The holiday season doesnt have to revolve around turkey and traditional trimmings. Its one of the best times of year for travel adventures. Skip the standard Christmas feast, stash that novelty sweater, and explore these inspiring alternative ways to enjoy the festive period. Surfing in Hawaii Trade the fireside for world-class waves in Hawaii this Christmas. This U.S. states surf shines year-round, but December elevates Oahu’s North Shore to legendary status with swells over 30 feet, drawi

At Lonely Planet, we swap mince pies for passports during the holiday season. Once the gifts are wrapped, our team heads off on adventures around the world—much like Santa, minus the sleigh. In the festive spirit, weve gathered unique Christmas stories from our travel-savvy staff, sharing their most memorable holidays abroad. A Magical Christmas with Krampus in Austria In 2010, I visited Vienna and Salzburg just before Christmas, creating the most enchanting holiday of my life. Heavy snowfa

Embark on unforgettable 2017 adventures, from getting up close to Icelandic volcanoes and riding one of Earths highest rail routes to exploring the creative genius of a world-renowned designer. Theres an experience for every traveler. Lonely Planets expert travel team has curated this essential list of the years top new openings and attractions to ignite your wanderlust. Choosing our favorites was tough—we could have included hundreds more. Follow Lonely Planet Travel News for ongoing inspiratio

Imagine training with the world’s top rugby team, exploring profound Buddhist art, or recording in Prince’s personal studio. These extraordinary experiences and more became reality in 2017 with groundbreaking new openings worldwide. Lonely Planet’s curated countdown of the year’s most compelling attractions inspires even seasoned travelers to rediscover favorites or venture into the unknown. Discover the top 10 here. Stay updated with ongoing travel news to be first in line for future highlights

Seeking inspiration to update your 2017 travel wishlist? Lonely Planets travel experts have curated the years most exciting new openings—from a heart-pounding tightrope walk over a 3,000m abyss to gourmet dishes printed via 3D technology. These standout attractions promise unforgettable experiences.Discover our top 10 and entries 11-20 from the New in Travel list if you missed them. Stay ahead with ongoing Lonely Planet travel news.Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Connemara, IrelandOpened November

2017 is set to be an exceptional year for travel, thrilling even our seasoned Lonely Planet globetrotters. Curating our New in Travel list of the years top new openings and attractions has our Travel News team itching to pack our bags for authentic, firsthand exploration. From haute couture temples to jaw-dropping aerial vistas, discover which of the 35 standout entries have us reaching for our passports. Fin McCarthy – Global News Editor Wants to visit: Musées Yves Saint Laurent Paris and Ma

Picture-perfect tropical islands with pristine sandy beaches and swaying palms define the ultimate romantic honeymoon. Yet, beyond beachside cocktails, couples crave adventure, culture, and luxury relaxation. From sailing turquoise lagoons and hiking dramatic coastlines to exploring ancient temples or simply unwinding, these top 10 islands offer diverse experiences backed by expert travel insights. Discover your ideal honeymoon haven. Corsica, France Known as L’île de Beauté (Island of Bea

February offers thrilling adventures worldwide, from skiing powdery slopes and chasing the Northern Lights to summiting Africas highest peak and diving crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Embrace the winter wonder with huskies, hot springs, epic hikes, or underwater explorations. Experience Laplands Dog-Sledding and Northern Lights In Finlands Lapland, within the Arctic Circle, February blankets the landscape in snow, with frozen lakes and emerging daylight after polar night. The Finnish Meteor

Planning your dream wedding is magical, but honeymoon costs—from flowers and favors to flights—can add up fast. Our curated list of the top 10 budget-friendly destinations lets you savor once-in-a-lifetime experiences, vibrant cultures, and exquisite cuisine as newlyweds, all without breaking the bank. Prices are indicative and may vary; always check current rates for accuracy. Morocco Immerse in Arabian exoticism, fragrant spices, and exceptional value. Morocco excels for romantic escapes on

Your honeymoon is the ideal time for an epic adventure—dust off your bucket list, save up, and turn those travel dreams into reality. While a three-week escape thrills most, what about a 500-day honeymoon? Meet Mike and Anne from HoneyTrek (honeytrek.com), whose planned 500-day honeymoon has stretched to five years and beyond. Embracing lifes brevity and the worlds endless wonders, this experienced couple embarked on an ultimate round-the-world journey to mark their new chapter. We caught up wit

