Searching for the ultimate spot to practice sun salutations amid inspiring surroundings? The world offers endless possibilities. To guide your choice, reflect on your objectives: spiritual enlightenment, detoxification, deep relaxation, emotional catharsis, or exhilarating adventure. Below is our expert-curated selection of the globes premier yoga retreats, each renowned for exceptional experiences grounded in authentic practices. Best for Spiritual Depth and Value Nestled near Neyyar Dam Tiger

Work - exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil. Daydream - a reverie indulged in while awake. When people learn I work for Lonely Planet, their eyes light up with envy, imagining me as a globe-trotting spy uncovering hidden gems or lounging on pristine beaches with a laptop. Our deep passion for travel is real, but crafting those trusted guidebooks demands desk time and dedication. Still, our daydreams keep the wanderlust alive every day. Discover the evocativ

Imagine a vacation that stretches endlessly across Africas diverse landscapes. While unattainable for most, the Tour dAfrique offers the next best thing: a grueling yet exhilarating bicycle odyssey from Cairo to Cape Town. This renowned cycle tour spans 11,953 km (7,375 miles) over four months, traversing remote back roads and delivering lifelong memories, countless blisters, and profound personal growth. Launched in 2003, the inaugural Tour dAfrique set a Guinness World Record for the fastest h

Discover foods so intensely spicy they repel elephants and require chefs to don gas masks. If youre brave enough, dive into our list of the top 10 hottest foods worldwide, curated from Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2011. These fiery favorites showcase global culinary heat. 1. Bhut Jolokia Certified by the Guinness World Records as the worlds hottest pepper, the bhut jolokia—also known as Naga Chilli or Ghost Chilli—hails from northeastern India. Locals have traditionally used it as an elephant r

1. Singapore Airlines Double-Bed Suites Singapore Airlines sets the standard for First Class luxury on its A380 aircraft with custom double-bed suites designed by a renowned French luxury yacht designer. These spacious suites offer complete privacy via sliding blinds, ensuring unparalleled comfort on long-haul flights. Note: Inappropriate activities are strictly prohibited. Available exclusively on A380 routes. Fares start around £4,160 (US$6,445) per person for a return flight from London to Si

In Swahili, safari means journey—a perfect fit for one of Englishs most evocative words. Before packing your floppy hat and khaki vest, discover these author-tested tips for an unforgettable Kenyan safari. Where & When to Go The iconic Maasai Mara defines Kenyas safaris, especially during the Great Migration when over a million wildebeest and zebras draw predators for unparalleled wildlife viewing. Options abound: Rift Valley lakes for aquatic life, Mt Kenyas alpine peaks, Samburu National R

Kenya welcomes travelers of all budgets, but luxury seekers will find unparalleled indulgence. Imagine formal banquet dinners, fine liquors, and elegant table settings on your dream safari—prepare your credit card for an unforgettable adventure. The Luxury Safari Concept Kenyas luxury safari circuit features remote tented camps that evoke the grandeur of big-game hunting expeditions from a century ago. These exclusive retreats are perched above vast savannas or wildlife-rich waterholes, accessib

Dreaming of plunging beneath the waves? From heart-pounding shark dives to luxurious undersea stays and cocktail bars, these immersive experiences reveal the oceans wonders—no Jaws-level fear required. Dive in! 1. Cage Diving with Great Whites, Gansbaai, South Africa The iconic Jaws theme might echo in your mind, but cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaais Shark Alley tops adrenaline lists alongside base jumping. This Southern Cape hotspot offers safe encounters via aluminum cages—or da

Experience the vibrant pulse of local culture at the worlds most renowned markets. Embark on a global tour of these legendary destinations, offering incredible bargains, fresh cuisine, and bustling crowds. 1. Khan Al-Khalili, Egypt Dating back to 1382, Khan Al-Khalili in Cairo features over 900 shops selling glassware, brassware, perfumes, and jewelry. Watch artisans craft items on-site. Explore the Street of the Tentmakers, Cairos last medieval covered market specializing in ornate tents. Enter

Facing ice, wind, and rain this winter? Escape to these sun-soaked cities for reliable warmth and vibrant experiences in December. Mombasa, Kenya Mombasa blends authentic African charm with diverse cultural influences. Expect friendly locals, bustling spice markets inspired by Indias Kerala coast, ornate architecture echoing Moroccan riads, and the historic Fort Jesus built by Portuguese explorers amid a tropical coastal setting. Climate: Expect tropical highs up to 32°C (89°F) throughout the ye

