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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
You can see a lot of Greece in under two weeks and get a real feel for its history, ruins, beaches, food, late-night revelry and a few of its many iconic islands. Ferries link many of the best places to visit, and lazing away the hours on deck gazing at the passing turquoise water is …
Glacier-fed rivers descend from the high alpine zone to lush green valleys, flowing past isolated yurt camps and turquoise mountain lakes. Above, the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan reach 7000m (22,965ft) and higher into the sky toward the inspiration of their celestial name: the Heavenly Mountains. The views from mountain trails in Kyrgyzstan do …
Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Portugal provides seaside escapes of every variety. You can look forward to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs, and dune-backed expanses facing some of the world’s most dramatic surfing spots. The challenge is deciding where to begin. Although a list …