Observing charismatic megafauna like lions, elephants, and leopards on a classic African safari ranks among travels most exhilarating experiences. Yet wildlife tourism extends far beyond crowded jeep convoys, offering intimate encounters with natures wonders worldwide. From tracking elusive tigers to witnessing Komodo dragons—the worlds largest lizards—in action, discover these curated alternatives for an unforgettable immersion in the natural world, guided by expert naturalists. Tiger Trac

Long-distance bike tours offer an affordable, exhilarating, and unforgettable way to explore the world. Ready to trade airplanes and hotel beds for a tent, two wheels, and the open road? These 10 expert bikepacking tips will get you from the couch to the saddle with confidence. Save the date and start planning Committing to your trip is the hardest step. Set a firm start date and rough duration to create a concrete timeline. Beginners should choose warmer months and easier routes for the fi

At dawn, the Atlas Mountains glow rust-red as rose-pickers from Hdida set out. Wearing flip-flops and djellabas (traditional full-length hooded garments), they follow a dusty path to the fields, soon vanishing amid the foliage. Fruit trees line the trail, heavy with figs, dates, and oranges. Barley and alfalfa emerge from the ochre soil, irrigated by channels along the path. Pomegranates hang from branches overhead. Yet the women are here for a more aromatic harvest. ‘Can you smell them?’ ask

Mountain enthusiasts will thrive in April with world-class adventure options. Ski-tour the Alps iconic Haute Route, explore geological wonders in KwaZulu-Natals majestic peaks, trek to Everest Base Camp amid the climbing seasons start, or immerse in the epic scenery of the Appalachian Trail. Conquer an Alpine Classic in Prime Conditions The 75-mile (120 km) Haute Route connects Chamonix/Mont Blanc and Zermatt/Matterhorn across the Alps premier terrain. Spanning two countries, it passes bene

Travel has become remarkably family-friendly. Gone are the days of shared in-flight screens, artifacts hidden behind glass in museums, and upscale dining reserved strictly for adults. The family travel experience has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years. Here are five reasons why todays young adventurers have it better than ever. The World Is Your Childs Oyster Then: Air travel was a luxury, budget airlines were nonexistent, and family vacations often meant long, tedious drives fill

Vibrant, aromatic sacks piled high in narrow alleys. Lively vendors hawking their wares. And irresistible local snacks to savor amid the sensory overload. Spice markets provide an authentic window into a destinations rich history and culture. Heres our expert guide to the worlds top spice markets. Rahba Kedima, Marrakesh, Morocco Rahba Kedima, also known as Spice Square, is Marrakeshs premier destination for bold, vivid spices. Essential blends for fish and meat appeal to adventurous home c

Located in the Indian Ocean off Africas southeast coast, Madagascar has evolved in isolation for over 80 million years, creating a one-of-a-kind world of upside-down trees, stone forests, and iconic lemurs. Embark on an immersive journey through this biodiversity hotspot that continually astonishes visitors. Kirindy and the Baobabs Begin your adventure in the west, encountering wildlife and strolling among legendary trees Guide Jean-Baptiste moves effortlessly through the forest, his flip-flo

Renowned for its pristine beaches, Africas smallest country, The Gambia, offers much more than a perfect winter sun getaway. From cultural immersion right on the sandy shores to adventures in lush forests, mangrove swamps, and charming villages, diverse experiences await discerning travelers. The Village of Tanji Nestled along a wide, sweeping beach, this vibrant fishing village brims with cultural and wildlife encounters. Watch colorful pirogues bob in the waves as local women balance buckets

Disrupted routines, tense dinners, and judgmental stares on flights can make family travel seem daunting. But before you rule out a getaway due to the kids, its time to bust these pervasive myths. Traveling with children—especially babies and toddlers—presents challenges, yet it offers profound adventures when youre well-prepared. Long-Haul Flights Are a Nightmare Sleep deprivation feels torturous, and imagining a 10- to 24-hour flight with a fussy baby or toddler strikes fear into parents hear

Immerse yourself in extraordinary animal encounters that bring you face-to-face with the planets most magnificent wildlife. From majestic silverback gorillas and massive whale sharks to graceful manta rays, these June adventures let you get up close with natures giants. Or, witness thousands of baby turtles hatching on Borneos beaches or embark on a thrilling walking safari amid Zambias Lion King cast on vast plains. Dive with Giants on Australias Ningaloo Reef Go big in June on Australias