Destinations

It’s no secret that South Africa is one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations. You could come here only to go on safari and think South Africa was the best country ever. But wait – there’s so much more to this fascinating realm perched at Africa’s southernmost tip.  South Africa’s ethnic and cultural

Puerto Rico’s capital isn’t a cheap city, particularly compared to neighboring islands, like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, which offer an abundance of all-inclusive resorts and a generous exchange rate. Still, there is plenty to do in San Juan here, including some free activities if you know where to look. Here are 14 of the

Like any major European capital, Rome can be eye-wateringly expensive, but there’s no need for the Eternal City to leave you eternally broke. The city offers myriad ways to visit in style while saving money. Outside of summer, you should be able to find cheap flights, or better yet, take advantage of Italy’s cheap and

The uncertainty of the pandemic years was challenging if you were hoping to travel to Japan. With the country closed to tourism for years, it was hard to know when you’d be able to go back, and what the country would be like when you could. Luckily, what makes Japan such a breathtaking destination hasn’t

Where you decide to base yourself in colossal Mexico City is a key consideration when it comes to planning your vacation. To help you pick the right area, we’ve pulled together our favorite walkable neighborhoods that are full of character and charm. It’s all a matter of what you’re looking for when you get there. In the trendy Roma

Though modern Athens extends from the sea to the mountains, the city’s core, where most of the ancient sites cluster around the Acropolis, is compact and very walkable. Visitors without mobility issues on short visits may find they can get around the sights entirely on foot. But if you want to explore Athens’ outlying neighborhoods

The vibrant city of Madrid is overflowing with artistic and culinary treasures, not to mention an irresistible energy of its own – we’d recommend a minimum of three days to immerse yourself in its charms. The capital of Spain also serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful towns and attractions anywhere in

Our slow travel series explores how you can take more mindful journeys by train, boat, bus or bike – with tips on how to get where you’re going without extra flights, and what to see and do along the way. Here, Lonely Planet’s resident Japanese train expert John Walton takes us across the Japanese Alps

Ringed by UNESCO-listed city walls, Dubrovnik’s spectacular old town is a huge draw for over a million visitors each year. Come summer, the narrow lanes of the compact old town can get cramped with the tourist crush, especially when cruise ships are in port. If the city gets all too much, escape on a day

It’s not all ancient temple ruins, baroque hill towns and drop-dead-gorgeous beaches. Such is the epicurean clout, nous and diversity of this Mediterranean heavyweight that it’s perfectly feasible to simply eat your way around Sicily and its ocean-fueled archipelagos. Spaghetti ai ricci in sea-urchin sauce, swordfish carpaccio on a seafront terrace, veg-spiked arancini and primeval

I’ve never been to Colombia. Such a failure, I know. But for months now, Colombia has been on my mind. Last fall I read this New York Times article about Morat, a band from Bogotá. It was one of those stories that made my antennae go up. Suddenly everything was Colombia. I had this feeling,

Many of South America’s greatest hits can be found in Ecuador – from Andean peaks and the Amazon to tropical beaches, Inca ruins and the wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Pretty impressive for a country that’s a fraction of the size of its neighbors! The hardest part is deciding which part to visit first. To

Ecuador offers some of the most incredible outdoor experiences on earth, from surfing on beautiful beaches to treks through the Amazon jungle. The fourth-smallest country in South America offers experiences to rival anything in Brazil, Argentina or Chile, all packed into a small space that’s easy to explore by bus, boat or plane. With top-flight natural wonders such

San Antonio attracts visitors for many reasons. There’s the history of the Alamo and the Spanish Missions, a great selection of Tex-Mex cuisine, lovely strolls along the River Walk or shopping in the Mexican marketplace at Market Square. But what if you’re traveling with your family, and how do you keep the kids amused? Immerse yourself

From the surf beaches of the Pacific coast and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the Galapagos Islands and the humid Amazon Basin, Ecuador serves up epic travel experiences in every season, all in an area only slightly larger than Colorado. Compared to its enormous neighbors, Ecuador offers a taste of South America on

The drive along Italy‘s Amalfi Coast, preferably in a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider, is the stuff of travel legend. And it’s just one of dozens of epic road trip routes in this fascinating, richly layered country. Don’t be put off by stories of impatient local drivers – the countryside here was made for exploring by

Regularly cited as one of the best-value countries to visit in South America, Colombia is a place where your cash is destined to go further.  With fixed-price lunch menus and inexpensive pola (beer), you can dine like a king, and hostels are plentiful and cheap. A network of affordable interregional buses and low-cost airlines means you

Barcelona is Spain’s most visited city, and it’s not hard to see why – the historic capital of Catalonia is packed with galleries, museums, attractions and thriving restaurants. Set between the mountains and sea, the city is celebrated for its unique architecture, famous artists and urban beaches. Here are the best things to do in Barcelona

The eighth largest country on Earth, Argentina encompasses everything from pancake-flat grasslands to sky-high mountains, humid wetlands to frigid ice fields, emerald forests to rugged coastlines. In the south, Patagonia provides dramatic scenery and endless horizons, while the dynamic capital Buenos Aires pulses to the rhythms of fútbol (soccer) and tango. Travelers can visit Argentina

San Francisco is an easy place to visit. Dress codes are nearly nonexistent, and its self-aware laid-back culture keeps formalities to a minimum. But there are a few things a savvy traveler can do ahead of a trip to make the most of their time in the Bay Area, such as reserve restaurant tables. Once