Make 2011 unforgettable with these meaningful, globe-spanning experiences, drawn from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011. From jungle treks and cricket fever to historic races and timeless rituals, heres our expert-curated list of the years top 10 activities. 1. Hug a Tree in the Amazon The United Nations has declared 2011 the International Year of the Forest, with events worldwide from El Salvador to Bulgaria aimed at promoting and preserving global woodlands. Celebrate by visiting the ultimat

In this insightful extract from Lonely Planet Magazine, Lindsay Brown—author of Lonely Planets Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra guide—shares essential etiquette tips for eating like a local in India. Most Indians eat with their right hand, using the fingertips. Never use your left hand, which is traditionally reserved for hygiene tasks like toilet use. Follow this simple three-step plan to dine authentically: First, always wash your hands thoroughly before sitting down to eat, especially in a home. N

Discover extraordinary bars where innovative designs and immersive themes transform a simple drink into an unforgettable experience. Join us on a global tour of these unique establishments. Giger Bar, Chur & Château St Germain, Switzerland Swiss artist H.R. Giger, famed for his designs in the film Alien, inspired these bars with dark, biomechanical interiors. The atmosphere evokes the eerie tomb from the movie, complete with uniquely shaped seating that immerses patrons in its otherworldly a

Lonely Planet authors are always on the move, exploring destinations worldwide to keep our guidebooks current and reliable. Each month, Lonely Planet Magazine features their firsthand reports, offering fresh insights into the places theyre visiting. Heres what our expert authors shared this January: West Londons Historic Station Transformed into a Vibrant Supermarket The terms supermarket and attractive rarely go together, but Londons Union Market at Fulham Broadway underground station is c

Thailand enchants first-time visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, welcoming hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. This exotic paradise blends mystery with accessibility, where genuine Thai warmth makes every guest feel at home. The best time to visit is November to February for pleasant weather; opt for April to October to avoid crowds and enjoy fewer tourists.Celebrated for its world-class beaches, vibrant shopping scenes, and bold, spicy cuisine, Thailand offers endless adventures. Be

Put aside your toaster, coffee, and bacon cravings—welcome to China, where breakfast offers hearty, fresh, and affordable options unlike anything back home. China boasts dozens of regional breakfast combinations, united by three qualities: theyre exceptionally filling, prepared fresh to order, and remarkably inexpensive (rarely exceeding US$1). Skip the hotels lukewarm buffet and explore these authentic choices: Steamed Dumplings (包子; baozi) with Porridge (粥; zhou) Dumplings, millet porridge

Immerse yourself in Sri Lankas vibrant cuisine, influenced by Arab traders, Malay navigators, Portuguese, Dutch, British colonists, and South Indian neighbors. Discover must-try local dishes, hands-on cooking classes to recreate flavors at home, and essential dining etiquette for an authentic experience. Essential Eating and Drinking Highlights Sip a classic gin and tonic at the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliyas bar, then savor a formal colonial-style set-course dinner. Linger to enjoy one of Sri Lank

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (starting February 19) presented an unparalleled opportunity to visit India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Lonely Planet named it one of the top 10 things to do that year for good reason. For the coming months, travelers could immerse themselves in the Indian Subcontinents peak cricket hysteria—a feverish excitement that bordered on obsession, captivating fans and locals alike. This World Cup offered traveling supporters plenty to savor. Scheduled during cooler winter

As the world celebrates the Chinese New Year and welcomes the Year of the Rabbit with parades, parties, and fireworks, Chinatowns everywhere come alive. These dynamic neighborhoods offer unbeatable energy and authentic cuisine anytime, making them essential destinations for travelers. From historic streets to bustling markets, here are some of the worlds premier Chinatowns, renowned for their cultural immersion and culinary delights: New York Home to over 150,000 Chinese-speaking residents in on

Bhutan, long isolated from the modern world, offers a serene slice of Himalayan paradise. Traffic lights are absent—even the one briefly installed in the capital, Thimphu, was removed as too impersonal. Strict conservation laws ensure forests cover nearly 75% of the country, while Gross National Happiness serves as the true measure of progress. This enchanting land features some of the worlds highest mountains, lush forested valleys, and majestic dzong—monastery fortresses often dramatically per

