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 gazing upon colorful cichlids in Malawi to wading …

A first-time guide to the Galápagos Islands
A paradise for anyone who loves wildlife and raw nature, the Galápagos Islands contain wonders you’ll find nowhere else on earth. Plying the islands’ shores and coastal waters are Galápagos giant tortoises that weigh more than 500 pounds. Marine iguanas that swim and eat seaweed and algae. Blue-footed boobies (seabirds), Galápagos penguins and many other …

These 4 day trips from Jackson Hole reveal glorious nature and a Wild West vibe
There’s plenty to keep you busy in the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yet most visitors use the valley as a home base to explore the staggeringly wild and beautiful wider area, too. Two of America’s most famous national parks are within 60 miles (97km) of Jackson Hole, and the history of the American West …

These 5 day trips from Sydney will show you the splendors of New South Wales
Sensational Sydney has enough appeal to make even the most hardened visitor consider a one-way move. And that comes before you learn that the New South Wales capital’s surrounding region brims breathtaking natural beauty, Aboriginal and colonial history, and plenty of domestic critters to spot. In short, this city and its environs have it all. The …

How to plan for the 2026 World Cup games in North America
It’s easy to understand why anyone who saw the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar would catch a case of footy fever: the non-stop, unscripted drama of serious soccer is more nail-biting than anything you’ll find on Netflix. The coronation of Lionel Messi as World Cup king was the stuff of legends. The surprise success …

Where are the best beaches in the US? Check out these 28 shoreline destinations to explore and enjoy.
From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 28 best beaches in the US. From Clearwater Beach in Florida to Venice Beach in California, the best beaches in the US can be found throughout the country. Whether you relish the calm waters of a small town’s public beach …

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The mere mention of the Philippines evokes images of palm-fringed beaches and clear tropical lagoons. For anyone eager to escape a gloomy climate, this sun-soaked archipelago in Southeast Asia promises a lush, tropical getaway. And in addition to the dreamy weather, the country offers a wealth of cultural experiences, vibrant local traditions and unmatched warm hospitality, too. …

North Carolina’s top 16 beaches for swimming, surfing and sea turtles
With 300 miles of barrier-island beaches and innumerable coastal towns waiting to be explored, North Carolina’s shoreline attracts millions of visitors each year – and it’s not hard to see why. From romantic escapes to kid-friendly family vacations, and action-packed adventures to lazy days in the sun, the region offers something for everyone. Here are …

The best places in Asia for women traveling solo
Traveling alone is a uniquely personal experience: It offers great freedom to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and make lifelong friendships. As a woman who frequently travels alone, finding the right destination for a solo adventure also helps ensure a good experience. And, while as an Asian I may be biased …

Where Lonely Planet staffers traveled in September
While autumn settles in, the LP team has been savoring the last glimpses of summer with various adventures across beautiful destinations. From cruising through the Swiss Alps in a rented campervan to stargazing under the Milky Way in the Bahamas, our map is now sprinkled with new pins. Max, with his knack for finding the …