While beaches and sunshine appeal to some, dedicated skiers and snowboarders thrive on crisp mountain air and thrilling descents. Why settle for one season? Explore premier global destinations for skiing every month, from Scandinavia to New South Wales, ensuring perpetual winter pursuits. January – Salt Lake City, USA Utahs legendary powder snow inspires awe among skiers and snowboarders. Since 1985, state license plates have boasted the greatest snow on Earth, a claim backed by reality. The fo

Embracing sustainable tourism doesnt require abandoning flights or confining trips to remote areas. Instead, channel your wanderlust into destinations implementing proven initiatives to minimize tourisms environmental footprint. Travel can drive meaningful positive impact. Begin your eco-conscious adventure at these innovative locations, featuring energy-efficient hotels, community-supporting tours, and wildlife conservation activities that prioritize long-term sustainability. Lake Garda, Italy

For long-distance travel, consider skipping the plane in favor of an overnight train. These journeys offer immersive, fun, and eco-friendly experiences that benefit both travelers and the planet. Train travel evokes timeless romance with its leisurely pace, soothing rhythm, and freedom to gaze out the window. Sleeper trains elevate this, serving as mobile hotels where you retire in one country and wake in another—enjoying stunning views, conversations with fellow passengers, shared snacks and dr

While Africas Big Five draw crowds, Nigers Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves offer a unique glimpse into resilient desert wildlife that has endured in one of the Saharas most extreme environments. Spanning 77,300 square kilometers, these reserves in northern Niger safeguard a dramatic landscape of rugged granite mountains and vast sand seas—among the Saharas most spectacular. As Africas largest protected area, its immense scale leaves visitors in awe. From base camp in Agadez, expeditions head nor

During Tanzanias dry season, Katavi National Park—located 40 km south of Mpanda—transforms into a breathtaking spectacle. Thousands of hippos from East Africas renowned parks converge in the narrow, muddy Katuma River, a waterway so shallow its nearly jumpable. The parks standout attraction is the series of natural mud baths along the Katuma River. Here, Katavis 4,000 hippos cluster densely, akin to seal colonies, sparking intense daily territorial clashes among dominant males—often marked by dr

Seasoned travelers know how to snatch sleep amid chaos—crowded overnight buses, snoring-filled hostels, or stuffy rooms without AC. Yet some nights challenge even the hardiest adventurers. Here are seven of the most unforgettable worst nights sleep stories from real globetrotters: A Petrol-Fueled Nightmare: Senegal to Mali I took the train from Tambacounda, Senegal, to Bamako, Mali—a three-day journey. It arrived three days late at midnight, packed to overflowing with even more passengers crammi

Despite initial impressions of chaotic traffic and crowded sidewalks, Cairo excels as a walkers paradise. Its compact districts, flat terrain, and rapidly shifting scenery make it ideal for spontaneous, map-free explorations. Discover the top spots to stroll throughout the day, drawing from firsthand experience. Islamic Cairo in the Morning Begin before 7:30am with tea at historic Fishawis, watching Khan el-Khalili awaken. For sightseeing, briefly stroll up Bein al-Qasrayn to admire stunning arc

As Halloween and Día de los Muertos draw near, thoughts of the spooky and supernatural fill the air. Yet for seasoned travelers, historic cemeteries offer profound experiences anytime—from serene reflection to glimpses of cultural legends. Discover our curated selection of the worlds most remarkable burial grounds. These sites blend history, architecture, and natural beauty, attracting visitors worldwide. Heres our expert picks, in no particular order. Cimitière du Montparnasse, Paris While Père

At 3,500 meters, a piercing wind cuts through thin clothing, bringing icy rain that stings the skin. Clouds drape the surrounding mountains in shades of blue, veiling distant horizons. An eagle launches from the Meket Escarpments edge, tracing elegant circles below. Behind a curtain of rain, the sun dips into a bed of clouds. Night soon engulfs this highland fringe, poised between earth and sky. Exhaustion from the days trek through the Wollo highlands mixes with cold shivers, yet this moment f

Exploring Madagascars Central Highlands in Betsileo territory, I never imagined Id wrestle a zebu bull. Yet, thats precisely what unfolded during a traditional savika (SAH-vee-kah), where young men demonstrate bravery by gripping the humps of enraged bulls and holding on amid the chaos. Determined to witness this firsthand, I sought out an authentic event. Savika events fall into two categories: professional competitions in arenas like Ambositra, or intimate village ceremonies tied to cultural

