Author: Sonu Singh

Northern lights rippling across the night sky, a volcanic terrain that feels otherworldly, glaciers and geysers scattered like gems across the landscape – it’s no wonder there doesn’t seem to be a limit to Iceland’s popularity as a tourist destination. However, no matter how tempting it may be, don’t rush to the airport just yet. Depending on where you’re visiting from, you may need to apply for a visa before you can visit Iceland. Here’s everything you need to know about entry and visa requirements for this Nordic nation. Get local insight on destinations all over the world with our…

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Close your right fist, with your thumb over your fingers. Now point your index finger and you have an almost perfect representation of the island of Corsica – essentially a mountain range jutting out of the Mediterranean, whose highest peaks remain snow-capped well into the spring. Its people are proud of their island: many consider themselves to be Corsican first and (reluctantly) French second, even though the island’s most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte, became emperor of France! You’ll see graffiti – usually in Corsican, which is closer to Italian than it is to French – calling for independence in the…

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If you’re planning a Mediterranean getaway, you’re spoiled for choice. Not that such a choice is ever an easy one. And if you’re picking between a trip to timeless Italy or dazzling Croatia, the decision is all but excruciating. Which is why we’ve asked two of our most informed and ardent correspondents to lay out the case for why their pick holds the edge. Squeeze every moment out of your next vacation with tips and tricks from Lonely Planet in our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Italy is always the right idea Our Italy expert for two decades, Nicola…

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Flaunting idyllic stretches of beach lapped by cerulean waters, Bermuda is somewhere people come for sun, sea and serenity. However, this tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is more seasonal than many of its Caribbean counterparts. While the summer is warm and dry, hurricane season and cooler weather keep away many visitors in fall and winter. For budget visitors, however, this is when prices plunge. Whether you come for the sun, the sport, local festivals or the culture, here’s a guide to the best times to visit Bermuda. Squeeze every moment out of your next vacation with tips…

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Riding a scooter through the streets of Hanoi in Vietnam is one of those things I’ve always wanted to do but was too afraid to attempt. Patrick Radden Keefe’s 2017 New Yorker profile of Anthony Bourdain described it thusly, “Bourdain told me that the only way to see Hanoi was on the back of a scooter: ‘To be anonymous, another helmeted figure in the middle of a million little dramas and comedies happening on a million bikes moving through this amazing city – every second is pure joy.’” And pure joy is how I would describe my recent conversation with…

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With epic national parks and stunning landscapes, inspiring Māori culture and hospitable Kiwis, your New Zealand trip will be packed with amazing adventures. From hiking through the wilderness on Stewart Island to soaking up Auckland’s live music scene, there’s so much to experience in this beautiful little country that you’ll want to keep coming back. Here are some of the best things to do in New Zealand. Explore the planet’s most surprising adventures with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Seeing an authentic Māori performance is a top experience in New Zealand © Fotos593 / Shutterstock 1. Get to know…

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Whether you’re cruising in a chrome-plated RV or sputtering along in a vintage VW, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the road in a camper van, where you’re beholden to no timetable and limited only by your ambitions. Most travelers set their satnavs for the smooth highways of the old dependables – North America, Australia,  New Zealand – and with good reason (not least the savings offered on pricey accommodation), but those willing to navigate the potholes of roads less traveled may find richer rewards elsewhere. These are the 8 best destinations for an RV trip.  The Kylesku Bridge…

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San José has changed a lot since 1821, when it was dubbed the new capital of Costa Rica. That sleepy town grew steadily through the decades, swallowing up pueblos (villages) and turning them into barrios (neighborhoods). Yet each fragment of San José remains small and distinct; you may not realize you’re leaving one neighborhood and entering another, but the atmosphere may shift the moment you cross a street. If you’re staying in the city, there’s a wealth of urban communities to explore. You can traverse most of this landscape on foot, and the streets are flooded with affordable taxis and…

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All year long, families flock to Costa Rica, where beaches and biodiversity enthrall travelers of all ages. Whether by necessity or design, you and your children will most likely find yourselves in San José, the nation’s capital, upon arrival. Most travelers fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport, and they routinely spend a night or two in this no-frills urban crossroads. Luckily, San José has world-class museums and cultural venues, and it can show a kid a good time – if you know where to look. Explore the planet’s most surprising adventures with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Is…

