Unfortunately, there are not nearly as many good travel magazines out there as there used to be, at least for those not on a Rolex and Prada budget... 

Outpost

Published in Toronto, with a Canadian perspective. Was always great, but is now hands down the best travel magazine in North America for thinking, independent travelers. Insightful and culturally sensitive writing, with a view from the ground, not from the Four Seasons balcony. To subscribe, click here.

Transitions Abroad

Created in 1977 as the "antidote to tourism," it is the definitive guide to working, studying, or volunteering overseas. They also publish some brief travel articles that provide plenty of no-nonsense advice. The publishing company is known for some very helpful books and directories for those planning to live overseas for some time. Click here to subscribe or check a quality bookstore or library for a copy to see for yourself.

Budget Travel 

This magazine gets better all the time. I've gone from grudgingly skimming through it (when it was Frommer's Budget Travel) to actually looking forward to its arrival in the mail. In the past year or so they seem to have focused more on independent travel on a budget and less on package tours. They're also not afraid to write about places that aren't filled with huge resorts and spas--a welcome change from the norm. You can subscribe for next to nothing by checking the Web subscription sites, so it's a cheap read for yourself or a relative. An especially good read for those who like to travel in relative comfort, but don't want to be a number.

Wanderlust

This UK magazine is a great find if you can get a Europe-bound friend to pick it up or you live near a magazine store that carries imports. Literate travel articles, great travel book reviews, and beautiful photography, but all the while still remembering that most travelers aren't living off $500 a day.

Abroad View Magazine

This unique magazine (founded by the now-editor of Transitions Abroad), is an impressive glossy that comes out twice per year and focuses on real life and experience from the eyes of those who are studying and working abroad.  Contributors share their life-changing travel and study abroad stories, document both experiential and cultural research, and voice their views on important global and regionally focused cultural, environmental, political, and social issues and ideas.

National Geographic Traveler

Yeah, this magazine is as glossy as the others, is filled with ads posing as editorial, and can be just as superficial as the others at times. But at least it's not full of ads for luxury watches and expensive designer purses. And it doesn't smell like a perfume ad.

Wend

Wend magazine, based in the northwest U.S., looks promising in its initial issues, covering adventure travel from more of a punk and skateboard aesthetic than from a "look how cool my expensive gear is" perspective. Let's cheer it on.