For avid travelers, Selina McMinn lives the ultimate dream. As a dedicated cabin crew member for Air New Zealand (airnewzealand.co.nz), she jets across the globe. Between flights, shes celebrating her wedding in Mallorca or embarking on honeymoons in India and the Maldives, or soaking up New York City like a celebrity. Her suitcase lifestyle exudes glamour, so we went behind the scenes. In this interview, Selina reveals her top destinations, carry-on packing tips, and the most unforgettable onbo

Packing efficiently is an essential skill for every traveler. Whether youre wrestling with an overstuffed suitcase or refining your routine, these proven methods from our book How to Pack for Any Trip will elevate you to pro status. Method: Rolling Seasoned travelers favor the rolling method for its space-saving and wrinkle-resistant benefits, mimicking techniques used by frequent flyers. For coats, jackets, T-shirts, sweaters, shirts, blouses, and dresses: Step 1: Hold the garment front-f

While Africas national parks are world-renowned, the continents most exhilarating adventures often unfold in unexpected locales—from sheer cliff faces to singing sand dunes and the edge of its most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Challenge your limits with these unforgettable, affordable experiences from The Best Things in Life are Free. Visit the World’s Most Perilous Church Etched into a vertiginous cliff centuries ago, Abuna Yemata Guh church demands scaling a 6m vertical wall without ropes an

Luxury African safaris often exceed $1,000 per person per day, but dont rule them out. Budget-friendly options let you spot the Big Five and more wildlife—if you know where to go. This excerpt from our latest guide, The Best Things in Life are Free, highlights destinations where extraordinary wildlife experiences far outweigh the costs. Big Five Safari – South Africa Kruger National Park is one of the worlds top wildlife reserves, boasting the Big Five plus diverse species. Enjoy easy self-

Travelers know the frustration of suitcase disasters—from burst shampoo bottles to security inspections of laundry. These mishaps are common, but avoidable. Celebrating our new book How to Pack for Any Trip, Lonely Planet experts share their packing fails and proven tips to pack smarter. Suncream Leaks I meticulously pack for outbound trips, but my post-holiday self gets lax on returns. After Ibiza, a sunblock bottle cracked, staining clothes irreparably—even after multiple washes. Top tip:

Budget travel doesnt mean enduring noisy dorms or cramped overnight buses. Lucas Peterson, The New York Times Frugal Traveler and renowned budget expert, emphasizes maximizing memorable experiences at the best possible prices. With the release of our new book The Best Things in Life are Free, we spoke with this savvy globetrotter about his top money-saving hacks, the value of tourist hotspots, and even how a giant fish forever changed his love for childhood spaghetti. Where was your last tr

Deep within the earths shadowy depths, Robbie Shone captures stunning images of untouched underground worlds. While descending into caverns terrifies many, this expert cave explorer and photographer has dedicated his career to illuminating some of the planets most remote and pristine locations. While on the surface, we caught up with this extraordinary adventurer. Where was your last trip? My most recent caving expedition took me to Sicily, exploring the dramatic lava tubes on Mount Etnas s

Ethiopia, cradle of ancient legends like the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant, boasts mesmerizing landscapes. In the northern Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, primeval forests, misty peaks, bizarre plants, and rare wildlife create an otherworldly trekking paradise. Dramatic Landscapes Formed by volcanic eruptions 40 million years ago, the Simien Mountains massif rises above 4,500m in northern Ethiopia. Erosion has carved jagged pinnacles, deep ravines, and volcanic

From the frozen expanses of Antarctica to the azure waters of the Azores, Göran Ehlmé treats the oceans depths as his personal adventure arena—whether under ice or in open seas. Fascinated by the underwater realm from childhood, he mastered diving at age 14 and has since circled the globe, capturing breathtaking images of majestic marine life, including leopard seals, orcas, walruses, and narwhals. We spoke with this seasoned explorer about his most unforgettable oceanic encounters and expert in

From Antarcticas icy depths to the Azores vibrant waters, Göran Ehlmé, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner, calls the ocean his adventure playground. Captivated by marine life since childhood, he started diving at 14 and has traveled the world photographing stunning creatures like leopard seals, orcas, walruses, and narwhals. We interviewed this expert explorer about his most unforgettable dives and insights. Where was your last trip? My last trip was to the Azores for a shoot. But

