Destinations

Beaches may not be the first thing you think of for a vacation in Taiwan. The tiny island is well known for its night markets and vibrant hiking in subtropical climates that make for great city-breaks, allowing both locals and travelers alike to escape the city grind. Yet, whilst hiking is an unofficial national sport where

The beauty of a city like Athens is that there is always something going on. The grand ancient ruins and superb museums are open year-round. But depending on your budget and your goals, you might find that tailoring your trip to a certain season suits you best. Summer is hot, hot, hot – and packed with tourists and

At 395km (245 miles) long, the island of Taiwan is a paradise of superlative road trips. It’s known as Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island), and from hot springs to pristine beaches to cosmopolitan cities, it’s obvious why.  While it’s easy to get around Taiwan – nearly all scenic spots and popular destinations are accessible via public transportation

Toward the beginning of the recently released horror-comedy film The Menu – about a dreamy fine-dining experience turned nightmare – chef Julian Slowik, played by Ralph Fiennes, announces to the 12 privileged diners his one directive for the four-hour meal to come. “I have to beg you of one thing. It’s just one. Do not eat,”

With dynamic night markets jam-packed with delectable street food, gorgeous beaches, and soaring mountains, Taiwan offers lots in a small package. Just 395km (245 miles) from top to bottom, travelers will find futuristic cities, historic temples, and killer surf breaks – all connected by affordable high-speed rail. As one of the friendliest East Asian countries

Communities come first on Bhutan’s restored long-distance hiking trail, which promotes slow travel and socio-economic opportunities for remote villages. Bhutan’s Guardians of Peace emerged from among the spruce trees glowing orange in their uniforms, climbing quietly over moss and mulch with the stealth of a streak of tigers. They stopped to chat, curious to see

Sydney is not the easiest city to get around, but its public transport network is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving. But by far, the best way to enjoy getting around Sydney is by taking a ferry or water taxi whenever possible.  Sydney’s transport network is as complex as its road system,

Generously endowed with an abundance of protected federal land, the state of Washington is home to a trio of stupendous national parks. There’s Mt Rainier, famed for its eponymous volcano; Olympic, a striking green wilderness with a little-touched roadless interior; and North Cascades, a crinkled web of mountains that could be a small slice of Alaska

The arrival of March brings spring to much of the northern hemisphere. And after months of gray days and long nights, it’s about time. Now’s the moment to shake off the winter blues and last bits of snow with an incredible spring getaway. Our list features top spring-break destinations – with a couple of surprises thrown

Roving Lonely Planet correspondent and altitude seeker Bailey Freeman recently returned from the highlands of Ecuador. She has a few tips for making the most of any trip to this stupendous region. I am a mountain person through and through, since their quiet grandness makes me feel alive in a way that no other environment

South Africa has something for every kind of traveler. From dynamic Cape Town and the cosmopolitan vibes of Johannesburg to wildlife-filled expanses of wilderness such as the Kalahari and the Drakensberg mountains, the best time to come will depend on where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there.

With its glittering Adriatic coastline, 1244 islands, endlessly fascinating cities and extraordinarily dramatic landscapes, Croatia has been steadily making its way up people’s must-go list.  Naturally, tourists are drawn to those beautiful Adriatic beaches that easily hold their own against their Mediterranean rivals. But inland Croatia is just as captivating, from the hilltop villages of

With its palm-fringed bays, shallow reefs and rustic rum bars, the Caribbean offers some of the world’s best tropical beach breaks. You’ll find thousands of beaches with clear waters and warm weather on these diverse islands, which extend in a chain from the southern tip of Florida to the northern coast of Venezuela. From St

Venice is divided into six neighborhoods known in Italian as sestieri. This division has remained more or less unchanged since the Romans arrived in the Lagoon to establish one of their castrum there. While all sestieri are undoubtedly Venetian, each has its own features, charms and distinct vibe to discover. This division is also why the

Take whatever preconceptions you have about Colombia and leave them at home: this remarkable country will take you by surprise. The second-most biodiverse nation in the world harbors vast swaths of wildlife-rich Amazon jungle in its interior, while coral-white beaches, dizzying mountains and leafy highland coffee plantations crown Colombia as a place of extraordinary natural

Considering the fact that The Bahamas is comprised of over 700 islands, it should be no surprise that the country is one of the Caribbean’s leading beach destinations. The striking contrast between the dark blue deep blue Atlantic waters and the hypnotizing hues of the country’s shallow turquoise seas have even become a treat for

Scratching China’s back with its mountain-studded crown, Vietnam’s tall and slender body extends its toes all the way south to the tropical waters off Cambodia’s coast. From mega-cities to white-sand beaches, jade-green paddy fields and soaring limestone peaks, Vietnam offers a staggering pick of different adventures and landscapes. It’s hard to decide where to start. 

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 hassle-free trip. A question about planning travel around your menstrual cycle prompted this thoughtful response from multi-continental Lonely Planet correspondent Tasmin Waby. Question: I’m 23 and planning an extended trip later

The picture-postcard idyll of the Caribbean vacation is often true. Yes, you’re going to get those perfectly tilted palm trees and champagne sands. And let’s not forget the balmy sun-filled days and addictive calypso and reggae beats. But with world-class botanical gardens, mesmerizing cave systems and unique geological wonders to wow the whole family, the

Barcelona is a perfectly sized city. It is sufficiently big, so you always have something to do and something new to discover, and thanks to its relatively compact size and extensive metro and bus networks, you can easily get anywhere in the city in no time. If you love exploring by bike, you’ll also be happy to hear