Incredible photos from the National Geographic Traveller competition
An intimate portrait of a Vietnamese woman sitting next to her great-granddaughter in a dark, smoky room as she works on some embroidery has won the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2025.
Taken in Vietnam's Lào Cai province by UK-based photographer Justin Cliffe, the winning image was selected from thousands of entries and described by judges as portraying a 'moment between generations that captures so much beauty and humanity.'
'The colours, light and textures work really well,' the judges added in a press release Thursday.
The art of embroidery has been passed down multiple generations of Red Dao minority people in Vietnam, according to National Geographic.
Other category winners include a captivating image of an eye-like geothermal pool in Iceland, a family-run eatery in Tibet and a thrilling chance-encounter between a Bonelli's eagle and a fox in Spain.
The annual competition aims to highlight the best travel photos from around the globe taken by UK and Ireland-based photographers, both amateurs and professionals.
Cliffe's prize-winning image was chosen from six category winners across the themes of landscape, people, wildlife, food, city life and portfolio.
'Our competition goes from strength to strength, with this year's easily one of the strongest yet,' Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said in the release.
'Capturing everything from the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and Italy to incredible wildlife shots in Spain and Canada, the 18 finalists – who made the cut from thousands of entries – have really elevated the level of travel photography with their ingenuity and skill,' Riddell added.
The six category winners can be viewed in the gallery above.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Exeter flanker Ewers retires aged 34
Dave Ewers is regarded as one of the key players during Exeter's trophy-winning years [Getty Images] Former Exeter flanker Dave Ewers has retired from rugby union. The 34-year-old came up through Exeter's academy ranks and was a key part of the side that reached six consecutive Premiership finals and won the 2020 European Champions Cup. Advertisement Injury kept him out of Exeter's 2017 Premiership final win over Wasps, but he started in their 2020 final victory against the same opponents having also started the Champions Cup final the week before. Ewers was called up to the England squad in February 2016, but a series of injuries meant he never went on to win an England cap. He made 226 Exeter appearances and scored 40 tries before joining Ulster in the summer of 2023. One Dave Ewers' greatest moments came when he helped Exeter win the European Champions Cup in 2020 [Rex Features] The Zimbabwe-born forward has spent the past season playing for Cape Town-based side Stormers in the United Rugby Championship where he played nine times. "Thank you to Rob (Baxter, Exeter director of rugby) and everyone involved at Exeter for giving me the opportunity all those years ago, was a special journey going from the Championship to winning the double in 2020," Ewers said on social media as he announced his retirement. Advertisement "To all the boys, thank you for all the memories, I feel nothing but blessed to have experienced everything along the way with you all, on and off the pitch. "We shared some incredible memories that I will never forget. "A special mention to all the backroom staff of everywhere I've been, and especially Exeter where I had all my injuries. Thank you for getting me back on the pitch. "To all the fans, near and far, thank you for all the support over the years, it's meant a lot to me."
