Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about his collection of unusual holiday souvenirs stored in a cupboard in his spare room at home. Having acquired these objects whilst drunk in bars around the world, they help him to recollect hazy memories of his boozy exploits.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes, at the start of their holiday in Budapest the couple's petty arguments are a process of adjustment to one another's way of doing things. After a visit to the spa they can't agree how to get back to their hotel. But after a few days of blowing hot air, follows a mutual understanding between the pair and they enjoy the rest of their holiday.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about returning to a dream holiday destination which can turn out to be big disappointment. He fell in love with Cesky Krumlov a scenic Czech town. A recent visit was made unbearable due to the pouring rain and hordes of tourists. David was particularly frustrated with the tourist who'd block your path especially on bridges whilst composing a photograph of their partners taking a very, very, very long time!

National Geographic Traveller UK

The National Geographic Traveller UK magazine has been redesigned for a more "sophisticated and stylish" feel. The column pages, one of which I illustrate, have a fresh look. The magazine have asked me to use their small somber palette, but I can include a splash of colour to highlight parts of the image. This is a big change from using my vibrant colours, but a nice challenge for me working with a handful of colours. I don't use a black key line to define shapes, therefore I have to combine the colours carefully to produce the image.

In this column David Whitely over estimates his physical fitness on holiday in New Zealand.  A kayaking trip on Lake Taupo turns out not as easy as he first thought. A strong wind produces large, fierce waves, paddling against them is very exhausting and drains him of all his strength and energy.

Cellphone Charging in Rural Africa

Villagers living in rural Africa have no access to grid electricity, charging their cellphones is a major problem. Solutions are being trialled. An eco-friendly way is to use a dynamo system attached to a bicycle, peddle power can generate a moderate amount of charge. Phone charging kiosk business is growing, creating jobs for local people and providing a valuable service.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely talks about the variety of annoying characters he encounters on long-haul fights, staring at the airport, then the security queue. His patience wears thin and in his mind invents punishments for the accused.

40th Anniversary of the Cellphone

This year was the 40th anniversary of the cellphone. The early handsets were big and bulky nicknamed 'brick' phone, weighing 
over 2 pounds, battery life lasted half-hour and sold for around $4,000.
I created this witty image set in NY city of a smart businessman chatting on his new cellphone.

National Geographic Traveller UK

In this column David Whitely writes about his American road trip, driving off the interstate to discover odd but charming curiosities. On a diversion into The Cornell University campus, Whitely is fascinated by The Wilder Brain Collection, shelves of jars with a variety of brains. In his search for a large brain he finds the second largest brain recorded, belonging to a criminal and murderer!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitey reports on the troops of monkeys that overrun the Thai city of Lopburi. Behind their cute exterior these naughty primates regularly harass the tourists, stealing their personal possessions. Entering some streets can be quite intimidating, the roof tops are lined with monkeys on the lookout for their next victim!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about the misfortune to be struck down with food poisoning whilst on holiday. The timing of a stomach bug cannot be predicted, with the consequence of having to cancel pre-booked plans. But he was not able to miss a romantic dinner with his wife. The meal was less than pleasant, having to bear with his protesting stomach, which at any movement could have been a cause for grave embarrassment.

National Geographic Traveller Family

This is for NGT Family magazine. The article is about what parent's can and can't do with their children. In this case, going on a bike ride with the kids sat in a heavy trailer through Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Pines Forest Park. Taking the easy family trail wouldn't be a challenge, so they take the adventure trail. Both parents are exhausted and aching by the end of their bike ride, but felt it was worth the struggle.