Craving an exclusive romantic escape thats truly yours? Explore this curated selection from Lonely Planets acclaimed Best in Travel 2011 guide, showcasing the globes most secluded desert islands to reignite your wanderlust. 1. Torres Strait Islands, Australia Image by Killer White Fluff At Australias northern frontier, the Torres Strait Islands evoke a pre-colonial era. Extending north from Cape York Peninsula, these 274 islands preserve a vibrant Indigenous culture bridging Aboriginal Aus

Seeking a nature escape that preserves the environment without sacrificing comfort? This curated selection from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences highlights the worlds top 10 eco-lodges, where sustainability meets luxury. Chumbe Island Coral Park, Tanzania Perched on a pristine coral island 12km south of Zanzibar Town, this eco-lodge offers seven solar-powered bungalows overhanging the sea. Enjoy a 3km sandbar, crystal-clear ocean swells, baobab trees, and giant coconut crabs. Composting

Move beyond birthdays and anniversaries—immerse yourself in these extraordinary global traditions that define cultures worldwide. High Tea at The Ritz, London, England Secure a prime seat in the Palm Court with views of the Royal Gardens, where discerning guests turn heads. Indulge in scones with clotted Cornish cream, freshly baked pastries, and sandwiches ranging from classic cucumber to smoked salmon. While the cuisine is exceptional, the true allure lies in the elegant atmosphere—dress to im

Step beyond the sidelines and immerse yourself in authentic dance experiences with expert instructors in the birthplaces of these vibrant global traditions. 1. Flamenco, Andalucía, Spain Andalucía, Spains romantic southern region with its rugged mountains and whitewashed villages, is the soul of flamenco. This captivating dance evokes images of graceful performers swirling to rhythmic guitar, castanets, and handclaps. In Seville, Cádiz, and Granada, professional schools welcome all levels—from d

Escape to sun-soaked paradise with these exceptional beaches ideal for hammock lounging. Excerpted from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences, discover some of the worlds most stunning coastal gems – just pack your sunscreen and unwind. Dahab, Egypt Dahab, meaning gold in Arabic, earns its name from its golden sands. Nestled on the Sinai deserts edge, this hidden gem offers budget-friendly beachfront stays where you can step straight from your bed into the sea. Backed by rugged mountains, the

Coffee sparks passion, debate, and devotion worldwide. As the second most valuable commodity after petroleum, it inevitably enhances any journey, no matter the destination. Heres our expert guide to the finest coffee experiences globally. Addis Ababa Ethiopia, often hailed as coffees birthplace, offers it everywhere. Dont miss a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony—a mesmerizing ritual. For a quick fix, head to Tomoca, a beloved Italian-style café serving exceptional brews. Havana Cubans savor

For nature lovers, southern Africa evokes the iconic Big Five—elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and buffalo—often spotted on thrilling safaris in premier parks and reserves. While South Africa dominates as the top safari hub, neighboring Mozambique offers a stunning beach extension to your wildlife journey, showcasing a spectacular underwater realm. Mozambiques 2,470km coastline—roughly the distance from London to Istanbul—remained largely inaccessible during the 1980s and 90s due to civil war

St. Patricks Day, originally a religious holiday in Ireland, has become a worldwide celebration. Drawing from expert travel guides like Lonely Planet, weve curated surprising Irish pubs in far-flung destinations to highlight their global appeal. Grand Khaan Irish Pub, Mongolia Believe it or not, Ulaanbaatar boasts Mongolias top Irish pub. Expect lively crowds, smoky ambiance, flowing beer, and thumping music. The menu features hearty pub grub including fresh salads, while an attached café offers

Experience heart-pounding thrills with these ultimate adrenaline adventures from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences. Strap in for the worlds most exhilarating escapades. 1. Big Shot Ride, USA Perched atop the 280m-high, 110-story Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, the Big Shot delivers unmatched views and an intense launch. Compressed air propels you 49m upward in just over two seconds, reaching over 300m total height for an unforgettable rush. Located on the boulevard at the Stratosphere Ho

Experience the raw power and stunning beauty of the planets mightiest waterfalls, from thunderous plunges to serene cascades. 1. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe Image by MAZZALIARMADI.IT Explorer David Livingstone named these iconic falls after Queen Victoria. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders, they deliver over 12,000 cubic metres of water per second at peak flow, plunging 108m into the gorge below. Vast mist clouds rise from the Zambezi River. View them from above, b

