With famously gorgeous weather and almost 300 days of sunshine a year, the best time to visit Lisbon is whenever your heart desires. The crowds come in summer, lured by scorching sunshine and big events, but fall and spring have a gentler magic, and even the winter has its own quiet charm. Spring and summer…
London is huge, fast-paced and packed with world-class things to do, see and experience. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start, whether you're a first-time visitor or coming back for more. You could be taking advantage of free entry at top art galleries and museums, learning about the city's history, or…
You could easily argue that there's no such thing as a bad time to visit England's capital city – world-class events running year-round, incredible galleries and museums, cozy pubs, and beautifully landscaped parks and gardens. London does not hold back from flaunting its many stunning attractions no matter what the weather is doing....although, spoiler alert,…
Clipping through the Alps or coasting along the French countryside, there's no better way to move throughout Europe than via its incredible and comprehensive train system. But with more than 222,924km (138,518 miles) of track to explore, it's hard to know where to step aboard and where to alight. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of…
In our Spending Diaries series, we break down how our writers spend, save and splurge on weekend city breaks. What to eat, drink, see and do in 48 hours in Porto © Austin Bush/Lonely Planet I’m a writer and photographer based in Lisbon, Portugal. I love my new home, but in search a brief escape I…
Europe puts on a sensational show for the smallest of crowds in spring. Head here to hike in quiet wonder to dreamy Mediterranean beaches that are all but empty, spot wildlife emerging from its deep winter slumber, and witness the seasonal eruption of wildflowers on mountain slopes, in verdant valleys, and along the coast. There’s…
Japan may be small, but with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and its bustling cities and stunning countryside, it offers a mighty experience to visitors. No matter when you choose to visit, you'll find a wealth of experiences waiting for you. In spring, the blossoming of the sakura (cherry trees) creates a beautiful…
There’s rarely a dull moment in vibrant Istanbul. The city's historic attractions can be appreciated any time of year, but its vibe does change dramatically with the seasons, from wet and moody winters to sunny and sticky summers – and accommodation prices vary accordingly. When planning a trip, it’s worth noting the upcoming dates of the…
Who doesn’t remember their first family trip to Yellowstone National Park? The taste of burnt campfire hot dogs, the scent of lodgepole pine in the air, your first glimpse of a wolf in the wild – these are memories that you and your kids will remember together for years. Visiting the world’s oldest national park…
Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Don’t buy it. The traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux…