With its sparkling crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers, Albania is taking its place as a true jewel of the Balkans. If you arrive with an open mind and a rough plan, you’ll encounter a rich culture like no other in Europe. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are making a …
Beaches
10 of the best beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s coastline covers roughly 300 miles, decorated with nearly as many beaches. Stick to the tropical north, anchored by San Juan, for a mix of lively shorelines and rocky Atlantic coves. Head to the cloudless south to dip your toes in calm Caribbean bays protected by mangrove cays. You can also zip west to …
10 places in Malta you won’t want to miss
When we say that Malta is jam-packed full of culture, food and nature, we’re not exaggerating. After all, even though the 27km(17-mile)-long island is the tenth smallest country in the world, it’s the fifth-most densely populated. Which means that whether you’re a solo traveler, retired explorer or large family on vacation, you don’t have to …
How to explore the Canary Islands on a budget
Isabella is one of the writers on the new Canary Islands guidebook, spending weeks researching Tenerife and Lanzarote. Here she shares her top tips on stretching your budget on your next sun trip. Unlike Spain’s famously glamorous Balearic Islands, the Canaries are widely considered a good-value destination, with a raft of sensibly priced accommodation, dining …
These are the 15 best beaches in the Caribbean
With its palm-fringed bays, shallow reefs and rustic rum bars, the Caribbean offers some of the world’s best tropical beach breaks. You’ll find thousands of beaches with clear waters and warm weather on these diverse islands, which extend in a chain from the southern tip of Florida to the northern coast of Venezuela. From St …
The 15 best places to visit in Mexico
Cantinas and cathedrals. Art and archaeology. Mariachis and mountains. Ruins and rainbow reefs. Mexico makes a mesmerizing escape for lovers of adventure, romance, history, culture, food, and fiery festivals. Then there are the much-lauded beaches with clear, blue waters you’ll want to step right into and silent paradise islands without a soul in sight. From …
A first-time guide to Sayulita, Mexico
The most popular of the Riviera Nayarit’s two dozen towns was once a sleepy fishing village. Yet the secret quickly spread among the surfing community – and today Sayulita draws visitors of all stripes. Since the village is now a haven for hipster surfers and boho-chic travelers, you’ll struggle to find a spot for a …
Where are the best beaches in the US? Check out these 28 shoreline destinations to explore and enjoy.
From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 28 best beaches in the US. From Clearwater Beach in Florida to Venice Beach in California, the best beaches in the US can be found throughout the country. Whether you relish the calm waters of a small town’s public beach …
North Carolina’s top 16 beaches for swimming, surfing and sea turtles
With 300 miles of barrier-island beaches and innumerable coastal towns waiting to be explored, North Carolina’s shoreline attracts millions of visitors each year – and it’s not hard to see why. From romantic escapes to kid-friendly family vacations, and action-packed adventures to lazy days in the sun, the region offers something for everyone. Here are …
Where Lonely Planet staffers traveled in September
While autumn settles in, the LP team has been savoring the last glimpses of summer with various adventures across beautiful destinations. From cruising through the Swiss Alps in a rented campervan to stargazing under the Milky Way in the Bahamas, our map is now sprinkled with new pins. Max, with his knack for finding the …