Destinations

With its grand castle and famous festival, Edinburgh is a tourist magnet. But Scotland’s capital isn’t just a collection of big-ticket sights. Set on a series of extinct volcanoes and blessed with chasm-like medieval alleys and grand civic squares, Edinburgh is a stunner with substance. There’s history around every sandstone-hewn corner, of course, but you’ll

Many people use Genoa as an entry point to explore the Italian Riviera, including the famous (and often crammed) Portofino and Cinque Terre. But missing out on the charms of the city by rushing beyond it too soon would be a mistake. Home to one of the largest medieval town centers in the world, crisscrossed

With only 24 hours in Los Angeles, you’ll still have time to stroll the beach, take a surf lesson, explore the Santa Monica Mountains by horseback and have something of a spiritual experience slurping up handmade pasta. The trick to making it happen: you’ll have to stick to the city’s Westside.  Some LA locals will

Set at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan is famed for its stunning historical architecture and beautiful mosques and medressas, alongside Soviet modernism, a flourishing arts and crafts scene, a rich traditional culture, and the genuine hospitality of local people.  The continental climate brings four distinct seasons, and escaping into nature and visiting

There’s a profusion of exciting things to see in the city of Stockholm. And once you expand your radius from Gamla Stan, you can add country palaces, windswept islets, dynamic towns and Viking culture to the mix, via easy day trips. The Stockholm region is easy to drive around and even easier to explore on public transport.

At the midpoint between party-central Cancún and boho-chic Tulum, Playa del Carmen is a dynamic beach town offering everything from wellness retreats to raving parties to gourmet restaurants. It’s a favorite among digital nomads and sun-seeking families thanks to its walkable streets, easily accessible beaches, and proximity to Mayan ruins, coral reefs and cenotes (natural swimming

Edinburgh is the crown jewel of the British Isles. It brings to life the daydreams of anyone seeking the medieval, the regal and the outright fantastic. At its heart is the Royal Mile, a cobblestone artery spanning the centuries, running beneath a rock-topped castle to a baroque palace. Edinburgh is pure Gothic romance meets House

One of the world’s most revered cuisines, Italy‘s wealth of revered regional dishes mirrors the nation’s extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity. The common thread is an indelible link between food and the locals’ sense of identity. From the quality of Italy’s produce to the reverence for tradition, eating here is all about passion, pride and

Lonely Planet’s Senior Director of Content recently returned from an 11-day cruise through the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. Here she shares some highlights from the trip, and some advice for traveling with an older parent. For as long as I can remember, my 83 year-old mom has wanted to see Positano, Italy. She’s not alone,

Stockholm’s pleasures are legion, from abundant waterways and elegant green spaces to neighborhoods that brim with character to fascinating museums that showcase art, explore the past and celebrate Sweden’s culture. Even if you only have a few days here, you can see and do plenty. Whether you’re looking for history, culture or nature (or all

With its hip reputation, cosmopolitan cafe culture and rich history, Copenhagen attracts travelers all year round. Summer sees more sightseers than winter, but there’s really no bad time to visit this effortlessly cool capital. In November and December, Danes go all out for Christmas, making this a magical time to visit Copenhagen. Over the warmer

A fusion of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Arabic flavors as well as colonial influences, Sri Lankan cooking is a feast for the senses, drawing on incredibly fresh herbs and spices and the bounty of the land and sea. Eating out in Sri Lanka is a delight, whether you tuck into authentic rice and curry at

As a food writer and restaurant critic, I often find myself eating alone in restaurants. It might be because quite by chance I happen upon somewhere that looks interesting  and make a spur of the moment decision to nip in and see if they have room for me. On other occasions it’s because I have

It’s easy to fall in love with Copenhagen, a city at once historic and modern, traditional and innovative. The Danish capital is known for its design scene, top-notch cuisine and stylish, laid-back atmosphere but sadly, less known for being kind to your bank balance. Surprisingly, though, there are many experiences that you can enjoy for

I’ve spent more than a decade living in Montréal, and I’ve learned that everyone in this city loves to eat. So do I. Any restaurant or cafe can have a lineup out the door – and not just the hottest or most beloved spots. There is a profusion of things to try in Montréal that

Chicago is an incredible with lots to offer and visitors rightfully flock here every year. But with so many great options comes the dilemma – where to even start? I’ve lived here for more than 30 years and this is what I tell all of my visitors: take public transport, hit the neighborhoods and drink Malört

Famous for its icy winters, steamy summers and busy festival calendar, Chicago has something going on in every season. The Windy City changes mood with each passing month, but some things are constant – the city’s lively nightlife, cultured museums and animated neighborhoods warrant a visit at any time of year. Events such as Lollapalooza

Chicago is the US’s third-largest city, but its efficient public transportation makes it easy to explore, which is a huge boon for travelers. This means that Chicago’s top sights and experiences are all within reach – you could be relaxing by the metallic “Bean” in Millennium Park, going to a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or enjoying

Charleston delights all the senses – visually with its cobblestone streets and charming architecture, audibly with the local twang and, y’all…then there’s the food, which is a sensory overload on every level. From its dives to its elaborate divines, there is something for every budget, palette and person in Charleston. I’m a Virginia native and

The art of traveling has long been tied to rejuvenation, whether it’s indulging in the discoveries of a new city or simply winding down and relaxing in a stunning destination. But in recent years, there’s been a rising focus on using our valuable time off to truly reset and calibrate by focusing on both mental