6 of the easiest cameras to use for travel ) Most versatile portable photo printer: HuiJuKeJi Mini Sticker Smart Pocket Inkless Thermal Printer
Why we like it: This compact and portable photo printer produces photos, notes, and custom stickers. It uses inkless thermal printing technology and connects via Bluetooth to both iOS and Android devices. It works on both sticky and non-stick paper to print two-by-three-inch photos, plus the app offers a host of features, including AI and the ability to turn photos into line art.
Keep in mind: The print quality lacks sharpness and vibrancy, making it less suitable for detailed images. It's slower than some mini printers and limited to small-format prints.
Product details: Ink color: Monochrome | Output size: 2 x 3 in. | Weight: 15 oz. | Printing tech: Thermal | Connectivity: Bluetooth
( Browse easily on your next trip with one of these top portable routers ) How we chose the best portable photo printers
In examining portable photo printers for this list, I prioritized portability and ease of use. Compatibility, quality of prints, and connectivity were also key attributes.
I also relied on real-world testing from people who are avid scrapbookers, journal regularly, and real customer reviews, including expert interviews. I also drew from my own personal experience as a travel photographer. Here's what I weighed:
• Third-party reviews: These are important because they offer unbiased, real-world insight that reflect how the printer performed in the field.
• Connectivity: Printers that work across devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, are especially important, whether you're travel for work or leisure.
• Practicality: The overall weight and print quality help travelers find the best value for their needs. Tips for buying a portable photo printer
There are lots of factors to consider when shopping for a portable photo printer. Besides quality and portability, it's important to make sure the printer works with the devices you plan to use while traveling.
Not all printers produce the same print size—some print only two-by-three-inch photos, while others print on a variety of sizes, including envelopes and even legal size paper.
For travelers, battery life and overall costs are very important. VanderVeen suggests trying out a few in advance, if possible, especially if image quality is important or if you have an extended holiday planned where switching printers isn't an option.
Here are more tips to keep in mind.
Compatibility
Ayalur recalls one instance where unreliable app connection caused her to miss some key moments of journaling on the go. 'Before you buy a portable photo printer, make sure it works with your device, whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet,' she says. 'Most printers connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and need a supporting app from the App Store or Google Play. Also, check reviews of the app as they usually are good indicators of reliability.'
Quality
Print resolution and color accuracy can make a big difference in the sharpness and vibrancy of your photos. Ink-based printers deliver more detailed images by layering ink for better depth and color accuracy. Inkless options, such as thermal printers, are budget-friendly and portable but don't always match the same level of detail.
If print quality is a priority, then consider an ink-based printer, knowing that ink will be an added cost over time. Customers were particularly impressed with the quality of our top pick, the Canon Selphy CP1500 Compact Photo Printer.
Print size
Portable printers tend to produce smaller prints, typically 2 x 3 inches, which works best for scrapbooking, travel journaling, or making instant stickers. While smaller prints are more travel-friendly, they may not capture as much detail as larger ones (4 x 6 inches or 8.5 x 11 inches).
Battery life
Think about battery life when choosing a portable printer, especially if you'll be using it on the go without easy access to a power outlet. Some models can print 20-50 photos per charge, while others may need more frequent recharging. Our pick, the HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer, prints 225 pages before recharging, according to the brand, which makes it a good choice for business travelers or anyone needing to print lots of four-by-six-inch photos for an event.
Cost
Inkless printers, like those using Zink or thermal technology, don't need ink, which can save you money over time. Instead, they use special heat-sensitive paper to create images. However, the cost of the paper (like Zink paper) can add up if you're constantly printing. On the other hand, ink-based printers require ink cartridges or ribbons, which can drive up ongoing costs.
Speed
If you need to print multiple photos quickly, especially for events or gatherings, printing speed is important. Some portable printers take between 30 seconds to a minute per print, while others may be slower.
If you're planning to print many photos at once, be sure to check the print time per photo or pages per minute (ppm) to make sure the printer suits your needs. Our top pick, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer, prints photos in under 15 seconds.
Portability
The biggest benefit of a portable printer is the size. Choose a lightweight model that easily fits into your bag or backpack. While some are small enough to fit in a pocket, larger printers can be a hassle, especially if they're bulky. Think about how much space the printer takes up and how often you'll need to carry it.