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Japan has a reputation as an expensive place to travel to, but it’s an image that doesn’t hold up on the ground. With a little strategy, a visit can be very reasonable – budget-friendly, even. Many of the country’s major sights, for example, cost nothing, and free festivals take place year-round. With these top tips on finding the best-value places to stay, the right transportation tickets for you, and places to eat that suit all tastes and wallets, you can make your yen go further on a visit to Japan. Make the most out of every adventure with help from…

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Art

With more than 8 million people crammed into five boroughs spanning a mere 300 sq miles, New York City is a boisterous metropolis that famously refuses to sleep. Its riot of sights and sounds vary so much from one block to the next – let alone from borough to borough – that you could take a month and visit a different part of town each day, and you’d still only scratch the surface. Get local insight on destinations all over the world with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Home to Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building and…

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Havana is a complex city with many different layers. It seduces you slowly, getting under your skin with its street energy, historical heirlooms and charismatic people. The range of attractions on offer in Havana is impressive and many things are free. Like culture? You can explore a meticulously renovated Unesco World Heritage Site with more than 40 museums. Dig music? Visit an art factory where you can listen to internationally recognized musicians (and meet them afterwards) for the equivalent of US$2. Prefer the beach? Havana has half a dozen of ‘em, all embellished with white sand and shady palm trees.…

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While there are a few cities in the country, what makes New Zealand special is its natural beauty. Think white (or black) sandy beaches, thermal springs, towering mountains and colorful lakes… for an outdoor experience, New Zealand is the place to go. Visitors will no doubt spend at least some of their trip in at least one of the major cities, and they’re definitely worth seeing. But to find the best places to visit in New Zealand, try exploring a little further afield to truly experience what this beautiful country has to offer. Make the most out of every adventure with…

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. And, with layers of rolling hardwood landscapes, 2100 trickling waterways and a mysterious fog that looms at seemingly all hours, it isn’t hard to see why. With so much going right for it, there are still opportunities for things to go horribly wrong, usually due to a lack of preparation. As well as booking key activities in advance, here you need to be ready for the unexpected, which could mean anything from changing weather conditions to bears. So, as you plan for your Great Smoky…

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In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. All-around travel expert and native Aussie Tasmin Waby helps a reader with the Sydney-related question below. Question: There are so many ferry services in Sydney. Which boat offers the best views of the harbor? Tasmin Waby: We have good news for you, dear traveler: all eight of Sydney’s main ferry trips – surely one of the best things to do in town – leave from (and return to) Circular Quay. Which means you’ll enjoy stunning…

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Best moment of my (quasi-) sporting life? Squaring up to take a point at Dublin’s Croke Park with hurling legend Ollie Canning just a few paces away, urging me to take the shot. It didn’t matter that the stands were empty, and this was just a bit of media day fun: I was about to knock the ball over the bar at this hallowed stadium, the largest in Ireland and the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association. I took my stance and gripped and regripped the hurl. One last look at the posts and then I threw the ball into…

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The Pyrenees are renowned for their spectacular sunsets, ample hiking opportunities, and unique landscapes – truly a vast, beautiful playground for lovers of the outdoors. But don’t sleep on the picturesque little towns nestled between the peaks, they’re full of cherished traditions, cultural delights and eccentric festivals. With so much on offer, it’s hard to know where to start when planning a trip to this part of southern France. Luckily we’ve got the insight you need on the top things to do in the French Pyrenees. Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our email…

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There’s no better way to explore Hawaii than by hitting one of the dozens of hiking trails that weave across the state. Trekking here can mean an escape into a native rainforest or cutting along secluded coastal trails. Indeed, the diverse range of trails in Hawaii can give visitors a true appreciation of the islands’ natural beauty.  Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our email newsletter delivered weekly into your inbox. Despite Hawaii accounting for less than 0.2% of the land in the USA, more than a quarter of species found on the nation’s…

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In Lonely Plan-It, we take you step by step through how we put together some of the most complicated travel adventures. Here, Eva Sandoval explains how she planned a trip around the Amalfi Coast using only public transport.  Wine-dark seas, lemon groves and stacks of pastel-hued houses perched perilously on a stretch of craggy coastline. It’s not a dream: you’re on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Now your only worry is reaching its most stunning destinations. Maybe you love driving overseas; maybe you, like Jennifer Coolidge in The White Lotus, harbor an Italian dream of whizzing around on a Vespa, your Peppa…

