Destinations

There’s no better way to explore Hawaii than by hitting one of the dozens of hiking trails that weave across the state. Trekking here can mean an escape into a native rainforest or cutting along secluded coastal trails. Indeed, the diverse range of trails in Hawaii can give visitors a true appreciation of the islands’

The Pyrenees are renowned for their spectacular sunsets, ample hiking opportunities, and unique landscapes – truly a vast, beautiful playground for lovers of the outdoors. But don’t sleep on the picturesque little towns nestled between the peaks, they’re full of cherished traditions, cultural delights and eccentric festivals. With so much on offer, it’s hard to

Best moment of my (quasi-) sporting life? Squaring up to take a point at Dublin’s Croke Park with hurling legend Ollie Canning just a few paces away, urging me to take the shot. It didn’t matter that the stands were empty, and this was just a bit of media day fun: I was about to

The rich history and heritage of the Southwest is ripe for exploration – whether it’s visiting fascinating ruins, vibrant museums, and art galleries, or simply soaking up the sun in the Sonoran Desert. Here, warm people and unique traditions are nestled within some of the most varied and captivating landscapes in the United States. Starting

Ahhh, Sicily – this Italian isle makes one feel so lucky to be alive. I can’t recall a more invigorating and inspiring experience than the week-long road trip I took with friends a few years back (and it’s easy driving, by Italian standards).  We motored from Palermo to Etna, Taormina to Ragusa and back to

Small and land-locked Malawi is loaded with diverse game parks, lively cities, varied topography, and a stunning lake that packs a punch no matter what time of year you visit. The country has two distinct seasons: wet and hot (November to April), plus cool and dry (May to October). The best time to is dependent on what

Tokyo is known as a city of juxtapositions, but never is this more true than when you’re standing before an elaborate mural of colors, shapes and history that just so happens to be gracing the outer walls of the German Embassy. In a hyper-developed metropolitan, there is art institutionalized and gatekept behind museum entrance fees,

Bigger than Rhode Island and large enough to influence the weather, Grand Canyon National Park can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.  Millions make a special effort to visit the park each year but some don’t account for the blistering desert heat, sporadic monsoons, trail safety along a whopping 595 miles of hiking routes, or the

Most middle or upper class Brazilians will warn you off from visiting favelas. They’re too dangerous, they’ll tell you. It’s too risky. Then the question will inevitably follow: why would you want to go to one anyway?  Slum tourism is a tricky subject. Visiting neighborhoods just to gape at residents is akin to visiting a

When our colleague Brekke Fletcher, Lonely Planet’s Director of Content, got an invitation to visit Costa Careyes in Mexico, she jumped on it. Here’s how her dreamy getaway went.   It had been on my radar for years. Still, I had no idea what to expect from Costa Careyes. Casa Nautilus, one of the villas you

The best time to visit New Orleans is whenever you’re feeling like you need to add some fun and random beautiful chaos to your life, because this city manufactures good times in overdrive. Good times aside, you probably want to arrive at the fun factory when the weather is pleasant.  When it comes to New

For travelers, Costa Rica’s capital has two great advantages: it’s not too big and nearly all of the major sights are located in the middle of town. Oh, and there’s a third: many of its highlights are free to visit. So if you’re saving your cents for canopy tours and scuba lessons, San José makes

The rugged Andes and tracts of impenetrable rainforest present formidable barriers to overland travel in Ecuador. But journeying through this dramatic topography is just one of the many reasons to come here. Getting around in Ecuador won’t always be quick, but it will always be an adventure. The good news? Transportation in Ecuador is generally

It’s not been the best start to the year in Great Britain with wild winter weather and a wild rental market (not to mention cucumber rationing). Fortunately, in the near distance, blue skies await, bringing with them a whirlwind of music, theatrics, bell tents and fairground rides at this year’s summer festivals. Tickets to the headline

Like its famous hot chicken, Music City knows how to bring the heat. Even with its big-city vibe, Nashville retains the charm and gentility of a small Southern town. Despite the city’s growing popularity, it’s possible to explore on a budget. From the wild honky-tonks on Broadway to the scenic hiking trails along Radnor Lake, here

Budget-conscious travelers looking to visit Panama City can save a few dollars with these money-saving tips. While Panama is more expensive than most of its Central American neighbors – except for Costa Rica – its cosmopolitan capital is still good value, especially when compared to cities in the US and Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to splash

Puerto Rico inspires Caribbean daydreams for good reason, boasting some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With more than 250 miles of coastline and nearly 300 beaches, the variety of landscapes can satisfy both the beachgoer searching for sublime relaxation and the budding big-wave surfer – all in a long weekend.  Whether you’re

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. Happily hygge Copenhagen is a global

San Antonio used to be an affordable city. In the last decade, though, prices have soared as more and more people discover this unique and charming Texas city. That’s not to say that a budget traveler can’t have a great time exploring San Antonio. Many of the city’s biggest attractions are free, allowing you to

Being just a few degrees north of the equator, Ghana has an average temperature that remains balmy all year.  Its mild tropical climate boasts two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Both of them offer their own perks and setbacks. The wet season is an excellent time to visit the country’s north because the heat can