Features and ease of usage
Some portable printers offer advanced features like adding text, filters, frames, or QR codes to your photos before printing. These tools are ideal for scrapbooking, creating personalized gifts, or adding a creative touch to your prints. Read through the app capabilities to see if the portable photo printer is right for you.
Price
Portable photo printers come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options under $50 to pricier models over $100. Inkless printers are usually more affordable, while dye-sublimation and photo printers tend to cost more. In addition to the printer's price, the cost of paper and ink or thermal cartridges also add up. Consider how frequently you'll use the printer and whether the features justify the cost.
Reviews
Before making a purchase, it's a good idea to check user reviews and expert opinions, not just for the printer but also for the app (if applicable). Look for comments on reliability, ease of use, and print quality. Frequently asked questions
Do portable photo printers need ink?
Portable printers come in both ink-based and inkless varieties. Ink-based models, such as inkjets, rely on cartridges or toner to produce prints with rich detail and color accuracy. In contrast, inkless printers, like those using Zink (Zero Ink) or thermal technology, create images by applying heat to specialized paper, eliminating the need for ink.
Inkless options offer a more convenient and cost-effective solution over time since they don't require ink replacements. However, they may compromise color accuracy and print longevity, compared to ink-based alternatives.
How does a portable photo printer work?
A portable photo printer connects to your device via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB and uses either ink-based or inkless technology to print images or documents. Ink-based models, such as inkjet or dye-sublimation printers, produce high-quality, vibrant prints by layering ink on paper. Inkless options, like Zink or thermal printers, use heat-sensitive paper to create images without the need for ink, making them more compact and efficient.
Which phones are compatible with portable photo printers?
Most portable photo printers are compatible with iPhones (iPhone 5 and newer), iPads, and Android devices (Android 4.0 or later). They connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and often include associated apps on the App Store and Google Play, making printing and customization quick and convenient. Karthika Gupta is a Chicago-based travel photographer, freelance journalist, and podcaster. She's covered the outdoors, lifestyle, and travel for over a decade. Follow her on Instagram. *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. 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 for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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Tracking Namibia's desert rhinos in the storms of a decade
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Damaraland is certainly a large area (18,000sq miles) and it's definitely in a hot region (current temperature 31C). But where I'd expected lunar landscapes speckled with the occasional succulent, there are rolling hills swathed in softly wafting grass. Where I'd imagined blue skies untroubled by a single cloud, there are cumulonimbus boiling overhead and thick sheets of rain barrelling across the horizon. I'd pictured a world that had no ambitions beyond 'beige' on the colour chart. This is every shade of green, from the near neon of a tennis ball to the silvery subtlety of a sage leaf. 'It's crazy special,' says Bernadro Hillary Roman as I climb into an open-sided Land Cruiser behind him. 'For 14 years, we've had a massive drought. This place normally looks like a rock garden.' I meet goateed guide Bernadro — better known as Bons — at a sandy airstrip in the Palmwag Concession, a protected conservancy of 2,100sq miles in northwest Damaraland. It's several steps beyond the middle of nowhere. Bouncing beneath the clouds in a tiny Cessna, I'd seen signs of life fade the further north the plane travelled from the Namibian capital of Windhoek: first the settlements disappeared, then the trees, finally the roads. Below, enormous rock formations rippled out of the flat earth like petrified sea monsters. Like most people, I've made the journey for one reason: to see a critically endangered species that has learnt to survive in this normally hostile and arid environment. 'We have the world's largest population of desert-adapted black rhino here,' Bons says, driving towards our camp, sunglasses perched on his head. 'And we have a 99.99% success rate of finding them.' Bons has worked as a guide for Desert Rhino Camp since 2010 and knows the concession better than most. 'I grew up 11 miles away, this is my backyard,' he tells me as the rain starts, so faint at first I have to hold out my hand to be sure I feel it. 