For centuries, the medinas of the Maghreb have enchanted visitors far beyond their ancient fortified walls. Traders found respite in fanadiq—traditional caravan inns—after securing unique crafts for global export. 19th-century Orientalist painters built careers immortalizing medina life on canvas, while Hollywood directors have long used these labyrinths for exotic film locations and lavish set inspirations. These self-contained medieval cities, hubs of living, working, and trading, dot North

Food is a cornerstone of travel, immersing us in local cultures through what we eat and how we savor it—especially with kids. While adults eagerly embrace new flavors, encouraging young adventurers can be tricky. Try a one-bite rule or fun taste-testing games to spark curiosity. Elevate your trips by centering family outings around gastronomic discoveries. These experiences ignite kids excitement for exotic dishes and spices, deepen cultural insights, and uncover hidden gems even parents might m

Nothing beats the invigorating rush of plunging into a cold-water pool—a thrilling challenge that rewards you instantly upon surfacing. Now imagine that same exhilaration amid the worlds most breathtaking urban skylines. Tucked among towering skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and trendy cafes in global cities, youll find exceptional lidos, river pools, and swimming lakes. These spots deliver all the joys of outdoor swimming with vibrant city backdrops. Ready to front crawl through the urban spraw

Despite its dusty reputation, spring in Cairo brings bursts of warmth and vibrant color. Puffy oleander bushes bloom alongside jacaranda trees bursting with purple blossoms. Sidewalks gain shade from flowering acacia trees, as locals swap winter coats for sandals and t-shirts. This awakening makes spring the ideal time to visit Egypts dynamic capital. Join Iftar Dinners During Ramadan Ramadan often aligns with spring (e.g., May through early June in 2019), offering a quieter Cairo with fewer

Cairos summer delivers relentless heat from 5am to 8pm, driving many residents to coastal escapes. For those embracing the citys urban energy, success lies in strategic planning: explore early mornings, skip afternoon microbuses, and always know your nearest pool. Experience the Salah El Din Citadel Music Festival In August, the Salah El Din Citadel in Islamic Cairo hosts Cairos premier summer music festival, drawing locals who brave the peak heat. Now featuring artists from across the Arab w

Tunis bursts with energy in summer, offering endless sunshine, refreshing Mediterranean swims, and vibrant evenings of dining and dancing. From lazy beach days to starlit concerts in ancient ruins, heres your expert guide to the best summer experiences in Tunis, drawing on local insights for an authentic visit. Enjoy a Relaxed Beach Day Tunisia boasts over 1,000 km of stunning coastline, much of it conveniently reachable from Tunis. Grab your fouta (traditional thin towel) and choose from idy

While Ramadan typically brings a slowdown across the Muslim world, Marrakech remains welcoming to visitors. Though many in Muslim-majority Morocco fast during daylight hours, the Red City stays open—just expect some adjustments, like fewer evening drinks. For travelers, the key changes are shorter opening hours for businesses and attractions, which often close early or pause during iftar, the communal sunset meal breaking the fast. Here are expert tips for making the most of Marrakech during Ram

Traditional arts and crafts form the cornerstone of cultural identities worldwide, intricately woven into the fabric of societies. While some ancient practices have faded, many endure with remarkable vitality. Amid the modern travelers quest for authentic experiences, these heritage skills—from tribal tattooing to communal quilting—are captivating global audiences like never before. Explore some of the worlds most compelling traditional crafts and discover ways to immerse yourself in them. Kali

Traveling across Africa in a rugged overland truck isnt luxurious, but it offers an unparalleled way to explore remote regions that are challenging and costly to access independently. Suitable for adventurers of all ages—including families—these tours go beyond the gap-year backpacker stereotype. Wondering if an overland adventure is right for you? Heres our expert guide to everything you need to know. Modern Overland Tours: Comfort Meets Adventure Todays overland tours have evolved far beyon

While mountain gorillas dominate travel headlines, tracking chimpanzees—our closest genetic relatives—through Ugandas lush jungles offers an equally exhilarating wildlife experience at a fraction of the cost. With approximately 300,000 chimpanzees inhabiting Africas equatorial forests, sightings in the wild remain rare. Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda stands out, hosting five habituated groups accessible via short hikes. Africa’s Chimpanzees Chimpanzees form communities of up to 150 indiv

