It’s a wonder Île de Ré exists. For starters, this French island is crêpe-flat (and its beaches are the same color as pancake batter). When the swell comes rolling in along the west and south coasts – this is the Atlantic Ocean after all – it’s difficult to comprehend how the sea doesn’t swallow the …
10 of the world’s best trekking routes
Ask ten experienced hikers to nominate the best treks in the world and they’ll give you ten different answers. Some treks are incredible because of the scenery. Some routes are epic because of the almost superhuman levels of effort and endurance required to reach the endpoint. For some trekkers, it’s all about the destination. For …
10 dream trips to take in Asia in 2025
There is never a bad time to plan your dream trips, and Asia is full of those fantasy-inducing journeys that live rent-free in our imaginations. Will you wander the lavish palaces of India or trek through the jungle in Borneo or the mountains of Nepal? Perhaps a foodie tour of Southeast Asia is more to …
A Lonely Planet guide to Wakayama’s onsens
There’s nothing quite like bathing in the blissfully warm, mineral-rich waters of an onsen on a trip to Japan. For generations, both locals and visitors have flocked to these ancient hot springs to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. And one place in particular stands out for experiencing Japan’s most famous contribution to holistic healing. Wakayama …
The top 13 ways to explore Panama
With rugged trails and blazingly colorful neotropical life, Panama’s national parks are some of the best in the world. Its highlands are steeped in rambling coffee fincas, thunderous rivers and waterfalls. Its coastline boasts kaleidoscopic coral reefs and epic swells that have drawn daring wave-seekers since the 1970s. And if all that sounds unbelievable, there …
The 19 best things to do in and around Perth
Geographically, Perth (Boorloo in the Nyungar language) may be one of the most isolated cities in the world, but don’t expect some sleepy backwater. It’s laid-back, yes, but within this relaxed setting is a thriving city full of fun things to do and fascinating attractions to explore nearby. When you’re in Perth, it’s the rest …
The 14 best beaches in Central America
Ah, Central America – that great S-bend of land joining Colombia to Mexico. With two coastlines squiggling up the Caribbean Sea and the wild Pacific in a 1770km (1100-mile) medley of coral gardens, frothing waves and emerald-coast jungles laden with howler monkeys, there’s hardly a more beach-heavy region on earth. No matter whether you’re searching …
The best times to visit Cambodia
Nick Ray is the author of the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap chapters in the 14th edition of Lonely Planet’s Cambodia guidebook scheduled to be released in September 2025. Some Cambodians wryly observe that Cambodia has three seasons – hot, hotter and hottest – but in reality, there are distinct dry and wet seasons that define the harvest …
The 8 best beaches in Miami
With over 800 miles of gorgeous sandy shores, it’s no surprise that Florida is known for its beaches. While each one has its own appeal, none are more popular than the beaches of South Florida, especially those in the city of Miami. Millions of visitors flock to the city every year for its food, culture, …
When is the best time to visit Peru?
A sizzling strip of coastal desert. Endless snow-capped Andean summits. A humid expanse of rainforest mazed by mighty rivers. These three types of terrain form a triumvirate of completely different climates, ensuring there is no bad time of year to visit Peru. This is a tradition-entrenched, festival-focused land, with at least one vibrant celebration a …