Farida Zeynalova

Author, writer & editor

United Kingdom

A hairy, London-based travel writer for National Geographic Traveller (UK) & National Geographic Traveller Food. Author of Berlitz Pocket Guide Baku.

Portfolio
National Geographic
07/19/2022
A Greek feast: breaking bread on the island of Chios

On the Greek island of Chios, in a region overflowing with citrus groves, sits the sleepy village of Kampos, where local guest house owner Vangelis Xydas is cooking up a traditional feast.

National Geographic
03/18/2021
How different countries celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year

The UN has marked 21 March as International Nowruz Day — a celebration of spring and the connection between humans and nature. Here, we look at the similarities between, and peculiarities across, the nations that commemorate this ancient rite.

National Geographic
12/09/2020
Six destinations every Agatha Christie fan should visit

The crime writer’s life was full of mystery and adventure, her novels even more so. We take a closer look at six destinations that shaped the life and works of the legendary Queen of Crime.

Berlitz
03/01/2020
Author: Berlitz Pocket Guide Baku

The world-renowned pocket travel guide by Berlitz, now with a free bilingual dictionary. Part of our UEFA Euro 2020 guidebook series.

Postcards
01/03/2020
Puerto Rico: Marvels & Legends

When it comes to nightlife, San Juan doesn’t disappoint, but the heady Puerto Rican capital is also home to fascinating architecture and history.

National Geographic
02/06/2020
What to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico's colourful capital

San Juan - the oldest city in the US and its territories - sits proudly on the island's Atlantic coast and is packed with places to see, eat and salsa into the early hours. The view over Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan. The Puerto Rican capital turned 500 years old in 2019.

National Geographic
12/22/2019
Puerto Rico: a baptism in Bomba

In the north east of Puerto Rico, the coastal city of Loíza is championing its African heritage through a centuries-old dance that’s stood the test of time.

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
09/13/2019
A city guide to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku

With a medieval quarter that preserves Silk Route traditions and a modern, ever-evolving core, the Azerbaijani capital is something of an enigma, even to regular visitors.

National Geographic Traveller Food
08/16/2019
Breaking Bread: coastal cuisine in Tunisia

From perfectly prepped couscous to generous helpings of harissa, Tunisian cuisine is all about colour, flavour and abundance. In the coastal town of Nabeul, a family meal becomes a feast when guests are involved - and extra helpings are inevitable.

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
06/12/2019
Trips of a lifetime: Maasai Mara

Kenya’s fabled Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration, is a wildlife wonderland. Buckle up for a safari drive across the savannah to steal glances at hyena, wildebeest, zebra, elephant and even the rare white rhino

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
10/04/2018
Weekender: Sarajevo

A preserved Ottoman bazaar, a thriving coffee culture, an abandoned bobsled track that’s become a dark tourist attraction and a winery that relies on the lunar cycle for production; Sarajevo is embracing its quirk with confidence.

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Chernobyl: Home bittersweet home

When Reactor No. 4 blew its top on 26 April 1986, expelling an unimaginable amount of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, Chernobyl was declared a no-go zone. One man defied the authorities by staying put - and he has no regrets

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
06/07/2018
Trips of a lifetime: Victoria Falls

A visit to the world’s largest waterfall doesn’t have to mean just admiring it from afar — tackle its challenging rapids on a wild whitewater trip across the Zambezi

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
09/07/2017
Beginner's pluck

The pretty peaks of Lech in the Austrian Alps prove something of a downhill struggle — alleviated, mercifully, by plentiful après ski. Words: Farida Zeynalova

National Geographic Traveller (UK) Spa & Wellness Collection
12/06/2018
NGT Spa & Wellness Collection 19

The 2019 edition of National Geographic Traveller — Spa & Wellness Collection focuses on the foundations of wellbeing: healthy eating, regular exercise and quality sleep. Expect interviews with industry professionals, fitness forecasts for the upcoming year and a roundup of the most weird and wonderful spa treatments from around the world.

National Geographic Traveller Food
11/01/2018
Experience: Pickling Workshop

Don’t know your kimchi from your cornichon? This open kitchen and fermentation workshop is the ideal place to perfect your pickling skills

National Geographic Traveller Food
10/12/2018
An interview with Albert Adrià

When it was time to open his first establishment outside of Barcelona, London was the natural choice for world-renowned chef Albert Adrià

National Geographic Traveller Food
Cerys Matthews on paella, clean eating and potatoes

I carry chillies with me wherever I go. I've been eating them ever since I was a child - I love them. South Indian food is my favourite, with mustard seeds and curry leaves and all the rest. I like subtle flavours too, but definitely with chopped fresh chillies on the side.

ABTA Magazine February 2018
The edge of glory

Farida Zeynalova takes a daring dip in the Devil’s Pool, right at the heart of Zambia’s mighty Victoria Falls

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Confessions of a first-time cruiser

"You're new here, aren't cha?" a Canadian cruise veteran roars at me in a voice as loud as his pink Bermuda shorts. I stop prancing my way over to the all-inclusive bar and nod sheepishly. "You'll love it here," he says, his grin almost reaching the brim of his maple leaf baseball cap.

ABTA Magazine December 2017
Spirit of Andalusia

Farida Zeynalova discovers a truly authentic corner of Spain

National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Eastern Europe: Mountain matchmaker

Zakopane, Poland: The gentle foothills of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, Zakopane is ideal for skiing newbies. Get your ski passes on a pay-as-you-go basis and check out the resort's affordable bars and restaurants. How to do it: From £389pp, including self-catering accommodation, return airport transfers from Kraków, ski passes and lessons.

ASTA network
12/14/2017
Going Baku in time

Just an hour from the glittering cityscape of Azerbaijan’s capital lies a wealth of prehistoric petroglyphic wonders. By Farida Zeynalova

The Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK)
08/10/2017
Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat review

I've never tried yoga before (yes, there are still yoga virgins out there...), and I'm so grateful to have found Vale de Moses, a blissful refuge in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains in central Portugal.

SUITCASE Magazine
02/27/2015
Gyunel Rustamova, a study in Azerbaijani fashion

The two gargoyles perched by the door of designer Gyunel Rustamova's studio mirror her creations perfectly; eerie, mysterious and indubitably crazy. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Gyunel was a successful artist before she moved to London to study fashion and create her eponymous brand.