Sri Lankas cultural treasures and natural wonders are matched only by the resilience and warmth of its people—its true greatest assets. Having endured civil war, the 2004 tsunami, and recent floods, Sri Lankans remain optimistic and proud of their heritage. Theyre quick to share smiles and hospitality, making every visit memorable. Still largely free from mass tourism, Sri Lanka gained global acclaim when The New York Times named it the top destination for 2010. Its stunning beauty ensures it wo

Valued across Asia for its timeless beauty and elegance, jade is a coveted souvenir for visitors to Taipei. The city boasts hundreds of specialized stores and the massive weekend Jade Market. As a long-time Taiwan resident, Ive often been asked to help friends buy jade but always declined due to my limited knowledge. That changed when I attended a jade identification workshop led by Roxanne Tu, Senior Gemologist at the Taipei Museum of Jade Art. Roxanne presented a velvet-lined box with nine jad

Indonesias culinary landscape is a feast for the senses, especially in vibrant cities where eateries grace nearly every street. Daytime quiet gives way to evening aromas as makeshift kitchens spring up in parking lots and on sidewalks. Roving vendors deliver irresistible street food straight to you. Dining in Indonesia is an exhilarating adventure. Exotic aromas, unfamiliar dishes, and bold flavors tempt you at every turn. Over 270 million welcoming locals delight in your exploration beyond fam

Japans live music scene offers something for every taste, from thunderous taiko drumming to massive festivals and gritty underground punk shows. Leave your playlist behind and immerse yourself in these three exceptional ways to enjoy authentic live performances across the country. 1. Festivals Japanese festivals blend high-energy music with impeccable organization—no long lines, unclean facilities, or rowdy crowds. Experience top local and international acts amid efficiency, etiquette, and hospi

Japan blends rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and quirky modern attractions across its compact islands—travel from Tokyos vibrant metropolis to remote hot springs in hours. Lonely Planet, with decades of expertise, highlights the best activities and their prime locations for an unforgettable trip. Best for sumo: Arashio Stable The air in Arashio sumo stable is thick with humidity, emanating from the rhythmic slaps and slides across the sweat-soaked dirt ring. Rikishi (wrestlers)

Sports unite nations through heroes, symbols, and raw passion, making them irresistible travel magnets. While international spectacles dominate headlines, national competitions often ignite the deepest fervor. Here are nine legendary events that transcend the field, profoundly shaping local identities and cultures: Football (Soccer), South America Image by timsnell Football is the heartbeat of South America, uniting fans across borders. Brazil holds the record with five FIFA World Cup title

Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2011 showcases cities that ignited the imaginations of legendary artists and writers, leaving behind timeless legacies of creativity. 1. Edinburgh Image by LunaMoth116 Scotlands literary heritage is extraordinary, profoundly shaped by its capital. Robert Louis Stevenson praised Edinburgh as what Paris ought to be. The Writers Museum off the Royal Mile reveals personal artifacts from Scottish authors, including Robert Burns writing desk. Sir Walter Scott aided i

We are only the third group to visit in at least 15 years. My guides words lingered in the crisp mountain air, scented with pine and a touch of enchantment. I absorbed their significance while gazing at the scene: a river surging through a forested valley; towering prayer flags fluttering like yacht sails in the wind; a woman in a red embroidered robe guiding her cow to pasture. This breathtaking vista has been witnessed by precious few outsiders. Pioneering the Himalayas In the 21st century, be

Indonesias volcanoes captivate with their dramatic peaks, steaming craters, and views into the Earths molten core. Yet Mount Merapi, the countrys most active volcano, highlighted their lethal potential during a major eruption in October. Indonesias volcanoes erupt frequently, often with devastating results.Situated on a key segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia experiences subduction where the Indian Ocean and western Pacific plates dive beneath the Eurasian plate, melting at around 100