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On sunny days, there are few places in the world that can match the beauty of Ireland’s islands. And even on wet and misty days, the islands are as compelling. Their rugged features become more dramatic. They inspire stories – and adventures. Hundreds of islands dot the coastline of Ireland, each one offering something unique. From the wild tales of pirate queens and one-eyed warrior kings to surprising appearances of wild wallabies or a tropical lagoon in Irish waters, these nine islands can give you an otherworldly experience.   Discover the world’s most intriguing experiences with our weekly newsletter delivered…

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Small and land-locked Malawi is loaded with diverse game parks, lively cities, varied topography, and a stunning lake that packs a punch no matter what time of year you visit. The country has two distinct seasons: wet and hot (November to April), plus cool and dry (May to October). The best time to is dependent on what you want to do and see, but there’s plenty on offer all year round. Here’s our guide on when to visit Malawi.  Peak season isn’t just for watching wildlife – these months also offer the perfect weather for sailing Lake Malawi © Karwisch.de / 500px…

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The rich history and heritage of the Southwest is ripe for exploration – whether it’s visiting fascinating ruins, vibrant museums, and art galleries, or simply soaking up the sun in the Sonoran Desert. Here, warm people and unique traditions are nestled within some of the most varied and captivating landscapes in the United States. Starting from Phoenix, an epic road trip through Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico can take you to special destinations where history, culture, and spirituality intersect. This itinerary connects places significant to the resident Native American tribes, where you can learn about the traditions of the Navajo,…

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A Southwestern road trip is an unforgettable experience, with diverse landscapes and endless adventures waiting around every bend. It’s also a great way to visit some of the coolest cities in the country, from the top-tier culture of Phoenix to the anything-goes excitement of Las Vegas, to the excellent dining in Salt Lake City. Even cooler might be the string of small, historic towns that connect these glittering urban centers. In this itinerary we’ll make time to get off the main roads and explore quirky small towns as well. Like living time capsules Kingman and Oatman, Ariz., and access to…

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If you love uniquely incredible landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures, a road trip through the Southwest should be at the top of your list. The Petrified Forest, Saguaro, White Sands, Mesa Verde, Joshua Tree and more are just some of the National Parks in this beautiful region of the US, connected by miles of road and open sky. In this particular itinerary we’ll start in Arizona, tracing the Colorado River to find a string of desert jewels, from the Grand Canyon to Arches and beyond. Then we’ll turn those canyons inside out as we climb the Rocky Mountains, with their…

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A beach-and-bush holiday in Africa rarely falls into the discount vacation category. But with flexible dates, an open attitude to slow travel and a willingness to trade deluxe wilderness camps for rustic lodging, a trip to Malawi doesn’t have to drain your savings. The bad news is the bulk of your budget will go towards airfare – sadly, it doesn’t come cheap. The good news? Once you’ve arrived, the “Warm Heart of Africa” is one of the least expensive countries for travel in the southern part of the continent. On the ground, it’s easy to keep your budget in check while experiencing…

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Lonely Planet’s “Give It a Try” series makes a case for mainstream travel experiences that most consider too touristy or unsophisticated.  Austin Bush discovers why Porto’s “Worst Tour” might be the perfect way to get under the skin of Portugal’s second city. Walking tours are undoubtedly one of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city. But what about a tour that bills itself as “one of the worst tours in the world…or at least in Porto”? It doesn’t sound promising, especially when the website blurb asks visitors to “lower your expectations.” Nonetheless, I was intrigued.  Get…

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Most middle or upper class Brazilians will warn you off from visiting favelas. They’re too dangerous, they’ll tell you. It’s too risky. Then the question will inevitably follow: why would you want to go to one anyway?  Slum tourism is a tricky subject. Visiting neighborhoods just to gape at residents is akin to visiting a human zoo. It shouldn’t be done.  Get local insight on destinations all over the world with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Visiting a community to better understand the lives of the people who live there, however, or to interact and exchange with them,…

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Bigger than Rhode Island and large enough to influence the weather, Grand Canyon National Park can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.  Millions make a special effort to visit the park each year but some don’t account for the blistering desert heat, sporadic monsoons, trail safety along a whopping 595 miles of hiking routes, or the need to reserve accommodations ahead of time.  To make your trip successful, you need to get the little things right. Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on an adventure to Grand Canyon National Park. Get local insight on destinations all over the world…

