Uzbekistan has long enchanted adventurous travelers with its Silk Road treasures. The historic cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva showcase some of the worlds most stunning Islamic architecture. Vibrant bazaars, remote desert citadels, traditional silk workshops, and the poignant Aral Sea offer world-class experiences. Its also an ideal base for treks and explorations across Central Asia. Past deterrents—complex visas, Soviet-era restrictions, and human rights concerns—are changing rapidly f

Busan, South Koreas dynamic second-largest city, offers a vibrant culinary scene defined by bustling markets, legendary street foods, and inventive takes on classic Korean dishes. Its coastal setting delivers unparalleled fresh seafood, drawing food lovers worldwide. Paired with stunning ocean vistas, energetic nightlife, and a flourishing arts and cinema culture, Busan tops travelers lists as Koreas premier vacation destination. Come hungry and loosen your belt for these authentic, one-of-a-kin

From Christmas Islands red crabs to Rottnests charming quokkas, few places are as iconic for their wildlife as Indonesias Komodo National Park. Spanning a 603 sq km archipelago in the Lesser Sunda Islands between East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the thriving habitat of the formidable Komodo dragon—a monitor lizard that can reach 3 meters in length—amid idyllic islands fringed by turquoise seas. Beyond these legendary lizards, the park offers world-clas

No need to escape the city for an adrenaline rush. Lonely Planets local experts reveal exhilarating urban adventures in some of the worlds biggest cities, from inline skating through Paris to epic spice challenges in Singapore. For more ideas on finding adventure close to home, explore Lonely Planet’s Everyday Adventures. Wakeboard in the Heart of Seoul Seouls 25.6 million residents make finding a quiet spot by the Han River challenging enough. For true thrill-seekers, wakeboarding offers an ex

Can children thrive amid priceless artworks? Far from the bull in a china shop stereotype, many world-class art museums welcome families with engaging programs that captivate young minds.Early exposure to art boosts childrens creativity, academic success, motor skills, confidence, and focus. These parent-approved galleries offer ideal family outings at home or abroad. Plan your visit to one of these top destinations today.NGV International, Melbourne, AustraliaAustralias oldest art museum, the N

If you have a sweet tooth, explore the worlds beloved local candies. Tasting them offers not just indulgence, but a rich cultural experience. Discover top destinations for these sugary treasures, from unique Kit Kat flavors in Tokyo to marzipan treats in Germany. Discover Turkish Delight and More in Istanbul’s Historic Spice Bazaar Over 400 years old, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar bursts with vibrant colors: golden turmeric, red chilies, dried rose petals, coffee beans, and Anatolian honey. Among t

Vaping may be legal in your home country, but possessing an e-cigarette can lead to severe penalties in certain destinations worldwide. A World Health Organization report questioning their role in smoking cessation has prompted many nations to impose strict bans. Recently, Cambodia, parts of India, Lebanon, the Philippines, and Vietnam have introduced stringent vaping prohibitions, with harsh penalties for violations. A dream vacation could quickly become a nightmare for unwary travelers. T

Thrill-seekers take note: The worlds longest glass-bottomed bridge in Chinas Hebei Province offers a breathtaking walk suspended 218 meters above a stunning valley. Stretching 488 meters across steep cliffs in the Hongyagu Scenic Area, this 4-meter-wide engineering marvel provides panoramic views of surrounding mountains and waterfalls through its transparent glass floor. Constructed with over 1,000 panels of high-strength transparent glass, visitors must wear protective shoe gloves to

No boat needed. Discover eight extraordinary islands accessible by foot when the tide recedes. Lace up your shoes, time your visit with low tide, and uncover pathways to fairy-tale castles, sacred shrines, Viking ruins, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Brough of Birsay, Orkney, Scotland This remote tidal island in Orkney boasts layers of history. Pictish settlements from the 7th-8th centuries endure, alongside remarkable 10th-century Norse Viking hall-houses. The 12th-century ruins of St Peters

Crave authentic, immersive travel experiences that also create lasting positive impact for local communities? Yes, its possible—through social enterprises in tourism. These innovative businesses blend profit with purpose, allowing you to enjoy unique adventures while directly supporting the places you visit. What Are Social Enterprises? Social enterprises mirror NGOs in their commitment to social and environmental missions but operate as sustainable businesses. They generate revenue through m

