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Both Zinio and Magzter are excellent mobile reading applications that deliver excellent digital quality – you’ll be able to read our magazine as a flipbook and click on live links.

If you’re an iPad or tablet user, just download the free Zinio/Magzter app and subscribe to our magazine – as simple as that. You can even preview the magazine for free and buy a single issue or a one-year subscription. If you subscribe, new issues will be pushed to your device automatically as they are published.

Our magazine is available through Zinio and Magzter on these devices:

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Crackling glaciers, roaming reindeers and polar bears – the Arctic might be at the edge of the world, but it sure is bursting with life. By Nellie Huang

“P olar bear on starboard!” I’d been so transfixed by the dazzling white ice field that I hadn’t noticed a curled up vanilla fur ball in the midst.

The Arctic can play tricks on your eyes – under the glaring midnight sun and the reflective ice, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. I grabbed my binoculars to have a clearer look. There, blending seamless with the glittery ice was the King of the Arctic, a polar bear.

An awed hush fell over the 70-odd people onboard our expedition cruise. Cutting the silence with dagger-like sharpness, our ship MS Expedition sliced through the giant ice field. Sensing our presence, the polar bear stood on all fours and moved warily towards our ship, its languid strides underlying its lethal hunting speed of 30miles/hour.

Standing just inches away from the bow of the ship, it paused and stared at us for what felt like forever. I locked eyes with the motionless creature – all huge, inquisitive eyes, massive black paws and bulky back.

World’s Last Wilderness

Such profound wildlife experiences have long been a trademark of the Arctic. As one of the world’s last wildernesses, the Svalbard archipelago of the Norwegian Arctic is home to more polar bears than human beings. This is one of the few places on Earth where nature reigns supreme – we humans are simply voyeurs peeking into their world.

I’d been drawn to the Arctic by its sheer remoteness, but also by a sense of urgency – how long will it stay this way? How long will the ice caps last?

With the effects of global warming, Arctic animals are facing the danger of losing their natural habitat. According to an eight-nation report, the Arctic is heating twice as fast as the rest of the world. The U.S. Geological Survey Office’s studies show that about two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population will disappear by 2050. Sea ice around the North Pole could almost disappear by the end of the century; in fact the ice field has already shrunk by 15-20% in the last 30 years.

The Arctic is one of the places to see before it disappears forever, and it’s also a place that gives a real wake-up call.

Polar Bear Country

There is no better introduction to the vast, ice-locked polar region than expedition cruising. Onboard our small vessel, we circumnavigated the Svalbard archipelago, sailing through narrow fjords, snow-covered bays and glacial lakes – remote corners that were otherwise inaccessible by land travel or giant cruise ships.

Most of all, the impact of small ships on the environment is minimal: research organization Akvaplan-Niva has proven that emissions from these small-scale expedition cruises are relatively low, and environmental awareness among crew and passengers is high. Most operations onboard are strictly controlled by Norwegian legislation, thereby ensuring minimal impact on the fragile Arctic environment.

Our Arctic voyage had started in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard (with a population of 2,060 people). I had arrived at 2am, when the sleepy town was still blanketed in the golden glow of the midnight sun – three months of daylight this part of the world experiences each summer. What was once a mining settlement is now a rather attractive town lined with colorful alpine houses and surrounded by pointed peaks. This is also home to the world’s northernmost church, hospital, tourist office and ATM.

While in Longyearbyen, I received news that a 17-year-old British camper was tragically mauled to death by a polar bear in Tempelfjord, just 25 miles from town. To be honest, I was scared rigid. But the smell of adventure and the idea of getting up close to wildlife from the safety of a vessel was enough to get me on the expedition cruise. Though now, face to face with a polar bear, I wasn’t so sure…

If you enjoyed this preview, you can read the full article  in WildJunket Magazine Feb/Mar 2012.

Wondering which countries are the most popular travel destinations? Each year, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) compiles a list of the most visited countries according to the number of international tourist arrivals for every country. In the last three years, European destinations like France, Spain and Italy have been leading the list, but China surpassed Spain and Italy this time, coming in at third place after France and the United States. It’s quite surprising to find Malaysia coming in as another Asian contender, while Thailand is nowhere to be found in the top 10. A pity none of the African and Middle Eastern countries have made it to the list. Here’s a look at the top 10 list compiled in 2010 (2011 is yet to be published).

