Destinations

Get up close to the splendor of the USA’s majestic national parks. Little more than a century ago, riding the rails to one of a grand lodge within a US national parks ranked among the most luxurious vacations you could take. And while plenty of park accommodations remain exclusive – so much so that year-long

At the risk of sounding like a culinary simpleton, I’ve always been a fan of buffets. It’s not the all-you-can-eat draw, but the variety that appeals to me. Finding pasta, orange chicken and enchiladas in the same place? Pure heaven. I think this is the same reason I love dining in Los Angeles so much.

Anyone who’s been to Indonesia‘s Gili Islands would likely agree on one thing – you can’t help but feel relaxed as soon as you set foot on the fine white sands. These three little islands off the coast of Lombok are a popular holiday destination, and it’s easy to see why. Its vivid blue waters, rich marine

There are no cars or motorbikes on the Gili Islands, and this is one of the many charms of this trio of tiny isles off Lombok’s northwest coast. In fact, all fossil fuel vehicles are steadfastly banned by local government ordinance. Most of the locals and visitors agree this is a good thing as there

Oregon is very much a year-round destination, and each season brings with it its own special perks. Summers are undoubtedly magical, with warm temperatures that make it next to impossible for most people to stay inside. However, each season brings with it its own special charm, and while you may encounter some rain, just remember

Bangkok has an enduring allure to global visitors that never seems to get old or go out of style – it continues to fight for its spot on lists of the world’s most visited cities. From hallowed monasteries to all-night techno clubs, street noodles to Michelin-starred tasting menus, and lush public parks to gritty urban

If you fancy placing a bet or two (or 20), you’ve hit the jackpot in Las Vegas. Gambling in all of its forms has been legal in Nevada since 1931, which has made Las Vegas the essential place in the USA to let it ride, double down and max bet (oh my!). Even with other

There’s so much more to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Rose of the North, than first meets the eye. Though firmly on the Thai travel circuit, Chiang Mai often comes in third for visitors determined to see Bangkok before immediately heading south to the tropical islands. Those who trek north, however, are certainly rewarded. Here, countless historic

Lonely Planet associate editor Ann Douglas Lott recently traveled through Italy aboard a vintage train, regional trains and bus. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip. When I told people I had a trip planned to Italy, the joy with which they talked about their own travels there was endless

Deciding where to visit in India is not easy. When deciding where to visit in India, you might be weighing up Agra, home to the unrivaled Taj Mahal, against Jaipur, Rajasthan‘s regal Pink City. We asked two writers to make the case for each Indian city. The Taj Mahal is a white marble monument, and an icon of

These three islands off the coast of Lombok are the ultimate tropical escape, where you can fully disconnect amongst the palm trees and powdery beaches. Thanks to a ban on motor vehicles, the islands feel like a whole world away from Bali’s crowded streets, allowing you to soak up the peaceful atmosphere no matter when

Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions. This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the world’s most active – and stretches from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest. Sprawling across 333,259 acres

Oregon is a big state with a lot of scenery, from towering forests that have stood for centuries to long stretches of windswept coastline offering head-turning views at every bend. While parts of the state – particularly cities and larger towns – are pedestrian-friendly, you’ll need a good transportation strategy to see the best of the

The sun-soaked paradise of Sint Maarten is a magical oasis with sugary beaches and azure water. The 13-square mile Sint Maarten draws travelers from around the world. Some travelers arrive by cruise ship to the Philipsburg’s port. A major hub in the Caribbean, the capital’s port accommodates up to eight ships at one time, and it

Welcome to Santa Barbara, where the sun, sea, and mountains create a coastal paradise like no other. The Chumash people initially inhabited the town for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. Today, Santa Barbra still reflects its Spanish colonial heritage with Mediterranean-style buildings and red-tile roofs, which perfectly complement the

With over 200km of cycle paths and 300 days of balmy sunshine, Valencia is an ideal biking city that’s entirely flat, spanning a grid system with access to coastal boardwalks, expansive boulevards and cinematic nature parks.  Not only that, Valencia’s well-thought-out urban regeneration turned an oft-flooding river into a lush winding park, making for one

Don’t let the occasional big-chain coffee shop fool you – Miami runs on Cuban coffee. This strong caffeinated concoction made from Cuban espresso and sugar not only helps locals power through a midday slump, but it bridges social barriers and provides a lubricant for idle office chatter or heated political debates. The drink, also known

To put it bluntly, Bangkok is a behemoth. There are 50 districts and more than 2000 communities within the Thai capital. Factor in the round-the-clock energy and red-hot dining and nightlife scenes, and it can be hard to know where to focus your time and attention. While cheap taxis can tempt you to cross the

Sandra has recently returned from her native Azores, where she was researching the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook, out in October 2024. Here she shares her local knowledge of the archipelago to help you choose the best island for your trip. Famous for hiking trails and lagoons, inactive volcanoes and whale watching, the Azores naturally appeal to

It’s difficult to do justice to Canada’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Words can never fully capture what you see with your eyes: towering snow-capped mountains, azure lakes and lush evergreen forests filled with fascinating wildlife. And perhaps the best way to take it all in? On your own two feet. Covering nearly 10 million sq km (3.8 million