Dinosaurs and other ancient plants and animals inspire fascination, even though it might seem like we can only see them in movies like Jurassic Park. But did you know fossils are everywhere in North America? The US is covered in fossil sites featuring ancient critters, big and small. Some are found in deserts that were …

A first-time guide to Aruba
Sunseekers and beach hoppers have made Aruba one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The island is ideal for a fun escape with friends, or for a soothing getaway to relax and recharge your batteries. Beyond its stunning, picture-perfect, white-sand beaches, the island has much to offer – including the natural appeal of Arikok National …

14 of the most stunning islands in the world
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, watch wildlife, explore magnificent natural landscapes, or simple relax on a beach, be inspired by some of the world’s most interesting and unspoiled islands. With help from The Islands Book, Lonely Planet’s compilation of the world’s most amazing 150 islands, we’ve pulled together this list of …

9 of the best things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon needs little to no effort in self-promoting – year-round sun-drenched sprawling squares by the river, a history spanning more than 2000 years, steep hills that reward trekkers with views over terracotta rooftops and clusters of colorful buildings, historic neighborhoods that turn into nightlife hot spots after dark. Portugal’s capital city fame as a top …

How to celebrate Christmastime in New Orleans
The year-round party vibe of New Orleans takes on an extra sparkle during the holiday season. Christmas lights and decorations adorn homes and businesses, and the streets are filled with holiday music – with that distinctly Big Easy flair, of course. From decked-out hotel lobbies and cathedral concerts to bonfires on the levee and Réveillon …

How to spend a perfect 24 hours in Washington, DC
With more than 100 unique neighborhoods, 30 national parks, museums in every quadrant and award-winning dining, it would take weeks to fully explore Washington, DC, not just 24 hours. But if you’re making a flying visit to the American capital, trust us, a lot can be accomplished in a day. Here’s a perfect itinerary that …

6 of the best beaches in Naples, Italy
Situated on the Gulf of Naples, on the western coast of southern Italy, Naples’ history, culture, and cuisine are forever tied to the Mediterranean Sea. Sailors from the Greek island of Rhodes were the first to establish a small commercial port here in the first millennium BCE, founding the city of Parthenope, renamed Neápolis in …

When’s the best time to visit Texas?
Considering the wide geography of the Lone Star State, there’s really no such thing as a bad time to visit Texas. While you may want to skip the soaring temperatures of the Santa Elena Canyon in summer months, winter in Amarillo is not the best time to visit the Great Plains. Here are our tips …

A first-timer’s guide to Texas Hill Country: wineries, watering holes and wildflowers
Texas Hill Country offers travelers a break with wineries, rivers, hiking trails and live music. Covering 31,000 sq miles (80,290 sq km) of gently rolling hills in Central Texas, the region abounds with destinations to explore. As you head west from Austin, you’ll arrive at charming towns such as Marble Falls, Blanco, Wimberley, Fredericksburg, Dripping …

5 reasons Vanuatu’s Tanna Island should be your next big adventure
Home to one of the world’s most accessible live volcanos, the tiny island of Tanna in Vanuatu’s south is ready-made for unforgettable adventures. Vanuatu is an archipelagic country of 83 islands in the South Pacific. The sixth largest, Tanna is just 40km (25 miles) long and 19km (12 miles) wide – but visitors will find …