Destinations

Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and spirited people, attracts travelers from around the globe.  When planning a visit, understanding the island’s visa requirements is crucial. Jamaica has specific entry requirements tailored to different nationalities, which can be a bit confusing to navigate. So before you book that flight, read this guide to

In Lima, the equatorial climate is never cold and it almost never rains, making it a perfect place for kids to play outside in parks and at the beach. International travelers usually arrive in Lima first and it’s worth spending a few days here, especially if you need to recover from jet lag before going

Like a maiko (apprentice geisha), who has a different hairpin for every month of the year, Kyoto is highly attuned to the seasons – and your travel plans should be, too. Make the most of your time here by seeking out the experiences and tastes that define each season, from winter snows to spring cherry blossoms.

Cairo is a magnet for travelers on a budget, and many of the capital’s attractions are free or cheap to visit – paying just $11 gets you entry to the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. The biggest attractions in greater Cairo – the pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, the soon-to-open Grand

In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answer your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. When it came to a question about a 4WD self-drive safari in Africa, we knew Namibia-based guidebook writer Mary Fitzpatrick would have the answer. Question: “I’m interested in a

The rolling green fields, mist-draped mountains, castles and cliffs of Ireland have been the backdrop to countless romantic vacations. But this stunning country is also a wonderful option for kid-friendly getaways due to its rich mix of cultural sights, hospitality, natural playgrounds, ancient tales and, of course, the craic. Between all the wildlife, legends, impromptu music sessions and playtime

Bali–Lombok–Gili Islands may be the classic Indonesian “tour,” but there is so much more to Indonesia. With more than 13,000 islands to choose from, the world’s biggest island nation offers an entire playground of adventure.  Plan your trip around these 11 things to do. 1. Walk with dragons in Komodo National Park The Unesco-protectedKomodo National Park is

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. As one of the most cosmopolitan

It’s true you don’t have to spend the earth to have a good time in Marrakesh: search out reasonably priced places to stay and eat well cheaply at medina pavement cafes and street stalls. But then the incidentals can start to stack up – that fabulous restaurant you just have to try, those gorgeous lanterns

Though the highways are mostly well-maintained, driving in Bolivia can be stressful due to unpredictable drivers, landslides depending on the season and last-minute roadblocks that derail your schedule. But the stunning landscapes – including Lake Titicaca, the world-famous Uyuni Salt Flats and Tarija wine country – make any road trip worth it.   These eight itineraries

The combination of champagne powder, endless blue skies, mammoth mountains and a live-to-ski ethos makes skiing in Colorado the stuff of legend. From cruisers and tree runs to back bowls and terrain parks, Colorado is one of the country’s best and most varied places to ski. With more than 30 resorts to choose from, this

You could spend weeks in Barcelona and never run out of neighborhoods to explore, things to do, food to try and bars to hop. But for a taste of Catalan life beyond the metropolis – or simply for a change of pace – take a day trip from Barcelona to experience the mountains, beaches and

With tens of thousands of islands scattered some 5000km (3100mi) from east to west, Indonesia looks like anything but a single country. Vast seas, impenetrable jungles, rugged mountains and rough roads require extra patience for those who want to explore this fascinating archipelago. But the good news is, traveling has been easier in recent years.

No country has it all, but the Swiss are justified in feeling pretty smug about their lot. In Switzerland almost every drive, train journey, boat trip or cable car ride has an element of the epic, taking you to thundering falls, gorges, valleys hidden deep in the mountains or World Heritage vineyards. Cities with medieval

Bangkok is an all-you-can-eat buffet feast for the senses – the sights, the sounds, the sensations, even the smells. But for all its golden brilliance, and its full hand of markets, temples, palaces and world-class food and nightlife experiences, the Thai capital can be overwhelming in large doses. During the northern hemisphere winter – Bangkok’s

When you’d like a break from meandering the hilly, cobblestoned streets of Lisbon, head to one of these six destinations for a great day trip. From surfing trips and romantic hill towns to emerging art spots and heritage sites, explore beyond the Portuguese capital with any of these amazing day trips, less than two hours away.

Being tasked with choosing the best places to visit in Australia is no easy assignment. There is no shortage of spectacular places that could make the potential shortlist, from culturally diverse cities with rich Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years, to the Great Barrier Reef and the raw outback landscapes in between. Unless

Many visitors to Marrakesh spend most of their time losing themselves in the ancient medina. This maze of narrow alleyways surrounded by red-hued walls, with Africa’s most famous square – Djemaa El Fna – at its heart, was made for walking. To explore beyond the medina, you could take an environmentally friendly bike tour, or hop

Lovingly referred to as La Grassa (the fat one, for its hearty food traditions), La Dotta (the learned one, a nod to its famed university, founded in 1088) and La Rossa (the red one, for both its terracotta-hued buildings and its famously left-wing politics), Bologna presents a tantalizing trifecta of medieval might to visitors. First

A sunset cable car ride, a thundering waterfall, or exploring the world’s most important ecosystem by riverboat are just a handful of the lasting memories waiting to be made on a family vacation in Brazil.  Pepper that in with treats of pão de queijo (cheese bread) and brigadeiro (chocolate truffle) throughout the day, and you’ve got a