Destinations

For book lovers, one of the nicest things to do is to take time to browse a bookstore. Even better if it’s an unexpected find on your travels, and better still if you leave with purchases that make you happy. To mark Book Lovers Day (August 9), we asked Lonely Planet staff about bookshops they

Rain, bog and midges be damned: Scotland is insanely lovely no matter what hand the weather and wilderness deals you. Its munros don’t seem too intimidating on paper, but up close they are gnarly monsters that leap directly from the sea.  Any list of Scotland’s best hikes is bound to cause outrage at the ones

The East End of Puerto Rico is home to the verdant beauty, catamaran day trips and kayaking in bioluminescent bays. It’s the perfect alternative destination to the ever-popular San Juan. Here are the best places to eat, play and stay in the East End.  The East End of Puerto Rico has beaches, rainforests and fantastic places

On a 335-mile journey along the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath, editor-at-large Sebastian Modak found there was much to learn by hitting the brakes. I rolled into Cumberland, Maryland, with the distinct impression that I should be celebrating, but also the creeping feeling that I was about to give up. For the past

South Carolina is a Southern charm-infused orchestra of landscapes that plays to perfection year-round. Creating this harmony are world-class white sand beaches and mega golf destinations along its Atlantic edge, Blue Ridge mountain vistas inland, large cities that never overwhelm and Lowcountry towns that leave you in the highest of spirits. Immerse yourself in the

Copenhagen is known for its food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls. Its selection of markets right in the centre of the city offers an affordable range of cuisines in a casual setting, each with its own vibe and personality. Here’s your guide to the best food markets in Copenhagen that also give

The last Wednesday in August marks Spain’s messiest festival. Held in Buñol, 40km (25 miles) west of Valencia, La Tomatina is a tomato-throwing spectacle that draws 20,000 revelers each year. If you’re planning on becoming part of the human passata, here’s all the information you need to squeeze the most out of this chaotic celebration. Following a

Panama isn’t always expensive to visit. Traveling here is somewhat cheaper than traveling in Europe, Canada or the United States but somewhat pricier than Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador.  It’s not the most expensive country in Central America – that prize goes to Costa Rica, closely followed by Belize – but thrifty travelers will need to

Indianapolis is a budget-friendly place to visit, and its cost of living is 2% lower than the national average. Although it can be expensive to fly into Indianapolis because few airlines are based here, once you’re here, it’s cheap to get around on foot or by bike. Making your trip to Indy affordable and fun

Lisbon and Porto get all the love, but there’s much more to Portugal than its captivating historic cities. Golden beaches, mountainous parks and lush river valleys are among the many highlights of this small Iberian nation. Every region has its own diverse attractions, and finding the best place to go depends largely on your own

With cobblestone lanes wrapped around arched bridges and canals, Amsterdam makes a charming stop at any time of year. All the romantic scenery, coupled with mild weather, makes it tough to decide when to go. Every travel season in Amsterdam has pros and cons, whether it’s sniffing fields of fresh tulips or waiting in crowds to

There’s no shortage of adventure in Abu Dhabi. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled water sports in the azure waters of the Gulf, a pedal-powered workout on the glistening pavement of the Corniche, or an exciting 4WD ride in the surrounding desert – action is a major part of the allure in the capital of the United Arab

While long walks on Cape Cod beaches are a thing for a reason, inland hiking trails offer insight into the Cape’s diverse ecology including marshes, forests and freshwater ponds.  Most Cape Cod hikes tend to be on the short side compared to trails in other parts of the country, but rewards include wildlife views and

In South Korea, you are never far from delicious street food to satisfy your cravings. Skewers of tangy chargrilled chicken, seafood pancakes with kimchi pizzazz and golden fish-shaped waffles with a sweet surprise filling can make for a full meal. Eat Korean style – not walking but rubbing shoulders with locals around stalls or under

Belfast has boomed in the 21st century thanks to its vibrant arts scene, a culinary culture that has given rise to Michelin-recognised restaurants, a thriving television-and-movie industry that’s caused some to dub it the “Hollywood of Europe”, and gentrification projects celebrating local heritage in once-neglected neighborhoods.  Get the inside scoop on the latest cultural happenings

It’s not hard to explore far and wide in diminutive but exciting Qatar. It should come as no surprise that this an oil-rich country, many locals prefer to drive, often behind the wheel of eye-wateringly expensive sports cars. Yet the cheap and efficient Doha Metro makes getting around this Gulf nation’s relatively small capital and sister

From the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta to the sweeping semi-arid savanna of the Kalahari Desert and the lunar-like salt pans of Makgadikgadi, Botswana offers superb wildlife-watching year-round. The best time to go to Botswana depends on what you want to see, which parks you hope to visit and your budget. Do you long to see African

Crete is far and away the largest Greek island, more than double the size of the closest runner-up (under-explored Evia) and nearly 100 times the size of Mykonos. Getting around this vast and mountainous island is like navigating a small country. Many people – even those on extended holidays – choose to limit their explorations

Egypt’s rich history reverberates through its modern-day culture. There’s plenty to engage all your senses, from majestic ancient sights to lively streets rife with aromatic foods, and the vibrant and eclectic nightlife. To fully indulge in all the excitement, there are some things you should consider, including the country’s cultural traditions. But worry not: all you

As the host of the Indy 500 – the world’s largest single-day sporting event – Indianapolis has made a name for itself as the racing capital of the world. If the engine revving from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway inspires you to go for a drive, the city has connections to all four major interstate highways, earning it the