Destinations

When I moved to Cape Town more than a decade ago, the plan had been to stick around for a year. We quickly realized that 12 months wouldn’t be enough. There is something about this city that just enchants people. A lot of it has to do with the landscape, of course – Table Mountain

Straddling the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this mountain range delivers scenic tea plantations, memorable train journeys, amazing wildlife and more. India’s lush, forest-cloaked Western Ghats are an untamed natural world.  Running parallel to the coastline for 995 miles (1600km) all the way from Gujarat to deep-south Tamil Nadu, these hills also home to waves

France consistently tops the list as the world’s most visited destination – and it doesn’t take much imagination to see why. Its winning formula of captivating cities, awe-inspiring landscapes – including the Alps and the Pyrenees – an enviable coastline and some of the world’s best food and wine is hard to resist. Affordable public transportation and a

Since summer is just around the corner, it’s likely you’re already dreaming of where to spend your vacation.  You won’t be alone. The June-to-August season is the USA’s busiest travel season, with warm days across the entire country drawing big crowds and higher prices. Music and food festivals as well as outdoor activities ensure that summer

Edinburgh local Katie Goh recommends the best walks, art spots, neighborhoods and craft breweries in her adopted hometown. I’ve lived in Edinburgh for nearly seven years now, and I’m still discovering new places to visit in this ancient city. My friends and I often describe Edinburgh as a village: in 10 minutes you can walk

Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Portugal provides seaside escapes of every variety. You can look forward to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs and dune-backed expanses facing some of the world’s most dramatic surfing spots. The challenge is deciding where to begin. Although a list of

If you’re planning a great Antipodean adventure, Australia and New Zealand tempt in equal measure. Yet since that year-long sabbatical that will allow you to travel slowly across both countries may be a long time coming, you’ll likely have to make the tough decision to visit one over the other. How do you tackle such

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 homespun designs, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. Many visitors to Porto are drawn

If you take the sunny and tropical out of a sunny, tropical paradise, what exactly is left? Lonely Planet contributor Chris Dong explores how to travel (and live) when the weather just isn’t what you expect. Most terrestrial animals seek shelter from the rain. Outdoors, that can happen in a tree or log holes, under

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, you’re in good company — one of the state’s nicknames is Vacationland. People flock to New England’s northernmost state for outdoor adventure, scenic coastlines and the cultural attractions of Portland, Maine’s largest city. From speaking the lingo to what to do if you see a moose, these top

Nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a compact country that you could fit into a two-week road trip. Contrasting with its small size is the country’s diverse culture, cuisine and landscapes that range from the rugged coast in the west to the mountainous inland and from the cool and lush north to the

There’s more to Maine than lobsters and Stephen King novels. It’s also home to some of the best hiking in the northeast US, with thousands of miles of trails. But choosing the best hiking routes in Maine is no easy feat. For the adventurous explorer, there are plenty of backcountry multi-day hikes and for the beginners

Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is quite literally synonymous with wine. Not just any wine, either: the bottles produced here are some of the most prized on the planet. This beautiful vine-covered region is home to nearly a quarter of France’s wines with the coveted AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation, which means they meet stringent regulations

It’s all about the heat come July, with the northern hemisphere’s sizzling summer temperatures adding an extra shine to some of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Europe is bathed in sunshine, bringing the Mediterranean beach scene to the forefront, while in the tropics dry season signals prime wildlife spotting opportunities. Colder regions also benefit

Maine is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and picturesque coastal villages. Millions of visitors flock to the northernmost New England state every year for a week by the lake, to drop the kids at summer camp or for a long weekend in Portland, the state’s largest city. This demand can translate

It’s going to be a hectic weekend in London, full of celebrations and disruptions as millions of people travel to the city for the coronation of King Charles III.  There’ll be road closures, diversions, and changes to bus and train routes and timetables as celebrations get underway. Transport for London is advising people to plan

Think of the Iberian peninsula, and you’ll have quick visions of Portugal’s fado and tile-fronted buildings, and Spain’s bulls and matadors. Yet there’s a corner of the peninsula that’s more James Joyce than Miguel de Cervantes. Portugal’s northernmost region and Spain’s northwestern corner are lands united by a landscape that’s perpetually green, and a common

As a fourth-generation Michigander who has spent significant time living elsewhere, I can attest to the fact that we’re a unique bunch. We generally have wit and a lean toward sarcasm. We also pronounce things so strangely that you’ll have to get used to our dialect. For example, you have to register your vehicle at

Cape Town has a long-standing reputation for outdoor activities, thanks to its chain of mountains overlooking an equally beautiful string of beaches. Over the past decade or two, this city at the tip of Africa has added gastronomy and culture to the list of its best things to do. Having weathered colonialism and apartheid, the

Offering a gorgeous lakeside location, over recent years Zürich has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s hippest destinations, with an artsy, post-industrial edge. Ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, Zürich and budget travel are not natural bedfellows. But there are ways to make your money go further and many free