Destinations

For travelers, Costa Rica’s capital has two great advantages: it’s not too big and nearly all of the major sights are located in the middle of town. Oh, and there’s a third: many of its highlights are free to visit. So if you’re saving your cents for canopy tours and scuba lessons, San José makes

The rugged Andes and tracts of impenetrable rainforest present formidable barriers to overland travel in Ecuador. But journeying through this dramatic topography is just one of the many reasons to come here. Getting around in Ecuador won’t always be quick, but it will always be an adventure. The good news? Transportation in Ecuador is generally

It’s not been the best start to the year in Great Britain with wild winter weather and a wild rental market (not to mention cucumber rationing). Fortunately, in the near distance, blue skies await, bringing with them a whirlwind of music, theatrics, bell tents and fairground rides at this year’s summer festivals. Tickets to the headline

Like its famous hot chicken, Music City knows how to bring the heat. Even with its big-city vibe, Nashville retains the charm and gentility of a small Southern town. Despite the city’s growing popularity, it’s possible to explore on a budget. From the wild honky-tonks on Broadway to the scenic hiking trails along Radnor Lake, here

Budget-conscious travelers looking to visit Panama City can save a few dollars with these money-saving tips. While Panama is more expensive than most of its Central American neighbors – except for Costa Rica – its cosmopolitan capital is still good value, especially when compared to cities in the US and Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to splash

Puerto Rico inspires Caribbean daydreams for good reason, boasting some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With more than 250 miles of coastline and nearly 300 beaches, the variety of landscapes can satisfy both the beachgoer searching for sublime relaxation and the budding big-wave surfer – all in a long weekend.  Whether you’re

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. Happily hygge Copenhagen is a global

San Antonio used to be an affordable city. In the last decade, though, prices have soared as more and more people discover this unique and charming Texas city. That’s not to say that a budget traveler can’t have a great time exploring San Antonio. Many of the city’s biggest attractions are free, allowing you to

Being just a few degrees north of the equator, Ghana has an average temperature that remains balmy all year.  Its mild tropical climate boasts two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Both of them offer their own perks and setbacks. The wet season is an excellent time to visit the country’s north because the heat can

New York City loves nothing more than a good rivalry. And everyone here has an opinion about everything. Is the best food in Queens or Brooklyn? The best art scene uptown or downtown? The best neighborhood the West Village or Jackson Heights? While we won’t dare to take a side on these existential questions, we’ll

For first-time visitors to Africa – and for anyone who is drawn to nature and outdoor adventures – Malawi is a wonderful destination. This tiny sliver of a country has many superb places to visit, offering scenic diversity, from the vast, idyllic Lake Malawi and the zebra-dotted high plains to the epic heights of Mt Mulanje and

Panama City? It’s only got that canal, right? Well, no, actually. The Panamanian capital has way more to offer than that: world-class museums, wildlife spotting in tropical forests, paddleboarding in the Pacific.  With soft-sand beaches, a buzzing craft beer scene, and bounteous – burp! – belly-filling food trucks,  it’s got way more to offer than its

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, Lonely Planet contributor Helen Iatrou who considers herself a full-blooded Greek islander shares some ideas for planning an island hopping trip. Question: I’m planning a vacation to the

What is it about Iceland? Can I say, “everything?” It’s an out-of-this-world landscape that just happens to be… in this world. Its people are so welcoming and hospitable – and don’t really get what all the fuss is about, which frankly, I love. And it is the kind of place you have to see to believe.

With year-round sunshine and balmy weather, any time is a great time to visit Hawaii. But while there are no major seasonal changes in the Islands, there are subtle differences in weather, crowds and prices throughout the year. Most visitors travel during breaks, so summer and mid-spring are busy. But the busiest time in Hawaii is

No matter how close you are, it’s easy for siblings to drift when life’s paths start to diverge. A sibling trip can rekindle that special bond you share and offer experiences you can’t replicate anywhere else—no parents allowed. These five destinations are custom-made for those kinds of trips. And with the right travel credit card,

The St Patrick’s Festival has become one of Montserrat’s most popular annual events. This year mark’s the return to the island’s first in-person festival since 2020 and I can’t wait. I attended my first St Patrick’s Festival in 2003. Back then, Montserrat was still experiencing periodic volcanic eruptions and the makeshift festival grounds at Little

Puerto Rico is small but mighty. The island has a wide array of foods, landscapes, wildlife and attractions jam-packed into an area only 100 by 35 miles. Its relatively small size makes it an ideal road-trip destination. Here, no drive is too long or too far, and it’s easy to embrace “island time” and savor

Dancehall isn’t just a genre of music. For Jamaicans, it’s a way of life. The impact of this subculture is so massive that it forms part of everything Jamaicans do – from how we talk, dress, dance and even celebrate.  The number-one way to see and experience dancehall in Jamaica is at events, specifically street

With its lush beaches, historic cities and party vibe, Puerto Rico is emerging as one of the top island escapes in the Caribbean. However, compared to neighboring islands, such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba, traveling here can be expensive. With the lack of reliable public transport, rising living costs, an 11.5% tax rate