December delivers magical experiences far beyond holiday traditions. Mother Nature offers abundant wonders—from shimmering auroras and pristine beaches to extraordinary wildlife—in destinations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore our expert-curated selection of immersive December nature adventures, backed by reliable travel insights. Stay Amid Ice Sculptures Under the Northern Lights in Sweden In Jukkasjärvi, Sweden—just north of the Arctic Circle—Decembers polar night provides ideal c

As the new year begins, nature lovers can embark on extraordinary wildlife adventures. These premier destinations offer unparalleled opportunities: track elusive wolves across Poland’s snowy wilderness, encounter majestic mountain gorillas and vast wildebeest herds in East Africa, and witness thriving penguin colonies at Antarctica’s edge. Track Majestic Mountain Gorillas in Uganda’s Dry Season Lock eyes with an endangered mountain gorilla in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home

While January brings chilly hibernation in some regions, warmer destinations come alive with vibrant cultural experiences. From temple hopping and festivals to belated Christmas celebrations, its the perfect time to immerse yourself. Cold-weather enthusiasts can revel in Viennas glamorous snowy balls. Celebrate Christmas and Timkat Amid Ethiopias Ancient Wonders in Dry Weather Ethiopia stands unique with its rich religion, diverse languages, flavorful cuisine, and world-renowned coffee. Its

Every traveler defines culture differently—from social customs and rituals to local art, literature, and architecture. Its often the spark that ignites our wanderlust and the most cherished takeaway from our journeys.In Lonely Planets acclaimed book Culture Trails, our experts have curated 52 immersive adventures into the worlds most vibrant cultural enclaves. From ancient myths and legendary outlaws to rock stars, rock-hewn churches, artisanal markets, and striking street art, here are 10 stand

Nestled along the turquoise Mediterranean shores, northeastern Tunis blends reliable sunshine with the capitals cosmopolitan vibe. Emulate locals by dining at seafront restaurants, savoring fresh-caught fish, local wines, and captivating sunsets while people-watching. Discover our curated selection of premier open-air dining spots. Hachi A locals secret in Marsa, Hachis unassuming entrance hides a gem. Ascend to the compact terrace overlooking crystal-clear waters and villa-dotted beaches. Th

Benedict Allen stands out as one of the worlds most daring explorers. Starting at age 22, he ventured solo into Earths remotest and harshest terrains—from the vast Gobi Desert to Papua New Guineas Central Mountains and the Amazon Basins dense jungles. Over decades of travel, Benedict has confronted assassins, malaria, starvation, shipwrecks, and grueling tribal initiations. By immersing himself in indigenous cultures, he honed survival skills earning him the nickname the adventurer with nine liv

Modern cities pulse with life—from bustling bars and restaurants to skyscrapers filled with professionals. Yet beneath this vibrancy lies a shadowy underbelly: grim histories, eerie architecture, and restless spirits. Discover spine-chilling experiences in the worlds spookiest cities, curated by Lonely Planets local experts for authentic, unforgettable thrills. Paris, France The City of Light conceals macabre secrets. Venture into the Paris Catacombs bone-lined tunnels. At Place de la Concord

From luxury indulgences to budget-savvy options, 2018 introduced extraordinary new accommodations around the globe. The only downside? Their allure might keep you awake with excitement. Silo Hotel, South Africa Housed in the elevator tower of a historic grain silo at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, this boutique gem delivers stunning vistas of Table Mountain. Merging contemporary flair with 1920s industrial architecture, its geodesic windows protrude dramatically from the concrete exterior. T

Family holidays have evolved into sophisticated affairs. Say goodbye to childhood squabbles during car trips or beachside arguments, and welcome cross-generational travel: enriching adult adventures shared with parents and grown siblings. Maturing Family Travel This is your opportunity to move beyond memories of tantrums in quiet museums, sandy mishaps, or disputes over lost game pieces. Embrace a refined chapter of cross-generational journeys with your parents as fellow adults. Often sparked

Private island getaways are now within reach for all travelers. Advances in global travel infrastructure and accommodation-sharing platforms have democratized these once-exclusive VIP experiences. Whether youre chasing the perfect Instagram moment or craving ultimate seclusion, stunning private islands offer tantalizing options on any budget. Trang Province, Thailand Home to the chao leh sea gypsies, Thailands serene southern Trang Province offers a peaceful escape far from Phukets bustling r

