Destinations

It takes about an hour and a half to travel from one end of tropical St Lucia to the other – maybe one hour with light traffic. But don’t be fooled by the limited real estate. A trip to this idyllic Caribbean island will keep you busy with activities from dawn till dusk, whether your

Jet lag is the bane of every traveler. Here are some helpful tips for minimizing its effects. In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. This week, our colleague Dr Jenny Yu – head of medical affairs

Alaska: the name is a symbol of wild, untamed, natural beauty and expansive, seemingly never-ending landscapes yearning to be explored. “The last frontier” isn’t simply a license plate motto but a way of life in North America’s crown jewel of wilderness. For those seeking to find their spirit through exploration, epic hikes and outdoorsy fun, there

In search of a shot of sea and spring sunshine, Lonely Planet writer Kerry Walker headed to Malta and Gozo and fell hard for these twin islands in the Med. Here she shares the highlights of her trip. With its one-of-a-kind history, cinematic cities built high and mighty by the Knights of St John, ravishing

Picture this: you’ve made it to the top of the mountain after a long hike through the Bavarian Alps. The trail was like something out of a postcard, with lush green meadows and some friendly cows. But it’s a hot day and even the backs of your knees are sweating. Those last few kilometers were

Norway is known for its spectacular landscapes and, as one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, there is no bad time to visit. Even so, different times of the year in Norway offer radically different experiences, and understanding these is key to planning your trip. Summer is the most popular time to visit: it

“Where locals go” is our new series featuring under-the-radar holiday destinations that are often overlooked by visitors but cherished by locals. In this edition, our Ireland experts showcase their favorite holiday spots at home. With its dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities and rich heritage, Ireland inspires all sorts of adventures. But away from the world-renowned Cliffs of

Despite its myriad attractions, England is a fairly compact country with decent roads and a wide rail network so getting around isn’t difficult, no matter what the season. The first big decision when visiting England is whether to travel by private car or use the extensive public transportation system. Having your own car means you can

With dramatic, rocky cliffs and velvety black volcanic sand scattered with icebergs, the beaches of Iceland are unlike anywhere else in the world. Tiptoeing around the edge of the arctic, Iceland is defined by its stunning natural beauty, and the beaches are no exception. Fire and ice have shaped Iceland’s glaciers, mountains and people, and also the

Paula Hotti explains how a train journey through Uzbekistan offers a wonderful way to discover the ancient Silk Road. As I sit in the refreshingly cool Urgench railway station, ready to start my Silk Road train journey in Uzbekistan, a woman holding a sweeping brush approaches. Despite the language barrier, her purpose is clear: to

Northern lights rippling across the night sky, a volcanic terrain that feels otherworldly, glaciers and geysers scattered like gems across the landscape – it’s no wonder there doesn’t seem to be a limit to Iceland’s popularity as a tourist destination. However, no matter how tempting it may be, don’t rush to the airport just yet.

Norway is renowned for its natural beauty, with its legion of fjords, glaciers and mountains demanding the attention of visitors. But, if you can pull your gaze away from the awe-inspiring landscape for just a few brief moments, you’ll also discover cutting-edge cultural venues, historic architecture and a quietly confident restaurant scene – characteristics that

With glacier-hewn fjords and deep green forests to gaze upon, traveling around Norway is an arresting experience however you choose to do it. Served by a combination of state-wide, private and municipal companies, Norway’s transportation network is extensive and efficient. And although journeys can be long, services across the board are usually very comfortable. You

Like most countries in the Schengen area, Norway is easy to travel to if you’re from a country within the EU or EEA. If you live elsewhere, your dream trip to the land of the fjords, Vikings and northern lights could take a little more planning and may require a tourist visa.   Here’s everything you

Thanks to the Netherlands‘ compact size and superb transport links, visitors to Amsterdam are spoiled for day trip choices that complement a city break in the Dutch capital. Encompassing everything from Den Haag’s standout museums, Zandvoort’s sandy beaches, and Zaanse Schans’ working windmills, these are six of the best day trips within an hour of Amsterdam.

Despite all the hills and cobbles, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate. Its impressive and intuitive system of buses, trams and suburban trains, and an efficient metro, make it easy to travel between major points of interest. To conquer the famous seven hills of Lisbon, you can rely on funiculars and elevators – the

When was the last time you rode a three-storey mechanical elephant? Or treated yourself to a deliberately burnt pastry? Nantes, where American ragtime jazz first landed on European shores, is not your usual city.  Birthplace of Jules Verne, Nantes transformed itself from France’s major slavery port, to a youthful, energetic, art-loving city where tradition, a

The riverside sandbank by Ribeira das Naus in Lisbon is a tempting spot to lay down your towel and dip your toes in the Tagus River, but it’s not officially considered a beach. Fortunately, the Portuguese capital is a short trip away from plenty of golden stretches of sand for you to soak up the sun,

One of Europe’s true jewels, with its Golden Age canals bordered by slender gabled buildings and spanned by arched bridges, Amsterdam might be small, like the rest of the Netherlands, but it has an outsized reputation. From exceptional art, architecture and innovative design to nightlife, you’ll find it here. Amsterdam’s condensed layout means even on a short

From cliff-backed beaches and quaint villages to vibrant cities and historic sights, England has plenty to entice visitors. But it can also be a fairly expensive destination, particularly in terms of accommodations, tours and sightseeing.  The good news? Many of England’s museums, natural sights and heritage attractions are free. Public transportation can be affordable when