1. France: 76.8 million visitors

With numerous world-known monuments and museums, it’s really no surprise that France has topped the charts over and over again. Whether you’re traveling to visit the famous Musée du Louvre or Eiffel Tower in Paris, or going wine-tasting in Bordeaux and castle-hopping in the Loire Valley, France has plenty to offer for the curious traveler. As a European country, France is also relatively compact –  it’s easy to travel from one region to the next on budget car rentals and go from city sight-seeing to relaxing on the beach within a short time frame.

Flickr photo by Frank Müller

2. United States: 59.7 million visitors

Stretching from California in the West to New York in the East, the United States of America covers an area of 3.79million square miles – that’s a whole lot of country to explore. The U.S. is as diverse as it is huge: with expansive national parks and vibrant cities visited by foreign tourists, local visitors and business travelers alike. We think New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco are the most visited cities in the U.S., with their array of attractions and popularity. What do you think?

3. China: 55.7 million visitors

In recent years, the number of visitors to China has skyrocketed, largely due to an increase in global business dealings and cultural exchange. A large number of companies has moved their production chains to China, so have banks and big-name franchise stores. At the same time, China is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination, with its ancient cities, historical sites and good food veering for the tourist limelight.

4. Spain: 52.7 million visitors

As a mainstay in tourism, Spain has always attracted hordes of European tourists to its shores. In summer, Costa del Sol and many of its islands are often flooded with German, British and Dutch tourists. But the country’s tourist board has also been branching out to the international market, drawing in global visitors to the cultural capital of Barcelona and traditional towns in Andalusia and Castilla la Mancha. Whatever the case, Spain makes for an excellent travel destination with its world-class cuisine, centuries-old history and vibrant, characteristic cities – whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveler.

5. Italy: 43.6 million visitors

From the romantic canals of Venice to the history-rich piazzas of Rome and pebbled beaches in the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s attractions are bountiful. The country provides a diverse travel experience – no wonder it’s a dream destination for many. Italy’s one of our favorite countries in the world, and it’s obvious we’re not the only ones who have fallen for its charms. As far as tourism trends go, we predict that Italy’s tourism numbers will only keep rising.

6. United Kingdom: 28.1 million visitors

Although its numbers are a far cry to that of Italy, the UK also has quite a lot to offer on its shores – such as the old-world charm of England, the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and the lesser known coastline of Wales. Let’s not forget that London is a miniature world, where global cultures converge and where headquarters of almost every international company is located.

7. Turkey: 27 million visitors

Spanning across Europe and Asia, Turkey is famed for its distinctive cultures, age-old traditions and varied landscapes – ranging from the snow-peaked mountains of Nemrut to the unique valleys of Cappadocia. Historically, Turkey was home to distinctive civilizations through the centuries, with impressive Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture to bear witness. Most importantly, Istanbul is the crowd-puller, attracting business travelers and tourists alike with its extreme characteristics: with futuristic skyscrapers alongside traditional mosques and boutique hotels next to street food stands.

8. Germany: 26.9 million visitors

On UNWTO’s ranking of world tourism expenditure, Germany comes in at number one – it looks like all these money spent on boosting its tourism is well worth it. Many of Germany’s major cities are tourist magnets especially in festive season – drawing in visitors with their Christmas markets, beer festivals and summer events. Munich’s Oktoberfest itself accounts for a big percentage of the annual visitors, while Berlin and Frankfurt attract mainly European city lovers.

9. Malaysia: 24.6 million visitors

With a booming economy and an expanding trading industry, Malaysia is seeing a sharp increase in worldwide tourists and business travelers. The biggest draw of Malaysia is that once you’re done with business in the explosive capital city of Kuala Lumpur, you can easily hop over to the traditional seafront town of Penang or the secluded beaches of Terengganu or the jungles of Borneo and experience a very different side to the country.

10. Mexico: 22.4 million visitors

The miles and miles of turquoise beaches along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lure hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Riviera Maya, having been developed specifically for touristic purposes, is a holiday paradise. But beyond that, Mexico definitely has plenty of reasons to be on this list – its Mayan historical sites, colonial cities, and colorful festivals attract a fair amount of curious travelers despite its slightly tainted reputation.

*Source: UNWTO

This post is sponsored by CarRentals.com.

This is a sponsored guest post by Virgin Holidays.

