15 Top Free Travel Magazines & Travel Guides to Spur Trip Ideas

Finding useful travel resources can be quite helpful before you book your trip. You need accurate information to help you decide your destination alternatives, and everything necessary to make the trip a success. This article offers you some of the most sought-after free travel magazines that won’t cost you a dime.

What is your next travel destination?

Don’t you think a free travel magazine would help?

Well, lucky enough, there are lots of them covering various areas like environmental tours, eco-tourism, cultural tours, and romantic holidays.

Most of these publishers offer free issues, and you can subscribe to them to get their monthly or quarterly copies. They are resourceful and will help you a great deal when organizing your next travel adventure.

The vital question is, how do you get a reliable travel magazine that will provide you with all the information you need?

That’s what we will try to answer in this short guide. We have scoured the net to look for the most popular travel magazines that will gladly give you what they have for free.

So, for your next trip, make sure you go to this list to identify what best aligns with your travel preferences. You might get shocked at how resourceful these free magazines be.

If you can’t find a free option that you love, purchasing a magazine subscription can make for a great travel gift for a friend or family member.

Whether you are planning a vacation to Thailand, or a two-day trip to Amsterdam, these magazines have all the information you need.

How to Get Free Travel Guides and Magazines

There are a number of ways that you can get free travel guides and magazines. In some cases, you can even get travel guides for free by mail.

Here are some tips on how to get free travel guides or digital vacation planning guides:

1. Check with your local library: Many libraries have a large collection of travel guides, and you can borrow them for free.
2. Look for free online travel guides: There are many websites that offer free online travel guides.
3. Check with your hotel or tourist information center: Many hotels and tourist information centers offer free travel guides to their guests or visitors.
4. Get a subscription to a travel magazine: Many popular travel magazines offer free trial subscriptions or discounted rates for annual subscriptions.

When you look for a travel guide, consider what you want most out of it.

• First, do you prefer reading online or do you prefer a print issue sent directly to you by mail?
• Do you like beautiful scenery to motivate you to visit your next destination?
• Do you like traditional travel brochures that feature the latest attractions around the world?
• Do you prefer to explore off the beaten path destinations or do you enjoy traveling solo?

Travel writing can be very unique depending on the topic, so take a moment to think about what you want most out of your travel brochure.

Best Free Online Travel Magazines & Guides

1. ViaTravelers.com

ViaTravelers.com is a website that offers free online travel guides about destinations around the world. There are a number of great free travel guides that you can download as a PDF or even read through the articles via the online repository.

Here are some of the most well-known travel guides that you can download:

• Free Printable Travel Planner
• Free California Travel Guide
• Packing lists for Grand Canyon or a cruise in Norway

The website has a large collection of travel guides and stories from around the globe. The guides are written by experienced travelers, and they include detailed information on everything from the culture and history of the destination to the best restaurants and attractions.

This is a great way to hear stories from other world travelers like yourself and discover new places to visit while also being a part of a community.

Join the ViaTravelers newsletter and get travel ideas directly to your email inbox.

2. National Geographic Traveler

National Geographic offers a free magazine subscription that is available in both print and digital editions. The magazine includes articles about destinations all over the world, and it showcases spectacular photography from across the globe.

The magazine also features travel tips for getting around, such as how to get the best rates on transportation and accommodations.

Some examples of destinations that are covered by National Geographic include top vacation spots in Europe, Central America and Asia.

There are also some great holiday-specific editions that focus on places like Alaskan cruises or the best winter trips.

3. Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler is another popular free travel magazine. There are a number of benefits for subscribers including access to the website and their digital edition, discounts on select hotels and resorts, invitations to exclusive events and special offers from destination partners.

In addition to general destinations around the world, Condé Nast also features some great holiday-specific editions that focus on places like Caribbean cruises or Halloween in New Orleans.

4. Outside Magazine

Outside is a popular free magazine that focuses on outdoor adventures and sports. In addition to articles about hiking, skiing and biking, there are also some great destination guides that discuss top places to visit around the world for travelers looking for an active vacation or something off the beaten path.

In addition to regular monthly editions, you can also get access to their free digital edition that includes a number of web-exclusive articles as well as video and photo content.

Best Free Travel Magazines & Guides by Mail

Here are some of the top free travel magazines you can opt to receive.

1. Bold Travel Magazine

First on our list is Canada’s voice of travel experience and a traveler’s bible. The free print is produced every 2 to 3 months with lots of helpful information for any place you would love to visit globally.

