Destinations

One of the best ways to get around the city is by foot – yet if you want to go further and see more, you really should consider renting a bike. In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a

Wine-touring is so much more than tastings in a vineyard: it gives you a personal introduction to a flavor by knowledgeable winemakers in the place it was created. Maybe you’ve enjoyed some Pinot Noir in France‘s Burgundy and sunk some Chardonnay in Australia‘s Yarra Valley or California‘s Sonoma, but there are lesser-known vineyards, some centuries old, producing

For the kids who love soaring above rainforest canopies to the ones who will happily spend the day splashing in the waves, the island nation of Jamaica is not just a playground for adults. This Caribbean country, also known as the “land of wood and water,” is a paradise packed with lush green rainforests, turquoise blue coastlines and the world-famous

You don’t have to be a certified diver to come face-to-face with some of the sea’s most fascinating creatures. In fact, in some destinations, you can simply wade from the sand into the shallows with your mask and snorkel and enjoy some incredible marine life encounters.  From swimming with manta rays in Australia to spying

The Puerto Rican capital of San Juan seamlessly weaves together the historic and the modern, with streets first cobbled in the era of Cervantes and neighborhoods that hum with contemporary life. Bursting with charm, Old San Juan’s confection of rainbow-colored buildings unfurls to a dramatic palm-fringed coastline where monumental fortresses stand sentry. The diverse blocks enclosed

From the lush and humid forests of the central mountains to the idyllic surfing beaches of the northwest, Puerto Rico is a haven for ecotourism. If it’s nature that entices you here, its the beaches and the historical cities that will keep you enchanted. Come for the outdoor adventures – hiking, zipping, surfing – but

With the emergence of their fluffy, delicate flowers, blossoming cherry trees are a springtime delight to behold. All over the USA, people celebrate their appearance with annual festivals, or just simply get outside to special spots and take in the cherries’ natural beauty. As another blooming season approaches, here are the 10 best places to

Perched on the shoulder of South America, Ecuador is a patchwork of dramatic landscapes, from white sandy beaches and rolling grasslands to dense rainforests and majestic mountains. Despite its modest size, the country packs a mighty punch thanks to its breathtaking terrain, which takes in the Amazon, the Andes and the awesome archipelago of the

My trip to Lisbon was nearly six years ago, but I can still feel it in my body. I love the way that new places get under your skin and become part of your DNA, not just your memory or your camera roll. I couldn’t get over the food, the architecture, the history, the culture – it

Using an Interrail pass to ride trains around Europe has been a rite of passage for travelers since the 1970s, back when the Berlin Wall was still standing and ABBA was topping the charts.  Of course, much has changed in Europe since then, but the Interrail pass endures as the ultimate ticket to ride. Here’s

Ireland’s national holiday is always a celebration — and there’s no place better to take part in the St Patrick’s Day party than in Dublin.  This raucous day will be marked in 2023 with a huge festival, a street parade, parties until late, Guinness, lots of Guinness – and enough emerald-colored merchandise to fill the city’s

It’s no secret that South Africa is one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations. You could come here only to go on safari and think South Africa was the best country ever. But wait – there’s so much more to this fascinating realm perched at Africa’s southernmost tip.  South Africa’s ethnic and cultural

Normandy: the northwest region of France rolls off an English-speaking tongue as easily as a French one. It’s known for its bucolic countryside and impossibly long stretches of beach where the famous D-Day landings during WWII. Beyond the shores lies much to discover: a rich literary history, four protected designation of origin cheeses, and of

Puerto Rico’s capital isn’t a cheap city, particularly compared to neighboring islands, like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, which offer an abundance of all-inclusive resorts and a generous exchange rate. Still, there is plenty to do in San Juan here, including some free activities if you know where to look. Here are 14 of the

Like any major European capital, Rome can be eye-wateringly expensive, but there’s no need for the Eternal City to leave you eternally broke. The city offers myriad ways to visit in style while saving money. Outside of summer, you should be able to find cheap flights, or better yet, take advantage of Italy’s cheap and

The uncertainty of the pandemic years was challenging if you were hoping to travel to Japan. With the country closed to tourism for years, it was hard to know when you’d be able to go back, and what the country would be like when you could. Luckily, what makes Japan such a breathtaking destination hasn’t

Where you decide to base yourself in colossal Mexico City is a key consideration when it comes to planning your vacation. To help you pick the right area, we’ve pulled together our favorite walkable neighborhoods that are full of character and charm. It’s all a matter of what you’re looking for when you get there. In the trendy Roma

Though modern Athens extends from the sea to the mountains, the city’s core, where most of the ancient sites cluster around the Acropolis, is compact and very walkable. Visitors without mobility issues on short visits may find they can get around the sights entirely on foot. But if you want to explore Athens’ outlying neighborhoods

The vibrant city of Madrid is overflowing with artistic and culinary treasures, not to mention an irresistible energy of its own – we’d recommend a minimum of three days to immerse yourself in its charms. The capital of Spain also serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful towns and attractions anywhere in

Our slow travel series explores how you can take more mindful journeys by train, boat, bus or bike – with tips on how to get where you’re going without extra flights, and what to see and do along the way. Here, Lonely Planet’s resident Japanese train expert John Walton takes us across the Japanese Alps