Step beyond the Boston, London, and New York marathons with these extraordinary destination races. Theyll challenge your limits while immersing you in stunning global landscapes—whether running, cycling, swimming, or pushing through on sheer grit to the finish line. Safaricom Marathon, Kenya Experience a true wild-side run at the Safaricom Marathon in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, surrounded by 26 lions, 137 rhinos, 182 giraffes, and 1,160 zebras. Giraffes might even keep pace, while 140 armed r

Marrakesh sits at a captivating crossroads where Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converge, blending ancient traditions with modern innovation. This historic trading hub has become a global beacon for creativity, inspiring artists and designers worldwide with its rich cultural tapestry. In October 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech opened its doors, honoring the citys bold creative spirit and the legacy of the legendary Algerian-born couturier Yves Saint Laurent. For over 40 year

Essaouiras laid-back vibe offers fewer shops than Marrakech but perfect hassle-free souks for relaxed browsing over intense haggling. Its compact, navigable medina stocks Moroccos popular goods alongside local treasures like thuya wood carvings, vibrant art, raffia shoes, and organic argan oil—Moroccos liquid gold. Best for Arts and Crafts Essaouira excels in artisans crafting fragrant thuya wood—a native northwest African conifer—into intricate boxes and decor, often inlaid with other woods

Wrong buses, lost luggage, impulse buys like that tie-dye vest—solo travel doesnt always go as planned. Yet these mishaps rarely leave scars; instead, they spark new adventures, forge deeper connections with locals, and yield memorable stories. To mark the launch of The Solo Travel Handbook, Lonely Planet experts share their solo travel blunders—proving that when plans derail, magic often follows. Grounded in Vietnam Repelled by the stench of cocktail buckets and a backpacker’s risky antics,

2017 captivated us with goat yoga, celebrity-packed airline safety videos, and the cozy Scandi trend of hygge. What innovative travel fads and ideas will define 2018? Drawing from industry insights, weve outlined seven predictions poised to make headlines. From plausible shifts to imaginative possibilities, these trends highlight evolving traveler preferences. Digital Detox 2.0 The wellness boom—yoga retreats, turmeric lattes, and coconut oil remedies—escalates in 2018, offering sanctuaries f

Whether youre marking your first year of marriage or your 50th anniversary, celebrating these milestones creates cherished memories as you journey through life together. For travel enthusiasts, the best gifts are experiences. Exchange traditional presents for immersive adventures with these thoughtfully curated wedding anniversary trip ideas, each inspired by classic gift themes. 1st/2nd Year – Paper One or two years in (depending on regional traditions), its time for the symbolic paper gift.

Moroccan cuisine is a vibrant fusion of cultures, with Fezs distinctive Fassi flavors born in the ancient fanadiq—inns where merchants from around the world converged. Berber staples like couscous, Arab dried fruits and spices, and French-inspired café culture shape its diversity. While recipes differ by region, Fez delivers some of Moroccos most iconic dishes. Best for Light Bites: Café Clock Nestled in Fezs medina heart, Café Clock spans two traditional dars (courtyard townhouses)—ideal for

Archaeological evidence shows humans have harvested and enjoyed seafood for at least 165,000 years, perfecting global cuisines. Iconic dishes range from delicate Japanese sashimi to hearty Maine lobster rolls from oceans, lakes, and rivers. Explore Lonely Planets expert-curated guide to premier seafood destinations, where fresh catches reveal unique local cultures and traditions. Sashimi at Dawn at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market One of lifes rare 3 a.m. rewards is witnessing the tuna auction at Tokyo

Craving sandy beaches, gentle waves, and vast open waters? Oceanside escapes arent your only choice. Some of the planets premier aquatic adventures await inland at stunning lakes offering diverse scenery, thrilling activities, rich culture, and wholesome outdoor pursuits. Discover our expert-curated favorites. Best for otherworldly scenery Nestled in Bolivias Uyuni salt flats, shallow Laguna Colorada is surrounded by hot springs, volcanoes, and surreal rock formations. Its rust-red waters, d

Discover the Sinai Trail, Egypts premier 250km long-distance hiking route stretching from the Red Sea to the summit of Mount Sinai. This epic path winds through rugged desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, and windswept peaks, immersing trekkers in authentic Bedouin culture. Launched in 2015 by three Bedouin tribes, the trail builds on centuries of pilgrimage traditions, from biblical journeys to Crusader etchings on desert rocks. Hiking with a Bedouin guide and camels is both respectful and p