Following a successful 2021 bid for Unesco World Heritage status – elevating Italy's total sites to a world-leading 58 – Bologna has just launched a newly designed guided walking tour that takes a deep dive into the best of the centuries-old porticoes that canvas the historic city center.

A new walking tour to highlight the new Unesco status

The 90-minute tours (€15) depart from Bologna Welcome's Tourist Information Point in Piazza Maggiore every Saturday at 4pm through April 9 (with expansion plans in the works as Covid restrictions begin to ease throughout Italy). Along with the new tour, a tourism scheme that offers two-for-one deals at participating hotels has also been implemented.

As the capital of what is arguably Italy's most important food region, the Unesco designation and new tour is a welcome shift from the usual epicurean conversation. On one hand, culinary tourism is the city's pane e burro, but along with that often comes a frustrating neglect of all the wonderful non-food-related attributes of the city: the oldest university in the world, a fascinating musical history, wonderful medieval architecture and, of course, its beloved porticoes. The Unesco win caps off a multi-year push for recognition beyond lasagna and visitors will now be able to learn so much more about the unique history of the city's defining feature.

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Why the porticoes were initially built

The porticoes, a series of arched arcades that unravel under historic buildings across some 62 kilometers in total across the Northern Italian city, began to emerge in the 12th and 13th centuries to combat population growth mainly sparked by students attending the University of Bologna. By building roofs over the sidewalks, they could then extend the buildings across them, gaining precious square meters without having to build new buildings. The practice initially spread to other cities as well, but it was only Bologna where the practice wasn't eventually outlawed.

Explore the stunning villages and vistas of Southern Italy on this new hiking network "In 1288, a Municipal Statute established that the existing porticoes should be maintained and that any new building should include its own portico from then on," explains Bologna architect Federica Legnani, who also coordinated the Unesco bid for the city. "Thanks to this decision, porticoes flourished and became the permeating urban element we can appreciate today."

The history of the portico architecture

Throughout the centuries, Bologna's porticoes came in several incarnations: Mediaeval wooden-porticoes over buildings; Gothic and Renaissance porticoes integrated into buildings, 14th century beccadelli (semi-porticoes without columns) and 19th-century porticoes featuring court-architecture. They reach as high as nearly 10m, squeeze through spaces as narrow as 95cm and stretch as long as nearly 4km (the world's longest, featuring some 664 arches, leading up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca). The new tour will point out intricate details among the arcades – most of which go unnoticed by those simply walking the city streets or ducking under the porticoes for shelter from the elements.

A remarkable Renaissance masterpiece is returning to its Italian home for the first time in 300 years

Look up but also look down "The floor of the Portico del Pavaglione is made from large slabs of red stone from Verona, within which you can trace beautiful fossils trapped there for ages," says Legnani. " Palazzo del Podestà in Piazza Maggiore has colossal pillars decorated with thousands of sculpted flowers. Look closely and you can find some faces hidden in the center of the flowers - they are the portraits of the merchants who were forced to pay for the renovation of the building in the 15th century."

While the tour focuses on highlights like the 18th century frescoed portico at Piazza Cavour, not all of the newly Unesco-designated porticoes are elaborately decorated masterpieces dating back centuries.

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Go beyond Bologna for even more variety

In the suburban district of Barca, for example, the porticoed building known as "Il Treno" is a striking piece of post-war urbanism that counts as the lone contemporary representative in the Unesco site. The snaking, 600m-long reinforced concrete edifice was designed by Bolognese architect Giuseppe Vaccaro and inaugurated as a workers residence in 1962, greatly expanding the city's suburban reach and redefining the idea of popular architecture. From a drone's viewpoint, its curved design evokes a turning train – hence the nickname.

While plans are in the works to expand the tour to cover the entirety of the Unesco World Heritage site, for now, fans of modern architecture must journey 5km west of Piazza Maggiore on their own.

But venturing into the burbs doesn’t mean you'll miss out on the city's famed ragú, tortellini and mortadella – the restaurants out that way are good, too!

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Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before traveling during Covid-19 .

A new way to see Bologna's porticoes, one of Italy's newest Unesco World Heritage sites

Lonely Planet has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico.

Stretching across a scenic coastline and basking in year-round tropical sunshine, San Juan has all the attributes of a great lifestyle city. Active travelers don’t need to leave the metro area for heart-racing pursuits.

Calm, clear waters provide spectacular scenery above and below the water, inviting snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. At sunrise, the beaches and parks of Condado, Ocean Park and Carolina populate with yogis, volleyballers and beach tennis enthusiasts.

An easy day trip from the capital unveils two of the island’s bucket-list attractions – kayaking through a bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande and hiking in El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest on U.S. soil. But that’s just a fraction of exciting outdoor activities on offer in San Juan. Here’s our list.

Take a surf lesson at Pine Grove Beach

Known for its small and steady waves, Pine Grove in Isla Verde is the perfect surfing spot for beginners. Take a class with local legend and contestant on the ABC reality series TV show – The Ultimate Surfer – Alejandro Moreda.

Moreda began the Surf with a Pro school, located in Isla Verde, in 2018. And since then, has worked tirelessly to bring his love of surfing to the masses.

Another ideal surfing location for novices is La Pared in Luquillo. Located about 40 minutes from San Juan, La Pared is considered one of the Caribbean’s top-rated sites for beginners. Advanced surfers take over the area in the fall (specifically in October) when the bigger waves arrive.

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Kayak or paddleboard on the Condado Lagoon

Part of the San Juan Estuary, Condado’s mangrove-fringed lagoon is a protected nature reserve and one of the best places on the island to kayak and paddleboard. While out on the water, it’s not unusual to spot manatees, turtles, stingrays, turtles and even the occasional dolphin.

At Velauno Paddle Board, located in Jaime Benítez National Park in Condado, you can rent paddleboards for USD$20, sign up for a 90-minute lesson ($75) or take a three-hour cruise tour ($99).

Best places to grab a cup of coffee

Cycle the San Juan coast

A great way to get the lay of the land is to explore San Juan’s coastline on two wheels. To streamline the process, have a bike delivered to your hotel via San Juan Bike  Rentals (USD$30 per day).

Condado and east/west along the oceanfront are the most bike-friendly zones in the city. There are designated bike lanes along Avenida Ashford and paved paths around Condado Lagoon.

Stop at Playita de Condado, a sheltered cove that’s calm enough for young families to snorkel and swim. Take the oceanside Paseo Caribe which skirts around Punta de Tierra and see the tiny sandcastle-style Fortín San Gerónimo (currently closed for restoration) which has sweeping views of Condado Lagoon.

A short ride west, tree-lined walking and cycling trails loop around the perimeter of the century-old Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera on Calle San Agustín. This historic green space, dotted with fountains and festooned with artworks, is a park, arboretum and botanical garden rolled into one.

From here, follow the path west to Balneario El Escambrón (Escambrón Public Beach) and stroll around the evocative Bateria del Escambrón Fort.

Foodie’s guide to San Juan

Get physical at Ocean Park beach

At the upscale enclave of Ocean Park, a wide crescent of palm-fringed white sand is the backdrop for mind-body recreation.

Santosa Yoga, based in Condado, offers yoga and meditation workshops/retreats that take a more philosophical approach to the practice.

Sessions take place at Ocean Park beach on Tuesday mornings at 9am and Thursdays at 6pm at Playa Escambrón ($10). You can also arrange private lessons and join online classes. Spaces are limited, so text ahead to reserve a spot..

Similar to volleyball – but played with a racquet and a tennis ball – beach tennis has exploded in popularity in San Juan. At Ocean Park, you’ll find as many as 20 games going on at any one time on the weekends – weekday mornings are another popular time for lessons. To join a game or take a lesson, travelers can connect with beach tennis groups through Facebook and Instagram.

Best time to visit San Juan

Go for a jog from Isla Verde to Piñones

In San Juan, runners can log some serious miles along lightly trafficked oceanfront promenades. A four-mile, partly paved boardwalk skirts the oceanfront from Isla Verde to Piñones, where there’s a beautifully rugged beach and a tasty lunch at the finish line.

Piñones is famous for its beautiful beaches lined with kiosks that serve traditional Puerto Rican street food – our top picks are the bacalaítos (codfish fritters) or alcapurrias (fried plantains stuffed with beef or crab).

After lunch, go barefoot in the ocean at La Pocita Beach, pick up a coco frío (cold coconut water) to stay hydrated.

For a quick fix, take loops around Laguna del Condado. Long-distance runners can venture all the way from Isla Verde to Old San Juan and take in the city’s iconic landmarks en route.

Go for a hike at El Yunque Forest

Some 46km (28 mi) east from San Juan, El Yunque National Forest is a hiker’s dream. Outfitters in San Juan and Fajardo offer day tours of El Yunque which include hotel pick up, but if you have a sport utility vehicle and GPS, tours aren’t necessary.

The accessible 28000-acre rainforest has 13 well-maintained hiking trails which immediately immerse hikers in a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Novice paved trails in the north and more primitive dirt paths in the south traverse a biodiverse sanctuary of cloud-laced peaks, cascading waterfalls, picture-book streams and huge boulders.

The Angelito Trail is one of the park’s most family-friendly (and heavily trafficked) trails (0.8km/0.5 mi). You don’t even need to officially enter the park to access the trail. After around 40 minutes, the paved path culminates in a photogenic series of small waterfalls which plummet into a popular natural swimming pool on the Mameyes River.

