Destinations

If you take the sunny and tropical out of a sunny, tropical paradise, what exactly is left? Lonely Planet contributor Chris Dong explores how to travel (and live) when the weather just isn’t what you expect. Most terrestrial animals seek shelter from the rain. Outdoors, that can happen in a tree or log holes, under

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, you’re in good company — one of the state’s nicknames is Vacationland. People flock to New England’s northernmost state for outdoor adventure, scenic coastlines and the cultural attractions of Portland, Maine’s largest city. From speaking the lingo to what to do if you see a moose, these top

Nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a compact country that you could fit into a two-week road trip. Contrasting with its small size is the country’s diverse culture, cuisine and landscapes that range from the rugged coast in the west to the mountainous inland and from the cool and lush north to the

There’s more to Maine than lobsters and Stephen King novels. It’s also home to some of the best hiking in the northeast US, with thousands of miles of trails. But choosing the best hiking routes in Maine is no easy feat. For the adventurous explorer, there are plenty of backcountry multi-day hikes and for the beginners

Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is quite literally synonymous with wine. Not just any wine, either: the bottles produced here are some of the most prized on the planet. This beautiful vine-covered region is home to nearly a quarter of France’s wines with the coveted AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation, which means they meet stringent regulations

It’s all about the heat come July, with the northern hemisphere’s sizzling summer temperatures adding an extra shine to some of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Europe is bathed in sunshine, bringing the Mediterranean beach scene to the forefront, while in the tropics dry season signals prime wildlife spotting opportunities. Colder regions also benefit

Maine is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and picturesque coastal villages. Millions of visitors flock to the northernmost New England state every year for a week by the lake, to drop the kids at summer camp or for a long weekend in Portland, the state’s largest city. This demand can translate

It’s going to be a hectic weekend in London, full of celebrations and disruptions as millions of people travel to the city for the coronation of King Charles III.  There’ll be road closures, diversions, and changes to bus and train routes and timetables as celebrations get underway. Transport for London is advising people to plan

Think of the Iberian peninsula, and you’ll have quick visions of Portugal’s fado and tile-fronted buildings, and Spain’s bulls and matadors. Yet there’s a corner of the peninsula that’s more James Joyce than Miguel de Cervantes. Portugal’s northernmost region and Spain’s northwestern corner are lands united by a landscape that’s perpetually green, and a common

As a fourth-generation Michigander who has spent significant time living elsewhere, I can attest to the fact that we’re a unique bunch. We generally have wit and a lean toward sarcasm. We also pronounce things so strangely that you’ll have to get used to our dialect. For example, you have to register your vehicle at

Cape Town has a long-standing reputation for outdoor activities, thanks to its chain of mountains overlooking an equally beautiful string of beaches. Over the past decade or two, this city at the tip of Africa has added gastronomy and culture to the list of its best things to do. Having weathered colonialism and apartheid, the

Offering a gorgeous lakeside location, over recent years Zürich has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s hippest destinations, with an artsy, post-industrial edge. Ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, Zürich and budget travel are not natural bedfellows. But there are ways to make your money go further and many free

Exploring Switzerland with kids is child’s play. Tuck up on straw in a farmer’s hay barn for a night of sweet dreams. Devour ice-cream cones filled with devilishly thick cream. Craft a chocolate bar made in heaven. Walk on cloud nine with cuddly Saint Bernard dogs across craggy mountain passes. Don crampons to explore Europe’s longest

Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other.  Italy has more Unesco World Heritage cultural sites than any other country on Earth. Should you walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, revel in Ravenna‘s glittering Byzantine treasures or get breathless over

Have you ever eaten something so delicious while traveling that it becomes the defining memory of your trip? We have, too. So if you want to ensure that will happen again by planning your next trip to an incredible foodie destination, we know just where you should go — and what you should eat when you

South Africa is an excellent destination for family trips. With its diverse wildlife, delightful beaches, exciting theme parks and fascinating museums, there are many attractions that are perfect for both adults and children. The country is particularly well-suited to older kids who can make the most of the many outdoor experiences. Get trusted guidance to the

Almost completely surrounded by water, the two peninsulas of Michigan combine natural beauty and bustling city life. Plenty of activities in the state don’t cost a penny, like hunting for glow-in-the-dark Yooperlite stones on Lake Superior beaches or checking out classic cars in one of Detroit’s many car shows. In line with the fact that

I never thought of a shoe as versatile. Sure, you can wear them, but how many more uses can they have other than as footwear? Then I saw Brazilians and their Havaianas… Havaianas are as Brazilian as rice and beans. Pele and Ronaldo. Literally, everyone owns a pair. They probably own two, or five, even

Panama is a pilgrimage for adventure lovers, culture and history buffs, and, naturally, beach bums owing to its biodiversity, rich coastlines, and unfathomable islands. The great news is that nationals from over 100 countries can enter Panama and enjoy its treasures without needing a visa. Here’s everything you need to know about the entry requirements

Whirling eagles and vultures, sheer limestone gorges, vast steppe grasslands of raw beauty where endangered Przewalski’s horses, straight out of prehistoric cave paintings, and slinking gray shapes of wolves, take refuge – it’s hard to believe this true wilderness is comfortably in reach of the coast and cities of Southern France. For people who want