Unforgettable Nights: Lonely Planet Staff Share Their Weirdest After-Dark Adventures
Early risers may claim the best travel experiences, but night owls know the true magic unfolds after dark. Far from just neon-lit streets, Lonely Planet's experienced contributors reveal their most bizarre and memorable nighttime escapades—from après-ski chaos in the Alps to glowing hedgehogs on Alderney's golf course. Next trip, sleep in and extend your adventures into the night.
‘It’s all downhill from here’ in Val Thorens
I traveled to Val Thorens for its legendary après-ski scene. After a failed first day of ski lessons, I ditched the slopes—only to discover the iconic La Folie Douce bar perched on a 2,500m-high peak, accessible by chairlift up and skis down. My skills barely improved, but I ascended anyway.
The party amid snow-capped Alps was epic, but closing time meant a treacherous ski descent on icing slopes. I tumbled much of the way, then got a tandem ski ride from my 6ft 3in friend in his bright yellow suit.
Jessica Ryan, Product Editor. Follow her on Instagram @jessimica_ryan.
Making memories with Peru’s millionaire elite
Wandering Arequipa's dimly lit streets in alpaca jumpers and denim shorts, mildly tipsy, my friend and I stumbled into an immaculate mansion hosting a Peruvian millionaire's 18th birthday bash. How we gained entry remains a blur, but we were warmly welcomed to live music, champagne, and fire-eaters in a vast garden.
The birthday boy glided about in a dressing gown like a Latino Gatsby. Despite hazy details—possibly from excess ceviche—it was undoubtedly real and utterly unforgettable.
Emily Frost, Social Communications Coordinator. Follow her on Instagram @frostyem.
A scenic sunrise over Florence, Italy
I usually gravitate to cheap bars and generic clubs playing chart hits. But one night in Florence, strolling home at 4am, my friends and I found Piazzale Michelangelo packed with locals. Couples swayed to an accordionist's melody, smiles lighting tired faces.
Behind them, dawn crowned Florence's cathedral domes in golden light. This authentic moment captivated us; we danced until well after sunrise.
Jack Palfrey, Assistant Editor for lonelyplanet.com. Follow his tweets @JPalfers.
Lost in a trance in Vietnam
Seeking hedonism, my friend and I boated to a beach party on a Vietnamese island. We got trapped in a five-hour monologue by a hypnotic traveler, like Kaa from The Jungle Book. By her pause, only two dancers remained by the fading bonfire.
Salvaging the night, we walked the island and discovered bioluminescent plankton lighting the sea in electric blue. Nature's spectacle outshone any party.
Gemma Graham, Destination Editor for Northern Europe. Follow her tweets @oh_gg.
An epic all-nighter in the Big Apple
A New Yorker host proved why NYC never sleeps. At sunset, she crammed us into her mom's convertible for masterful Manhattan navigation to an unbeatable Italian spot for gnocchi.
Spotting a limo on break, she hired it for $50; we cruised Fifth Avenue, shrieking from the sunroof amid neon blur. Then to Queens' urban beach for cocktails under fake palms, skyline aglow with promise.
Orla Thomas, Features Editor for Lonely Planet Traveller magazine. Follow her tweets @OrlaThomas.
Blonde ambition on Alderney
On Alderney, we chased leucistic blonde hedgehogs across the golf course at night, guided by a local conservationist for the Alderney Wildlife Trust. Our torch swept fairways, spotting the pale, pink-eyed creatures that glow ethereally.
Leucism makes them conspicuous, but no predators threaten them here. We gently weighed half a dozen before release—a surreal wildlife encounter.
Getting a taste of Italy’s la dolce vita
Italy fulfilled my lifelong dreams. Teary-eyed at Milan's stunning station, I joined locals for aperitivo, studio jam sessions, pizza via triple-parked Fiats, and club dancing past midnight. One boldly suggested a kiss—'This is real life!'—but I politely declined: 'No, grazie.'
Cliché or not, Italy delivered quintessential magic and more.
Tasmin Waby, Destination Editor for Australia and Pacific. Follow her tweets @TravellingTaz.
Get more travel inspiration, tips, and exclusive offers in our weekly newsletter.