'Even if you put a bag over my head, I would know where we are.' He doesn't get a chance to demonstrate. Soon after our arrival at Desert Rhino, the skies darken, the wind picks up and the throaty growl of thunder rumbles across the plains, seeming to rebound off the surrounding mountains and pinball around the camp. The rain is quickly torrential. Puddles turn to little streams. Little streams turn to small lakes. We're marooned, hiding in our canvas safari tents like desert Noahs as the waters rise. Life on Mars There's little sign of the storm the following morning. A few clouds skim the horizon in the inky pre-dawn light and the earth is dark and damp, but the water has entirely drained into the porous soil. What I take to be the cartoon-like croak of a frog is, according to Bons, the dual calls of two Rüppell's korhaans — slender, beige birds found in regions with little rain. As the sun rises, turning the grass golden, they form a tiny orchestra, joined by the looping whistle of a Benguela long-billed lark and the cheerful twitters of sparrow-larks. The plan for the day is to join Palmwag's rangers and — with luck — follow them to some of the 17 or so black rhinos within driving distance of the camp. The rangers had set off a couple of hours earlier to get the search underway. 'The trackers track the rhino and we track the trackers,' says Bons with a characteristically mischievous grin. 'It's hard for them though — the rain will have washed away any footprints.' We spend the morning trundling along tracks that weave across the concession, each turn revealing another epic landscape — an endless parade of grass-covered hills filing to the horizon, punctuated by sandstone cliffs and giant outcrops of red basalt. Yellow mouse whiskers and purple carpetweed flowers poke up between the rocks, splashing the desert with colour. The minty smell of wild tea carries on the breeze. 'Usually this looks like Mars,' says Bons. 'If a guest from the last 10 years saw pictures of it now, they would need to see a doctor.' Prominent in the landscape is the plant that allows black rhinos to survive in a more typical year. The drought-resistant Euphorbia damarana, or Damara milk-bush, contain a latex sap that's poisonous to most animals, including humans, but not rhinos, sustaining them in the absence of other sources of food. Deadly toxins are not the only horror concealed within the bush: hundreds of spider-like armoured crickets cling to its spiky fronds, likely feeding on the latex to make themselves unpalatable to birds. As we continue through Palmwag, Bons frequently stops to peer through binoculars, his naked eye having picked up evidence of other life in the desert, much of it drawn in by the abundant grass. Among them are the retreating backsides of springboks, zebras and oryx keen to get as far away from us as possible. A closer encounter comes after we slosh through the fast-flowing water and thick mud of the normally dry Uniab River. An Angolan giraffe stands on the other side, his jaw working at the leaves of a mopane tree as he gazes impassively at us. We have little time to gaze back. The Land Cruiser's radio crackles with a message from the rangers — they've found rhinos. We set off in their direction with some urgency and are soon driving past heaps of megafauna dung, the trackers' 4WD in our sights ahead. Beyond them are the rhinos — a female in front, a small calf sticking close by and a large male ambling in their wake. 'The trackers will tell us where to go, and we follow on foot,' says Bons, his voice hushed. 'We want the rhinos to experience the least human disturbance. We don't want them used to jeeps — you can imagine how vulnerable they are to poachers then.' The team motions us over and instructs us to walk behind them in single file and to stay silent. 'We need you to blend in,' ranger Denso Tjiraso whispers. 'We are in their environment and we want them to be unaware of you.' Our attempts to blend in and stay silent fail almost immediately. Edging down a rocky slope, we dislodge layers of shale, which slide and clatter beneath our feet. The three animals turn and look — they're very much aware of us. At the bottom, we all stand and stare at one another, caught in a Mexican standoff with a hundred metres between us. The rhinos finally relax, conscious of our presence but apparently untroubled — the adults return to the grassy lunch at their feet, ears cocked in our direction, while the baby slumps in the shadow cast by her mother. Along with Denso, trackers Hofney Gaseb and Richard Ganuseb pull out notebooks and cameras, recording the animals' condition and sketching distinctive features that help identify them. In front of us, I learn, are Tuta, daughter Kasper and interloper Arthur, who's likely hanging around in the hope of mating. Survey over, we quietly retreat, leaving them to find some shade as the mercury rises. Good weather for rhinos Guests at Desert Rhino Camp are able to have such unique experiences thanks to a project it runs with Save The Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT). For over 21 years, they've worked with the three communities within the conservancy, leasing land from them and sharing profits from the camp, as well as encouraging them to help with conservation efforts and to report any signs of poaching. SRT also trains and equips Palmwag's rangers, recruiting many of them from those same local villages. I meet the trust's director of field operations, Lesley Karutjaiva, as he's returning to his headquarters in the concession and Bons and I are out on a meandering drive. Leaning on his 4WD, neatly dressed in green shirt and trousers, he tells me that the SRT has trained 71 rangers, and anti-poaching efforts are improving. 