As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is as diverse as it is beautiful – from miles and miles of windswept beaches to acres of nature reserves and vibrant cities. A trip to Cuba offers travelers a peek into its rich history and heritage and a chance to get acquainted with its warm and welcoming locals. With warm, tropical climate all year round, you can choose to delve deep into its cities or just lounge around on its virgin beaches. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a nature-lover, history buff or culture vulture. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in Cuba, be sure to check them out the next time you’re there!

Havana

As the capital of Cuba, Havana is usually the starting and ending point of most people’s journey through Cuba. Although there are few American tourists in the capital, there are thousands of tourists visiting from around the world, drawn here by its characteristic flair. There are dozens of important historical landmarks to include on your itinerary when visiting Havana, but the most popular ones include the Capital Building, Plaza de la Revolución and the giant fortress of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The real excitement in Havana begins as the sun goes down, and the city’s infamous nightlife is explosive. Most bars and hotel lobbies feature live bands playing Cuban music, a key feature of the nightlife in Havana.

Flickr photo by Simon Kelp

Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario

Mention Cuba and most people think of its virgin beaches and historical landmarks – few know about the extensive national parks and the flurry of pristine nature they have on offer. Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario is one of the most beautiful and scenic locations in Cuba, and it is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Preserve. Covering an area of over 103.04 square miles, the park is so extensive that visitors can hike for hours without seeing a single person. Hike amidst the mountains, wander through its forests, camp overnight, or just spend the day underneath the beautiful waterfalls and enjoy local food from the handful of authentic restaurants in the area.

Flickr photo by Annie Mole

Varadero

Many international tourists head to Varadero on their Cuban holidays, as it has some of the best beaches in the country. Warm, blue waters and pristine white sand beaches make up the coastline or Varadero, and countless hotels and resorts cater to the hordes of tourists. The town has few attractions, but most visitors are happy to stay in the resorts. But if you’re looking for a little something more, venture out on catamaran to snorkel around its coral reefs, or go on  guided excursions to the child-friendly zoo, or simply go golfing at the Villa Du Pont, the country’s only 18 hole golf course.

Flickr photo by syue2k

Plan your Cuban vacation and find fantastic hotel rooms in the Caribbean at Virgin Holidays.

In the oriental world, the year has only just begun. We’re currently in Singapore, ringing in the Year of the Dragon with family and friends. It’s a great time to be here – with streets and shops splashed in red, Chinese words of wishes sprawled across hallways and an infectious festive spirit in the air.

Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals of the year here, celebrated in fervor with a flurry of traditions and cultural practices – such as spring cleaning, reunion dinners and lion dances. It’s a strong reminder of my Chinese heritage, keeping me rooted to my origins. While we take time off to soak in the atmosphere, I leave you here with some photos shot from the streets of Singapore. Here’s wishing all a prosperous new year - Gong xi fa cai!

Chinese New Year celebrations at River Hongbao

A sparkling dragon sculpture – in celebration of the Year of the Dragon

The gateway decorated with colorful lanterns

A colorful animal figure at River Hongbao

A dragon figure made up of porcelain plates and teacups

A giant dragon lantern

Chinese New Year snacks on sale

Purple electric flowers symbolizing the Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year)

A view of the Singapore skyline from the water

Marina Bay Sands by night

The glittery night lights of Singapore seen from above

Spanning eleven time zones and two continents, Russia is the largest country in the world. Stretching from the beautiful St Petersburg in the west to the remarkable Vladivostok in the east, there is so much to see and do in this fascinating and unique country. But the country’s heart and soul lies in Moscow, the country’s capital and cultural hub, made famous by its eclectic architecture, uber-cool personality and swanky boulevards. For a little travel inspiration, take a look at some of the most interesting sights in Russia’s capital city, Moscow.

Red Square

Situated in the heart of Russia’s capital, Red Square once served as Moscow’s main marketplace and played host to various public ceremonies. These days, the celebrated cobbled streets continue to be a central meeting point for people and draw huge crowds of tourists every day. The square is surrounded by several buildings, all of which hold some form of historic significance. Start at the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral before continuing on to St George’s Church and Lenin’s mausoleum on the western edge.

The Kremlin

A historic fortified complex located close to Red Square, the Kremlin is home to an array of palaces, armories and churches. It was from this symbolic medieval fortress that Ivan the Terrible began his reign of terror, Napoleon watched the city as it burned and Lenin declared the dictatorship of the proletariat. Although there is no access to the Kremlin for visitors, there is still plenty to see, including a beautiful collection of Faberge eggs and the Armoury museum.

