The ultimate Rio de Janeiro travel guide
You can find the most inspiring places, map material, and tips on our visitBerlin app Going Local. Uganda’s single most important tourist hotspot is the 331km² Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), which protects a rugged landscape of steep hills and valleys abutting the Congolese border south of Ishasha and north of Kisoro. Rolling eastward from the Albertine Rift Escarpment, the tangled forested slopes of Bwindi provide shelter to one of Africa’s most diverse mammalian faunas, including 45% of the global mountain gorilla population. Today, 18 habituated gorilla groups can be tracked in Bwindi, a thrilling venture regarded by most who have undertaken it to be a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Carrying an umbrella is a good idea during tsuyu, the rainy season in June and July, and in September, when typhoons occasionally strike the coast. The iconic Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and ancient Zen temples make it a compelling day trip, with enough allure to justify an extended visit for those keen to delve deeper into its historical charm. 128km north of Tokyo, Nikko epitomizes traditional Japan with its World Heritage-listed Tōshō-gū shrine complex and the natural beauty of Nikkō National Park. It’s a place where history and nature intersect in spectacular fashion. Intrepid author Martin Zatko has explored every corner of Tokyo in a quest to better understand the machinations of this fascinating city.
Italy
Expert travel guides and best American destinations to visit on your USA holiday. Welcome to The Independent’s travel section, here to provide everything you need to plan your perfect trip. From inspiration for your next beach holiday, off-the-beaten-track adventure or city break to the practical information you need to save money when booking a getaway, our team of experts is here to help. Barcelona Essentials Pass makes planning and organizing your trip to Barcelona easy. Includes unlimited public transport, tickets to top attractions, audio guide with interactive maps and 10% discount coupon.
Walking tours
The best time to visit London is generally in the warmer months and over the summer, but Christmas is also a great season for visiting. Spring comes with beautiful flowers, and autumn graces the city with seasonal foliage. I’ll start my London travel guide with when to visit London, including the best time to be here, what to pack, and annual events and festivals. Other than in a national park, you’re highly unlikely to encounter a bear. Most fundamentally, it will be after your food, which should be stored in airtight containers when camping.
#6 Go on a day trip to Torcello
Nearby, funky little Padang Bai is a port for boats to the Gili Islands and Lombok, and also makes a decent base in its own right. The biggest-hitting dive centres, though, are on the east coast, at Amed, which has lots of accommodation and plenty of reefs close to shore. Visitors can also explore the park’s cultural heritage, with ancient temples and traditional villages nearby. With its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, West Bali National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Bali’s wilderness. Visitors can experience Bali’s unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Bali Starling bird and the elusive Javanese leopard. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, and diving.
If you want to climb Gunung Batur, you can base yourself in Toya Bungkah, or Buahan and Songan, south of Kedisan. Hotels in this highland region do not have as high standards as those in more mainstream tourist areas. The cooler, cloud-capped hills of Danau Brata attracts some visitors (it goes down to 10˚C at night, so don’t expect fans or air-conditioning), but most people visiting North Bali stay in Munduk as the accommodation is generally high.
The best trails in UNESCO heritage sites in Italy: 10,000 steps amid nature and beauty
Single ticket costs 38 руб within the city limits and 45 руб within the closest outskirts. There are several tram routes, although trams are not common in the city centre. Some of the train stations include beautiful architecture and it is worth taking a guided tour of the metro system. Also look at the architecture of the ground entrance building of Arbatskaya (Line #4 – light blue) and Krasnye Vorota (Line #1 – red). History buffs may appreciate that Metro Line #1 (red) has the oldest stations, opened in 1935. The next ring road, the Garden Ring (Sadovoe Koltso), derives its name from the fact that landowners near the road in Tsarist times were obligated to maintain gardens to make the road attractive.
FREE EBOOKVietnam Travel Guide
Such is its apparent power to beautify, Javanese brides are said to have a treatment each day for the forty days before their wedding ceremonies. The best-known and most challenging of the southwestern breaks are around Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula – at Balangan, Dreamland, Bingin, Padang Padang and Suluban. Novice and less confident surfers should start with the breaks around Kuta, Canggu and Medewi. Nearby is the exceptional Nyoman Gunarsa Museum, which houses Bali’s best collection of historic Kamasan art. Highlights include several 10m-long ider ider (ceremonial banners depicting mythological tales).
