Cacao originated in Latin America, where it was used to create fermented chocolate beverages as early as 450 BCE. With thousands of years of chocolate heritage, Latin America and the Caribbean offer unparalleled chocolate tours. Here are three top destinations to indulge your chocolate passion. The cacao fruit transforms into one of the worlds most cherished treats. Cacao trees thrive naturally 20 degrees above and below the equator. For centuries, indigenous communities in Latin America and th

Virgin Voyages is set for its highly anticipated debut next week with the launch of Richard Bransons innovative cruise line and its flagship ship, Scarlet Lady. After 18 months of pandemic-related delays, Scarlet Lady heads a fleet of four new vessels scheduled to enter service over the next two years. Lonely Planet contributor Zachary Laks boarded the brand-new Scarlet Lady during its New York City stopover ahead of its inaugural Caribbean voyage in October. He examined the ships cutting-edge d

The Caribbean offers far more than yachts, cruise ports, and souvenir shops. Its diverse coastal destinations feature unique beaches and vibes, from vibrant all-night parties to luxurious high-end resorts. Beyond the popular spots, hidden gems await adventurous travelers. Drawing from extensive regional expertise, here are 10 lesser-known treasures for an unforgettable trip. The Thrilling Hike to Dominica’s Boiling Lake Dominica, a haven for rugged adventures in the Caribbean, boasts one of its

Traveling India with kids might seem overwhelming, but it doesnt have to be. With these expert tips from our familys real journey, youll confidently explore temples and more before they ask Why? Our family, with children aged three, two, and one, spent 10 hot days in Delhi and Agra, then two weeks traveling by train and bus to Darjeeling and Sikkim, before returning. Northern India was an exceptional family destination: mild climate, kid-friendly food, reliable transport, and incredibly welcomin

International action star Jackie Chan reveals his dream itinerary for an unforgettable China adventure, drawing from his personal experiences filming across the country. First Destination: Hong Kong My hometown, Hong Kong, is a must-visit gem in China. Begin at Victoria Peak for stunning panoramic city views. Next, ride the iconic Star Ferry—the best bargain in town. Explore Nathan Road, the New Territories, and outlying islands. Despite its compact size, Hong Kong offers endless discoveries—sta

Economic challenges wont curb your wanderlust. Our seasoned travel community shares expert strategies to explore pricey destinations affordably. Whats your best budget hack? Expert Tips from Our Authors – Share Yours! Las Vegas on a shoestring Madrid on a shoestring Riviera Maya on a shoestring Nepal on a shoestring Rio on a shoestring Tokyo on a shoestring Venice on a shoestring Community Insights – Join the Discussion Travel on a shoestring: Dive into the Thorn Tree forums dedicated branch f

The rainy season in Southeast Asia brings afternoon showers, but dont let that deter you—sunny mornings are common, and the perks outweigh the downsides. Experience cooler weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes that make it a prime time to visit. Cooler temperatures: Rainfall lowers the heat, providing welcome relief across much of the region. You might get wet, but youll stay comfortable. Fewer tourists: Enjoy more personal space in popular destinations, as crowds thin out during this p

Malaysia enchants travelers with its striking contrasts: sun-kissed beaches and misty jungles, futuristic skyscrapers and traditional stilt houses. Explore its diverse landscapes while indulging in exceptional culinary experiences. Hot and humid year-round, Malaysias climate demands timing your visit to dodge peak monsoon rains for optimal enjoyment. Travel is effortless with varied transport options. In Kuala Lumpur, skip walking between sites—taxis are affordable and ubiquitous. Spanning Peni

Travel anywhere in China, and youll step into the whimsical world of Chinglish—unique translations that blend English with Mandarin flair. A sign reading Be Seated Defecate simply means the restroom has Western-style toilets, not squat ones. Deformed Man Toilet is just a polite designation for an accessible facility for the disabled. The green grass is afraid of your foot is a poetic reminder to Keep off the Grass. In Shanghai, locals and visitors alike see directives like: Dont expectorate ever

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, stands as one of the most vibrant and joyful celebrations on the Indian calendar, bursting with marigolds, sweets, and fireworks. After honoring Krishnas birth during Janmashtami and Ramas victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana at Dussehra, Hindus light butter and oil lamps to guide Rama home from exile.According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama endured exile in dark forests, battling demons and resisting seduction by Ravanas sister. He allied with Hanuman,