Izmailovo Flea Market

When visiting a country with this much history and heritage, there’s always a huge array of interesting souvenirs to bag home. Make sure you leave plenty of room in your suitcase and cabin luggage for traditional souvenirs. You’ll find Russian dolls, lacquer boxes and Faberge eggs at Izmailovo Flea Market, where hundreds of vendors come to sell everything from kitsch mementos to antique jewellery.  Your first visit may leave you a little overwhelmed, so either plan to return another day or be sure to take your time and resist any pushy merchants.

Gorky Park

Opened in 1928, Gorky Park is an amusement park that sits along the banks of the Moscow River. Spend the day people watching, strolling by the waterside, or enjoying the various attractions. Children will have a wonderful time enjoying the park’s rides and there are some great views to be seen from the colourful Ferris wheel. Exit from the yellow and blue pedestrian bridge for a panoramic vista of the city.

Flickr photo by Eugene_Orlov

This is a sponsored guest post by Virgin Holidays.

Peru is home to the famed monuments of Machu Picchu and to the vibrant capital city of Lima. Both of these places are beautiful and intriguing in their own right, but it is the breathtaking beauty of Peru’s natural wonders that are the true treasures of this magnificent country.

Amazon Rainforest

In Peru, the Amazon Forest is flanked by the Andes Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The resulting convergence of a diverse and varied ecosystem,  unmatched anywhere else in the world. Start your journey in either Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. A three hour boat trip, an adventure on its own, brings you to an isolated jungle lodge on the banks of the Tambopata River. There is no describing the visceral excitement of sleeping in an open hut as howler monkeys, hyacinth macaws and jaguars all vie for your attention through a cacophony of sounds.

Colca Canyon

Deeper than the Grand Canyon and blessed with spectacular scenery, the Colca Canyon should not be missed. The gateway to his natural wonder is the city of Arequipa, Peru’s second largest. A variety of overnight camping tours are available but be warned, the trek is physically demanding and not for the faint of heart. The rewards are great, however, as the region is blessed with a multitude of flora and fauna, includin the rare Andean Condor, found only in this part of the world. A typical hike will pas through mountain, volcano and rainforest ecosystems. There is even a stop at a local village that has natural hot springs to heal your aching muscles.

Lake Titicaca

As the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is a sight to behold on its own. The lake is also famous for its floating reed islands, home to the Uros people. Titicaca is also blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna endemic to this region. Lake Titicaca is almost only accessible by bus from Cuzco or Arequion. Once there, you can easily book day trips to the reed islands of the Uros or to Amantani, an island in the middle of the lake and home to a tribe of native Quechua speakers.

Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca offers some of the most magnificent and pristine views of the Andes Mountains. Monumental glaciers and Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru and are some of the sights to behold. Huascaran, at 6700 metres, offers experienced climbers a true mountaineering experience. Access to this mountainous wonderland is through the town of Huaraz located some 429 kilometres north of Lima. It take some time to reach this snow-capped paradise but the it is well worth the effort.

Ballestas Islands

If sea creatures are your thing, then look no further than the “Galapagos Islands of Peru,” the Ballestas Islands. Pelicans, terns, boobies and cormourants are just a few of the avian wildlife that inhabit this unspoilt islands. Daytrips are available from the town of Paracas. Don’t miss the abundant sealife of sea lions, turtles, dolphins and whales as you make the crossing to the islands. Completely different but equally compelling, a trip to the Ballestas Islands rivals the experience of the rainforest.

Book amazing holiday tours in Peru and find fantastic deals on escorted holidays.

When we first released the new WildJunket Magazine, our giveaway of over US$3,000 worth of prizes was only available to magazine subscribers. We’ve now opened up the contest to all subscribers of our free WildJunket newsletter -  no purchase is needed to enter the giveaway! All you need to do is sign up for our monthly newsletter – using the toolbar on the top of the page or simply clicking on this link and you’ll be entered into the contest. Six winners will be picked randomly at the end of the contest, 11 March 2012.

What Do You Win?

