Destinations

Malaysia offers two countries for the price of one: the cosmopolitan Peninsular Malaysia, with its historic cities, tea plantations, offshore islands and rich multicultural heritage; and rugged Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, where the travel gets less comfortable but more thrilling once you leave the cities of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. The good news is that

St. Lucia’s body-positive environment was a confidence boost for Stephanie Yeboah; who now recommends the Caribbean island to fellow plus size travelers. Growing up in a plus size body doesn’t come without its negatives. From the polarizing treatment I would get from strangers, to lack of access to basic facilities, everywhere I turned I would

Most visitors to Central Switzerland base themselves in Lucerne in order to explore the glorious landscape that surrounds it, but don’t forget to make some time for the city itself. Not only does it have a gorgeous setting on the shore of the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne), but it offers world-class museums, fascinating history, a lively

Affectionately known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Philadelphia has top things to do for sports fans, museum-goers and everyone in between. The large, bustling city is known for its historical significance in cementing the country’s democracy as much as it’s known for being the land of Philly cheesesteaks (and yes, you

Long the domain of savvy sailors and fly-in millionaires, the spectacular Grenadines also offer plenty for the independent traveler – you don’t need your own boat to fully explore the magnificent archipelago. Spanning the nations of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, the Lesser Antilles region offers a wide variety of authentic Caribbean experiences

From crumbling Aztec empires to flamboyant mariachi bands, Mexico has a wealth of history. Less known and often overlooked is the country’s connection to the African diaspora and the rich Afro-Mexican cultures that followed. There are several reasons why this culture isn’t well known outside of Mexico. Although Mexico has one of the largest populations

Founded a little over a century ago, the largest city in Alaska is composed of neighborhoods with a newness and spaciousness you won’t find in denser, older places. Urban districts this far north are spread out and subtly influenced by the yawning wilderness that surrounds them. And you might be surprised at just how cosmopolitan some of

Over 30 million visitors flock to Thailand every year, lured by its beaches, temples, food, markets and the desire to “get away from it all”. But there is escaping the drudgery of day-to-day life, and there is being completely isolated and out of reach. If you would like to travel throughout the Land of Smiles without

The Côte d’Azur has a mythical quality; an ancient stretch of coastline with legends of the Cannes red carpet and Monaco’s yacht-filled port. Yet despite its fame (and literal fortune), the ‘Côte d’Azur’ doesn’t have clearly defined borders. In fact, it never did. The term originally comes from a novel by Stéphen Liégeard, where the

Lonely Planet writer, Chamidae Ford, spent 10 days on a nonstop adventure through Ecuador with the help of Elsewhere. Here, she shares a killer first-timer itinerary and tips for experiencing the most of this varied destination. Elsewhere by Lonely Planet is a planning service that connects travelers with locally based experts who craft and book

Christmas away from home is always a mix of nostalgia and novelty. While you might miss the traditions and familiar faces, there’s a certain magic in experiencing a different kind of holiday. This memorable trip could be your first time seeing snow on Christmas morning or experiencing the charm of a European Christmas market.  The

Ever wondered who first decided to bring trees inside to celebrate Christmas? Or where advent calendars first originated from? We’ve tracked some popular festive traditions and some lesser-known ones back to their roots. Read on for the more on the many ways the world celebrates Christmas.  Windows decorated like an Advent calendar in Germany. Carrie

By now, just about every savvy traveler knows about the beauty and vitality of Prague. Yet fewer know that the rest of Czechia also enchants, and its capital is by no means the country’s only beautiful city. Towns like Olomouc, Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary showcase stunning historic architecture. Protected areas like the Czech Switzerland National Park

Sitting pretty in the center of Africa, tiny landlocked Rwanda serves up the best of the continent in one bite-sized adventure. A nation blessed with stunning natural attractions, a journey in the “Land of a Thousand Hills” leads you through its fertile undulating landscapes of verdant jungle-clad volcanoes, pristine montane forests and emerald tea plantations.

There’s no one way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year – it all depends on where you are, what you love and your own traditions. But there’s one festive theme that’s beloved around the globe, and that’s Christmas dinner. Whether it’s a roast turkey with endless sides, spicy meat stew, a seafood

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) finally opened to the public on October 16, 2024.  Covering an area of 500,000 square metres (5,381,955 sq ft – or about 70 soccer fields) this is the world’s largest archaeological museum complex dedicated to a single civilization. Fronted by a spectacular alabaster and glass facade, the complex is decorated

The barren, high-altitude plateaus of Tibet and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas have one feature setting them apart from all other mountain environments: gompas. Meaning “places of meditation” in Tibetan, gompas are basically monasteries — some small-sized, some as big as village-like enclosures — where monks and nuns live, are educated to the Buddhist equivalent

England’s reach across popular culture is so vast that you may think you already know the country before you visit. However, if you expect to be surrounded by well-heeled James Bonds or a gaggle of eccentric Monty Python characters, think again. While the everyday English aren’t quite the same as how they’re portrayed in film,

Like much of the Caribbean, Cartagena is a blend of coastal beauty, historical significance and cross-cultural influences. Palm leaves sway in the salty sea breeze, dazzling sunsets paint the sky enchanting shades of pink and gold, and sun-kissed beaches meet the shimmering sea. It was also the center of power and wealth for the Spanish

Where Locals Go features under-the-radar holiday destinations that are often overlooked by visitors but cherished by locals. Here, we ask three experts on Argentina for their top picks. From the wineries of Mendoza to the sophistication of Buenos Aires to the splendor of Igazú Falls, Argentina boasts a range of landscapes and experiences that make