| ​ Hello fellow traveller! It’s Abi from Bradt and let's get started! If an email each week seems like too much, then you can always switch to monthly by clicking right here (you will know we've registered your preference because you'll land on a lucky dip travel article. No further action required.) So, this week I went to see a production of the Lion King. Not the West End or Broadway production, no. But a primary school production because I wanted to support my niece. I'd expected, well, cuteness on behalf of the small children. But I hadn't expected to be truly blown away. To be transported to another continent through great singing, outstanding choreography and costumes. Gold glittered through savannah grasslands, young kids belted their way through "I just can't wait to be king." And fearless papier maché toucans and baboons brought a surprising level of poignancy to "the Circle of Life." Because if there's one thing that the Lion King is about, it's about family - and how we choose to define both ourselves and our actions - in response to that. And this stood out because our theme this month at Bradt is family. Now. For many, the first thing that springs to mind is a set of parents travelling with young children. And we have plenty of that. There's this article on the best family days out in England. This one on family days out in Norfolk and a whole book on Slow Travel Family Breaks here. ​ But while not everyone has children. We all have, or had, family. And some of us will have had friendships that became or surpassed family. It's an interesting topic to stop and think about from time to time. And there's this perspective, from Mary Novakovich, author of My Family and Other Enemies. You can read a taste of her book here.​ Until next week, Happy families, Cheers, Abi ​ Gear Guide: Binoculars Bradt have partnered with Swarovski Optik to talk about birdwatching and how the right pair of binoculars can make or break a trip. In particular, a trip to the Faroe Islands. The CL Pocket & CL Curio binoculars from Swarovski Optik are an investment worth adding to your packing list for to the Faroe Islands. Both are compact and portable while offering an excellent optical quality. The changeable island weather can make storing and using equipment a challenge, but both the Pocket and Curio boast a functional temperature between -25 and +55 °C. In addition, their ability to withstand up to 4m of submersion in water makes them an ideal accompaniment when exploring the coast. ​Find out more with this gear guide to the Faroe Islands.​ Upcoming titles Look out for these books arriving any day now and pre-order so you don't miss out: ​Caving, canyoning, coasteering - 30 adventures around Britain ​The Bradt Guide to Tunisia​ ​The Bradt Guide to North East Scotland (It's here!) ​The Bradt Guide to Karakalpakstan​ ​The Bradt Guide to Istria​ Useful Tools & Talks Love dogs? Author Lottie Goss has a discount code for each of the DogFests this year: Lottie20 School holidays looming? Here's a family travel bucket list full of ideas.​ Catch us at the Global Bird Fair, 14-16 July And look out for author Oscar Scafidi's talk about Tunisia at Stanfords on 28th June Until next week, Abi PS – Skipped to the end? We’re changing up our email a bit. Click on monthly or weekly to register your preferences and you'll land on a travel article to know that we've received your choice. ​ | 