In Mumbais sweltering July heat, the air hangs heavy, deterring even the busiest auto rickshaw drivers. Fresh from a shower, youre soon sticky again, lounging poolside amid monsoon downpours or burning your feet en route to the water. After exhaustive exploration of Indias landscapes, with days left before your flight home, the heat saps your energy for sightseeing, eating, or even thinking. Your options? Retreat to air-conditioned havens like cafes, hotels, or malls—or follow the British Raj tr

Tired of bland boardroom sandwiches, instant coffee, and plastic-cup water? On your next city business trip, skip the lunchtime rut. Step outside for fresh air and memorable street food that outshines any conference room offering. London In a vast city like London, great on-the-go eats depend on your location. Near the Hammersmith & City line? Take the Underground to Ladbroke Grove for Portobello Markets Moroccan tagines and kebabs—follow the longest queues and aromas. Or visit Exmouth Market (F

Business trips often keep you confined to air-conditioned offices with stunning yet distant city views. With an hour or two to spare, recharge in some of the worlds premier urban parks—ideal for clearing your mind, stretching your legs, and gaining fresh perspectives. 1. Central Park, New York An iconic 843-acre oasis in Manhattan, Central Park has starred in countless films. Stroll its shaded paths, visit the poignant Strawberry Fields memorial, and relax on the Great Lawn to immerse yourself i

Has a building ever sent shivers down your spine? From elegant churches to unassuming cottages, some structures simply radiate an eerie aura thats hard to pinpoint—but undeniably spooky. Inspired by North Koreas towering, unfinished Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang—a pyramid-like behemoth evoking Mordors grandest resort—we turned to the Lonely Planet community on Twitter and Facebook. Their nominations reveal seven of the worlds creepiest buildings, backed by traveler experiences and historical intri

Prison tourism is gaining popularity, allowing visitors to step inside decommissioned jails turned museums, attractions, and even hostels. These sites offer guided tours, historical insights, overnight stays in cells, and educational exhibits—providing a safe glimpse into life behind bars. For those curious about prison history without breaking the law, here are some of the worlds most renowned former lockups: United States & Canada Alcatraz, San Francisco, USA - Known as The Rock, this iconic i

Travel often brings us face-to-face with history—sometimes quite literally. Discover six exceptionally preserved human remains, safeguarded by natural processes or human intervention for centuries or millennia, now showcased in museums worldwide. 1. Tollund Man, Jutland, Denmark Natural preservation in peat bogs can rival modern techniques. Discovered in 1950 near Silkeborg, Denmark, Tollund Man dates to around 400-300 BCE. Strangled and placed in the bog as part of a ritual, his body retains re

Seeking advanced medical treatments like surgery, implants, or specialized therapies? This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences highlights premier destinations offering high-quality care from world-renowned experts, often at a fraction of Western costs. India Despite visible socioeconomic challenges, India excels in advanced eye care. The Aravind Eye Care System, headquartered in Madurai with hospitals nationwide, has restored sight to over 2.4 million underserved Indians in th

Hong Kong blends towering skyscrapers of global finance and fashion with vibrant local culture. Beyond the modern facade lies a charming world of surprises, rich traditions, and the warm humor of its residents. 07:30 Kick off your day with a complimentary Tai Chi session along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Against the stunning Victoria Harbour backdrop, Master Ng guides you through graceful moves like Spreading wings like a stork and Waving hands like clouds. This ancient practice, also known as

A few years ago, I stayed in a palm-tree-shaded beachside cottage where the Arabian Sea lapped just beyond my balcony—paradise, except for the rock-hard pillows rivaling nearby coconuts. Five nights later in Agra, at a luxurious hotel, I dove onto the bed as usual. A butler knocked with two menus: breakfast and pillows. I chose lavender, intrigued by its calming scent and whimsical promise of purple dreams. After extensively sleep-testing various pillows, heres an expert guide to the best optio

