Seoul, a dynamic 24/7 metropolis, pulses with excitement—from towering observation decks and premium Korean barbecue to all-night partying—that can strain your budget. Venture beyond typical tourist spots to discover the citys premier free experiences, proving the best adventures often cost nothing. Enrich your itinerary with scenic walks, historic sites, and unparalleled views through these 28 top free activities in Seoul, curated for travelers seeking value and authenticity. 1. Yun Dong-ju Li

May combines shoulder-season savings with pleasant weather worldwide, offering exceptional value for travelers. Whether youre craving wildlife encounters, cultural festivals, epic journeys, or affordable escapes, our curated roundup sparks wanderlust with top destinations. Best Places to Visit in May for Epic Journeys Trace the legendary Silk Road through Uzbekistans historic gems—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—where ancient mysticism endures amid jagged mountains and desert oases. May also laun

Abandoned places often evoke an eerie silence and a mysterious energy that taps into our innate curiosity. From derelict industrial islands to forgotten monuments, these sites continue to captivate travelers worldwide. Discover seven remarkable abandoned locations and how to experience them safely. 1. Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), Nagasaki, Japan Nicknamed Battleship Island for its warship-like silhouette, Hashima Island was a bustling deep-sea coal-mining community off Nagasakis coast, estab

The COVID-19 outbreak originated in China and rapidly spread across Asia. Now, amid a global pandemic, several Asian countries are facing second waves of imported cases. We invited local residents and writers to share their authentic, firsthand experiences of daily life across the region. Stephen Lioy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The COVID-19 pandemic derailed my wedding, scheduled for March 21 in Istanbul. After the WHO declared a global pandemic on March 11, we advised friends and family against t

The past year has transformed daily life worldwide, disrupting travel and international mobility for work, necessity, or leisure. As restrictions ease, travelers everywhere eagerly anticipate their next adventure. A comprehensive study by travel expert Kuoni, powered by Google data, uncovers the most sought-after 2021 holiday destinations across 131 countries.Google Trends data shows a 124% surge in 2021 holiday searches compared to late March, signaling strong pent-up demand. An interactive map

Lonely Planet has curated a stunning selection of innovative buildings and architectural projects from the Dezeen Awards 2020 longlist. Hosted by the renowned design magazine Dezeen, these awards celebrate the worlds most outstanding architecture, interiors, and design achievements.The Worlds Most Unique New Architectural ProjectsExplore 12 extraordinary projects (Slide 1 of 12).© Rasmus Hjortshøj / Dezeen Awards 2020 longlistLaunch Slideshow

Since 2013, award-winning journalist and National Geographic Fellow Paul Salopek has undertaken an extraordinary 21,000-mile walk across continents, retracing the migration routes of early humans out of Africa. As a seasoned foreign correspondent, he weaves together contemporary stories on politics, climate change, culture, and conflict—humanizing global news through immersive, on-foot reporting. “The walk is primarily a storytelling project. When I was reporting in Africa and elsewhere as a for

Across Japan, world-class meals are always within reach. Restaurants often dedicate generations to mastering a single dish, sourcing the freshest local ingredients and presenting them with artistry. Japanese cuisine shines with regional diversity—a cherished point of pride for locals. Sushi Sushi defines Japanese dining for many. Tokyos iconic nigiri-zushi—hand-pressed seafood atop vinegared rice—has become a global favorite. Indulge at upscale spots or opt for affordable kaiten-zushi (conveyor

As winter temperatures drop across the Northern Hemisphere, embrace the seasons chill with extraordinary activities. Lonely Planets expert authors reveal the worlds top seven winter wonders. Editors note: Always verify the latest travel restrictions and follow official government guidance before planning your trip. 1. Northern Lights in Churchill, Canada Imagine midnight in remote wilderness: pitch-black darkness where you cant see your hand inches from your face. The silence is profound, broken

Asia boasts some of the worlds oldest languages, vibrant storytelling traditions, and a diverse cultural tapestry, making it a paradise for book lovers. From ancient myths and legends to modern classics, comics, poetry, novels, and memoirs, Asian literature spans India to Japan, Mongolia to Sri Lanka, and beyond into the diaspora. It includes epic hymns, modernist masterpieces, accounts of war and colonialism, and intimate stories of love, family, healing, and identity. Curating a definitive lis

