Destinations

Some destinations will always get pitted against one another. In this series, two passionate writers go head-to-head to explain why you should visit their chosen destination. We’re finally wearing sweatshirts in the morning, and you know what that means. It’s time to book that fall foliage tour and soak in the cozy awesomeness that is nature

Upon mention of Minneapolis, most non-Minnesotans don’t have too much to say. “Prince is from there”, they might remark, or perhaps “I heard they have a lot of lakes”. Both of these things are true, but there’s a lot more to Minneapolis beyond the legendary purple-loving artist and glorious lakes. This city has a reputation

Anchored by the Appalachians, West Virginia holds a trove of wild rivers, deep gorges and thick forests perfect for outdoor adventures. Charming small towns and fascinating historic sites throughout the state also beg to be explored. Journey through the mountains and along the rivers to discover everything from coal mining history to famous family feuds

When you think of the best food cities in the US, the usual cities come to mind – New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami and Chicago. But if you’re traveling in search of great eats this year, consider thinking outside the box and heading to these great but underrated culinary destinations instead.  From

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While deserts may be more closely associated with barren, dry characteristics, Palm Springs and the broader Coachella Valley are flush with things to do. In recent years, the region has attracted far more than retirees and Coachella fans. Whether you’re wanting to slow down and unplug with a rejuvenating sound bath or race something fast,

From its imposing Gothic cathedral to its fading World Expo ’92 pavilions, Seville rewards the inquisitive visitor. And with a Mediterranean climate that remains largely dry and warm year-round, there’s never really a bad time to explore the sights in and around its historic core. Seville’s inland location on the dry, sweltering plains of Andalucía

Over 7000 sq miles of mountains, rivers, forests, and farms dotted with postcard villages and opulent estates: the Hudson Valley is so vast, you need a car to see it all.  Unlike neighboring NYC, public transit isn’t readily available throughout the region. Buses and trains stop in large towns, but driving is the only way

The world’s largest open-air bookshop is set against one of the most picturesque backdrops on Earth: Paris. Indeed, you could say that the riverside booksellers and their iconic green book stalls are as much a fixture of the Seine as the Eiffel Tower is of the city’s skyline. But a battle is brewing between the

When I think of Utah, I think of national parks. In addition to well-known Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon make up the “Mighty Five” – a must for many hikers’ bucket lists. As part of Lonely Planet’s social team, I’d seen those red rocks time and time again on my newsfeed. And

When it comes to bang for your buck, Barcelona has it all: beautiful architecture, coastal location and a cosmopolitan energy that makes it one of Europe’s foremost cultural hubs for art, fashion and technology. With so much to offer, though, it’s also the most expensive city in Spain when it comes to the cost of

Denver is a budget-friendly destination when compared to its Rocky Mountain neighbors like Aspen and Vail (and especially so when compared to much bigger metro areas like New York and Los Angeles). But as this mid-sized city’s profile continues to rise, so do prices. If you wanted to, you could easily drop a hefty chunk

With palm-framed beaches, magnificent markets, captivating cities and misty mountains enveloped by rice terraces and rainforests, Vietnam is certainly a great place for grown-ups. But how does it rank if you’re traveling with kids?  Well, a lot depends on where you go and how you get around. Traveling by train through the lowlands between Hanoi

When I got into the points and miles world a decade ago, it was a niche “hobby,” and there were few resources to help newbies get started. I had to dig through countless blogs, forums and read loyalty program terms and conditions obsessively to learn all the tips and tricks. Nowadays, social media is swarming

Uzbekistan is the Central Asian destination that you’ve been dreaming about. Magnificent blue-domed mosques, towering minarets, atmospheric Silk Road cities and ancient bazaars are coupled with the region’s best accommodation, easiest transportation and great value for money. It’s the most visited of the Central Asian republics and with good reason. A decade ago, Uzbekistan had

Pakistan is widely known as a top destination for adventure tourism. And with its rich culture and warm hospitality, it’s also a great place to travel with kids. Pakistan is an extremely family-oriented country. People adore children here and Pakistanis usually live together in large and close-knit extended families. People will warmly welcome you and your

It’s a running joke in the South that how you greet someone can reveal volumes about where you are from. For instance, in Atlanta, they ask, “What do you do for a living?” In Charlotte, they ask, “Where are you from?” In Charleston, it’s “What’s your mother’s maiden name?” and in Savannah, it’s “What are

From the indescribable west coast sunsets at El Matador Beach to the fun and vibrant electric energy in Venice Beach, Los Angeles is home to some of Southern California’s best beaches. The City of Angels’ beach culture is deeply ingrained in its identity, attracting local and tourist beachgoers, surfers, sunbathers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the

Journeying through Mongolia’s epic landscapes is a mesmerizing adventure. The sheer scale and emptiness of the steppe has a hypnotic lure that stays with you long after returning to civilization.  That’s not to say travel is a breeze – in a country three times the size of France, where most “roads” are grassy tracks, it

Pakistan is best known as a destination for adventure tourism, but its rich history and culture broaden the appeal. Though there are plenty of things to do in Lahore and Karachi, traveling beyond the major cities and exploring the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, ancient archaeological sites, and colonial-era hill stations is well worth your time.  Our