Giant Beaver Dam Visible from Space. Located in remote Northern Albertas Wood Buffalo National Park, where Canadas Rockies meet the prairies, beavers have constructed a dam reportedly spanning seven football pitches—visible even from space. As Canadas national parks approach their 2011 centennial, this natural wonder remains inaccessible to tourists for now. - Robert Reid, US travel editor Beijings Ongoing Traffic Nightmare. Walking, cycling, or flying beats driving in Beijing right now. Asia-P

Discover the latest in travel this week, with expert tips to enhance your journeys: Experience Authentic American Culture at College Football Games Insights from Lonely Planets US Travel Editor, Robert Reid: As fall arrives in the US, skip NFL games and head to college football matchups, kicking off this weekend. Amid vibrant autumn foliage, college towns buzz on Saturdays with tailgate parties, spirited chants, throwback uniforms, and traditions like pony-led wagons parading after scores. Iconi

Cave dwellers homes. Image by Daniel McCrohan / Lonely Planet. While Chinas high-tech construction boom dominates cities like Beijing and Shanghai, an estimated three million people in Shanxi Province continue to thrive in traditional cave dwellings. These modest homes cluster in remote rural areas, but villages like Lijiashan feature hundreds of caves terraced across nine levels of a hillside, forming entire communities of cave residents. Cave living in Shanxi dates back approximately

Sri Lanka evokes images of palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and pristine sands. While lounging in Mirissa or Bentota with a refreshing Lion lager is tempting, venture beyond the coast to discover the islands extraordinary architectural heritage—as diverse and captivating as its world-class cuisine. Begin your journey at the 17th-century Galle Fort, one of Sri Lankas seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, perched near the south coasts stunning beaches. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th

Nobodys looking for a puppeteer in todays wintry economic climate, lamented Craig Schwartz, portrayed by John Cusack in Being John Malkovich. He had a point. Puppetry, an ancient art dating back to early Egyptian civilizations, has seen its golden era fade, yet it persists amid modern challenges.Fortunately, puppetry thrives in select global hotspots, gaining fresh popularity. Drawing from Lonely Planet experts, here are 10 top destinations for unforgettable puppet experiences—suitable for all a

Markets are the lifeblood of Indian communities, but in remote Chhattisgarh—where tribal people have only recently adopted currency—these gatherings offer a distinctive cultural experience. Vibrantly dressed locals trek up to 20km to bustling outdoor haats, trading homespun saris for intricate metalwork or lentil cakes for potent local firewater. Cockfighting bouts serve as thrilling sideshows for gambling enthusiasts, while village shamans mediate disputes. Even the local delicacy—live red ants

Indonesias vast rainforests harbor unique wildlife, including critically endangered orangutans alongside diverse species like gibbons, thousands of bird varieties, clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, Sumatran tigers, bearded pigs, and rhinos. With wild orangutan populations estimated at around 75,000 and rapidly declining due to habitat loss, these majestic apes face extinction risks without urgent conservation. Discover the top five destinations to observe them in their natural habitats. Tanjung

Two years ago, I spotted a tiger in the wild for the first time at Bandavgarh National Park—a spine-tingling moment that still sends shivers down my spine. We tracked her for nearly half an hour along a dirt track as she moved silently through thick undergrowth, her progress marked by rustling bushes. Every few minutes, a deep growl echoed through the air. The anticipation was electric. So close—would she pounce or vanish? Instead, she emerged calmly onto the track, crossing right in front of ou

Sometimes in films, the true star isnt an actor but the stunning location itself. These destinations captivate viewers, often overshadowing human characters with their dramatic beauty or eerie allure. Here are 10 places that became cinematic legends: 1. Petra, Jordan Hidden in Jordanian mountains for centuries, Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt—and cinematically in 1989 by Steven Spielberg. Its dramatic red sandstone temples and tombs served as the backdr

BBCs acclaimed Planet Earth documentary showcases stunning nature footage from over 200 locations across 62 countries. Lonely Planets The Travellers Guide to Planet Earth, a richly illustrated companion, guides you to 50 of the series most iconic destinations. Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler and Planet Earth producer Mark Brownlow selected their top three spots that capture the planets breathtaking beauty and wonder. Tony Wheelers Picks 1. Tibetan Plateau One lap around Mt. Kailash washes awa