Night trains crisscross the globe, from the dramatic Rockies in Canada and the US, to Europes interconnected capitals, vibrant routes in India and Iran, and Chinas high-speed record-breakers rivaling airlines in efficiency and affordability. While many are family-friendly, some excel in comfort and amenities. Discover why night trains are ideal for family travel, plus expert-recommended favorites. All aboard! Why Choose Night Trains for Family Travel Family travel by night train offers a soothi

July brings scorching summer heat to the northern hemisphere, illuminating some of the worlds top travel destinations. Europes Mediterranean beaches bask in golden sunshine, tropical dry seasons offer prime wildlife viewing, Arctic regions become more accessible, and vibrant summer festivals showcase carnivals, desert spectacles, and daring feats. Discover our expert-curated selection of the best places to visit in July, tailored to your travel passions. Best July Destinations for Wildlife and

As the year winds down, October delivers a treasure trove of exceptional travel experiences. Explore culture-rich cliffside monasteries, unwind on Fijis pristine beaches, savor Italys world-class wines and cuisine, or witness Tanzanias peak safari season. Discover top destinations for an unforgettable October getaway. Best Places to Visit in October for Food and Drink Gourmands rejoice: October is prime time for culinary adventures. In Italys Piedmont region, wander rustic hillside villages an

Seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures, serene seaside relaxation, wildlife encounters, or immersive cultural festivals? August is ideal for unforgettable global escapes. Our expert-curated guide highlights top destinations to inspire your next standout trip. Top August Destinations for Adventure August delivers pulse-racing adventures. Scale Ecuador’s stunning Avenue of Volcanoes, then encounter South America’s wildlife riches in the Amazon, Galápagos Islands, and northern cloud forests. Europe’

Have you ever arrived in a city only to find major attractions closed for a holiday, or started a beach vacation during monsoon season? Lonely Planets expert guide to the best times to travel provides essential inspiration for planning trips throughout the year. Where to Go in January January brings dry (or mostly dry) conditions in Uganda, ideal for tracking endangered mountain gorillas. About 700 of these incredible animals remain, with half in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For cultural

While lounging on a beach with cocktails has its appeal, extended trips offer the perfect opportunity to connect with local experts and acquire fresh skills. From refining your swim stroke in Englands Lake District to honing photography on a Kenyan safari, these immersive experiences captivate lifelong learners and adventure enthusiasts alike. Discover inspiring ways to blend travel with personal growth across the globe. Master Yoga in Balis Ubud Practicing yoga is an ideal way to rejuvenate bod

Few experiences capture a destinations soul better than its sports passion. Step into a roaring stadium mid-game, and witness locals—often laid-back—transformed into fervent fans, buzzing with tension or joy based on the score. These legendary venues reveal an authentic side of the city, far beyond its streets. Football at La Bombonera, Buenos Aires South America has larger stadiums, but none match La Bomboneras electric atmosphere on Boca Juniors match days. Nearly 49,000 die-hard fans fill th

Africa might not seem like the ideal family vacation spot for a two-year-old and a four-year-old. Yet in March 2018, Jenny Lynn and her family arrived in Johannesburg, picked up a Land Rover TD5 equipped with roof tents, and set off on a remarkable 101-day self-drive journey through South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Namibia. With zero 4WD experience, we navigated corrupt officials, treacherous roads, unprecedented weather, and typical toddler meltdowns. These challenges fa

Experience the thrill of ocean swimming without the unpredictability of open waves. Ocean pools blend the exhilaration of the sea with the safety of contained waters, offering touchable depths, stunning vistas, and post-swim amenities like showers. These natural and man-made gems provide serene seaside escapes ideal for all swimmers transitioning from pools to the open blue. From ancient rock grottoes to architect-designed saltwater havens, discover the best ocean pools worldwide for an unforget

In her insightful 2009 TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares the transformative moment she discovered African literature. Encountering works by Chinua Achebe and Camara Laye expanded her worldview, inspiring her to craft stories rooted in the authentic people and places of her homeland, rather than the Western narratives that dominated her early reading. Home to 54 diverse countries, over 2,000 languages, and more than a billion people,