Id been warned about the cheeky orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo—they could swipe a hat or wallet faster than any pickpocket. After hours of watching them swing through trees and scamper along platforms, I relaxed with a drink outside. We were carrying most of our trip money—over $500 USD—for an epic rainforest adventure along the Kinabatangan River, featuring proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards, and night safaris on crocodile-filled waters. The boat to the jungle c

Imagine Genghis Khan swapping his horse for a powerful 220cc dune buggy. Dune buggy rides offer an exhilarating way to explore the modern Silk Road, providing unforgettable thrills fully clothed. Located just 40 minutes west of Almaty along the Tashkent-Bishkek-Almaty Highway, the Dune Buggy Centre lets visitors channel their inner Mad Max warlord for a day. Housed in a repurposed shipping container amid the rolling foothills of the Alatau Mountains, the centre was founded by two Kazakh enthus

Imagine sitting in Yuri Gagarins chair, witnessing a rocket launch, and exploring Soviet space history. Youre at Baikonur Cosmodrome in remote southern Kazakhstan—the launch site of the first cosmonauts, including legendary Yuri Gagarin. Today, it hosts modern feats like Russian rockets deploying American satellites. A Soviet-era enclave absent from maps until the USSRs collapse, Baikonur was built to dominate the space race. Russia now leases it from Kazakhstan, aiding the Kazakh Space Age

Travel exposes us to fascinating local cuisines that can challenge Western palates. Join us on a global tour of 10 extraordinary exotic dishes that provoke a double-take. As Eddie Lin, author of Lonely Planets Extreme Cuisine, wisely observes, The only difference between tasty food and nasty food is one letter. Witchetty Grub: Australia These plump larvae have been a dietary staple for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Growing to about 7cm long, they burrow into the roots of witchet

Channel the sophistication and excitement of James Bond by visiting the authentic filming locations from his legendary films. From pristine beaches to historic landmarks, explore 10 must-see destinations that captured the essence of 007s global exploits. Dr. No (1962) Sean Connery and Ursula Andress shine in Bonds cinematic debut, set largely on Jamaicas stunning Caribbean shores. Pristine beaches, vibrant Kingston, and a rhythmic calypso backdrop create an idyllic yet adventurous paradise. From

When you think of the Philippines, pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Boracay and Palawan come to mind. Yet, venturing inland across its 7,000+ islands reveals a richer, less crowded side of this tropical paradise. Beyond world-class beaches, the Philippines boasts unique wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences shared with few tourists. Here are four compelling reasons to explore the Philippines interior, as highlighted by Lonely Planet contributor Heather Carswel

The ancient proverb Eyes are the windows to the soul extends beautifully to architecture. Windows not only illuminate spaces but also reveal the deeper values and priorities of the cultures they serve. Drawing from historical and modern examples, this article explores how window designs reflect societal souls. Stained Glass in Christian Cathedrals Stained glass windows in Christian cathedrals, such as those in Chartres Cathedral, offer more than aesthetic beauty. They obscure the outside world,

Securing permits can be challenging, and some areas remain restricted to foreigners. Yet, Eastern Tibet offers unforgettable experiences that make it an essential addition to any Tibet itinerary. Here are seven compelling reasons, drawn from expert insights by Lonely Planet contributor Daniel McCrohan. 1. Escape the Beaten Path The southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Image by Daniel McCrohan / Lonely Planet. Roads in Eastern Tibet are steadily improving, but remote dirt tracks persist, turn

During a memorable trip to Donegal, Ireland, locals shared tales of dramatic cliffs near the fishing port of Killybegs, known as Slieve League. Intrigued, my friends and I set out to explore.Slieve League delivers jaw-dropping vistas: a vibrant, curving cliff face where a mountain drops sheer 600 meters to the wild Atlantic below. Adventurous visitors can hike the daring One Mans Track to the summit for unparalleled panoramic views.Split vs. Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovniks iconic white marble wall

Japan is home to over 3,000 hot springs, or onsen—more than any other country worldwide. Soaking in these geothermal wonders is a time-honored tradition for relaxation and health. Here are the top 10 onsens revered by enthusiasts for their unique settings and benefits. 1. Best Riverside Onsen Takaragawa Onsen (Gunma, Central Honshū) Onsen experts often hail Gunmas Takaragawa Onsen as Japans finest. Meaning Treasure River, its slate-floored pools stretch along hundreds of meters of riverbank. Mos