Destinations

The Southern Pacific nation of New Zealand is made up of more than 600 islands. The two main landmasses – the North Island and the South Island – inevitably face comparison, with tourists and locals debating which is best. Many visitors will plan to visit both on their travels, but should you be limited to

The Balinese people treat the ocean with enormous respect. Though their coastline is dotted with some of the world’s most stunning (and popular) beaches, living so close to the water means recognizing the power and risk that exists alongside that beauty. It’s not unusual for locals to meditate and pray at beaches to encourage positive

When Positano bit John Steinbeck deep, it was a sleepy fishing village painted in pastels that playfully masked a forbidding cliffside. Turkeys might fly into the sea and dandies could mingle with carpenters, all driven to the same near delirium that can only come from too many days in too beautiful a place. In Steinbeck’s

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top value destinations, where you can gobble down a street-side bowl of pho for a couple of bucks. For those traveling on an even tighter budget, there are plenty of free things to do too. From lively street performers to a family-friendly mini waterpark, these

With exquisite architecture, centuries of history and spectacular settings, France’s treasure trove of gorgeous villages and tiny towns mesmerizes film directors and Instagrammers. Bypass the autoroutes and travel the meandering backroads to find thousands of rural gems scattered across the countryside. Arriving early or late on a weekday is best to see France’s prettiest villages

A pleasant, leafy city that would seem more at home in central Europe than Central Asia, Almaty is stocked with museums, cafes and nightlife. But Kazakhstan’s second city (and its former capital) is also a great base from which to explore the country’s wild southern landscapes. The city itself is a manageable size, and on

In Western Washington, fall comes hard and fast and seemingly overnight. As a born-and-raised Washingtonian, I know all too well how the first cool day sparks the desire for crisp late-morning hikes, quaint seaside towns and, if you’re like me, the need to experience the Twilight movies for yourself. Trust me, a trip west to

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – also known as Saigon – is the gateway to the steamy southern reaches of this slender Southeast Asian nation. HCMC is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, spectacular dining, rich history and French-era architecture. It’s easy to while away happy days slurping down amazing noodle soups and walking

Lonely Planet Destination Editor Amy Lynch traveled down the southwest coast of Greenland by ferry to experience the region in the same way as a local. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip. In my role as Destination Editor for the Nordics, UK and Ireland, I’ve been lucky enough

While autumn settles in, the LP team has been savoring the last glimpses of summer with various adventures across beautiful destinations. From cruising through the Swiss Alps in a rented campervan to stargazing under the Milky Way in the Bahamas, our map is now sprinkled with new pins. Max, with his knack for finding the

A city with a rich industrial heritage, a huge heart and a no-nonsense approach to life, Manchester has become a wildly diverse and vibrant modern metropolis. It’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK. It’s a place where difference is embraced and celebrated – indeed, as you wander

If you’re planning to visit Dubai, you’ll find a stirring mix of profound traditions and futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendor. Dubai embraces sunshine, innovation and cultural dynamism, and is known as a shopping haven with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. You won’t be short of things to do in the sci-fi-esque

It was 1692 – a dark time indeed – when the residents of Salem village accused hundreds of their own of practicing witchcraft and sent 20 to their death. The so-called Salem witch trials earned the city an ignominious place in history. Fortunately, “Witch City” has come full circle, now welcoming witches and warlocks, psychics

There’s a snort in the bush and a troop of warthogs muscle their way out of the undergrowth just as a bee-eater in a fluster of iridescent feathers lands improbably on a twig. High above, a snake eagle momentarily clouds the sky, perhaps clocking the movement of a lone cheetah in the grasslands below. You

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. After reopening to international travel in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic, China made several changes to its visa policies to encourage more visitors. Here is everything you need to know

Utah is the perfect destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the state’s hiking, mountain biking and winter sports are top notch. With five national parks, seven national monuments and endless other public lands and state parks, it can be hard to boil your must-sees down to a manageable list. You can tick off all

There’s much more to Mykonos than its justifiably famous party scene. By day, more than two dozen beaches are abuzz with people – there’s one for your every mood. Lounge around sunbathing and sipping cocktails or take the plunge and opt for adventure above or below the sparkling water’s surface. On land, Mykonos may not

While every season has its colors, there’s something particularly special about the fall. As the cool weather sweeps across the United States, plucking leaves off branches, the kaleidoscope of colorfulness isn’t just stunning on the eyes; it pulls at the soul. For some, it feels like flipping the pages for a new beginning; for others,

Once called The Steel City, Pittsburgh was a major hub for steel production in the early 20th century. Today, it’s known for its professional sports teams, scenic location at the confluence of three rivers and diverse cultural and educational institutions. From incredible outdoor opportunities to world-class museums and tours, these are the best things to

When it comes to choosing the perfect fall destination, the foliage is only part of it – we’re also on the hunt for cozy accommodations (cabins and lodges are a plus), fall-related activities (apple picking, anyone?) and a dose of spooky vibes for Halloween fans. And yes, we all know New England is great for