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As in most of Europe, Spain has grown increasingly secular in recent decades. Yet in the week leading up to Easter, Spaniards of all regions and levels of devotion continue to participate in traditions and rituals that have marked the most important holiday on the Christian calendar for centuries.  Here’s our guide to navigating Semana Santa in Spain. Get the inside scoop on the latest cultural happenings all over the world delivered weekly to your inbox with our email newsletter What is Semana Santa?  Semana Santa is Spain’s Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday. It’s celebrated all over the…

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Basking beneath palm trees on powder-soft sand, snorkeling warm turquoise waters amid multicolored fish, catching waves, hiking through rainforest to crystal-clear waterfalls, breathing in flower-perfumed air… a dream tropical vacation can be a reality, even on a budget. Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, 36% of the earth’s landmass is tropical, providing a multitude of enticing destinations, and balancing where and when to visit can reap huge savings. These are eight of the best affordable vacations in paradise. Live a tropical dream in Palawan © John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images 1. Palawan, the Philippines With…

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For travelers, Costa Rica’s capital has two great advantages: it’s not too big and nearly all of the major sights are located in the middle of town. Oh, and there’s a third: many of its highlights are free to visit. So if you’re saving your cents for canopy tours and scuba lessons, San José makes for a budget-friendly pit-stop. It’s also a nexus of Tico history and culture. Thousands of travelers to Costa Rica spend their first days in San José, where they orient themselves and hash out itineraries. But don’t waste your time here just planning to travel beyond…

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The best time to visit New Orleans is whenever you’re feeling like you need to add some fun and random beautiful chaos to your life, because this city manufactures good times in overdrive. Good times aside, you probably want to arrive at the fun factory when the weather is pleasant.  When it comes to New Orleans climate, there are basically two seasons: summer and not-summer. Summer lasts from May until October but can rear its muggy head at any time of the year: 80°F (26°C) days in the middle of a 50°F (10°C) week in winter are definitely a thing. Keep…

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When our colleague Brekke Fletcher, Lonely Planet’s Director of Content, got an invitation to visit Costa Careyes in Mexico, she jumped on it. Here’s how her dreamy getaway went.   It had been on my radar for years. Still, I had no idea what to expect from Costa Careyes. Casa Nautilus, one of the villas you can rent in Costa Careyes © Brekke Fletcher / Lonely Planet This is precisely the kind of place you have to see to believe. Located in the Costalegre region of Jalisco on Mexico’s rugged Pacific coast, Careyes is equal parts private retreat, luxury resort (without…

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Bound by the Panama Canal to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the south and a slew of protected rainforests to the north, Panama City has evolved on an eastward and upward trajectory, mushrooming along the shore in a sprawl of jagged glass skyscrapers.  Overhauling Panama City’s perpetually congested transport network has long been a priority for planners, particularly as the city’s population has grown by more than 700,000 since 2000. And today, billions of dollars in investment and years of hard work have finally paid off: Panama City now boasts the finest mass-transit system in Central America. Make the…

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The rugged Andes and tracts of impenetrable rainforest present formidable barriers to overland travel in Ecuador. But journeying through this dramatic topography is just one of the many reasons to come here. Getting around in Ecuador won’t always be quick, but it will always be an adventure. The good news? Transportation in Ecuador is generally inexpensive, particularly if you stick to the buses, though prices ramp up dramatically if you include the Galápagos on your itinerary. Transit is easier on the mainland – wherever there are roads, you can pretty much guarantee that there’ll be a spluttering local bus to…

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San Antonio used to be an affordable city. In the last decade, though, prices have soared as more and more people discover this unique and charming Texas city. That’s not to say that a budget traveler can’t have a great time exploring San Antonio. Many of the city’s biggest attractions are free, allowing you to save your dollars for other things like a hotel or Tex-Mex cuisine.   Here we’ve gathered our favorite free attractions and things to do in San Antonio. Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors, want to do some window shopping, or experience San Antonio’s history and…

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In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. Happily hygge Copenhagen is a global center of cool. Famous for its design retailers, the Danish capital has also become a major culinary destination in recent years. With so much to see, taste and peruse, where do you begin? Writer and street-style expert Verona Farrell offers five places to start. Discover…

