Lonely Planet

As Lonely Planet's US Travel Editor, I frequently get asked if it's safe to go to Mexico. I have always said that, if you're thoughtful about where you go, the answer is yes. But, after my most recent trip there, I'm answering the question with another question: Do...

Summer comes and you're dreaming of scaling Yosemite's Half Dome, whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guess what? So is everyone else. The US National Parks see over 280 million visitors each year, with the biggest crowds descending...

Sometimes the real star of a movie is the setting itself. Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" pretty much sells Vienna for anyone who thought of just passing through. Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" is practically a San Francisco postcard of the late '50s. Woody Allen's "Manhattan" does the same for New York, and...

Presidents Day: That strategic February Monday holiday in the U.S. that's situated at arm's length between George Washington's birthday (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln's (February 12). Every American knows it -- mostly for the day off from school or work -- but how do you celebrate?

Most folks go see...

Why settle for a card and flowers for this Valentine's Day? Travel, dang it! If you're thinking of venturing out, here are six ideas you probably hadn't considered. Best of all, Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday this year, meaning you expect some extra savings on mid-week deals in most...

As the Super Bowl host on February 5, Indianapolis jumps into the spotlight, and you can bet an ear of corn you'll hear all about its race cars and mighty museums. But what about its burlesque shows and brains in jars? Meatloaf and mead? The city has a slew...

Candy sands, disappearing waves, transformed trolls: If life's a beach, these are its strangest days.

These 10 beaches from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Sights might not all be swimmable, but they are all extraordinary.

By Lonely Planet author Rose Mulready. For more travel oddities covered by Rose, see

If past years (or recessions) have sucked up your travel budget, plan smart and get more in bang for your buck in these value destinations, from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012.

Where did Lonely Planet readers pick as the top destination for 2012? Find out here.

Everyone's talking about "local travel." Staying in apartment rentals, making meals from local produce from farmer's markets, sticking with neighborhood parks and shops and leaving the big-time museums and chain hotels behind.

Question: what comes after that?

Full immersion. Travel to become something -- or someone -- else.

Recently I...