Fiji Luxury Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week (Sand & Sea)
It’s also close to the fabulous Minoan sites of Knossos, Phaestos and Ayía Triádha to the south (with Roman Gortys to provide contrast). Further east, the upmarket resort of Áyios Nikólaos provides sophisticated restaurants and hotels, while quiet, lazy Sitía is a perfect base for exploring the eastern coastline. Heading west, Réthymnon boasts a pretty old town and an excellent beach, though Haniá in the extreme west arguably beats it in terms of style and atmosphere.
Is seat 11A the safest on a plane? Experts weigh in
There’s also a bunch of glitzy and vibrant clubs where people let their hair down to cutting-edge sounds minus – this being Singapore – any assistance from illicit substances. Some venues regularly manage to lure the world’s leading DJs to play, too. As with heritage buildings the world over, today’s surviving shophouses are often but a handsomely restored shell concealing insides that have been totally gutted and rejigged. Many no longer serve as shops, homes or clan houses, functioning instead as bars, beauty salons or offices.
Food
- It’s a rather haunting, mournful style often focused on the hardships of the poor or life at sea.
- Women generally regard sub-equatorial Africa as one of the safest places in the world to travel alone.
- In terms of climate, Crete has by far the longest summers in Greece, and you can get a decent tan here right into October and swim at least from May until early November.
- The main frescoes in the nave of St Saviour echo the mosaics, featuring the death of the Virgin over the door and, to the right, a depiction of Christ.
- Inevitably, Edinburgh’s nightlife is at its best during the Festival, which can make the other 49 weeks of the year seem like an anticlimax.
- Over the years, we have helped more than 10000+ travellers from across 14 countries explore their dream international holiday destinations.
- Fees at the generally less scenic commercial campgrounds – abundant near major towns, and often resembling open-air hotels, complete with shops and restaurants – are more like $20–35.
- Additionally, you can explore some of the city’s charming neighbourhoods, visit more museums and galleries, and enjoy more leisurely meals at local trattorias.
Situated along the south of the country’s west coast, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) boasts an incredible mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music, a wild nightlife, charming plazas, and laid-back cafés where you can watch the world go by. Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly and scenic capital, is one of my favorite cities in the world. The winding streets, ocean views, and flowing wine entice me at every turn. Castello is home to the impressive Arsenale and the Biennale Gardens, where the prestigious Venice Biennale art exhibition takes place.
You can also save your favorite places and experiences in a destination and view them on a map. However, if you are looking for a planning tool, we recommend trying a better travel planner. You can select the destination and review the Heroes available there. Each Hero has a detailed bio outlining their personality, travel specialty, and expertise. Although Lonely Planet is not as resourceful and updated as it used to be, it’s still one of the best travel sites to get an overview of destinations. You can also book accommodation and dining options via the website.
Things You Should Know Before You Visit Lisbon
Get inspired by destinations chosen in this year’s Best in Travel list.
Hiking and biking in the countryside surrounding Ubud gives you a real sense of how Bali once was before tourism went big time here. At the confluence of the Wos Barat and the Wos Timor rivers, the two-hour Campuhan Ridge Walk is doable by bike and offers arresting views and an endless carpet of alangalang grass swaying in the breeze. Facilities are mushrooming along the coast with accommodation now available in every village bay. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is now a popular pastime here and progressive beach outlets rent them. Divers should aim for Jemeluk, which has dive centres and a travellers’ vibe, and is a good choice if you don’t have your own transport.
Over three million bulbs flower across the city, planted by the municipality. The population of Greater Istanbul has increased twelvefold since the establishment of the Turkish Republic, and stands today at around 15 million. This rapid urban growth has left the city with more than its fair share of problems, from horrendous traffic congestion to housing and water shortages and rising crime rates.
You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the city but read this article on common travel scams to avoid if you’re worried about getting ripped off. They’re traditionally served warm and with cinnamon, paired with a coffee or hot drink. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, check out Pastelaria Versailles. They’ve been around since the 1920s and make some of the best in the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when visiting Portugal’s capital.
So, the stage is set and the cameras are rolling – darling, it’s time for your close-up. Located eight degrees south of the equator, Bali has consistent year-round temperatures, averaging 27°C in Bali’s coastal areas and the hills around Ubud and 22°C in the central volcanoes around Kintamani. The highlights of any itinerary will include the magnificent Pura Uluwatu temple on Bukit Peninsula, a chance to choose your own party in Kuta, Legian or Seminyak, plus the surf beaches of Canggu.
You won’t enjoy Rome if you spend your time trying to tick off sights. Once the heart of the mighty Roman Empire, and still the home of the papacy, Rome is made up of layers of history. It’s the most visited city in Italy, and there’s a reason for that. Car sharing is usually cheaper and faster than intercity buses, but it takes more planning. There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. Once you’ve decided on an area, provincial tourist offices can provide full lists of outfitters.
