Destinations

As the birthplace of the automobile, Michigan and transport are intertwined in the minds of many. Getting around the Great Lakes State could be as simple as hopping into a Chevy, but you can also bike through the streets of Detroit, find your way around car-free Mackinac Island and catch a boat to the rural

You’re going to need a decent pair of hiking boots to grasp the natural grandeur of Michigan on foot.  The largest state east of the Mississippi offers thousands of miles of hiking trails that cut through everything from dense forests of scented pines and tumbling cascades to glimmering mountaintop lakes seemingly left there for the

Checked the gas prices? Sorted out the car rental? Loaded your playlists? It’s time to go on an extended road trip across the spectacular and diverse landscapes of Washington State. From the winding, forested roads of the coast to the well-built engineering marvels of the Cascade Mountains to the dry, ruler-straight thoroughfares of the eastern

I pedaled my way across Iowa this summer but didn’t spend all my time on a bicycle seat. At one point I found myself wedged behind seven bikes in the dusty bed of a pickup truck, rattling down a gravel road toward the start of that morning’s bicycle route in Charles City.  The night before

Heading to Michigan? The good news is that the Great Lakes State has lots of free things to do that will help you get to know it without spending a dime.  From seasonal events to everyday activities, Michigan has budget options for every traveler. Here are the best free things to do in Michigan. Make the

The sea, the sun, the sand: it seems like a simple recipe for a perfect vacation. Indeed, traveling in Cape Cod is refreshingly straightforward, but it helps to know some local quirks and conventions.  Remember these top tips and get the most out of your trip. From avoiding the traffic to surviving the sharks, here

Washington, DC, attracts travelers of all sorts, from nature lovers and history buffs to city slickers and trendsetters. A typical weekend in the district could include jogging along the Georgetown waterfront, indulging in a bottomless brunch on U Street or getting lost in one of the many free museums on the National Mall.  Here are the top things

In a city where a wheel-and-spoke pattern overlays the street grid, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get around Washington, DC. But the truth is that navigating the US capital isn’t that tricky with a bit of advanced planning. Washington, DC, has some walkable neighborhoods, but using a mix of taxis, bicycles and

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

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world with very different regions and climates. Deciding where to go – and how to get there – requires some major planning. At first glance flying and train fares in Australia look expensive (and a lack of competition does mean there are few bargains), but when you compare

Japan offers up a real feast for travelers, with mountainside onsen (hot spring) villages, sleepy beach-lined islands and buzzing megacities all on the menu. You could arguably spend a lifetime sampling the country’s delights, but some towns and sights are staples, core ingredients to any great Japan trip. Here’s our pick of the 10 best

Argentina is the eighth-largest country on Earth and, as a result, distances between destinations can be huge. For example, the drive between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego is more than 3000km (1864 miles) – significantly further than the trip from New York to Los Angeles. Fortunately, you’ll find a wide range of

A striking tableau of ancient, undulating mountains topped with dollops of wispy clouds, Shenandoah National Park is a dreamscape for those who love sweeping Appalachian views and pristine, thriving forests. This park clocks in at 200,000 acres with over 500 miles of trail, offering plenty of room to spread out and enjoy any type of

If there’s one flower that defines France, it’s lavender, thanks to the vast carpets of purple flowers that cover the countryside of Provence. The beauty of the lavender fields lives up to the hype – get out among the purple haze, sniff the heady summer breezes and navigate picturesque hilltop towns, ancient churches and pretty

One of the oldest and largest cities in Mexico, Guadalajara is a dynamic metropolis made up of dozens of neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and appeal, and all connected by a robust public transportation system. Most neighborhoods are centered around a bustling church plaza, ringed with colonial-era buildings, yet with modern skyscrapers almost always

Let’s be honest, you’re in Kraków to see the breathtaking market square, probably Europe’s largest and certainly its prettiest. This 16th-century canvas of churches, palaces and aristocratic mansions is best admired while sipping a Tyskie beer on the ancient cobblestones. Yet Kraków is more than this famous fairytale view. Few cities better tell the drama

Named for the French mainland’s hexagonal shape, l’Hexagone contains an astonishing diversity of natural and urban landscapes packed with exhilarating activities. Glittering monuments, medieval villages, rolling vineyards, soaring peaks, pounding surf… France has it all, and so much more it’s hard to know where to start. Find out how to get the most out of your visit with

Scotland’s turbulent history of battles in the glens has bequeathed the country a magnificent selection of castles, with the added bonus of its rugged landscape. Whether you roam the fortresses overlooking Edinburgh and Stirling or seek out a romantic ruin amid the vast lochs and brooding mountains of the Scottish Highlands, inspiring historical adventures await.  Get

Chugging through vineyard-striped hills, clipping through spectacular mountainous backcountry, or zipping along the Mediterranean Sea: there’s no better way to experience France than from the window seat of a train.  And France’s superb train network makes it easy to explore the far corners of this rich, varied country. We’ve highlighted the following journeys because they

Mesmerizing waterfalls, active volcanoes, stunning coasts: Australia and New Zealand are an adventurer’s playground.  Lonely Planet’s new book, Epic Hikes of Australia and New Zealand, celebrates the region as one of the world’s best hiking destinations. The new guidebook features the vast variety of terrain, climate and landscape that can be found in both countries. Here are