When that ship has been made ready and is fit to sail, well launch it out into the broad sea, Odysseus told his men in the Homeric epic, traced by historians to around 800 BC. Yet sailing was already an ancient art, predating human memory and myth, deeply woven into our history.If the sea calls to you, these perennial favorite destinations—from the wine-dark Mediterranean to the turquoise Caribbean bays or the Niles silty currents—offer unforgettable voyages. This updated excerpt from Lonely Pla

The African elephant is Earths largest land mammal—a gentle giant symbolizing natures grace and fragility. Though common on African safaris, these icons face severe threats. This expert guide explores their lives and reveals the best wild viewing spots. African Elephants: Majestic Behemoths Under Threat An adult male African elephant can weigh up to 13,334 lb (6,048 kg)—over 2.5 times a family cars weight—with even smaller males exceeding 8,820 lb (4,000 kg). Females weigh roughly half as much.

Nothing refreshes quite like a plunge into pristine natural waters on a scorching day. Ditch the chlorinated pools and discover these exceptional wild swimming destinations. Revel in stunning scenery, connect deeply with nature, and embrace the pure freedom of outdoor adventure. Lake Swim at Refugio Frey, Argentine Andes The well-marked trail from Cerro Catedral in Nahuel Huapi National Park ascends to the climbers’ hut at Refugio Frey, delivering nonstop panoramic views of the Andes. The highl

You may know about Africas wildebeest traversing the Serengeti or humpback whales journeying from Antarctic feeding grounds to subtropical breeding areas. But the natural world offers many other captivating, lesser-known migrations involving vast numbers of animals. Discover eight extraordinary spectacles and where to witness them firsthand. Golden Jellyfish Unlike typical jellyfish drifting with ocean currents, Palaus golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake—harmless to humans—undertake a daily migr

'The white lions don’t exist,' my safari guide says with a knowing smile and a twinkle in his eye. 'They’re just myths.' Whispers of these majestic creatures have echoed through the Timbavati and southern Kruger regions of South Africa for centuries. Yet today, three white lions are confirmed in the wild, with two residing in the 148-sq-km Ngala Private Game Reserve at the heart of this area. In the local Shangaan language, Ngala means 'lion.' I share with Dyke Kho

As the new year gains momentum, February often gets overlooked amid bookings for peak season. Yet this shortest month (with 29 days in leap years) delivers extraordinary adventures: summit Africas highest peak in ideal conditions, revel at global carnivals, and snorkel with whale sharks in the Philippines azure waters. 12 Top February Destinations Best February Destinations for Wildlife and Nature February offers prime opportunities for rare wildlife encounters and natural spectacles.

As the first half of the year winds down, June is the ideal time to plan your next unforgettable adventure. Enjoy sunny summer days in the Northern Hemisphere at shoulder-season prices—perfect for exploring Irans ancient ruins, Normandys majestic castles, and fresh lobster rolls along Cape Cods breathtaking coastline. Its also prime season for wildlife encounters. Here are the top destinations for June. Best Places to Visit in June for Wildlife and Nature June delivers extraordinary animal enco

Cohan Zarnoch vividly remembers spotting images of Ethiopias Mursi tribe women wearing lip plates in National Geographic at age seven, while growing up in Ohio. Her primary glimpses into the world came from the magazine and World Book Encyclopedias. I said, One day Im going to see that, she recalls. When we arrived, I stood there and cried. Who would have thought, at seven, that Id actually witness it? Now 54, Zarnoch has dedicated the past 12 years to traveling with nonprofits, capturing image

Reaching a mountain summit brings an unmatched sense of accomplishment and awe, whether from the thrill of achievement or the crisp mountain air. While famous peaks like Kilimanjaro and Mount Fuji attract crowds, countless lesser-known summits offer equally rewarding climbs with greater accessibility and fewer trekkers. Explore these eight exceptional peaks—from Englands literary heights to Chinas sacred mountains—perfect for beginners. Pack warm layers, sturdy boots, and maintain good fitness.

Whether youre aiming to spot the Big Five on your African safari or target specific species, Expert Africas new website simplifies your planning. Drawing from over 700 traveler surveys collected over two years by this renowned tour operator, the site features nearly 30,000 observations of 26 animal species—a groundbreaking citizen science initiative.A great safari can be an amazing, life-changing holiday, says Chris McIntyre, Managing Director of Expert Africa. Choosing the right one is critical