Guangzhou, Chinas third-largest city and the vibrant heart of the Pearl River Delta megalopolis, boasts a rich history as a key South China Sea trading port. Its colonial past has fostered a culturally diverse society amid a regional population exceeding 130 million. Today, as the capital of Guangdong province—formerly known as Canton—Guangzhou stands as a dynamic metropolis featuring cutting-edge architecture, world-renowned Cantonese cuisine, and diverse neighborhoods to explore. Its one of

Its 2 a.m. on a Saturday night in Seoul, and the local hangout is buzzing. Finding a seat is tough, but eats are affordable, and drinks are a steal. This vibrant spot isnt a trendy bar—its a neighborhood convenience store turned nightlife gem. Whether youre escaping the heat with air-conditioning, enjoying a cool evening breeze, or warming up on a chilly Korean winter night, convenience stores offer endless appeal. Grab a drink, pull up a seat—its often better than the citys hottest clubs. Heres

Craving a beach escape? A movie night showcasing these cinematic shores can whisk you away virtually. Discover exotic coves and dramatic coastlines from your favorite films—then plan a trip to experience their real-world allure at these 10 standout locations. Barjoska Beach, Vis, Croatia – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) Standing in for a Greek island, Viss rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters deliver an authentic star turn in the all-singing, all-dancing sequel. Once a restricted milita

Its midnight on the beach, wading cautiously through low-tide rock pools. Waves crash rhythmically, illuminated only by your headlamp. Spotting black, spiky sea anemones in the crevices, you switch off the light, enveloped in darkness. Gently stirring the shallow water with your feet reveals the magic: bioluminescent Noctiluca organisms sparkle like underwater fireflies or fleeting shooting stars—a rare natural spectacle visible only under perfect conditions. This star sand, as locals call it

Science and fun can go hand in hand. Move beyond dull textbook lessons to these world-renowned museums, featuring immersive exhibits that blend play with education for unforgettable family experiences. Discover how these global attractions make science accessible and exciting for children during your next family adventure. Where Art and Science Collide The ArtScience Museum in Singapore masterfully fuses art and science in a cutting-edge interactive space that captivates visitors of all ages.

From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and the remote Pacific, craft breweries are flourishing in unexpected island paradises. Explore eight standout islands worldwide that are captivating beer enthusiasts with innovative, local brews. Taiwan: Tea-Infused and Smoked Plum Ales Taiwans craft beer scene is thriving, led by Taihu Brewing with stylish taprooms in Taipei, including one in a renovated Airstream trailer. Enthusiasts flock to sample brews featuring local flavors like barley tea, smo

Its a truth universally acknowledged among avid travelers: despite exhaustive research, even the most anticipated trips can go awry. A subpar hotel, unreliable guide, or dubious freshly caught oysters can overshadow a destinations charm, leaving you yearning for a do-over. To celebrate these hindsight-is-20/20 moments, Lonely Planets experienced staff revisit their travel mishaps—from Honduras to Langkawi—and reveal how theyd perfect the experience next time. A Hair-Raising Horseback Adventur

Macau, often overshadowed by its dynamic neighbor Hong Kong or synonymous with its glittering casino resorts, offers far more. As a Special Administrative Region of China and former Portuguese colony for over 400 years, it features a distinctive blend of European and Chinese influences in its culture, cuisine, and architecture. This fusion shines brightest in Taipa Village, a cultural haven on Taipa Island. Despite the adjacent Cotai Strips casino boom, it preserves its pastel-hued houses, tr

Traveling with friends on a group holiday or escaping romantically with a partner offers exciting options. However, a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Agoda reveals a surge in solo travel, as more people seek relaxation and immersion in new lifestyles. The Solo Travel Trends 2018 study polled travelers from Asia, the USA, Europe, and Australia on ideal solo destinations and motivations. Globally, relaxation emerged as the top reason, followed by escaping routine and discovering new cult

Early risers may claim the best travel experiences, but night owls know the true magic unfolds after dark. Far from just neon-lit streets, Lonely Planets experienced contributors reveal their most bizarre and memorable nighttime escapades—from après-ski chaos in the Alps to glowing hedgehogs on Alderneys golf course. Next trip, sleep in and extend your adventures into the night. ‘It’s all downhill from here’ in Val Thorens I traveled to Val Thorens for its legendary après-ski scene. After a f