Everything you need to know before visiting Grand Canyon National Park

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…

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What you should know about Brazil’s favelas

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…

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Give it a try: take the worst tour in Porto to get under it’s skin

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…

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11 of the best things to do in Ghana: experience the energy of this West African nation

With a wealth of sandy beaches and national parks teeming with wildlife, Ghana is a small country with loads to offer adventurous travelers. Not only is Ghana relatively easy to navigate, but the country boasts a stable democracy, welcoming residents, and an array of unique attractions, from incredible festivals to the studios of artisan coffin…

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Malawi on a budget

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…

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Canyons to mountains: Drive to the parks of America’s Southwest

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…

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