Destinations

In a city as brazenly grand as Brussels, with its showstopping Grand Place and flash chocolate shops, it’s refreshing to know that some of the best experiences cost nothing at all.  An eye-popping trot along the Comic Strip Trail. Free samples of Belgian chocolate (what’s not to love?). Flea market finds, Instagrammable sunset viewpoints and

An ancient land of diverse ecosystems, Australia is a nature lover’s wonderland. From emerald rainforests and fragrant, eucalyptus-covered mountains, to golden ribbons of coastline and woodland caves with Aboriginal art, there are countless ways to experience the beauty of this vast island nation. Even in urban settings, nature is never far away. Rainbow lorikeets squeal at

With coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean and seemingly endless miles of coastline, narrowing down a list of the best beaches in Mexico is a challenge. The diverse array of shoreline experiences – from surfing the waves of Puerto Escondido to relaxing in blue waters in Puerto Vallarta  – assures there is an exotic

If you’ve conquered the Camino, keep on the pilgrim’s path with these seven epic spiritual treks around the world. A sacred path to spiritual renewal. A journey from head to heart. A test of endurance. A life-changing road to enlightenment. Since time immemorial, people have gone on pilgrimages to seek forgiveness, give thanks, pray or

As an Australian living in New York in my early 20s, I found myself fielding a wide range of questions about my home country. Some were amusing, others were downright bewildering: “Do you ride kangaroos to school?” “Are there drop bears in the woods?” “Are Australian dollars really called ‘dollarydoos’?”  Australia can feel like an

When planning a trip to Texan beaches, research is key. The Lone Star State’s coast can be a murky one and folks don’t simply rock up to whatever patch of sand is the closest. But over 600 miles of coastline means there are sandy treasures to be found and wonderful communities coming together. You see,

Angelenos are nothing if not devoted to their cravings. They regularly battle long lines, grueling traffic and stiff competition for reservations at some of the best dining spots in Los Angeles – all to secure a few scrumptious sips and bites. Why the devotion? Because LA residents have known for ages what the rest of

New Orleans has one of the most recognizable food scenes in the USA, in no small part because this town organically did “organic”, as it were. It’s now accepted wisdom that top food and flavors come from the intermingling of cultures, access to great ingredients, and an aversion to cutting corners. New Orleans kitchens have,

I’ve lived in Chicago for 35 years and I’m still wonderstruck by the big-city buzz, sky-high architecture and the expansive, blue-green lake spilling over the horizon. There’s always tons to do here, new things to explore: an Afrobeat band at Millennium Park, a play about a renegade platypus at a storefront theater, a meaty sandwich

Despite its infamous seven hills (it doesn’t matter which way you turn, you’ll always be going uphill), Edinburgh is a very walkable city. Scotland’s capital city is by no means its biggest, but and its metropolitan feel – so many characterful neighborhoods, busy streets and things to do – and compact size mean you can

The Central American isthmus consists of seven countries, two expansive coastlines and more than 100 volcanoes. Add it all up, and you’ve got one of the most exciting regions in the world to explore. Options for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts are ubiquitous, and you’ll also find plenty of relaxed island getaways, magnificent Maya ruins

Central Asia’s biggest showstopper, Uzbekistan promises rich travel experiences on the historic Silk Road, in fascinating cities and through its vibrant culture. The nation is alive with bazaars, arts and crafts, sustainable fashion and exciting music festivals. With the extreme continental climate, the best time to visit is spring and autumn, but other seasons appeal to

The beauty of traveling in Europe in autumn is the variety of experiences on offer. Hit the beach on sunny southern islands, hike through forests rich in autumnal tones, or wander the streets of major cities ⁠— without all the summer crowds. The fall also summons some of the continent’s greatest flavors, with harvest season delicacies

From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 28 best beaches in the US. From Clearwater Beach in Florida to Venice Beach in California, the best beaches in the US can be found throughout the country. Whether you relish the calm waters of a small town’s public beach

As the largest country in Southern Europe, Spain is a destination with distinctive cultures, landscapes, and languages – and its extensive bus network can help you explore it all. High-speed trains connect the country fairly well, converging on its central capital, Madrid, but they can’t get you everywhere. For everywhere wild and rural in between, having

With the close of the Paris Olympics, a running joke on social media is that many viewers have been at a loss of how to fill their days. After all, for two weeks, the French capital became the center of the world, hosting what has been lauded as one of the most successful and innovative

Paris may have birthed the concept of haute gastronomy, but over the last decade or so, the local dining scene has loosened up considerably. The influence of social media, globalization and the evolution of dining habits have brought out more irreverent, playful and accessible dining spots. They’ve also carved out space for international cuisines where

From admiring Silk Road architecture to wine-tasting, from heli-skiing in Amirsoy to exploring a graveyard of ships in the Aral Sea, Uzbekistan has something to offer for every type of explorer. To help you plan a trip to this fascinating Central Asian nation, here are our favorite things to do. 1. Step back in time

The twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is more than just an idyllic tropical paradise. The pleasures of the crisp sea air, postcard-worthy beaches and natural beauty here are undeniable, it’s true. Yet the heart of Trinbagonian living is the beautiful blend of people, places and spaces of diverse origins and ethnic backgrounds. If you’re

Traditional Costa Rican fare, for the most part, is comfort food consisting largely of beans and rice, fried plantains, and the occasional slab of chicken, fish or beef. Recently, locals have started to experiment more with the country’s fresh and plentiful produce. The results have been inspiring and delicious. Considering the extent of the coastline,