You may pay slightly more for 2 one-way tickets than a round-trip ticket, but it will be more than made up for by the savings for the extra ferry and hotel night. Public Prettiest towns in Tuscany Transport vs. Rental CarMany islands offer decent bus systems, but routes can be limited. If you crave hidden beaches or remote villages, renting a car or ATV grants freedom. Just be prepared for narrow roads and occasional steep switchbacks.
- Here’s a helpful guide to choosing the best area to stay in London for your style.
- This part of my London travel guide covers the best places to eat and drink in the city.
- He contributes his extensive travel and outdoor experience to much of the editorial topics and content on World Guides To Travel.
- The Villa Borghese’s two other major museums are the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna and the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, which holds the world’s primary collection of Etruscan treasures.
- The Sokolniki Retro Train is a train modeled after the original 1930s trains and it occasionally is placed into service, usually around a major anniversary of the metro system.
West and southwest of Athens is The Peloponnese, a vast peninsula peppered with romantic harbor towns, olive groves, and archaeological ruins. Northwest of Athens are the ancient ruins of Delphi and the incredible clifftop monasteries at Meteora. In Greece’s far north is the three-legged peninsula of Halkidiki, famous for its excellent beaches and mountain monastic republic.
- On this boat tour of Lisbon, you’ll enjoy a cruise on the Tagus River while you admire iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower or the 25 de Abril Bridge.
- Boats and cruises are popular for discovering the rivers, canals, and stunning landscapes of the Mekong Delta and the famous Halong Bay.
- Long known as Spain’s avant-garde capital, Barcelona boasts world-class art museums, a legendary football team, and a cutting-edge scene of designer restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops that set the trends rather than follow them.
- 128km north of Tokyo, Nikko epitomizes traditional Japan with its World Heritage-listed Tōshō-gū shrine complex and the natural beauty of Nikkō National Park.
- You can also click on the pictures below to check their city cards for the most popular destinations in Italy.
- The temperatures in Andalusia regularly rise above 40 degrees Celsius and the winters are generally very mild.
Discover Budapest Like Never Before with Budapest.city Travel Guide!
Consider us your one-stop shop for making all of your Orlando dreams come true. For more inspiration and detailed information about these and other remarkable destinations in Vietnam, you can check out our Vietnam inspiration list. However, to ensure a reliable internet connection and avoid dependence on Wi-Fi, it is recommended to buy a Vietnamese SIM card. While there are several providers to choose from, Viettel is generally considered the best option for its coverage and reliability. Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and it’s advisable to carry local currency for most transactions as other currencies are not accepted. Banks and authorized currency exchange offices are the best places to exchange foreign currencies, but interestingly, gold jewelry shops often offer competitive exchange rates.
- Today, the British Museum is clearly the star attraction, but there are other minor sights, such as the Charles Dickens Museum.
- Galatasary Meydanı, on busy İstiklal Caddesi, is the starting point for many protests.
- From big attractions to secret spots, I’ve endeavored to share as much of the city as possible with you.
- You can also discover the best places for kids, gardens and walks as voted for by our members.
- The pay option is mostly for AI and automation, it is very well placed and affordable, so paying for it is a good option but not mandatory for regular use.
- Classical figures and movie characters have always formed part of the parade, but there’s also some real wit and invention on display, like “Fruit Lady”, a one-woman mobile market stall, or the twin “Bicycling Skeletons”.
- From accommodation to activities, find out how to explore our beautiful island in a sustainable way.
If you’re only in Lisbon for two days, check out our 2-day Itinerary of the city. In our travel guide, you’ll find updated information on what to see, where to sleep, and the best places to eat. Don’t miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.
Mennonite traders are also prominent at the much-lauded Farmers’ Market, back in the centre of Kitchener on King Street East (Sat 7am–2pm; kitchenermarket.ca). They have an extensive network throughout the city, so it’s easy to find a bus that can take you where you need to go. Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its breathtaking landscape, lively culture, vibrant nightlife, and incredible beaches.
From luxury train journeys through Malaysia to hiking an active volcano in Guatemala, discover this year’s must-see destinations, handpicked by National Geographic’s explorers, photographers, and editors. If you are unsure which travel guidebook is right for you, try one out. Borrow a book from your local library, or visit a nearby bookshop to skim their travel section. Alternatively, take a leap and buy and download an e-book to determine if you want to keep or return it.