Peak festival season from May to September fills fields with sunburned crowds sporting flower crowns and wellies at events like Glastonbury and Coachella. If mainstream scenes arent your vibe, rest assured—unique celebrations await for every type of reveler. Lonely Planets local experts have uncovered the best alternative festivals in their hometowns. Whether youre craving musical intensity, serene yoga gatherings, global craft beers, or whimsical hammer antics, these events cater to diverse fes

As urban areas expand and Earths population grows, clear views of the cosmos are increasingly rare. Savvy travelers are seeking out the planets remaining pristine dark skies for unobstructed stargazing experiences. The Milky Ways shimmering arc. A meteor blazing across the horizon. Theres an innate allure to the night sky that stirs our sense of wonder and adventure. Contemplating the universes vastness under a canopy of constellations fuels wanderlust like nothing else. Yet, over the last centu

August is the perfect month for global adventures, from scaling volcanoes in Ecuador and conquering the Zambezis rapids to kayaking Britains rugged coastlines or trekking Spains Pyrenees. Thrill-seekers, heres your expert guide to adrenaline-fueled escapes. Multi-Activity Adventure in the Spanish Pyrenees: Hike, Bike, Kayak, Abseil, and Raft Picturesque towns and stone villages in the Spanish Pyrenees nestle amid stunning mountain landscapes, serving as ideal bases for family-oriented outdo

Experience unparalleled wildlife spectacles in August, from dramatic wildebeest migrations across Kenyas Masai Mara to singing humpback whales in Tonga, Icelands vast lava fields, and Madagascars extraordinary biodiversity. Discover four exceptional destinations showcasing nature at its most magnificent. Watch the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenyas Masai Mara As hundreds of thousands of wildebeest converge on the Mara River, the scene intensifies: a massive bottleneck forms before they pl

As a child, I was captivated by the 1966 film Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N., starring Dick Van Dyke as a U.S. Navy pilot stranded on a tropical island. Though simplistic, it sparked my dream of island life—later evolving into a fascination with Dr. Nos Jamaican lair. Movies have an unmatched power to awaken wanderlust, regardless of their realism or filming locations. Films evoke exotic destinations through vivid sights and sounds, often inspiring visits—even if they occasionally idealize places,

Cairo, Egypts dynamic capital, seamlessly blends ancient wonders with a thriving contemporary art and music scene. Greet locals with a friendly sabah al-khair (good morning) for instant smiles and connections. Heres an expert-curated guide to maximize your 24 hours in this iconic city. Pyramids of Giza: A Must-See? The pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and Dahshur ideally deserve a full day, but if time is tight, visit Gizas necropolis at opening (8am standard, 7am summer). Explore the Great Pyramid

For over 40 years, independent travelers have trusted Lonely Planet for essential advice—from budget accommodations to prime scuba spots. Our guidebooks are crafted by a global team of expert writers. In Lonely Planets early days, writers armed with notebooks, pens, and determination pioneered guides to destinations like China, Africa, and India. Today, while technology has evolved, our authors still explore streets, trains, and hotels on foot to deliver up-to-date, reliable insights. LP writers

Youve chosen your dream destination, pored over guidebooks, and secured most bookings. Now tackle the last challenge: packing. Our expert strategies make it stress-free. See destination-specific guides: Pack like a pro for a backpacking trip Pack like a pro for Ireland Pack like a pro for Egypt Pack like a pro for any festival Pack like a pro for a family beach trip Pack like a pro for staying in hostels Pack like a pro for traveling with kids Pre-Departure Checklist Secure these essentials b

September emerges as the premier month for travel worldwide, blending ideal weather, fewer crowds, and shoulder-season savings. In the northern hemisphere, summer heat fades into comfortable temperatures, while the southern hemisphere awakens with blooming landscapes and thawed routes. For savvy travelers, September defies the post-summer slump of back-to-school routines. Its when discerning adventurers seize the opportunity for uncrowded destinations and exceptional value. Europe Europe reve

Opt for hiking as a core part of your global travels to immerse yourself in local communities, gain authentic cultural insights at ground level, and stay active and fit along the way. Before lacing up your boots, discover top destinations. These legendary routes span the globe—from Europes picturesque alpine villages to New Zealands stunning glacial vistas, Middle Eastern desert expanses, U.S. grand canyons, and Africas and Asias lofty peaks. Suited for day trips, week-long journeys, or multi-we