It’s colorful, chaotic and deeply engrained in the soul of New Orleans. Mardi Gras is undoubtedly the city’s most epic event. So, how do you make the most of your time at this iconic festival? Here’s everything you need to know about doing Mardi Gras right. What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras – French for …
When you should visit Portland, Oregon
People who love Portland, Oregon will tell you to embrace the rain. A reliable condition in the city from October to June, the rain is what makes the city so green, coating the trees and sidewalks in moss – and it’s why flowers bloom here nearly year-round. A good rain jacket and waterproof walking shoes …
When is the best time to go to Chicago?
Famous for its icy winters, steamy summers and busy festival calendar, Chicago has something going on in every season. The Windy City changes mood with each passing month, but some things are constant – the city’s lively nightlife, cultured museums and animated neighborhoods warrant a visit at any time of year. Events such as Lollapalooza …
The 11 best things to do in Bali
With its unique Hindu culture, dramatic tropical landscapes and long tradition of delightful hospitality, Bali is one of the most exciting places for activities on the planet. Whether you like to surf, practice yoga, trek on volcanoes, dive pristine reefs or go white-water rafting, Bali offers all sorts of dynamic and fascinating experiences. On the …
Discover 25 of the world’s best beaches
From fabled golden bays to little-known coves, no shell has been left unturned during our hunt for the world’s best beaches. We have sent our writers everywhere in search of sublime, surf-pounded shorelines and remote pockets of hard-to-reach paradise for Lonely Planet’s new book Best Beaches in the World. From Albania to Yemen and everywhere …
Discover the best things to do on Florida’s Emerald Coast
Florida’s Emerald Coast, stretching 100 miles along the Panhandle, comprises a few of the Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets. Distinctly separate from Orlando’s theme parks or Miami’s thumping nightlife, this is where quiet stretches of sandy beaches line calm, turquoise waters; hidden state parks shelter shorebirds that are counted by the flock; and where local fishers …
Sri Lanka itineraries: 4 incredible routes to explore the island
Sri Lanka is a small island that packs a punch. In a short trip, you can explore ancient cities, relax on palm-fringed beaches, hike through the lush and misty hill country and dine on endless rice and curry. Even getting around Sri Lanka can be part of the adventure, with its famous trains turning transport …
10 unmissable extreme sports and where to try them
Launching off a mountain may not be top of your vacation plans, but if you’ve ever had even a passing daydream about soaring through the air and landing on a ski slope, the world of extreme sports may give you a new reason to travel. I’ve tried some of these sports, like winter paragliding in …
These 12 sustainable vacation destinations blend adventure with eco-conscious living
Sustainable getaways aim to minimize harm to the environment and support local communities. While there is no such thing as carbon-zero or fully sustainable travel, there are ways to be more mindful about energy consumption and patronizing local businesses. Sustainable travel means making choices that respect local communities and cultures and contribute, rather than extract …
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
With famously gorgeous weather and almost 300 days of sunshine a year, the best time to visit Lisbon is…whenever your heart desires. The crowds come in summer, lured by scorching sunshine and big events, fall and spring have a gentler magic, and even the winter has its own quiet charm. Spring and summer are Lisbon’s …