Springtime in the USA is a varied – and sometimes unpredictable – thing. Depending on where you are, you may experience warm, sunny days and wildflowers, soaking spring showers, or full-on snowstorms. But variety is the spice of life and one thing is universal: the infectious energy springtime brings as the northern hemisphere shakes off …
Wildlife and Nature
The 11 best things to do in New York City through the winter
Winter is NYC’s most underrated season, blamed for being cold, dark and dreary when it’s really bursting with activities for all types of travelers. After the Times Square Ball drops on January 1, visitor numbers fall, making it easier to score coveted seats to shows, land restaurant reservations at the city’s hottest tables and snag …
Best places to visit in South America
South America’s surreal landscapes, energetic cities and unmatched natural diversity attract millions of travelers every year. With scenery varying from lush rainforests and rolling grasslands to snow-capped volcanoes and deserts littered with pink flowers, this vast region is a playground for nature enthusiasts and people seeking to explore some of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems. …
A first-time guide to Paraguay
Wedged between Brazil and Argentina is a country no bigger than the US state of California – with the largely inaccessible Gran Chaco region accounting for about 60% of its land mass. Perhaps that’s why even ambitious travelers often overlook Paraguay. (It doesn’t help that there’s no dedicated Lonely Planet guide to the country.) Yet …
9 Switzerland hikes that offer views you have to see to believe
In Switzerland, the mountains call. One look at this ravishing land of skyscraping peaks, glaciers, forests and lakes of piercing blue will have you itching to sling on a backpack, zip up to the heights and hit the trail. You certainly won’t be alone. The Swiss seem to be born with one leg up a …
Phuket vs Bali: how to choose between these two divine islands
Anyone planning an island escape in Southeast Asia faces a tricky decision – in a region studded with sand-circled tropical islands that sizzle with fabulous food and overflow with culture, how do you pick just one? This magical part of the world has enough island escapes to fill several lifetimes of travel, but regrettably, we …
The 6 best hikes in Jamaica for tropical adventurers
The attractions of Jamaica are easy to sell to travelers. Crystal blue waters, soft sand and a little reggae to go with your rum cocktail as the sun dips on another perfect Caribbean day. However, venture beyond the beaches and lush banana groves and you’ll discover a side of the country that most visitors don’t …
Top things to do in Puerto Vallarta
The sun-soaked Mexican beach town of Puerto Vallarta calls out to outdoor enthusiasts with its palm-fringed coves, thrilling wildlife-watching opportunities and delightfully walkable downtown. Top that off with buzz-worthy cuisine, loads of public art and Mexico’s most accessible and relaxed LGBTIQ+ scene and it’s easy to see why this is one of the nation’s most …
The 11 best things to do in Scotland from spotting puffins to bagging peaks
Scotland often feels bigger than it is. That’s in part because of its impact on the world – think Edinburgh’s cultural clout and or Speyside’s famous whiskies – but it’s also because of the sheer range of things to do here. Two fascinating, but very different, cities dominate Scotland’s central belt, the expansive Highlands feature …
Ultimate weekend on the Olympic Peninsula: enchanted forests, tide-pooling and Twilight encounters
In Western Washington, fall comes hard and fast and seemingly overnight. As a born-and-raised Washingtonian, I know all too well how the first cool day sparks the desire for crisp late-morning hikes, quaint seaside towns and, if you’re like me, the need to experience the Twilight movies for yourself. Trust me, a trip west to …