"The magazine featured exotic and adventure travel alongside typical travel guides."
Traveling has always been an integral part of human existence since ancient times. However, it was only recently that people started considering traveling to distant places for pleasure and recreation. Today, tourism is one of the most lucrative industries globally, with millions of people venturing out into different parts of the world every year. One such magazine that capitalized on this trend was FHM, which focused on exotic and adventure travel alongside its usual mix of music, culture, and fashion. The magazine covered everything from extreme sports to unusual destinations, catering to the adventurous male demographic. In this article, we will discuss how FHM became the ultimate guide for men who love exploring new lands and experiencing unique cultures.
Founded in 1985, FHM was initially launched as a British magazine targeted at young men. It quickly gained popularity due to its edgy content, which included articles on sex, relationships, dating, and lifestyle. Over time, the magazine expanded its scope to include more diverse topics, including travel. The magazine featured exotic and adventure travel alongside their traditional features, offering readers comprehensive guides to various destinations around the world. This move was a significant departure from conventional travel magazines that only covered mainstream locations like Paris or New York City.
One of the reasons why FHM's travel section stood out was because they focused on off-the-beaten-path destinations. They encouraged their readers to explore lesser-known locales, promoting experiences beyond what tourists typically expect. For instance, they recommended visiting remote islands in the South Pacific instead of the overcrowded beaches of Bali. They also covered destinations where you could engage in activities that were not common among regular vacationers. For example, they suggested trying skydiving in New Zealand, surfing in Costa Rica, and hiking in Nepal. These suggestions appealed to readers who wanted something different from the typical beach holiday experience.
In addition to recommending unusual places, FHM also highlighted unconventional modes of transportation. They promoted backpacking across Europe by train instead of flying between cities. They also encouraged their readers to take road trips through Africa in jeeps rather than taking safaris. These recommendations helped them stand out from other travel magazines that primarily catered to luxury travelers with deep pockets. FHM understood that not everyone could afford a five-star hotel room every time they traveled but still appreciated unique experiences.
Furthermore, FHM included articles about food and drink in their travel sections. They recommended restaurants and bars in exotic locations, allowing readers to try new cuisine. This approach was significant since many traditional travel guides only focus on sightseeing or leisure activities. It gave their readers more reasons to visit these destinations, as they could enjoy great food and drink while exploring them. The magazine even went further by including articles about nightlife and parties worldwide, making it easier for their readers to meet locals and mingle with other tourists.
Despite its success, FHM eventually folded after 35 years due to declining readership and financial difficulties. However, its legacy lives on today, and some of its former editors have started similar publications focusing on adventure travel. Today's adventurous male demographic can find inspiration in these publications to explore lesser-known parts of the globe without sacrificing comfort or style.