Lost cities, active volcanoes, stunning coasts: this is not an adventure movie, it’s your next great hike. We’ve asked some of Lonely Planet’s seasoned hikers to recount their most thrilling experiences on foot in the Americas, whether trekking in Chile or reaching the heights of Alaska. Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of the Americas celebrates the American
Destinations
The lure of the Dominican Republic and its promise of sun-drenched days spent sipping tropical concoctions at the swim-up bar of an all-inclusive resort consistently attract visitors. And to be fair, the resorts cater to every traveler’s needs — so there’s really no need to leave a property with a seemingly endless stream of food,
An early product of the budding American conservationist movement in the 1910s, Montana’s Glacier Park is a poster child for the US National Park movement and ranks alongside the likes of Yellowstone and Yosemite as one of the United States’ most awe-inspiring natural wonders. A lone road bisects a brilliant landscape of towering crown-of-the-continent mountains
Founded by the Romans and polished into honey-colored grandeur by the Georgians, the ancient spa city of Bath is renowned for its architecture. Whether you’re in search of Bridgerton backdrops or ancient Roman marvels, Bath’s historic buildings make this one of the prettiest cities in southwest England. With a staggering 5000 or so listed buildings
If warm weather, sky-high rooftops and glorious biodiversity tickle your fancy, then the right time to visit Panama City is…any time. Panama is a tale of two oceans – and two seasons, wet and dry. Just 9 degrees above the equator and outside the hurricane belt, the country’s position makes it a sun-drenched destination year-round. Its
Finding free or cheap things to do in Mexico‘s Los Cabos is challenging, but it’s not impossible. From hole-in-the-wall taco joints, to hotels that offer rock-bottom shoulder season rates, and unparalleled natural beauty that is free to everyone, you might be surprised at the budget deals and experiences available. So don’t write Los Cabos off
One glance at Salzburg’s fanciful baroque palaces and domes, its mountain backdrop and its insanely turquoise river, and it’s love. We get it – you won’t want to leave. But do. When the streets heave in peak summer, there’s plenty to see (and far more peace to be had) just a quick train ride or
If you’re looking for the road less traveled, you’ll find it in North Carolina. The scenery across the state ranges from rugged mountain vistas where Daniel Boone once traveled to the sandy coast where wild horses roam. While it’s possible to explore by bus or train, there’s nothing quite like navigating the state’s curving roads
Central America’s most cosmopolitan capital, Panama City has something for everyone, from world-class museums to trendy rooftop bars, fascinating history to phenomenal viewpoints, with wildlife-filled forests and sublime beaches right on the doorstep. While you may get more bang for your buck elsewhere in the region, there are still free (and almost free) things to see and
Set with botanical gardens, art-filled lawns and hidden woodland retreats, Porto is a city with greenery woven into the urban landscape. Locals and visitors alike flock to the many parks around town for picnics, exercise and unstructured time with the kids. Porto’s unique topography – hello, hillsides! – also offers some prime spots for watching
Whether you’re fresh off the Pacific Crest Trail with very few pennies to your name or you’re passing through on a shoestring budget, there is so much to explore for free in Bend. For a no-cost day out and about in the high desert, throw on a day pack filled with a fold up river
Québec City is a relaxed city with a big village mentality. Considered the birthplace of French North America, it is known best for its historic district, Old Québec, with its 18th-19th century French and English architecture and cobblestone streets. Québec City is also home to one of the most photographed hotels in North America, Château
With as few as 3900 tigers left in the wild, the thrill of spotting one of these rare and elusive predators in their natural habitat is simply unmatched. It’s also a much more sustainable alternative to visiting a captive tiger attraction, many of which have come under fire for animal mistreatment. The modern world hasn’t
A warm, subtropical climate makes Honduras an ideal year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. Many outdoor activities are weather-dependent and to make travel planning extra fun, some parts of Honduras remain dry while the rest of the country gets lashed by tropical deluges. Whenever you visit, be
Québec City is known for its enchanting architecture and historic vibe – a French-Canadian city that feels European, with a side of deliciously gooey poutine. Its vibrant culture is celebrated through festivals, monuments, walking tours and food. In spring, the city is full of children on class trips, who give way to throngs of travelers
If you crave adventure, traveling in a camper van is one of the most intimate ways to experience the USA. In 2017, I set off on a two-year road trip with my husband and dog. We camped in 48 states, hiked countless national parks, ate in local towns and drove from coast to coast in our
Crete has some of Greece’s best sandy beaches – many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. With a few
No one warns you about “The Groover,” and maybe it’s better that they don’t. If you join a commercial rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, you’ll become intimately familiar with this metal-sided chamber of horrors that passes for a porta-potty, but more on that later… The Groover was one of several
Belize is a land of wonders – a heady mix of Caribbean reefs, lush rainforest and Mayan culture. Travelers come to this low-key Central American country to unplug, unwind and create their own personal eco-adventures. The country’s environmentally-focused resorts are agreeably uncrowded, providing luxury, community and amazing food – and exotic cocktails – without sacrificing
There’s more to Cape Cod than sea and sand. Some of the coolest things to do on the iconic Massachusetts “arm” take place off the beach. Get out on the water for fantastic wildlife watching; indulge in the region’s finest seafood and hottest nightlife; shop till you drop in the art galleries and antique shops;