Destinations

The week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel a bit like the twilight zone. The kids are out of school, your inbox is quiet, your fridge is full of leftovers, and you’re never quite sure what day it is.  This delightfully disorienting period – which some people have dubbed “feral week” or “Twixmas” –

From its snowy ski slopes to its tree-lined hiking trails, it’s no secret that Aspen is a great base for outdoor adventurers. While Aspen may be best known for skiing (and celebrity sightings), this scenic mountain town in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, world-class shopping, luxury hotels and

If you’re eager to see the world, why hold out for the ideal travel companion? Solo journeys create indelible memories. Yet while voyaging by yourself can exhilarate, it can also be daunting– especially for female travelers. That’s why we asked a few travel-expert colleagues here at Lonely Planet for ideas that any woman setting out

Jackson Hole’s towering peaks, unspoiled wilderness, bountiful wildlife, and Wild West vibes have made it quite a popular destination. But whether you visit in winter for skiing or summer for hiking and mountain biking, you should brush up on Jackson Hole safety and etiquette first.  From grizzly bears to backcountry adventures, here’s what you should

Sunseekers and beach hoppers have made Aruba one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The island is ideal for a fun escape with friends, or for a soothing getaway to relax and recharge your batteries.  Beyond its stunning, picture-perfect, white-sand beaches, the island has much to offer – including the natural appeal of Arikok National

Situated on a narrow strip of land between the west coast and Hauraki Gulf, Auckland is arguably one of New Zealand‘s most geographically blessed cities. Within the city limits, there are around 50 volcanoes, dozens of islands and countless beaches. It’s also the country’s most populous city, with over 1.6 million people calling it home.

Once upon a time, Portland, Oregon was considered a budget destination. Yet as its stature has grown, costs have, too – and today it’s easy to splurge at the city’s fabulous restaurants, hotels and boutiques. Luckily, there are still plenty of free (or almost-free) things to do here, and most of them don’t require much

The US Virgin Islands, has three primary islands, each with its own vibe. All three – St Thomas, St John, and St Croix – are distinctive destinations with lots to offer visitors.  Shopaholics can get their fix here and it’s duty-free for US citizens. Adventurous spirits can hike, free dive, SCUBA dive, kayak, parasail or zipline. History buffs will enjoy

In a country as large and diverse as the United States, cities come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. From large urban powerhouses to smaller gems, here’s our pick of the cities that will give you just the right taste of what traveling the US is all about. 1. New York, NY Best for arts and

Chicago might get all the glory as the unofficial capital of the Midwest, but there’s a little something special brewing in its oft-overlooked neighbor to the east: Indy. Indiana’s largest city, Indianapolis is the queen of sporting events. The NCAA Final Four, Olympic Swim Trials, a certain record-breaking tour stop – it’s all here. And

Nestled right on the Sea of Japan with an ever-trafficked fishing port, Kanazawa is as good as it gets in Japan for fresh fish. Sure, spots like Tsukiji Market in Tokyo are world-renowned for their high-end exports – and for high prices – that land on tables globally. But Kanazawa airs on the side of keeping

Renowned for its gastronomy, revered for its cultural legacies and marveled for its biodiversity, Peru has an endless list of reasons to keep visitors coming back for more – how else would you be able to see, taste and do it all? With landscapes ranging from sky-scraping mountain peaks and wild, untamed jungle to the

Crisscrossed by glacial rivers and streams, alternately covered in scrubland and ancient woodlands, and dotted with myriad ice-melt lakes whose surfaces range from pale blue to navy, Patagonia offers an extraordinary way to encounter nature at its rawest. Covering a massive chunk of southern Chile and Argentina, the region is almost synonymous with adventure. Whether you’re looking to rough

If you’re visiting Barbados for the first time, expect to slow down. This is not the place for hustle and bustle. In Barbados, life is lived at a laid-back and leisurely pace. It’s a place where you might spend so long lounging on the beach, sipping on rum punches, that you might end up missing your

Spanning deserts and mountains, jungles and beaches on two tropical shorelines, Mexico is a vibrant country full of incredible culture and home to wonderful people – no wonder it’s so popular with visitors! Being the southern neighbor to the USA, this is also an easy starting point for overland adventures into Central America. But navigating

Cantinas and cathedrals. Art and archaeology. Mariachis and mountains. Ruins and rainbow reefs. Mexico makes for a mesmerizing escape for lovers of adventure, romance, history, culture, food, and fiery festivals. Then, there are the much-lauded beaches with clear, blue waters you’ll want to step right into and silent paradise islands without a soul in sight. From

As diverse as it is enchanting, Mexico is a year-round destination. This 32-state nation boasts glistening coastlines, numerous microclimates and an astonishingly varied terrain. For 365 days a year, the sun reigns supreme on the pristine beaches of Cancún and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula, while inland city gems like Guanajuato and San

Charleston’s balmy southern climate opens up all sorts of interesting adventures at different times of the year. Summer is the best time to visit Charleston for those who prefer beach trips and ambles around historic houses and museums, but the city has a special charm in winter, when the crowds thin out and the holiday

Bavaria’s stunning landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, wealth of cultural monuments and diverse UNESCO World Heritage sites make it a must-visit destination in Germany. You can head to famous landmarks, breathtaking national parks, captivating castles and buzzing cities, before discovering lakeside retreats, ornate palaces, family-run vineyards, lesser-known towns and, of course, plenty of beer. Bavaria is also

It’s the age-old question when you’re looking for a winter mountain getaway in Colorado: Do I fall for the glamor shots and head straight to Aspen, or do I step into quiet luxury in Vail? But here’s the thing – they are both stunning. These dream resorts both have incredible food, unparalleled views and activities