'We have around 200 rhinos here,' he says as thunder rattles around us. 'But 500 would be a good number.' The deficit is not down to poachers. 'Our last good rain was in 2011,' Lesley explains. 'During extreme drought we lose many calves — the mothers don't have enough food to produce milk.' In better news, he tells me, Palmwag has received so much rainfall this year, it should see them through for another five. With theatrical good timing, the storm that has been threatening all afternoon finally breaks, raindrops hammering around us with sudden ferocity. Lightning spasms across a sky slashed red with the rays of the setting sun. 'Oh, this is very good weather for rhinos,' Lesley says with a broad smile as we retreat to our vehicles. 'We are all very happy.' The rest of my time in Palmwag produces further very good weather for rhinos, and further rhino sightings. We spot Tuta, Kasper and Arthur as they plod along a dry river bed in the soft evening light, and again as they enjoy a roaming buffet of wild grasses on an early-morning stroll through the hills. Each time, they eventually catch our scent on the wind and take off for the horizon with a surprisingly dainty little trot. The concession's low-intervention approach towards the wildlife on its land means the animals remain unhabituated to both vehicles and humans, and their natural instinct is to run away from both very quickly indeed. But it's not a common strategy in the reserves of northern Namibia, as becomes clear almost immediately at my next stop. Coming into land after an hour-long, corkscrewing flight east from Palmwag, I already feel transported to another world. Nature swaggers here, lavishing the land with thick clumps of trees, the whitest sandy soil and vast turquoise pools of water. Humans have added the decorative touches of arrow-straight roads and fences. It's a 10-minute drive from the airstrip to the gates of Onguma, a privately owned reserve of more than 130sq miles on the edge of Namibia's landmark Etosha National Park. Those 10 minutes provide a bumper pack of wildlife sightings. A family of banded mongooses tumble and play metres from the vehicle; a male wildebeest strides nonchalantly past, so close I might lean out and touch him; a small herd of oryx, horns rising like spears, graze at the edge of a clearing; and a lilac-breasted roller perches on a termite mound as kori bustards strut through the grass behind. Nothing is running away here. Walk on the wild side I soon learn that close encounters are something of a theme at Onguma. While the reserve prioritises the welfare of its animals above all, it allows its human guests plenty of opportunities to quietly observe them at near quarters. At the exclusive lodge of Camp Kala, each of the four suites sits on a raised walkway overlooking a water hole, with hyenas and elephants coming in to drink as guests watch from their plunge pools. A custom-built Land Cruiser with a 'star bed' built over the cabin allows couples to spend the night out in the open, listening to the grunts of nearby lions as the Milky Way dazzles overhead. And a hide set partly beneath ground level allows its occupants to peer out at zebras and giraffes standing oblivious just metres away. The accommodation I'm heading to, however, has been open for barely a month, and the wildlife in the area is not yet accustomed to the new residents. With the sun setting and the bullfrogs croaking, my perennially cheerful guide Liberty Eiseb and I bump along a track towards Trails Camp. Liberty stops the vehicle to point out boot prints left in the sand beneath us by Onguma's anti-poaching unit, who patrol in pairs at night. Beside them are the tracks of a leopard. 'This is probably the leopard that comes into camp when we are sleeping,' he says. 'I hear it every night at 4am.' I can hardly blame it for calling in — Trails Camp is a mini Eden tucked within an acacia woodland, from where guests typically head out on walking safaris. Lantern-lit pathways lead to four safari tents, each with a wooden hot tub at the front and an outdoor shower at the back. When darkness enfolds the bush, the Southern Cross and Scorpio shine bright in the firmament of stars above. 'Here you get silence and you get adventure,' says Liberty with some glee before we both turn in for the night. After an undisturbed sleep, I find him sitting by the fire in the muted pre-dawn light, a blackened tin kettle sat within the embers. 