Dramatically situated against the backdrop of the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada, Granada was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, and remains one of Andalucía’s most evocative and beautiful cities. Today, signs of Granada’s Islamic past linger everywhere: in the horseshoe arches of its centuries-old buildings; in the presence of cármenes, Moorish-style houses with …
2022
The best villages to visit in Greece
Life in Greece has always taken place in public view, whether that means old-timers talking politics at the local kafeneio (coffee house) or families gathering in neighborhood squares while the kids play late into the evening. And Greek villages, from seashore hubs to mountain escapes, are quintessential places to experience daily life in the Med …
How to plan a biking trip to New Zealand’s Southern Lakes and Central Otago regions
In Lonely Plan-It, we take you step by step through how we planned some of the most complicated travel adventures. Here, Craig McLachlan explains how to make the most out of your biking adventure to this South Pacific paradise’s deep south. New Zealand has gone wild for cycling, with off-road, unpaved, purpose-built bike trails now …
13 best things to do in metropolitan Lima
The coastal capital city of Lima showcases what makes Peru a leading tourist destination: world-class gastronomy, ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes. Of course, as a metropolitan capital, Lima does it all with a modern and urban style. Start planning your trip now with our insider’s list of unmissable experiences. How many places in the …
10 amazing places in Europe for a dose of winter sun
Winter in Europe can be lovely: bundles of pillowy snow, steaming mulled wine at Christmas markets, the crunching score of ice skates on a frozen canal. But then comes the rain. And the biting winds. That never-ending darkness. Who doesn’t miss the sun and soul-restoring doses of vitamin D? As 2025 kicks off, it’s the perfect time to …
Portugal itineraries: 5 routes to see the best of the country
Hugging the Atlantic on the westernmost side of Europe, Portugal offers crashing waves, endless beaches, inland wine regions and historic cities. Whether you want to sip intoxicating vintages in Porto’s cellars, wander the winding streets of Alfama in Lisbon or hit the beaches of the Algarve in the south, you can pack many of the …
A first-time guide to Vietnam
Gone is the era when Vietnam evoked only images of rice fields, floating markets and conical-hat-wearing workers. This Southeast Asian powerhouse has today become a destination known for majestic natural beauty, pristine beaches, unexplored ecological reserves and delectable cuisines. Halong Bay, Hoi An’s Old Town, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and other Vietnamese …
The 10 best beaches in Cambodia to escape to after Angkor Wat
For the longest time, travelers to Cambodia only had eyes for the temples of Angkor, but in recent years, the beaches and islands dotting the south coast have become a major attraction in their own right. Sunseekers are spoiled for choice in Southeast Asia, with legendary beaches tracing the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and …
The best national parks in California
Beating out even famously scenic destinations like Alaska and Utah, California is home to more national parks than any other state. The Golden State’s 10 national parks showcase the best of the West Coast’s diverse range of landscapes, from the towering redwoods of NorCal, the arid deserts of SoCal, the iconic flora of Joshua Tree …
Croatia itineraries: 3 routes to explore the cities, coasts and interior
With historic cities clinging to gorgeous coastlines, endless islands and waterfall-filled national parks, Croatia has plenty of wonders to entice travelers. That’s why we’ve created three itineraries that will take you to the country’s most essential spots, the Istrian peninsula and lesser-visited coasts of Kvarner and Northern Dalmatia. Ranging from 7 to 10 days, you can …