Discover breathtaking hikes lasting hours or days, all within the worlds most vibrant cities. Adapted from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Adventures, these trails blend urban energy with natural wonders. Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro Aerial shot of Rio de Janeiro surrounded by the Tijuca Forest. Image by Paddy Eckersley / Digital Vision / Getty Images. Brazil’s first national park and the world’s largest urban forest lies at the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Replanted as Atlantic rainforest in the 19t

Test your geography knowledge: Can you locate the Comoros Islands on a map? Derived from the Arabic word for moon, Qamar, this captivating yet undervisited archipelago nestles between Madagascar and Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. From the 15th century, it served as a vital trading hub for Arab, Persian, African, and European merchants. France annexed the islands throughout the 19th century; in 1975, three—Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan—gained independence, while Mayotte remains a French ove

To celebrate Lonely Planet’s sponsorship of the iconic 1917 Curtiss JN-4 ‘Flying Jenny’ Biplane’s commemorative air tour this summer, we’re exploring aviations rich history and its lasting influence on travel. Discover 10 extraordinary ways to take to the skies in the world’s most stunning destinations, drawn from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Adventures. Track the Jenny’s progress across the USA and learn about this historic aircraft at www.friendsofjenny.org. Paragliding over Pokhara, Nepal

Cat enthusiasts worldwide adore feline videos and memes, but why stay indoors? Embark on these curated cat-centric travel destinations for an unforgettable adventure with your favorite animals. Furry friends relaxing at a cat cafe. Image by Marser / Flickr Open / Getty Images. Cat Cafes, Japan Japans urban spaces are compact, yet cat lovers thrive through innovative cat cafes. Originating in Taiwan, these havens exploded in popularity in Japan, with over 150 locations nationwide, including

Discover Lonely Planets top 10 countries for an extraordinary 2014. From hosting major events and unveiling new attractions to elevating traveler experiences, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures. 1. Brazil All eyes on the pitch for 2014’s World Cup A game of beach football in Rio. Image by Yasuhide Fumoto / The Image Bank / Getty Images. Brazil boasts endless sun-kissed beaches, vibrant green rainforests crowning mountains, and picturesque colonial villages. In 2014, it host

Your honeymoon is the perfect time to dream big: venture farther, linger longer, savor exquisite cuisine, and craft romantic memories that last a lifetime. Hot air balloons take off in the early morning light over Göreme town in Cappadocia. Image by Christopher Pillitz / The Image Bank / Getty Images. Cappadocia, Turkey Cappadocias fairy chimneys are a surreal wonder, best experienced together. Explore on foot or by car, but nothing beats a dawn hot-air balloon ride over the dramatic landsc

Discover exceptional travel inspiration for 2014. Lonely Planets expert team has handpicked these 10 regions for their stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and emerging sustainable appeal. 1. Sikkim, India Green is the colour A bird’s-eye view over Yumthang Valley in Sikkim, India. Image by Image Source / Getty Images. Sikkim received national awards in 2012 as India’s cleanest state and for its pioneering tourism projects. It leads in responsible travel with sustainable, commun

Recognized in 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States, these tiny, remote, and environmentally vulnerable paradises deserve your responsible tourism. Discover 10 extraordinary destinations that are as glorious as they are in need of visitors. Palau Snorkelling in Jellyfish Lake, Palau. Image by Reinhard Dirscherl / Waterframe / Getty Images. The Micronesian nation of Palau features over 200 lush limestone islets in its Rock Islands archipelago, resembling giant gree

In challenging economic times, Lonely Planet experts recommend traveling more, not less—but choose destinations wisely. These handpicked spots deliver exceptional value, ensuring your wallet stays happy while you create lifelong memories. Greek Islands View of Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Cove, on Zakynthos Island. Image by Dave Porter Peterborough Uk / Photolibrary / Getty Images. Greece has faced economic challenges, including austerity measures, high unemployment, and protests

These premier wellness retreats deliver intensive fitness training paired with luxurious recovery, fostering profound physical and mental transformation. Pure Kauai, Hawaii, USA Woman on a mountain top looking out to the ocean surrounding Kauai, Hawaii. Image by Chad Riley / OJO Images / Getty Images. Leverage Kauais stunning natural landscapes as your gym with Pure Kauais bespoke fitness vacations. Accommodations include private cottages or villas, attended by personal trainers, health-foc