'You see the bushman's TV is already on,' he says, gesturing to the flames. 'It always tells a good story.' He heard the saw-like calls of the leopard as it padded through at 4am and 5.30am. 'The animals need to get used to the camp, but they will,' he continues. 'The big leopard will soon be sitting in the trees around us.' With breakfast soundtracked by turtle doves crooning from those same trees, I could get used to the camp myself, but the bush waits for no one, and I set off with guide Tristan Lewis for a day's exploration. We're soon driving through a landscape pocked with water holes, with makalani palms towering above. Wildlife teems around us — the heads of giraffes appear above the umbrella thorns; elephants cross in front of us and instantly melt into the bush; African grey hornbills pick at termites; leopard tortoises bumble along the track; spotted hyenas skulk through the grass. 'Morning drives are my favourite,' says Tristan, his traditional safari uniform of beige shirt and shorts accessorised by a neat little moustache. 'Everything's fresh, everything's waking up.' Like Palmwag, Onguma has seen unprecedented rainfall, and it's changed the behaviour of the animals on the reserve. 'We usually have a little migration with the rain,' Tristan tells me as we stop to watch a herd of impalas chewing on grass, their black eyes fixed on the vehicle. 'Breeding groups go east because that's where the first rains usually fall. But they're finding rainwater everywhere now, so all the patterns are messed up.' The rain has messed up some of the tracks, too, and Tristan occasionally has to coax the Land Cruiser through deep, water-filled channels in the mud, or turn back and find another route. We're on the lookout for a pride of lions seen near the reserve's border with Etosha when one particularly troublesome puddle finally defeats us. After radioing in for a replacement vehicle, Tristan points to a pair of male white rhinos grazing some way in the distance. 'It's not so bad being stuck when you're stuck by rhino,' he says. 'Shall we go for a walk?' He collects his rifle and we quietly creep towards them over sandy soil scattered with lion paw prints. 'We've spent hours and hours with these rhinos,' Tristan whispers as we draw closer. 'We know their behaviour is relaxed. They're not like black rhinos — black rhinos are a handful.' We're 60 feet away when the two males finally become aware of our presence. Tristan motions me to crouch down and be quiet. 'They know we're here, now we give them time to decide what to do,' he says softly as they stand facing us. 'You can see they're curious.' After a few minutes trying to figure us out, one cautiously pads in our direction, head down, ears rotating. He's so close I can hear him breathing when Tristan slowly rises — the rhino instantly canters away. Over the next 30 minutes, the pair repeatedly amble towards us, only moving away when Tristan gently shifts his position. 'They're comfortable with us but we don't want them too close,' he murmurs, watching as they graze. 'They're wild animals and we want them to stay wild.' It soon feels completely natural to sit quietly in the sand, passing the day with animals each weighing up to 2.5 tonnes and sporting impressively long and pointy horns. 'It's nice when they let you into their space and they're not threatened by you,' Tristan says when the rhinos eventually decide to move on. 'You can share this incredible time with them.' It's a parting gift from the rains of Namibia — a vehicle stuck in the mud, a moment of pure magic. As we wander, slightly giddy, towards the guide who's come to pick us up, I'm reminded of something Bons had said to me as we sheltered from a storm in Palmwag: 'The rain is very good for everything — for nature, for animals, for us.' Published in the September 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Solve the daily Crossword
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5 days ago
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Discover how urban green spaces, miles of waterfront, and wild wonders are part of everyday life in the Emerald City. Kubota Garden, located in the Rainer Beach neighborhood of Seattle, is just one of the city's many natural gems, offering visitors a peaceful escape within a bustling urban landscape. Most cities make you leave town to find nature, but in Seattle, the green space is built right in. With more than 6,000 acres of parks and 200 miles of shoreline, including the Puget Sound, this is a place where urban energy and stunning Pacific Northwest scenery can coexist in perfect harmony. Nearly 30 percent of the city is covered by trees, offering a year-round reminder why Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City. Whether you're seeking beach days, kayaking adventures, mountain vistas, forest strolls, or garden jaunts, Seattle will help you get back to nature. In the city he calls home, National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey set out on assignment to reveal something extraordinary: Mother Nature isn't just present here—but alive—in the very heart of the city. In Seattle, where the urban skyline rises alongside the shimmering waters of the Pugent Sound, nature is always within reach. Seattle's robust urban forest ecosystem has over 4 million trees. Kubota Garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood is a century-old, 20-acre Japanese garden that blends Pacific Northwest plants with traditional Japanese design. This poetic landscape has 140 varieties of maple trees, 11 ponds, and 30 varieties of hydrangeas. At Kubota Garden, you can wander the hidden Necklace of Ponds, where spring brings a kaleidoscope of flowers and offers moments of peaceful observation. The 560-acre Discovery Park is known for its landscape diversity and birdwatching. Hike miles of trails through forests, meadows, sea cliffs, and tidal beaches, and don't forget to look up—nearly 300 bird species can be spotted here, including bald eagles, woodpeckers, and spotted towhees. The 2.8-mile Loop Trail winds through towering tree canopies and wildflower meadows; at trail marker 12, the South Beach Trail, which includes five rustic staircases, branches off and descends 280 feet down to South Beach and the historic 1881 West Point Lighthouse. At Discovery Park, a historic lighthouse, sandy beaches, and beautiful driftwood frame stunning views where, on a clear day, you can see the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains. Seward Park's 300 acres are home to nesting eagles, a native plant garden, a 2.4-mile paved loop path, and several hiking trails. The park's Magnificent Forest—home to the city's largest stand of old-growth trees—is an urban rarity. The Olmsted Brothers (whose late father's Olmsted firm designed New York's Central Park) designed both Seward Park and 48-acre Volunteer Park, nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill. Here you'll find the city's largest Norway maple and a rich variety of other plant life. From the forested trails of Seward Park (LEFT) to the diverse plant life seen in Volunteer Park (RIGHT), these iconic green spaces offer two distinct ways to experience Seattle's natural beauty. Did you know that there are more than 485 parks within Seattle's city limits? Each one offers a little escape and a chance to reconnect with the city's nature and wild beauty. Golden Gardens Park on Puget Sound features wetlands, beaches, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Compact Myrtle Edwards Park is within walking distance of downtown hotels, and offers mountain and bay views along its 1.25-mile waterfront path. And 11-acre Centennial Park has 4,100 feet of shoreline, a rose garden, and views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Golden hour at Golden Gardens Park is a perfect way to end the day, with soft light, salty air, and unbeatable views of the Puget Sound. With a prime waterfront setting and expansive open areas, Myrtle Edwards Park serves as a vibrant stage for local musicians and artists to show off their craft. The Ballard Locks blend engineering and nature while working as a marine elevator between Lake Washington and Puget Sound in one of the city's most unique natural attractions. Each year, thousands of salmon migrate right through the city at the Ballard Locks fish ladder, a phenomenon that can be viewed easily through underwater windows. Commodore Park, a 3.9-acre public park on the Magnolia side of the locks, is ideal for watching nesting herons and osprey—or simply relaxing on the lawn by the canal, surrounded by nature. LEFT: The Ballard Locks allow three species of Pacific salmon to safely migrate 40 to 50 miles upriver to spawn, making it a sight to see from mid-June through early October. RIGHT: Commodore Park, tucked along the Magnolia side of the Ballard Locks, invites visitors to reconnect with nature at every turn. Commodore Park's rolling hills overlook the canal, providing a serene space to watch Ballard Locks in action while surrounded by native flora and wildlife. In Seattle, you're never that far from the water, be it saltwater, lakefront, or tidal beaches. Hop the Water Taxi from downtown, and head to the 4.5-mile (one way) paved Alki Beach Trail. The trail passes the Alki beaches and ends near Duwamish Waterway and Harbor Island, offering views of the downtown skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains along the way. Alki Beach (one of Seattle's most popular beaches) is perfect for paddleboarding, beachcombing, or kayaking. While you're in the area, don't miss the Alki Flower Houses. These two plant-adorned homes date back to 1914 and are officially registered wildlife habitats. In West Seattle, just off Alki Beach, you can kayak straight into a postcard of the skyline while watching the city reveal itself with every stroke of your paddle. Bursting with color and vibrancy, the Alki Flower Houses are a unique sight, and every detail—big and small—makes for a