Scale icy glaciers, iron bridges, ancient temples, and rainforest giants—discover the world’s most rewarding ascents. Curated from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences, these 10 climbs range from accessible adventures to extreme challenges. Stunning views await, with safe descents assured. 1. Tikal, Guatemala Image by mockney_piers Climb the steep steps of a 1,250-year-old Mayan temple in the ancient megacity of Tikal, rising above Guatemala’s Petén jungle—a pinnacle Central American exper

If youre unfamiliar with the term twitcher, this guide might just awaken your inner bird enthusiast. A twitcher is a dedicated birdwatcher who travels the globe to spot rare species. With over 10,000 bird species worldwide, twitchers embark on epic journeys armed with cameras and binoculars. Discover these 10 premier hotspots teeming with extraordinary avian life. 1. Papua New Guinea Image by tarotastic This remote archipelago boasts pristine natural habitats. Highlights include over 40 spec

Ethiopian breakfast favorites include enkulal tibs (scrambled eggs with green and red peppers, tomatoes, and onions, served with bread), ful (chickpea and butter purée), and injera fir fir (shredded injera mixed with butter and berbere, a complex spice blend of up to 16 ingredients). For lunch and dinner, staples like wat, kitfo, and tere sega are served alongside ubiquitous injera. Injera Injera, Ethiopias national staple, forms the base of nearly every meal. This fermented, spongy flatbread r

The earliest mosques were modeled on the Prophet Muhammads house in Medina, featuring an open sahn (courtyard), arcaded riwaq (porticos), and a covered prayer hall—often domed, known as the sahn al-salah or musalla. A vaulted niche in the wall, called the mihrab, indicates the qibla, the direction of Mecca toward which Muslims pray. The minbar (pulpit) traditionally has three steps; legend holds that the Prophet preached from the top step, while his successor Abu Bakr used the middle one. Exquis

Infuse your travels with profound purpose. Embark on a pilgrimage to these 10 extraordinary spiritual sites revered across cultures and faiths worldwide. 1. Source of the Ganges (India) Hinduisms holiest river, the Ganges, originates in the Himalayan peaks of Uttarakhand (noted accurately as near Gangotri in Uttar Pradesh region context). It flows over 2,500 km to the Bay of Bengal. For devout Hindus, the source at Gaumukh is sacred. Thousands trek 24 km from Gangotri through stunning valleys to

Featured in Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences, these ancient sites—dating back thousands of years—continue to captivate with their grandeur, mystery, and enduring legacy. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Egypt is renowned for its World Heritage sites, and the Pyramids of Giza embody both its rich heritage and global iconic status. The sole surviving ancient Wonder of the World, these 4,000-year-old structures uphold their legendary reputation through precise geometry and enigmatic construction. Wi

Your honeymoon deserves to be extraordinary and one-of-a-kind. From car-free Baltic islands with windswept beaches to exclusive Argentine wines rarely tasted abroad, these offbeat destinations rarely make standard wedding itineraries: 1. Nestle in a beach basket for two on Hiddensee Island, Germany. This pristine Baltic gem bans motorized vehicles, offering horse-and-carriage rides or bike explorations. Stroll dunes and sandy shores, or cozy up in a Strandkorb—a wicker beach chair for couples th

Discover exceptional island-hopping adventures in our curated guide to the worlds premier sailing destinations, drawn from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences. Whether youre a novice or seasoned sailor, these spots offer unparalleled beauty and accessibility. 1. British Virgin Islands Steady trade winds, calm currents, and over 40 islands with countless protected bays make the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) a sailors paradise. Hundreds of anchorages are visible from one another, earning it t

Plants can possess an undeniable allure for botanists and nature enthusiasts. Certain species inspire extraordinary adventures, such as scaling muddy cliffs for a rare tropical flower or trekking to remote eastern Oregon for a tiny fern. These pursuits highlight the passion that drives plant lovers worldwide. Sexy plants transcend mere suggestive shapes. Botanists are captivated by rarity, unusual forms, evolutionary isolation, and elusive wild sightings that spark envy among peers. Often found

In todays global business landscape, with teams spanning Tokyo, London, and beyond Baltimore, the right location can transform negotiations. Our curated top 10 destinations prioritize focus, luxury, and inspiration, minimizing distractions from the natural world to drive results. 1. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Equipped with conference-sized rooms and private seaplane transfers from Malé, this resort blends productivity with paradise. End meetings by dipping toes in the India