What lies ahead for travel in and around Europe in 2011? As a Lonely Planet expert, Tom Hall shares his top picks to inspire your bookings. London. Get ready for an unforgettable year. Londons role as host to the Royal Wedding will captivate the world, while preparations for the 2012 Olympics energize its vibrant east end. Book early to avoid the crowds—and watch those escalators! Books. Amid digital devices like notebooks, smartphones, and tablets loaded with apps, the classic book makes a come

Mali, the heart of West Africa, boasts profound historical significance alongside stunning sights and diverse cultures. Iconic empires left behind treasures like the legendary city of Timbuktu and the magnificent mudbrick mosque of Djenné. Malis music is equally captivating, captivating global audiences for decades while rooted in centuries-old traditions. Musicians have long served as praise singers and storytellers, remaining vital to Malian society. Plan your trip around Malis premier music f

New Years Eve has passed, and its easy to feel the post-holiday slump. But fear not—vibrant destinations await with seasonal activities to banish those winter blues and reignite your wanderlust. From wildlife spectacles to sun-soaked festivals, here are expert-recommended escapes perfect for this time of year. Wildlife Watching in Antarctica January and February mark Antarcticas austral summer—ideal for exploration despite the chill. With up to 20 hours of daylight, witness penguins hatching egg

Forty years after the Apollo moon landing, space tourism remains elusive. Fortunately, Earth offers stunning landscapes that evoke extraterrestrial wonders, accessible to all adventurers. Explore these premier terrestrial hotspots that mimic alien worlds, from lunar valleys to Martian canyons. Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), Chile Astronaut Buzz Aldrins description of the moons magnificent desolation fits Chiles Valle de la Luna perfectly. Eroded lunar-like landforms, vast dunes, and dist

Mali’s Dogon Country evokes the essence of remote Africa. With no electricity or paved roads linking its villages, it offers an authentic glimpse into intricate Dogon cosmology—a profound tapestry of spiritual meaning and mystery. The architecture clings dramatically to the Bandiagara Escarpment, blending seamlessly with the rock as if born from it. Yet, Dogon Country is far from isolated paradise. Ancient trails now see tourists alongside locals, and sacred woodcarvings hold both spiritual and

One of the greatest joys of travel is immersing yourself in diverse cultures through their unique cuisines. Paradoxically, the rise of global tourism threatens these traditions, as businesses prioritize familiar flavors over rare local specialties. The Slow Food movement addresses this with the Ark of Taste, a prestigious catalog of endangered foods at risk of extinction worldwide. Here are five standout entries from the Ark. By seeking them out, youll enjoy extraordinary flavors while helping p

Explore the Kenyan coast in style aboard a traditional spice boat—a romantic way to journey between destinations. From Mombasas historic old harbor, inquire about passages to Zanzibar, embracing the adventure while prioritizing safety and reputable operators. Mombasa serves as the gateway to Kenyas coast, a historic port once bustling with Portuguese, Indian, Persian, and Arab traders. This fusion shaped its diverse population and eclectic architecture: modern Chinese-inspired structures mingle

Discover our curated selection of premier destinations for exceptional meat-free cuisine—and three spots vegetarians should approach with caution. Singapore: Heaven From bustling hawker markets to upscale specialist restaurants, Singapore boasts over 100 vegetarian eateries, per www.happycow.net. Savor Asias finest flavors—Malaysian, South Indian, diverse Chinese cuisines—including the exquisite Nyonya (Peranakan) style, rich with lemongrass, tamarind, galangal, and coconut milk. While not exclu

While every country showcases diversity, South Africa stands unparalleled in its variety. After visiting Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, discover off-the-beaten-path gems with these expert picks from Lonely Planet Magazine: Drakensberg Mountains The soaring cliffs, deep valleys, and hidden ravines of the Drakensberg (The Berg) mountains offer a breathtaking setting for easy day hikes. Bordering Lesotho, this range doubles as a living museum with ancient rock art, some over thousands of year

Concerned that economic pressures might derail your 2021 travel plans? Dont worry—budget-friendly adventures abound. Even if your currency is weak, you can still explore incredible destinations affordably. By leveraging global economic trends, embracing cost-saving strategies in pricier spots, and choosing emerging locales, you can travel longer for less. Drawn from Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2011 (published November 2010), here are 10 exceptional budget destinations offering maximum value fo