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Puerto Rico inspires Caribbean daydreams for good reason, boasting some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With more than 250 miles of coastline and nearly 300 beaches, the variety of landscapes can satisfy both the beachgoer searching for sublime relaxation and the budding big-wave surfer – all in a long weekend.  Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports, you’ll find plenty of options. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ll help you explore some of the Island’s best…

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Like its famous hot chicken, Music City knows how to bring the heat. Even with its big-city vibe, Nashville retains the charm and gentility of a small Southern town. Despite the city’s growing popularity, it’s possible to explore on a budget. From the wild honky-tonks on Broadway to the scenic hiking trails along Radnor Lake, here are the top free things to do in Nashville. 1. Nostalgia fans should head to Cooter’s Place Museum Fans of the Dukes of Hazzard make the pilgrimage to Nashville for Cooter’s Place Museum, a collection of memorabilia from the hit ’80s television series. The museum, which…

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For first-time visitors to Africa – and for anyone who is drawn to nature and outdoor adventures – Malawi is a wonderful destination. This tiny sliver of a country has many superb places to visit, offering scenic diversity, from the vast, idyllic Lake Malawi and the zebra-dotted high plains to the epic heights of Mt Mulanje and the escarpment views at Livingstonia. Accounts of the legendary Malawian friendliness are not overexaggerated, and once there, you will find there are ways to experience this welcoming country while keeping your costs down. Here are the best things to do on your trip to Malawi. Discover…

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New York City loves nothing more than a good rivalry. And everyone here has an opinion about everything. Is the best food in Queens or Brooklyn? The best art scene uptown or downtown? The best neighborhood the West Village or Jackson Heights? While we won’t dare to take a side on these existential questions, we’ll never get tired of the way New Yorkers argue over them. Because in New York City, a passionately held opinion is as important as a good slice of pizza. The same tribal logic applies to NYC’s major-league baseball teams: as a New Yorker, you must…

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The French call Corsica L’Île de Beauté (the Isle of Beauty) for good reason: with 20 peaks topping 2000m the Mediterranean island combines dramatic mountain scenery with beautiful beaches, hidden coves, age-old stone villages, and vegetation that ranges from Alpine to dry Mediterranean. The mountains dominate the island’s western and central regions and form the central bone of the long finger that juts north. As a result, some beaches in the west are inaccessible by road or require a 4WD with high clearance (your average urban SUV is no good here!) or a decent pair of hiking boots to reach.…

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What is it about Iceland? Can I say, “everything?” It’s an out-of-this-world landscape that just happens to be… in this world. Its people are so welcoming and hospitable – and don’t really get what all the fuss is about, which frankly, I love. And it is the kind of place you have to see to believe. Even Instagram can’t do it justice. Get trusted guidance to the world’s most breathtaking experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our email newsletter. I recently spoke with local travel expert Gunnar Þór Pálsson from his office in Reykjavik to ask him all about his…

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In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. This week, Lonely Planet contributor Helen Iatrou who considers herself a full-blooded Greek islander shares some ideas for planning an island hopping trip. Question: I’m planning a vacation to the Greek islands this summer but don’t know where to start. Which islands should I visit, and how many can I fit into a week-long trip?  Discover the world’s most intriguing experiences with our weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Helen Iatrou: Sailing is my great…

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How do you make a marathon fun? Add wine. Lyon-based writer, wine aficionado and runner (in that order) Anna Richards argues that the best wine marathon in France takes place in Beaujolais.  These days, bar crawls have gotten a whole lot more physical. The world’s first wine marathon, the Marathon du Médoc (near Bordeaux), started in 1985, and since then, wine-infused runs have popped up all over the globe. Rather than jelly candies and gel sachets, runners participating in Médoc are treated to oysters and ice cream (France is the country of haute cuisine, after all). Yet securing much-coveted places…

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The St Patrick’s Festival has become one of Montserrat’s most popular annual events. This year mark’s the return to the island’s first in-person festival since 2020 and I can’t wait. I attended my first St Patrick’s Festival in 2003. Back then, Montserrat was still experiencing periodic volcanic eruptions and the makeshift festival grounds at Little Bay were dusty with gray ash. Coconut fronds framed small shacks set up to house the Slave Feast. Frying pans bubbled with Johnny Cakes and fried chicken as string-band music played on the stage. It was very much a small, locals-only event happening over two…