A Free Active Escape in California, USA

We’ve partnered with G Adventures to offer one reader an action-packed six-day tour of Yosemite and Monterey –worth US$1,875! Perfect for the active traveler,  the Yosemite and Monterey Active Escape (Trip Code: NUYO)  will have you breaking a sweat amidst some of the world’s most amazing scenery. Kayak along the incredible coastline of Monterey Bay, bike the famous 17-Mile Drive, hike along the spectacular trails of Yosemite and take in the best California has to offer. The trip departs and returns to San Francisco.What’s included: transportation, hotel stays, guide, some meals and hiking, biking and kayaking excursions. Terms and conditions apply* (scroll to the bottom). For more information, refer to trip details on G Adventures.

Two Apartment Rental Vouchers Each Worth $300

We’ve also joined forces with Roomorama - our trusted partner in apartment rental – to give away two travel vouchers worth US$300 each! We’re inviting you to try out any of their 30,000 properties in over 500 global destinations: from chic Cape Town beach pads to converted wine presses in Graz and cavehouses in Koh Phanghan. With each voucher, you can get up to a week’s worth of accommodation in your next travel destination!

 OTHER PRIZES

Hummingbird Travel Bag

Didn’t bag the California trip? We have a few travel gear to give away – one of which is this brand new Hummingbird WideMouth carry-on travel bag (our personal favorite!) worth US$74.95. This versatile, dry bag features a wide-mouth design and a waterproof roll-top closure system which ensure extra protection from the ravages of even the harshest journeys. The 40L bag is sized to fit overhead compartments on jetliners. Whether you’re heading on an Arctic expedition or just going on a kayaking daytrip, this is the perfect travel companion.

Two Pentonvillain Thermal Sets

To help you fight off the winter blues, we’ve got two thermal sets (one male, one female) to giveaway, courtesy of Pentonvillain. These specially-designed thermal sets (worth US$165.70 each) are made from Australian merino, a natural fibre that is lightweight, biodegrable and guarantees breathability, sweat removal and durability.

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter the giveaway, readers must be subscribed to the free Wildjunket newsletter. Entry is open to all subscribers above the age of 18. Winners will be chosen randomly via random.org. The giveaway starts on 16 January 2012 and ends at 11.59pm GMT on 11 March 2012. The results will be announced on our website on 15 March 2012.

Note to magazine subscribers:

Magazine subscribers will not be entered into the contest. For those who have subscribed to WildJunket Magazine before 5pm EST on 16 January 2011 are free to return the subscription and get a full refund.

The first issue of WildJunket Magazine is finally here! We’ve packed our  inaugural issue with a special collection of epic journeys – from the polar extreme to the hot sizzling deserts within. Our cover story transports you to the Arctic – where I bring you along on my journey through the Svalbard archipelago in Norway onboard an expedition cruise. Our feature on Namibia is another story to look out for: Abigail King visits the haunting desert of Sossusvlei and reports back with droolworthy images and poetic words.

We’ve also got a photo essay by award-winning photographer Lola Akinmade who gives us a glimpse into the world of the indigenous Sámi people in the Swedish Lapland through her stunning shots. In this issue, Sarah Lee follows the frankincense trail in Oman and finds plenty of surprises beneath the sands; while Megan Eaves, a local expert on China,  shares with us her knowledge on the country in our 10-page travel guide on China.

In our Under the Radar department, we’re featuring Macedonia, a largely unexplored part of the world often overlooked by travelers; while our Feast section brings us to the palpitating heart of Indian gastronomy: Hyderabad. In this issue, our Contributing Editor Candace Rose Rardon reports from the roads of Nepal and shows us a different side to it – think lush jungles and elephants rides. She’s also our columnist over at our Travel Thoughts section, where she muses about the concept of adaptation: how far is too far when it comes to fitting in?

Plus 10 excellent wildlife trips, festivals taking place around the world this February/March, and photo contributions from readers. And let’s not forget about our exciting giveaway – subscribe to our newsletter and stand a chance to win over $3,000 worth of prizes including a free California trip with G Adventures!

Current Issue #1:

• ARCTIC: Icebergs, glaciers and polar bears
• NAMIBIA: Secrets of the world’s oldest desert
• OMAN: Dhofar’s frankincense trail
• LAPLAND: Sámi traditions in Sweden
• CHINA: 10-page guide to the Middle Kingdom

• Trip Ideas: 10 wildlife trips
• Under the Radar: Macedonia
• Dispatches: Nepal
• Just Back: Austria
• Feast: Hyderabad, India
• Stay: Turkey Cave Hotel

+  Buy this issue for US$2.95!

+  Subscribe for 12 months at just US$14.95.

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