Destinations

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe shimmers like a cobalt moon. The gorgeous 190-square-mile lake, protected by peaks soaring up to 10,000 feet, is perhaps best on display when viewed from its southern shore, where tapestries of wildflowers fling across meadows, sandy beaches glimmer with gold, and mountains send their reflection

Synonymous with academic excellence, punting and satchels, Cambridge’s shopping scene, rather like its nightlife, tends to get written off as a bit of a disappointment. Ever since I was a teenager, lured by the siren song of cheap fast fashion, I have been drawn to its shopping centers and chain stores that might have been

Valencia has a sky that’s almost always bright blue: no wonder everyone would rather be outside. Life happens in the street in Spain‘s third-largest city, whether that’s catching up with friends on sunny terraces over a caña or sipping mojitos with toes plunged into the golden sand. Come to Valencia to marvel at modernist architecture

Welcome to Park City, a winter wonderland that gets over 500 inches of snow per year. Head to this legendary ski and snowboard (and aprés) town when things get chilly for snowy landscapes, a walkable downtown, elegant culinary experiences and a star-studded film festival. Located only 50 minutes away from Salt Lake City, Park City

In the last couple of decades, the likes of Costa Rica and Panama have transformed Central America into one of the world’s adventure havens. It’s a land scored by smoking mountains, threaded with coconut-dotted beaches and dressed from head to toe in jungles packed with sloths and slithering snakes. This guide to eight of the

Alexandria offers a mix of historic charm and contemporary style. Established in 1749, this city was a bustling seaport for over 40 years before nearby Washington, DC, emerged as the nation’s capital. More than 200 of Alexandria’s original buildings have been preserved, making for a historic vibe most notably in Old Town, a tree-shaded, redbrick-sidewalk

Budapest’s gastronomic scene buzzes with paprika-laden Hungarian dishes updated for contemporary tastes, increasing international influences, and crumbling ruin bars. However, the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene is in continuous flux; for every new and exciting restaurant, there’s another ruin bar bulldozed to make way for new development. I’ve watched the city change over the decades. I

Boasting both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Central America is blessed with incredible dive and snorkel sites. From Belize’s famed Blue Hole to the vibrant and colorful reefs dotted around Costa Rica, there’s something here for every interest and skill set. The marine life is at another level too. Whale sharks silently move through the waves,

Squeezed in between France, Belgium and Germany, tiny Luxembourg (pop. 655,000) is something of an oddity, yet is arguably also the most European of the continent’s many nations. A multilingual global hub of business and commerce, Luxembourg is also the world’s only grand duchy and its cinematic capital city was once an imposing fortress that

I’ve been living in Prague for the better part of three decades. Over that time, I’ve witnessed breathtaking changes in the city’s food scene. It used to be that eating out in Prague meant stodgy plates of pork or beef and stale bread dumplings, all swimming in an indecipherable brown sauce. Thankfully, a new generation

There’s no question that New York City is the USA’s most exciting city, but for those who enjoy exploring while keeping fit, this concrete jungle might not seem to be the place perfect runs are made of. Fear not, though, jogging junkies; the Big Apple has some excellent routes to raise your heart rate and spirits, from riverside

Combining rugged beauty, maritime history and a thriving culinary scene, the city of Portland is one of Maine’s shining stars, showcasing the best of New England. Situated on Casco Bay, Portland packs a punch across its walkable Old Port district, beautiful working waterfront and historic neighborhoods – and there’s a lot to explore. This small

Picture this: you’re in a US coffee shop, and the barista flips around the screen and says, “It’s just going to ask you a question” – the question being, “Add a tip?” with three pre-selected percentages. It’s baffling, even for Americans. What’s the norm here? Should you actually tip $3 for what’s already a $7

Why do visitors flock to Costa Rica? Because of its people and their inspiring connection to the biodiverse landscape. And the accommodations aren’t half bad, either. Within hours of arrival, it’s possible to drive from a sandy beach to a tropical jungle, to a cloud forest or mountain range. Since the accommodations vary as much

Agreeably walkable downtowns and plentiful sea-view cafes make the small eastern Black Sea cities of Giresun and Ordu – each with a population fewer than 250,000 people – pleasant stops on a coastal road trip in Türkiye. Though settlements were founded in this area as Greek colonies as far back as the 7th century BCE,

Marseille is an easier city to leave than most. It is a wonder to arrive in, yet a place that rewards you when you escape it from any direction. They city’s notorious attitude and roguish charm will enthrall all your senses and remind you of the chaos it is to be alive, but there’s even

Vanuatu may be frequently overlooked in favor of its more famous eastern South Pacific neighbor, Fiji, but a wallflower it’s not. With its warm waters, colorful Melanesia culture, active volcanoes and impossibly blue swimming holes, there are plenty of ways to sink into this nation’s laid-back island vibes.  But you’ll also be spoilt for choice: Vanuatu is

Lonely Planet writer Chamidae Ford just returned from five blissful days in the British Virgin Islands. Here, she shares a swimming-filled itinerary and tips for experiencing the most of this stunning destination. On my recent journey to the BVI, with the help of MMGY and the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board, I joined a group

Solo female travel is on the rise and showing no signs of slowing down. The chance to escape your comfort zone, meet new people and discover more about yourself are just some of the well-known reasons to give traveling alone a go – but what are the benefits for women specifically?  From shaking off stereotypes

Due for a diving holiday? Clear tropical waters, colorful coral reefs and a plethora of wrecks combine to make Vanuatu one of the best scuba diving destinations in the South Pacific. But there are also plenty of opportunities for snorkeling across the 80-plus island archipelago, also known for its wild landscapes and rich kastom (traditional)