Imagine ditching your possessions, selling your home, and embarking on an endless world tour. Its not just a dream—its the reality for Debbie Campbell and her husband Michael, the Senior Nomads.To celebrate the new edition of The Travel Book—Lonely Planets comprehensive guide to every country on Earth—we spoke with Debbie in Georgia, the 54th country on their ongoing journey. Nearly four years ago, this couple from the USA set off for one final adventure before retirement. Theyre still going str

Travel isnt about checking off countries on a list or collecting passport stamps. Its about immersing yourself in new cultures, discovering natural wonders, and stepping far beyond your comfort zone.That said, reflecting on your journeys can be inspiring. Drawing from the latest edition of The Travel Book, we invited passionate Lonely Planet staff members to share their travel stats, standout moments, and future dreams.Orla Thomas – Features Editor, Lonely Planet Traveller MagazineCountries visi

The world is a truly fascinating place. Lonely Planets The Travel Book offers an evocative printed journey through every country on Earth, drawing on decades of expert travel insights. Heres a preview: an A-to-Z selection of intriguing, lesser-known facts about destinations featured in its pages. (We admit, theres no X—but its close enough!) Dive in to discover the original banana republic, the nation where vodka treats everyday ailments, and the world-renowned museum guarded by a team of reside

Food is a profound way to immerse yourself in a destinations culture and landscapes during travel. From hidden local tapas bars to seafood fresh off the boat and grilled on-site, ingredients tell stories of history, while iconic dishes capture the soul of a place and its people. Lonely Planets Food Trails is the ultimate gastronomic guide to 52 premier destinations for unforgettable dining experiences. Our expert authors deliver curated recommendations for global food enthusiasts, spanning fine

While it takes 12 to 24 hours to cover the 163km from Madagascar’s highlands to its Indian Ocean coast, this deliberate pace defines the appeal of the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) railway. Its not just about reaching your destination—its about savoring every moment of the journey. The FCE connects Fianarantsoa (elevation 1,100m) in the highlands with coastal Manakara. Steep gradients, frequent breakdowns, and heavy freight contribute to the slow progress, but the real draw is traversing road

Work-life balance has transformed. Thanks to online freelancing, mobile technology, and co-working spaces, travelers worldwide are earning income on the go. For digital nomads, the globe is their office, blending productivity with adventure. Mastering Remote Work The bleisure trend—combining business and leisure—has evolved with the collaborative economy. Remote work is now accessible to all, not just executives, empowering a new generation of professionals. Early digital nomads included cr

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the bicycle—invented as the velocipede by Karl Drais in 1817—with these expert-recommended multi-day off-road bikepacking routes, perfect for adventurous cyclists seeking stunning global landscapes. Alps 2 Ocean Trail, New Zealand Starting from the foothills of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealands highest peak, this 301km (188-mile) Alps 2 Ocean Trail (alps2ocean.com) descends through the Southern Alps, past vast lakes and rivers across the Canterbury Plains, t

The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is an ideal moment to embrace travel choices that protect our planet, empower local communities, and enrich your adventures. See Bears in Alaska A single transatlantic flight equals a year’s driving emissions. Explore closer to home: North America’s 355 million residents can discover Alaska’s low-impact adventures. Witness its three bear species—especially the threatened polar bear—for an educational, awe-inspiring experience. Ch

Ready to elevate your next family vacation? Step beyond the ordinary with these expert-curated adventure destinations designed to bond your family through thrilling shared experiences. 1. Iceland Iceland offers a perfect blend of family-friendly adventures: dog-sledding, whale watching, glacier hiking, Northern Lights viewing, and relaxing in geothermal hot springs. For the bold, explore inside an active volcano for an unparalleled thrill. 2. New Zealand Renowned for its stunning landscapes

Nothing thrills children more than defying bedtime for an epic adventure. Extend the evening with these five global nighttime experiences that create lifelong family memories. Note: Sleep may be scarce, but as seasoned parents know, the magic far outweighs a full nights rest. Indulge in a Midnight Feast at Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakesh captivates kids with its energy anytime, but it explodes into life at night. Nighttime outings are typically adult fare, making