An example issue has the newest travel destinations in Peru, Nicaragua, the French Alps, Abu Dhabi, and Dalmatians.

Flipping through the pages, you will know why it’s a highly sought-after online travel magazine.

It has pretty awesome photos that give you the feel of being there physically. And if you don’t get more information on one edition, you can dig through the pile on their website to get what you need.

Simply download directly into your phone to avoid visiting their website every time.

2. 101 World’s Greatest Cities – First Edition

Today, around 54.5% of the world’s population lives in a city. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to use a brochure that shows you some of the most amazing cities and stunning scenery for your next escapade.

This travel guide made its first edition in 2019. It has since become a favorite for many travelers who want to cruise through the cities of the world.

The publisher believes that the world is a fascinating place, and you can’t have all the extraordinary stories, cuisine, and culture at once. What they typically do is to bring all of these together at the comfort of your phone or tablet.

As you turn over the pages, you will be treated to amazing skyscrapers, stunning sceneries, and beautiful beaches that make a perfect escape for your relaxation.

See Related: Important Pros and Cons of Travel Insurance

3. Travel + Leisure USA Magazine

It’s one of the latest magazines with exciting places to visit in the USA today. The publisher, the Meredith Corporation, is stationed at the heart of New York.

And, they publish copies every month throughout the year.

Their stories come from award-winning novelists, poets, designers, and the best non-travel journalists today.

Not to mention that the photographers are top-notch, and you will occasionally find some of your best models on the cover photo lounging in upscale environments.

It proudly garners a whopping 4.8 million readers in the USA alone. With this vast number, you can be assured of getting helpful information whenever you are looking for the best destination in the USA.

This is where it gets better. You can vote for your best destination, and it will be rewarded when it wins. If there is one magazine you should consider for your next expedition, it is this one.

See Related: Best Gadgets for Long Flights

4. Official Hawaii Visitors Free Guide

Do you love Hawaii?

Well, almost everybody does. That is why you need the explicit official Hawaii online magazine to show you around. It is a one-off guide, but you will love all the free stuff in it.

We know that Hawaii is an awesome place, and there are some things you need to know before you book your ticket.

For instance, is it a must to learn a few Hawaiian words? How do you treat sacred sites? What are the things you need to carry when visiting the island?

Also, is Pele’s curse of taking rocks from the island true?

All the answers are hidden between the pages.

Not to mention that the information you will get from other guides like Kauai magazine or Hawaii Bride & groom magazine is similar to what you will find here.

The only difference is that these other magazines produce regular articles with updated feature stories, travel tips, and new outdoor adventures.

Read our post about the most epic Maui itinerary you could ever ask for.

See Related: Best Travel Sandals 

5. Backpacker Magazine

Backpacker is an all-around outdoor magazine for countryside lovers. It first started as a travel website to offer travel tips to its vast readers.

Their website has various articles ranging from travel gear reviews, best outdoor travel destinations, and tips for making the best out of your travel experience.

However, because it is a fully equipped website, you do not get access to all of their offers. Video library abilities, travel gear discounts, and reviews are just a few of the outstanding services that need payment.

These extra accessories are only accessed by members who have subscribed after paying a paltry $4 a month (or $49 per year).

Here is where the backpacker magazine comes in. You will get helpful guides and insider information about any traveling topic, destination, and gear.

And yes, we know this is not free. But if you put the special giveaways which you get for a one-year subscription of only $49, it’s next to free.

Besides, you’ll get access to an extra helpful accessory and not a magazine only.

See Related: Best Travel Accessories

6. Go! Drive and Camp Magazine

Do you love road trips? If so, you should get this Go! Drive and camp magazine today.

This is a fully-fledged magazine that shows you the best rides you will need to hit the road for local tourism destinations.

It is an African magazine published in South Africa and touches on the most exciting off-road destinations on the continent to help you on your next adventure.

The latest edition produced has gone deeper to hint at you the thrill of camping in the Kalahari Desert. They have also given ideas on the most powerful 4 by 4 car that will keep up with the sand dunes.

Some of the exciting things you will find helpful are the best camping destinations, weekend breaks, 4 by 4 destinations, and the best African camp food for the outdoors.

See Related: Best Ways to Earn Delta SkyMiles

7. AAA Travel Magazine

AAA is an insurance company that also tried to wade the murky waters of travel publishing. And they have not been disappointed with the AAA magazine.

