Long the domain of savvy sailors and fly-in millionaires, the spectacular Grenadines also offer plenty for the independent traveler – you don’t need your own boat to fully explore the magnificent archipelago. Spanning the nations of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, the Lesser Antilles region offers a wide variety of authentic Caribbean experiences …
2024
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 …
15 of the best places to explore Black history in the US
Black culture has shaped much of American history and its cultural impact around the world. In a time where conversations around race and the injustices committed against the Black community have moved to the center – triggered by the murder of George Floyd in 2020 – it is critical to preserve sites that hold significance in American …
The 10 best places to visit in Vietnam in 2025
With its tumbling emerald landscapes, history-steeped ancient sites, idyllic beaches and energetic cities, Vietnam is a magnet for visitors in search of an incredible travel experience. Indeed, visitor numbers are growing every year, in line with Vietnam’s reputation as a great first stop in Southeast Asia. This country is packed with attractions, from blissful sands …
Mexico’s 16 best beaches
With coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean and seemingly endless miles of coastline, narrowing down a list of the best beaches in Mexico is a challenge. The diverse array of shoreline experiences – from surfing the waves of Puerto Escondido to relaxing in blue waters in Puerto Vallarta – assures there is an exotic …
Christmas in the Caribbean: 5 places to make the holiday unforgettable
Want to add a new kind of joy to your holiday season? Escape to the Caribbean for Christmas and swap snow for sun, sand and tropical drinks. December weather in the Caribbean is particularly dry, with a “Christmas breeze” that locals wait for all year. Add in easy flights, affordable lodging, unique cultural festivities and …
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 …
8 best places in Latin America and the Caribbean to celebrate Carnival
More than 50 countries across the world host Carnival, but it’s in Latin America and the Caribbean that you will find its beating heart. Here, the parties and parades keep people shaking their tailfeather until dawn. But with so many options to choose from – and events scattered across much of the year – it’s …