National Geographic
39 minutes ago
- National Geographic
Queen Victoria loved this UK island—and so will you
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Package all that's wonderful — and quite frankly quirky — about England, set it adrift in the English Channel, and you'll end up with the Isle of Wight. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it's the UK's largest island and a microcosm of its heritage — all thatched cottages, centuries-old pubs and undulating landscapes. Some of the Victorian era's most influential figures came here to relax and be inspired, and while remnants of their time here remain, the island is hardly preserved in aspic. Today, award-winning distilleries, cool hotels and Michelin-recommended restaurants abound, along with a thriving festival scene. The only way there is by boat, so you're forced to slow down immediately, setting your watch to 'island time'. Make the most of its sunny disposition in summer or come during shoulder season for the walking festivals in May and October, when the beaches are quieter, too. Actors frequently appear in role at the Osborne House, so you may well spot Victoria or Albert gliding down a quiet corridor. Photograph by Alamy Images, Chris Howes Where are the best places to discover the island's quirks? Known to the ancient Romans as 'Vectis', the island appears in the 11th-century Domesday Book as the 'Isle of Wit' — a splendid moniker for a place Queen Victoria would later make her home. Her royal residence, Osborne House, was built in the style of an Italianate palazzo, and is full of 19th-century whimsy. Pay a visit to the Indian-style Durbar Room, an extravagant banqueting hall decorated with intricate plasterwork and pendant lamps. Actors frequently appear in role here, so you may well spot Victoria or Albert gliding down a quiet corridor. You might also spot a member of the island's thriving red squirrel population in the groves leading to Osborne's private beach. To improve your chances, spend a few hours at Parkhurst Forest, an ancient wildlife haven near Newport. Further west lie Yarmouth and the neighbouring village of Freshwater, where Alfred Lord Tennyson once said the air was worth 'sixpence a pint'. The poet laureate (1853-1892) spent many years at nearby Farringford House, a gothic manor surrounded by ornamental gardens. A keen walker, he was known for cutting a dash in his distinctive black cloak over the westerly downs, where you'll find hiking trails and a grand monument named in his honour. Otherwise, explore the historical and contemporary exhibitions on show at Dimbola Museum and Galleries — once home to pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Along with Tennyson and Lewis Carroll, she was a member of 'The Freshwater Circle', a group of bohemian artists and writers who gathered in this coastal corner to discuss their work. A selection of homemade chutneys and sauces stand on display at The Garlic Farm, where you can pick up groceries or try unusual dishes like chocolate and black garlic ice cream. Photograph by Alamy Images, Steven Hawkins Photography The Isle of Wight is home to around 3,000 red squirrels. Where should I stay on the island? West Wight, with its postcard-perfect Needles — a series of three soaring chalk stacks — is ideal for nature-lovers. Overlooking the pebble beach at Freshwater Bay, the newly renovated Albion Hotel has elegant rooms with sage-green interiors and Victorian-style furnishings. Call in for drinks at the nearby Travelling Tavern, a repurposed double-decker bus known for attracting a local crowd. Otherwise, stay in one of the three cosy rooms at family-run Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast, popping down for their fabulous full English come morning. What about local produce? The Isle of Wight has a balmy microclimate with more hours of sunshine than the UK average, perfect for the island's growers. At The Garlic Farm, you can pick up deli items and try unusual dishes like chocolate and black garlic ice cream (it isn't as pungent as it sounds), watching as red squirrels nibble hazelnuts from feeder boxes. And on the outskirts of Ryde, there's the award-winning Mermaid Gin distillery, the product of which can be sampled at the adjoining Mermaid Bar. The distillery gets its citrus zest from Ventnor Botanic Garden, whose sunny location on the Undercliff allows fruits, flowers and herbs from across the globe to grow outdoors. Trains from London Waterloo run to Lymington in Hampshire, where you can catch the Wightlink ferry to Yarmouth. The rest of the island is easily accessed via Newport bus station. Alternatively, ferries depart from Portsmouth and Southampton to other ports. Stay at the Albion Hotel from £160 or The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast from £130, both B&B. This story was created with the help of Visit Isle of Wight and Wightlink. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Golden Bird Jewels Expands to UK After Strong Success in U.S. Market
