Destinations

There’s much to love about Phuket besides its many powder-puff beaches. Firstly, there’s the old town, frozen in time by candy-colored mansions nodding to the days of tin barons, the proud flagship of Phuket Town. Beyond Sino-colonial homes and palm-fringed bays await markets that are visually Thai, with pop-up stalls and motorcycle grills wherever you

Tipping is an elusive custom that seems to change its rules across the globe – what is deemed a generous token of appreciation in some countries can offend the subtle cultural sensibilities of others. When it comes to the Middle East, tipping is generally customary across the region. How much you tip largely depends on

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, good weather in Barcelona is the norm – but that doesn’t mean this Mediterranean metropolis has no seasons. Winter nights can get quite cold, and summers are hot and muggy, making spring and fall the best seasons to visit. However, the city has a busy calendar of

So, you’re wrapping up your African safari trip and there’s one thing left to do: tip. But what’s the appropriate amount? While you’re not obligated to tip, tipping is customary in most African countries. Amounts vary depending on where you are and what service you’re tipping for, from safari guides to hotel staff. Most tips

Lonely Planet Destination Editor Melissa Yeager just returned from sailing the fjords of the coastal route of Norway. Here, she shares an alternative, ecofriendly option for experiencing the wonder of the Norwegian landscape from the sea. When I travel, I personally crave the flexibility to decide my itinerary and timeline. The freedom to spend more

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as some still call it, is the largest city in Vietnam and the country’s economic capital. Though it does not boast literal millennia of history and culture like the capital Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is still unquestionably the metropolis of the South. This no-less-historied city offers a captivating

Located in northeastern Vietnam, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is home to over 1900 towering limestone islands and islets rising from deep emerald waters. Spread across 1500 sq km (589 sq miles) in the Gulf of Tonkin, from above, the islands resemble the undulating bodies of dragons – “Halong” means “descending dragon”

The late, great Anthony Bourdain once said he’d rather eat in Melbourne than Paris. Who can blame him? Australia’s cultural and sporting capital is also one of the world’s most dynamic epicurean destinations, one shaped by superlative local produce, rockstar chefs, and the multicultural traditions of its 5.3 million denizens. Much of my professional and

The Southern Pacific nation of New Zealand is made up of more than 600 islands. The two main landmasses – the North Island and the South Island – inevitably face comparison, with tourists and locals debating which is best. Many visitors will plan to visit both on their travels, but should you be limited to

The Balinese people treat the ocean with enormous respect. Though their coastline is dotted with some of the world’s most stunning (and popular) beaches, living so close to the water means recognizing the power and risk that exists alongside that beauty. It’s not unusual for locals to meditate and pray at beaches to encourage positive

When Positano bit John Steinbeck deep, it was a sleepy fishing village painted in pastels that playfully masked a forbidding cliffside. Turkeys might fly into the sea and dandies could mingle with carpenters, all driven to the same near delirium that can only come from too many days in too beautiful a place. In Steinbeck’s

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top value destinations, where you can gobble down a street-side bowl of pho for a couple of bucks. For those traveling on an even tighter budget, there are plenty of free things to do too. From lively street performers to a family-friendly mini waterpark, these

With exquisite architecture, centuries of history and spectacular settings, France’s treasure trove of gorgeous villages and tiny towns mesmerizes film directors and Instagrammers. Bypass the autoroutes and travel the meandering backroads to find thousands of rural gems scattered across the countryside. Arriving early or late on a weekday is best to see France’s prettiest villages

A pleasant, leafy city that would seem more at home in central Europe than Central Asia, Almaty is stocked with museums, cafes and nightlife. But Kazakhstan’s second city (and its former capital) is also a great base from which to explore the country’s wild southern landscapes. The city itself is a manageable size, and on

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – also known as Saigon – is the gateway to the steamy southern reaches of this slender Southeast Asian nation. HCMC is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, spectacular dining, rich history and French-era architecture. It’s easy to while away happy days slurping down amazing noodle soups and walking

Lonely Planet Destination Editor Amy Lynch traveled down the southwest coast of Greenland by ferry to experience the region in the same way as a local. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip. In my role as Destination Editor for the Nordics, UK and Ireland, I’ve been lucky enough

While autumn settles in, the LP team has been savoring the last glimpses of summer with various adventures across beautiful destinations. From cruising through the Swiss Alps in a rented campervan to stargazing under the Milky Way in the Bahamas, our map is now sprinkled with new pins. Max, with his knack for finding the

A city with a rich industrial heritage, a huge heart and a no-nonsense approach to life, Manchester has become a wildly diverse and vibrant modern metropolis. It’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK. It’s a place where difference is embraced and celebrated – indeed, as you wander

If you’re planning to visit Dubai, you’ll find a stirring mix of profound traditions and futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendor. Dubai embraces sunshine, innovation and cultural dynamism, and is known as a shopping haven with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. You won’t be short of things to do in the sci-fi-esque

It was 1692 – a dark time indeed – when the residents of Salem village accused hundreds of their own of practicing witchcraft and sent 20 to their death. The so-called Salem witch trials earned the city an ignominious place in history. Fortunately, “Witch City” has come full circle, now welcoming witches and warlocks, psychics