Brent Pinheiro
Brent.pinheiro@guardian.co.tt
As the world continues to open up, National Geographic has issued an early release of its annual Best of the World compilation early and Trinidad & Tobago is on the list! The NatGeo review helps travellers begin planning for the year ahead. T&T has been placed in its Family category – kid-friendly trips that ‘educate and illuminate’, along with San Francisco, Colombia, Manchester, and Switzerland. The list was curated in collaboration with National Geographic Traveler’s international editorial teams.
Dozens of waterfalls plunge down the green volcanic slopes of the Azores, including Ribeira Grande on Flores Island. Photograph by Marco Bottigelli, Getty Images
© Marco Bottigelli
“Best of the World is Nat Geo’s annual love letter to the most incredible places in the world, both near and far,” said Nathan Lump, National Geographic’s Editor-in-Chief. “We couldn’t be prouder to shine a light on these 25 extraordinary places that most inspired us this year, and which we know will define travellers' itineraries for years to come.”
In its writeup of T&T, National Geographic says, “Kids eager to help save the turtles—and encounter hundreds of them as well—can head to Trinidad and Tobago. With loggerheads, greens, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and olive ridleys—five of the seven species of sea turtles—swimming off its shores, this Caribbean nation is a mecca for turtle tourism.
Turtle-watching programs led by approved guides generate revenue to help save these creatures, which are under assault from climate change, habitat loss, and plastic pollution. Travelers can even volunteer to perform field work such as keeping nesting areas clear of debris, scanning and tagging nesting turtles, and tracking the size and numbers of turtles and their nests.”
The Ponte dell’Acquedotto, near the Via Appia’s path in the Italian town of Gravina in Puglia, featured in the James Bond film No Time to Die. Photograph by Andrea Frazzetta, National Geographic
National Geographic’s 'Best of the World 2023' list is broken down into five categories: educational journeys for all generations (Family); exciting activities in breathtaking places (Adventure); explorations of history and heritage (Culture); escapes to wild, beautiful places (Nature); and healing journeys, community conservation, giving back, sustainable places and more (Community).
For more of National Geographic’s Best of the World list, visit NatGeo.com/BestoftheWorld