Asia offers exceptional stargazing opportunities, from lofty mountain peaks to vast arid deserts, thanks to its diverse landscapes and favorable climates. However, urban hubs like Shanghai and Bangkok suffer from heavy light pollution, obscuring the night sky. Venture into rural areas near national parks and mountains for breathtaking views of star-filled skies and the Milky Way. Optimal viewing occurs during the dry season, especially around or after a new moon. Summer months (May to September)

Vietnam captivates with breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Gaze at endless emerald rice paddies from a scenic train ride, or marvel at Halong Bays jagged limestone islands rising from misty waters. From Mui Nes wind-swept sand dunes viewed from a hot-air balloon to the dramatic karst peaks of the north, Vietnam delivers an enchanting array of natural spectacles. Halong Bay Halong Bays dramatic karst limestone towers and tranquil emerald waters make it Vietnams premier attraction. With over 2

Vietnam captivates with breathtaking natural landscapes at every turn. From train windows framing endless emerald rice paddies to Halong Bays ethereal limestone islands piercing the horizon, and Mui Nes wind-sculpted sand dunes viewed from a hot-air balloon, the country delivers an array of world-class scenery from south to north. Halong Bay Halong Bays dramatic karst limestone peaks rising from emerald waters make it Vietnams premier attraction, featuring over 2,000 islands. Opt for an overnigh

As global travel remains restricted, Lonely Planet revisits its archives of immersive travel stories. This 2013 firsthand account by contributor Amanda Canning offers rare insights into North Korea—the Hermit Kingdom—and the lives of its people beyond international headlines. In Pyongyangs Sunan International Airport arrivals hall, a young woman waits anxiously. Her small mouth is pinched, unsmiling; her pink tweed suit impeccably buttoned, every hair combed precisely around her neat, bespectacl

Relocating abroad is a bold step, driven by love, opportunity, or adventure. While serendipitous friendships, cultural shifts, and chance encounters are unpredictable, selecting the right city can transform your expat experience into something extraordinary.Expats prioritize cities with robust job markets, cultural diversity, vibrant social scenes, and excellent travel connections. Drawing from the 2019 Global Expat Index report—where data remains relevant for its focus on quality-of-life factor

Train travel weaves a spell like no other. Inside, it fosters connections with fellow passengers amid the soothing rhythm of wheels on rails. Outside, it unveils dramatic landscapes, offering profound insights into a nations soul.Draw inspiration from these extraordinary routes featured in the acclaimed book Amazing Train Journeys.The Worlds Most Amazing Scenic Train JourneysThe Reunification Express, VietnamStart – Ho Chi Minh City; End – Hanoi; Departs daily; Distance – 1072 miles (1726km); Du

The world abounds with vivid, captivating destinations that transform travel into a spectrum of color—both literal and metaphorical. Lonely Planet honors these gems in our groundbreaking book Travel by Color, the first guide organized by color palette. Showcasing 400 breathtaking photographs of extraordinary places and events in every hue, it spans from the vivid reds of scarlet macaws in Perus Tambopata National Reserve to the emerald greens of Englands Peak District hills. Discover our curated

Move beyond lunchtime yoga sessions at the gym or solo YouTube practices. After a challenging year, envision sun salutations on Balis beaches or mountain poses in the Himalayas. Its time for transformative yoga travel.Post-pandemic, blending yoga with travel offers profound unwinding in stunning global locales, from Spain to Peru. Whether refining your practice or restarting it, these destinations provide expert-led sessions, serene settings, and restorative adventures.Discover six premier yoga

New data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reveals that 31 additional animal species have gone extinct. It also highlights alarming trends for freshwater dolphins, sharks, and rays. The IUCN Red List now includes 128,918 species, with 35,765 threatened with extinction. Recent assessments show over 316 chondrichthyan species—sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras—at risk. The tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) has shifted from Data Deficient to Endangered, placing all freshwat

2020 brought unprecedented challenges, but it also delivered moments of profound hope and resilience. These uplifting stories highlight positive developments in conservation, culture, accessibility, and human achievement, reminding us of the good that persists even in tough times. Discover our top 10 curated highlights. 1. Ugandas Mountain Gorillas Experience a Baby Boom Amid global concerns over climate change and habitat loss, Ugandas mountain gorilla population saw a remarkable baby boom. In