Marking the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2014, immerse yourself in genuine local life through these exceptional homestay opportunities around the globe. Casas Particulares, Cuba Cuban men sitting in a doorway. Image by Mark Hannaford / AWL Images / Getty Images. Step into a retro haven filled with quirky antiques, faded family photos, and lush plants. A gentle breeze drifts through paint-flaked shutters as the table groans under fresh prawns and lively discuss

Even seasoned travelers encounter mishaps—getting lost, cultural faux pas, or unexpected illnesses abroad. Lonely Planets experienced writers and staff have their share of such adventures turned awry. Colorful Mexican Day of the Dead skulls. Image by David Pedre / E+ / Getty Images. With Halloween approaching, its the perfect time to share these whispered tales of woe. From fireworks gone wrong to wildlife encounters and armed standoffs, here are some of our most harrowing travel stories, drawn

If holiday songs like Oh ho, the mistletoe trigger thoughts of uh oh, the stress and woe, its time for a dose of calm this season. Stress and anxiety can overshadow festivities, but cultures worldwide offer proven ways to stay centered amid the chaos. Lonely Planets Calm: Secrets to Serenity from the Cultures of the World explores diverse global approaches to tranquility, packed with practical tips. In the spirit of the holidays, here are time-tested strategies from around the globe to reduce st

Picture alpine huts, chocolate crêpes, steaming hot tubs, and endless glühwein—the classic ski resort scene. But imagine active volcanoes, African sunsets, or a warming plate of rogan josh after hitting the slopes. Après-ski isnt just fondue and saunas. Discover 10 unexpected destinations for world-class winter sports. These offbeat spots offer thrilling skiing and snowboarding amid stunning, unconventional backdrops. From high-altitude Himalayan runs to volcanic peaks, heres where hardcore enth

2013 was a whirlwind year for travel, featuring iconic new landmarks like Londons Shard and New Yorks One World Trade Center, alongside aviation headlines such as the Boeing Dreamliners early challenges and Ryanairs unexpected pivot to customer-friendly service. Travelers faced disruptions from the US government shutdown, which closed national parks, to Middle East instability—though destinations like Tunisia showed promising recovery. Some familiar delays persisted: Berlins new airport remained

New Years resolutions often fizzle out fast, but travel goals endure. At Lonely Planet, our expert team is ditching gym promises for epic 2014 journeys: scaling volcanoes, uncovering remote landscapes, and mastering snowboarding (with backup ready). Discover our achievable, inspiring travel resolutions. Dance Up a Storm at Eurovision Im cranking the wind machine to cyclonic and grabbing a glittering ticket for my first Eurovision Song Contest in charming Copenhagen, Denmark. Worth the long haul

Classic cars transcend mere aesthetics—they infuse every journey with timeless soul and character. Queue up your favorite playlist, buckle up, and embark on these legendary road trips. Volkswagen Camper, UK Campervan driving down a road in Hampshire, England. Image by Ian Cumming / Axiom Photographic Agency / Getty Images. The Volkswagen Type 2 campervan was the ultimate hippie travelers ride—even the cartoonish Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers owned one. Today, these iconic Veedubs star in Br

Iconic national parks like Kenyas Masai Mara, South Africas Kruger, and Tanzanias Serengeti are legendary for their dramatic landscapes, lounging lion prides, and vast elephant herds. Yet West Africas Mole, Pendjari, and Waza reserves rival them in biodiversity, offer safaris at a fraction of the cost, and guarantee crowd-free experiences. Explore our top five serene West African wildlife havens. Two bull elephants clash aggressively in Mole National Park. Image by Mint Images - Frans Lantin

As South Africa heads to the polls, it also honors the landmark 27 April 1994 election—the first time all eligible citizens, irrespective of race, could vote. Join this curated trail of key locations tied to the nations journey to freedom, as detailed by Lonely Planet author Simon Richmond. Qunu South African women in the fields near Qunu. Image by Jordi Bernabeu Farrus / CC BY 2.0. “It is a beautiful country of rolling hills, fertile valleys and a thousand rivers and streams which keeps th

Sudan, the vast North African nation, is often depicted in global media as a barren desert scarred by conflict, war, and hardship. While certain challenges remain, this portrayal overlooks the countrys extraordinary historical treasures, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. Few travelers visit Sudan, yet those who do rave about its unparalleled archaeological riches: ancient temples, monuments, and tombs boasting more pyramids than Egypt. These sites are remarkably pristine, where visitors