If there’s one stretch of the California coastline that conjures the imagination like no other, it’s Big Sur. Here, land and ocean play out an endless drama of thundering surf, sheer cliffs and tiny coves protected by jagged rocks. Nearby, California’s iconic Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, twists and winds along …
The 5 most stunning beaches in Bali, from surfing heaven to family fun
The Balinese people treat the ocean with enormous respect. Though their coastline is dotted with some of the world’s most stunning (and popular) beaches, living so close to the water means recognizing the power and risk that exists alongside that beauty. It’s not unusual for locals to meditate and pray at beaches to encourage positive …
8 top things to do in Dominica: hikes, swims, culture and more
Dominica provides an unhurried respite for those looking to disconnect from life’s chaos. Yet throughout the Caribbean island nation’s mountainous terrain, deep gorges, verdant foliage, endless trails and bountiful rivers also make it an adventurer’s playground. Don’t expect sprawling luxury beach resorts and bone-white-sand beaches here. For Dominica’s secret sauce lies in its untouched, raw …
A first-time guide to Granada
Dramatically situated against the backdrop of the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada, Granada was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, and remains one of Andalucía’s most evocative and beautiful cities. Today, signs of Granada’s Islamic past linger everywhere: in the horseshoe arches of its centuries-old buildings; in the presence of cármenes, Moorish-style houses with …
The best villages to visit in Greece
Life in Greece has always taken place in public view, whether that means old-timers talking politics at the local kafeneio (coffee house) or families gathering in neighborhood squares while the kids play late into the evening. And Greek villages, from seashore hubs to mountain escapes, are quintessential places to experience daily life in the Med …
How to plan a biking trip to New Zealand’s Southern Lakes and Central Otago regions
In Lonely Plan-It, we take you step by step through how we planned some of the most complicated travel adventures. Here, Craig McLachlan explains how to make the most out of your biking adventure to this South Pacific paradise’s deep south. New Zealand has gone wild for cycling, with off-road, unpaved, purpose-built bike trails now …
13 best things to do in metropolitan Lima
The coastal capital city of Lima showcases what makes Peru a leading tourist destination: world-class gastronomy, ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes. Of course, as a metropolitan capital, Lima does it all with a modern and urban style. Start planning your trip now with our insider’s list of unmissable experiences. How many places in the …
10 amazing places in Europe for a dose of winter sun
Winter in Europe can be lovely: bundles of pillowy snow, steaming mulled wine at Christmas markets, the crunching score of ice skates on a frozen canal. But then comes the rain. And the biting winds. That never-ending darkness. Who doesn’t miss the sun and soul-restoring doses of vitamin D? As 2025 kicks off, it’s the perfect time to …
Portugal itineraries: 5 routes to see the best of the country
Hugging the Atlantic on the westernmost side of Europe, Portugal offers crashing waves, endless beaches, inland wine regions and historic cities. Whether you want to sip intoxicating vintages in Porto’s cellars, wander the winding streets of Alfama in Lisbon or hit the beaches of the Algarve in the south, you can pack many of the …
A first-time guide to Vietnam
Gone is the era when Vietnam evoked only images of rice fields, floating markets and conical-hat-wearing workers. This Southeast Asian powerhouse has today become a destination known for majestic natural beauty, pristine beaches, unexplored ecological reserves and delectable cuisines. Halong Bay, Hoi An’s Old Town, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and other Vietnamese …