truly unforgettable experience. In Elliott Bay, you can kayak from Seacrest Boathouse to the active Alki Point Lighthouse. South of Alki Point, Constellation Park is perfect for strolls and tide pool explorations by day (watch for anemone colonies and ochre sea stars), then stargazing at night. Seattle's interior also has several lakes, like freshwater Lake Union (located entirely within the city limits), Lake Washington (the second largest natural lake in the state), and glacial Green Lake. At Alki Point Lighthouse, with its small-town feel, be sure to walk the beaches, where driftwood lines the shore and a lighthouse still keeps watch at the point. The tide pools at Constellation Park in West Seattle offer a fantastic opportunity to explore and observe a diverse array of marine life in its natural habitat. Soak in Seattle's sunset views around a beach bonfire, a beloved nighttime tradition at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens Park. Designated fire pits are available at select sites at these two parks on a first-come, first-served basis. In Seattle, water meets wilderness, and urban skyscrapers are surrounded by green space. Seascapes are framed by mountains, and trees―some older than the U.S.―watch over the city. Mother Nature is everywhere here, serving as a stunning reminder that urban areas and the great outdoors can coexist and flourish―even within city limits. Whether you seek flora or fauna, relaxation or recreation, you'll find it all in the Emerald City.
New York Post
6 days ago
- New York Post
Your summer travel could be helping you prevent dementia — here's how to get the most out of it
Need an excuse to finally book that bucket-list vacation? Research suggests that traveling can be a boon for your brain, with some studies finding it may benefit dementia patients and even help fend off cognitive decline. That matters now more than ever. By 2060, 1 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the memory-robbing disease every year — nearly double today's numbers. Advertisement 3 Engaging in travel-related activities can provide cognitive, sensory and social stimulation. tunedin – Experts estimate that up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or even prevented with simple lifestyle changes, and travel lines up with several of them. But a brain-boosting getaway takes more than a passport and a plane ticket. Read on to find out how to travel smart — and stay sharp. #1. Go somewhere new Advertisement Sure, your go-to beach resort is a blast. But if you want a trip that works your mind, opt for a different destination. New environments and experiences help stimulate mental activity — which may slow cognitive decline or even sharpen function. 3 Engaging in new learning experiences is critical for staving off age-related cognitive decline. JackF – Think: museum strolls, historic walking tours, nature hikes or sampling local dishes. Advertisement Traveling 'forces us to learn new things, navigate new environments and understand new routines that perhaps we are not accustomed to,' Dr. Augusto Miravalle, a neurologist, told Huffpost. #2. Get moving A trip packed with activity is more than just good fun — it's brain fuel. 'Exercise is often an important component of tourism experiences, and it is frequently included in dementia intervention plans,' Jun Wen, tourism lecturer at Edith Cowan University, told National Geographic. Advertisement Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference. One study found just 35 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity could cut your chances of developing dementia by 41%. 'The fact that travel is an active thing will signal to the brain to stay in shape,' Dr. David A. Merrill, a geriatric psychiatrist, told BrainHQ. #3. Make connections Booking a girls' trip or family reunion is great for bonding — and even better for your brain. Traveling also opens the door to social interactions with strangers, adding an extra dose of mental stimuli to your trip. 3 Engaging with others enhances memory and processing speed, boosting brain health. Drazen – Lack of social interaction is well-known risk factors for cognitive decline. In fact, a new study found that being socially active may delay dementia onset in older adults by as much as five years. Staying social helps strengthen neural circuits, making them more resistant to the age-related damage that leads to memory loss. It also activates the same areas of the brain involved in thinking and recall. 'Social activity challenges older adults to participate in complex interpersonal exchanges, which could promote or maintain efficient neural networks in a case of 'use it or lose it,'' explained Dr. Bryan James, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush University and lead author of the study. Spending time with others can also help ward off loneliness and depression — both of which are linked to a higher chance of developing dementia later in life, even for those diagnosed with mental health issues earlier on.