Weve all escaped into books or films, dreaming that their enchanting worlds were real. Many beloved fictional destinations draw inspiration from actual locations that deeply resonated with their creators. Discover our top 10 mythical places—complete with real-world counterparts. Which ones would you visit?   10. Hundred Acre Wood Home to Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and friends, the lush Hundred Acre Wood mirrors Englands Ashdown Forest in Sussex. This idyllic spo

As a new decade begins, reflection is inevitable. Lonely Planet turned to our founders, authors, and travel editors for their insights on travel in the 2000s—the highlights, lowlights, humorous mishaps, dramatic moments, and visions for the future. Tom Hall, UK Travel Editor Tom Hall selected Ethiopia as his top travel highlight of the decade, praising its profound history and adventure. His biggest disappointment? A disappointingly unluxurious luxury sleeper train across Europe. And his notable

Discover captivating lesser-known neighborhoods in global cities through this excerpt from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences. These districts are cherished by locals for their authentic charm and unique vibes. 1. Koreatown, Toronto, Canada Toronto, one of the worlds most multicultural cities, offers hidden treasures like Koreatown. Head west along Bloor St, past the indie Bloor Cinema and quirky Honest Eds discount store, to cross into Korean territory. Bilingual signs lead to chobab (sus

Morocco boasts some of the worlds most stunning and rugged mountain ranges, many visited by only a few adventurers annually, while others remain untouched by outsiders. Its diverse climates make it an ideal destination for trekkers year-round. No trip to Morocco is complete without a trek through these majestic peaks. High Atlas Mountains North Africas highest range, the High Atlas stretches diagonally across Morocco from the Atlantic coast near Agadir to northern Algeria—nearly 1,000 km in l

For many travelers, gastronomy is the highlight of any trip. Discover Lonely Planets top 10 foodie holidays, featuring the worlds most mouth-watering iconic national dishes that showcase culinary heritage and local flavors. Tapas in Barcelona, Spain Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes in tomato sauce), calamares fritos (fried squid), boquerones (anchovies), croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes), chorizo (pork sausage), pimientos asados (roasted peppers), albóndigas (meatballs), and berenjenas gratinada

Madagascar offers unparalleled natural wonders unlike anywhere else on Earth. Discover four exceptional experiences that showcase its unique biodiversity, culture, and hospitality. Trek the Rainforest and Soak in Natural Hot Springs Parc National de Ranomafana is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and lemur-filled rainforests. Start your day with a guided dawn trek to spot elusive bamboo lemurs. Later, cross a suspension bridge over the villages rushing river to reach private hot tubs. Sin

Facing cash-flow challenges or recession worries? No budget? No problem. In this excerpt from Lonely Planets 1000 Ultimate Experiences, discover destinations that deliver extraordinary adventures without breaking the bank. India India has long been a backpackers paradise for affordable travel. Beyond Bollywood, elephant rides, and chaotic traffic, explore the northern regions. Trek the towering peaks of Ladakh with crisp mountain air, or surf the untouched waves of Port Blair in the Bay of Benga

Pack a journal for your family East Africa trip! Its ideal for capturing thoughts, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. Describe the Serengeti’s starry skies or a lions proud stride with its prey. It keeps you entertained when devices die or family time drags, and its a safe space to vent frustrations—youll laugh about it later. Plus, it impresses your English teacher during school absences. Earn your PADI Scuba Diving certification on Kenyas Watamu Coast. A bit of classroom time pays off with a

Discover the worlds greatest comeback cities in this expert excerpt from Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2011. Once teetering on the edge of obscurity, these urban gems have transformed their turbulent histories into irresistible attractions for discerning travelers. 1. Berlin, Germany Post-WWII Stalinist architecture along Karl-Marx-Allee was once derided as wedding-cake style. Today, with communism a relic, these Soviet-era landmarks are preserved with ironic flair. After the Berlin Wall fell, d

Thanksgiving is Americas beloved holiday, celebrated with relaxed family gatherings, hearty meals, football, and no gift-giving stress. Its origins date to 1621, when Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people—and reportedly learned to catch eel. For many Americans, the holiday means heading home. To truly connect with its core, however, consider traveling farther afield. Namesake Origins: Plymouth, England While the first American Thanksgiving occurred