Their latest piece for adventure in Africa is for you if you are planning to go on a Safari in the African wild.

If Africa is not your thing and you prefer going further west to Australia, you are not left out either. AAA traveler edition did just that with all the tips of traveling to the world of Kangaroo.

They have also touched on some of the most loved cities in Europe like Manchester City and London, giving you their art culture, cuisine, and a glimpse of their nightlife.

The only downside with AAA publishers is that you have to be living in either of these areas, i.e., Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, or Louisiana, to get their free travel magazine sent to your home in hard copy.

Still, this shouldn’t be much of a big deal, though, as the online magazine format is still resourceful.

You might also not like the hassle of carrying the bulky magazine with you.

See Related: Delta Airlines Review

8. Free Orlando Magazine

If you are living or planning to visit Florida, you need this magazine by your side. It brings the other side of Orlando spectacularly.

Thanks to the magazine, you get a map that will direct you to popular destination sites like Walt Disney World Parks, Universal Studios theme parks, and Orlando’s Sea World.

With their contributors going around the city as tourists, you get awesome photos and tips that bring the experience to life.

Accessing the magazine is very simple. You can visit their Instagram page and send them a message with your request.

You will get the free magazine by mail which they will be sending to you for a full year.

See Related: 13 Reasons Why Traveling is Important

9. Sailing Magazine

Sailing free vacation magazine is a product of holiday traveling, which is an online platform with every kind of traveling insight.

It’s an ideal magazine if you are a beginner and are not interested in intricate information that might further confuse you.

We love the way they give honest impressions of engaging twists to keep you glued to their content.

The only con is that they seldom produce their editions. They used to produce the magazine occasionally, but it seems publishing activity has slowed down even more.

But it’s something you can still try.

See Related: GetYourGuide vs Viator: What is Better?

10. National Geographic Traveler UK

Last on our list is this precious jewel from a National Geographic traveler. The goal of this magazine is to let you see the natural wonders of the world in real-time without leaving your house.

It will give you a glimpse of the most amazing destinations in the world that you are missing right now. Thanks to their top-notch photography skills and informative articles that you get from first-hand experience.

You will receive tips, resources, and insights to have a better trip while also capturing those stunning views.

11. Let’s Go

This is the classic free travel guide by mail series from Harvard University Press. They have been publishing these guides since 1960 and they feature a number of destinations around the world.

These guides are available for free from your local library or you can subscribe to their mailing list to have each new edition delivered right to your doorstep.

See Related: Dollar Flight Club Review

Tips for Choosing Free Travel Magazines & Guides

Choosing a free magazine or travel guide is different than buying a monthly copy. After reviewing these ten magazines, we got some tips that might help you do it on your own.

Check the Date of Publication

There are pretty awesome travel magazines out there that we have not reviewed. The problem is that they were published in the past 6 years or more.

Although travel destinations don’t change, new hotels come up, new management policies are produced, and countries change their travel laws that you need to know.

So it would be nice to look for magazines on the current date.

Quality of Content

By the fact that a magazine is free, it shouldn’t be haphazardly published with unhelpful tips. And yes, we know that you will only realize this just after you start perusing through the pages.

Before you download any magazine, you can check their reviews on various online sites.

Look for Hidden Fees

This does not happen every time, but it’s a matter of concern.

These magazines are free, but some sites would take advantage of their free stuff. Before you download or request your free travel guides by mail, the publisher will request your payment information and begin debiting your account after the trial period ends.

So be careful out there.

Conclusion

As said at the start of this article, this guide includes free travel magazines that you might not easily find, unless you know where exactly to look.

This is because most world travel magazines are paid for, and not many publishers are ready to give out their amazing stuff for free.

And, it’s true that a few of the magazines we have reviewed above are paid for, but each has got a site where they are placed for free downloads.

So if you’ve found an interesting one, just click on the link, and it will directly lead you to the downloading page. We hope you enjoy your next travel destination.

FAQ

Related Reviews

• Scott’s Cheap Flights Review
• Dollar Flight Club Review
• Thrifty Traveler Premium Review
• Outdoorsy Review
• RVShare Review

Related Resources

• Best Travel Credit Cards: What Card is Best For You?
• Why is everyone obsessed with travel?
• 30 Cheap Places to Travel
• Best Travel Agent Jobs