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No matter how close you are, it’s easy for siblings to drift when life’s paths start to diverge. A sibling trip can rekindle that special bond you share and offer experiences you can’t replicate anywhere else—no parents allowed. These five destinations are custom-made for those kinds of trips. And with the right travel credit card, like Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cards from Chase, you can earn rewards on everyday purchases to use towards future sibling travel plans. Read on to find out more. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale area packs a big punch when it comes to sibling vacations © goodluz /…

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With year-round sunshine and balmy weather, any time is a great time to visit Hawaii. But while there are no major seasonal changes in the Islands, there are subtle differences in weather, crowds and prices throughout the year. Most visitors travel during breaks, so summer and mid-spring are busy. But the busiest time in Hawaii is actually winter – specifically the last two weeks of December through early January – as people are fleeing cold climates for sunny beaches and warm weather. During this peak time, prices for airfare and hotels are the highest. You’ll find cheaper rates during late spring…

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The countdown’s on–T-minus way-too-few days until the baby makes its highly anticipated arrival. And let’s be honest, things are probably getting a bit hectic. (Set up the nursery and picked out a good crib? Have you figured out how to strap in the car seat yet?) What you need is a parent-to-be time-out. A babymoon is a great opportunity to take some time for yourself and get mentally (and emotionally) prepared for the big event. The five destinations below offer relaxing experiences perfect for any couple, along with a little something extra on the wellness front for mom-to-be. And with…

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Traveling as a father and daughter is about more than sightseeing—it’s about seeing the world from each other’s point of view. These multifaceted cities offer tons of opportunities to share your favorite things, try new activities outside of your comfort zone, and make new memories together. Ahead of your trip, the right travel credit card – like Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cards from Chase—will let you earn rewards on everyday purchases, perfect for traveling with companions. Read on to find out more. Colorado Springs is ideal for dusting off those hiking shoes and hitting some of the most beautiful terrain…

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With its countless stone-walled crêperies, traditional dancing Fest Noz festivals and road signs translated in Celtic language, Brittany loves to be unapologetically Breton. You will fall under the charm of this land shaped by the ocean, where fishermen hum centuries-old sea shanties at the local bar and tide times determine the course of the whole day. If you are not one to be put off by below-average water temperatures and the occasional drop of rain, here are 15 unmissable things to see, watch and experience in Brittany. The spectacular scenery and fresh catch of the day are well worth the…

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There’s a pivotal moment in life when you make the decision to take your parents or grandparents on holiday for the first time. It’s your chance to take the driving seat and plan a perfect trip for the people who first set you on the path to becoming a traveler – think of it as thank you in holiday form. But it has to be done right. Sure, you want a trip that shows off your love of travel and your world-class knowledge of the globe, but the destination has to work for everyone – a trekking holiday in the…

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With its lush beaches, historic cities and party vibe, Puerto Rico is emerging as one of the top island escapes in the Caribbean. However, compared to neighboring islands, such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba, traveling here can be expensive. With the lack of reliable public transport, rising living costs, an 11.5% tax rate on all goods and services, a general lack of hotels offering all-inclusive packages, and the island’s political relationship with the US, a visit to Puerto Rico can be a high-priced affair.  But don’t despair. There are plenty of pocket-friendly ways to experience the best of…

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Dancehall isn’t just a genre of music. For Jamaicans, it’s a way of life. The impact of this subculture is so massive that it forms part of everything Jamaicans do – from how we talk, dress, dance and even celebrate.  The number-one way to see and experience dancehall in Jamaica is at events, specifically street parties we call “dance.” I can’t recall my first time going to a dance. It’s something that always was (and still is) part of the traditional Jamaican lifestyle – almost as routine as going to church on Sundays, and for many people, just as spiritual. …

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Puerto Rico is small but mighty. The island has a wide array of foods, landscapes, wildlife and attractions jam-packed into an area only 100 by 35 miles. Its relatively small size makes it an ideal road-trip destination. Here, no drive is too long or too far, and it’s easy to embrace “island time” and savor every beach, roadside kiosk and photo op along the way.  From north to south, east to west, mountains to beaches, the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, here are the best road trips in Puerto Rico.  Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has…

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