Renowned moissanite jewelry brand enters UK market after strong growth and customer trust established in the U.S. jewellry industry. 'The positive response in the U.S. has inspired us to bring our unique jewellery offerings to the UK market.'— Vijay Sarkheliya Founder & CEO of Golden Bird Jewels LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 2, 2025 / / -- Golden Bird Jewels Expands to UK After Strong Success in U.S. Market The globally loved brand in affordable luxury and moissanite craftsmanship, Golden Bird Jewels, announces its arrival into the UK market following an impressive performance in the U.S. fine jewellery market. Well-known for offering its customers luxury handmade Moissanite and lab diamond jewellry at reasonable costs, the brand changes the target of attention to British customers with the guarantee of honesty in regards to sourcing, quality, and personalization. Golden Bird Jewels (GBJ) has been turned into a household name in the United States due to its mission to make fine jewellery an eternal affection and individuality statement. Due to its growing popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z buyers, it has spread into other countries, and this is a major milestone in the brand's international growth. 'The affection and trust we have received from our U.S. clientele has been more than what we expected', says, a representative of Golden Bird Jewels. 'The UK was the logical extension of our journey. British customers care about quality, sustainability, and artistry – basically what we are all about.' Empowering Jewellery Lovers with Affordable Luxury By offering a wide range of ethically sourced crafts made of Moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, and quality metals including 925 sterling silver, 18K gold, and platinum, Golden Bird Jewels differentiates out in a competitive market. GBJ is the ideal fusion of classic craftsmanship with minimalist themes, with its design studios and manufacture based in India, a nation renowned for its exquisite jewellery traditions. Ranging from engagement rings to wedding bands, to bracelets, earrings, and customized heirloom designs, all Golden Bird pieces are born with an unrelenting eye for detail and top-grade cut quality with an eye toward responsible luxury. This expansion means UK customers can now access Golden Bird's most celebrated collections, including: Ready to Ship Collection – Pre-made favorites ready for fast delivery. Custom Moissanite Jewellery – Personalized pieces designed to reflect individual stories. Lab Diamond Creations – Conflict-free and environmentally conscious designs. Gemstone Fine Jewellery – A touch of color and symbolism crafted with precision. UK Launch Highlights To commemorate its UK debut, Golden Bird Jewels is introducing a curated collection designed exclusively for British customers. In addition, GBJ's UK-focused website will feature local currency pricing, responsive customer service, and access to a growing gallery of client diaries and testimonials. UK customers can explore the collection and place orders via the official website: What Sets Golden Bird Jewels Apart? Golden Bird Jewels is not an ordinary jeweler. It's a purpose-driven brand guided by customer-first principles, high performance standards, and strong ethical values. The company works with an integrated approach, where there is a focus on: Handcrafted Excellence: Every stone is chosen individually and carefully mounted by master artisans. Creative Innovation: GBJ is always on top of trends, yet respects tradition, as the design studios release new collections regularly. Affordable Transparency: Working straight with artisans and cutting away the middlemen, GBJ incurs massive savings that it passes down to the client. Sustainability: The company encourages ethical manufacturing without sacrificing beauty or brilliance by using lab-created diamonds and metals that are sourced sustainably. The foundation of Golden Bird Jewels is built on a clear and meaningful goal: to create jewellery that is a reasonably priced representation of honesty and love. Every piece, from personalized charms for life's special occasions to engagement rings for eternity, is made to empower the user. 'That's our goal – to deliver handcrafted beauty without overpriced tags,' CEO says. 'Jewellery is deeply personal. Be it a token of love, a tribute to self, or a heritage for generations, our pieces are designed to make a difference.' The company's ideology – customer-first service, honesty, innovation, teamwork – is woven into all steps of its procedure. Golden Bird Jewels believes in carrying out business with integrity and creating an everlasting relationship with customers, suppliers, and other collaborators. Customer - Focused Jewellry Made with Global Expertise One of the ways that GBJ differs from other companies is the vertically integrated business model. Every piece of jewellery is designed, produced, and tested in-house. The company has manufacturing plants in India, which have a centuries-old legacy in jewellery making. This helps GBJ regulate the quality at each point while enabling the locals and sustainable practices. From silicon carbide-made Moissanite to ethically sourced lab diamonds, the brand is choosy about its materials for strength, brightness, and ethics. The outcome is breathtaking, conflict-free gemstones matching mined diamonds in aesthetics, but not in price and impact on the earth. Golden Bird Jewels has been given excellent reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google, with thousands of delighted customers who confirm the brand's dedication to quality, customization, and speedy services. The responsive support team and transparent policies are also the reasons why the company is celebrated, qualities that form its identity in an industry where confusion and distrust prevail. So far, GBJ has served over 100K customers and created more than 250K jewellery pieces. From New York to Los Angeles – and now, even London – its global family keeps on expanding. Future Outlook With its UK launch in full swing, Golden Bird Jewels has aggressive international expansion plans for 2025 and further. The next destinations are to be Australia, the UAE, and certain European countries, where there is increasing interest for ethically made, affordable luxury. Furthermore, the brand is also spending to provide augmented reality (AR) shopping, AI-driven customization, and sustainable packaging to boost its digital-first strategy. Vijay Sarkheliya Golden Bird Jewels +1 646-574-4032 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
