Destinations

In our Spending Diaries series, we break down how our writers spend, save and splurge on weekend city breaks. What to eat, drink, see and do in 48 hours in Porto © Austin Bush/Lonely Planet I’m a writer and photographer based in Lisbon, Portugal. I love my new home, but in search a brief escape I

Europe puts on a sensational show for the smallest of crowds in spring. Head here to hike in quiet wonder to dreamy Mediterranean beaches that are all but empty, spot wildlife emerging from its deep winter slumber, and witness the seasonal eruption of wildflowers on mountain slopes, in verdant valleys, and along the coast. There’s

With famously gorgeous weather and almost 300 days of sunshine a year, the best time to visit Lisbon is whenever your heart desires. The crowds come in summer, lured by scorching sunshine and big events, but fall and spring have a gentler magic, and even the winter has its own quiet charm. Spring and summer

Japan may be small, but with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and its bustling cities and stunning countryside, it offers a mighty experience to visitors. No matter when you choose to visit, you’ll find a wealth of experiences waiting for you. In spring, the blossoming of the sakura (cherry trees) creates a beautiful

There’s rarely a dull moment in vibrant Istanbul. The city’s historic attractions can be appreciated any time of year, but its vibe does change dramatically with the seasons, from wet and moody winters to sunny and sticky summers – and accommodation prices vary accordingly. When planning a trip, it’s worth noting the upcoming dates of the

Who doesn’t remember their first family trip to Yellowstone National Park? The taste of burnt campfire hot dogs, the scent of lodgepole pine in the air, your first glimpse of a wolf in the wild – these are memories that you and your kids will remember together for years. Visiting the world’s oldest national park

Eating, drinking and embracing la dolce vita in Florence has honestly never been so tantalizing or diverse. Sheng Jian Bao (steam-fried bao buns) bursting with Tuscan truffles. Cocktail pairings mixing urban spirits distilled with olive leaves and artichokes. Plant-based tasting menus… Sure, decades-old trattorie continue to faithfully cook up cockle-warming trippa all Fiorentina (tripe stew), pappa

When we travel, we aren’t merely visiting a dot on the map, we are immersing ourselves in the nuances that create a destination’s character. The neighborhood restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and hidden gems are the beating heart of the communities they serve. It’s no wonder we find ourselves delighted by unexpected artwork, wandering into family-run bookstores,

One of the most popular gateways to South America, Argentina offers lively cities and tranquil wildernesses, majestic waterfalls and soaring mountains – not to mention wildlife-filled wetlands, glorious architecture, rich culture and renowned steakhouses. It’s the whole South American package. But Argentina is a big country, measuring 3800km (2360 miles) from end to end, so

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. When shopping in London, it’s easy

Looking to start planning your next adventure? We have a new reason for you to travel to Charleston, South Carolina in 2023.  Although it’s one of the most charming places in the South – and maybe even in the entire USA – Charleston, South Carolina is also a city with a very complex past.  The

Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Don’t buy it. The traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux

As Everglades National Park primarily consists of an intricate network of wetlands and canals, roads within and leading to the Florida preserve are few and far between. In fact, amid its mammoth 1.5 million acres of swampy terrain, there are only four total entrances and two principal roads serving motor vehicles. So beyond cruising on the

With critters basking in the sun, boats whizzing by and educational opportunities aplenty, Everglades National Park is a kid’s paradise. Its marshy landscape begs for exploration, with mangrove islands, carved-out canoe paths and a handful of modern visitor centers with interactive exhibits to check out. The nice thing about the Everglades is that you can

While Everglades National Park is loaded with 1.5 million acres of canals, marshes and tropical critters, its hiking options are limited. In fact, there are less than three dozen formal trails in the entirety of its South Florida confines, many of which are short interpretive trails less than a mile long. Plus, there are entrances

Sausages with sauerkraut. Dumplings as big as snowballs. Schnitzels the size of boots. Pretzels bigger than your head. And foaming tankards of bier – glorious bier! German food brings a blizzard of clichés. Some are warranted, some not. Yes, this country does still have a taste for piggy parts, potatoes and liter mugs of foaming

After 15 years living in Yellowstone County, Montana, and authoring four editions of Lonely Planet’s guidebook to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, I’ve learned a trick or two about visiting Yellowstone.  From avoiding the summer crowds to staying safe in grizzly country, here’s what I wish I had known on my first visit to

April brings a seasonal shift across the globe, making it the ideal time of year for exploring ancient wonders, embarking on epic adventures and savoring fresh local produce. So grab your passport and pack your suitcase for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here’s our guide to the very best places to go in April. Where are the

Sliding into a bathtub after a long day is one of life’s little luxuries – but there’s nothing quite like the restorative buzz from a dip in a natural thermal pool. From Iceland’s renowned Blue Lagoon to ancient sulfur streams in the Pyrenees, here’s a rundown of some of Europe’s best hot springs if you’re

The band struck up “Knock With Me, Rock With Me,” by the Lil’ Rascals Brass Band. Or maybe it was “Feel Like Funkin’ It Up” by Rebirth. Or just a cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.” I dunno – any of those songs could be played on any corner, in any second