The paved 4-km (2.5-mile) El Yunque Peak hike (around four hours roundtrip) ascends through the Palo Colorado forest, sierra palms, misty rainforest and cloud forest. Depending on the season, expect to see a riot of wildflowers, bromeliads, ferns, birdlife and the sonorous coqui tree frogs – Puerto Rico’s unofficial mascot.

The paved Mount Britton Trail is a short out-and-back hike (1.3km/0.8 mi) teeming with orchid and fern species. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and eastern coastal plain from the tower’s observation deck.

Experience the wonders of bioluminescent bays

Kayaking through a sparkling ocean, witnessing the rare, natural light show known as bioluminescence is an absolute must. Of the world’s five phosphorescent bays, Puerto Rico is home to three in Vieques, Laguna Grande and La Parguera. Each ripple in the water – from a skimming hand, a fish or an oar – ignites magical fluorescent-blue sparkles below the surface.

Around an hour’s drive east from San Juan, on the Northeast Coast, Laguna Grande is Puerto Rico’s most accessible bioluminescent bay. What sets Laguna Grande apart is the bay is actually a lagoon, nestled within an area of spectacular natural beauty. The dinoflagellates put on their ethereal light show as they feast off the red mangroves that surround the water.

Kayaking Puerto Rico offers two-hour bioluminescent bay tours that depart from Las Croabas at 6:15pm and 8:30pm daily ($55). Travelers short on time can combine a guided hike of El Yunque with an evening bio bay tour ($149), including transportation from San Juan, a stop in Luquillo and dinner at a local restaurant.

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As if Santa Barbara ’s culture and architecture aren’t enough to make you swoon, its beaches equally span the picturesque and timeless spectrums.

Known as The American Riviera, Santa Barbara is one of those multifaceted landscapes that sunny dreams are made of. Its mountain-meets-beach vibe with an upscale State Street spine satisfies any outdoor-loving appetite.

When it comes to beaches, there is truly something for everyone and – in so many pet-friendly spots – every dog, too. From secluded escapes to central, flat white sands to a quirky destination named after Santa Claus, there is a beach for you in this Coastal California gem. Here are the best ones (in alphabetical order).

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park / Hendry’s Beach is the top destination for dog lovers

Humans aren’t the only ones who love to play around in the sand. Situated five miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, this white sand, 14-acre beach is accented with towering palms and ridges. It is most renowned for being a local haven for dog lovers and their four-legged friends. Within Arroyo Burro Beach County Park – and all Santa Barbara County Parks – dogs must be leashed. However, just east and across the creek in the Douglas Family Reserve (walkable on the beach!), pups may be off-leash and you can see just how euphoric they get, rolling in the sand and frolicking in the waves.

Pre- or post-beach, hit the adjacent Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach seafood restaurant for vast ocean views and a killer homemade crab cake with a chipotle hollandaise sauce. And, yes, its patio is pet friendly.

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Laidback and lovely Butterfly Beach is a local favorite

Ask any native what their favorite beach is, and Butterfly Beach will be right up there. Tucked minutes east of Santa Barbara and within the super-posh confines of Montecito, this laid-back, simple, facility-free spot is primed for sunbathing, calmer ocean swims and taking in spectacular sunsets. Pro-tip: on weekends especially, parking can be tricky to find. There is a bike path from Stearns Wharf east along the water to Butterfly Park, so if you’re looking to rent a bike and hit Butterfly Beach during your trip, pair them together for a tranquil and seamless journey.

Fishing fans should head straight to Goleta Beach County Park

For fishing in Santa Barbara, booking a fishing excursion or renting/chartering a boat are always solid options. For a less formal affair – that’s free, open to the public and doesn’t require a fishing license - you can grab gear and head to the 1,450-foot pier jutting into the Santa Barbara Channel at Goleta Beach County Park. Multiple types of rockfish, halibut, calico bass, crab, lobster, and octopus have been spotted in and around the pier in recent years. Back on shore, the 29-acre park is primed for family outings with volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and barbecue grills.

Pack a picnic and spend the entire day at Leadbetter Beach

How nice it must be to go to Santa Barbara City College, stroll across Shoreline Drive and plop down on the beach whenever your heart desires. College kids aside, for generations, locals and visitors alike have flocked to this central beach for picnics on its white sands and the expansive lush lawn within Leadbetter Beach Park. With outdoor showers, a restroom facility, and a massive adjacent parking lot, this sandy haven is optimized for a day-long adventure. With cliffs just feet offshore in select areas, the winds are kept light and steady here. For newbie surfers, kite surfers or if you just want to fly a kite with the kids, this is a stellar option.

Take a scenic road trip to Refugio State Beach

Is any trip along the California Central Coast complete without cruising up the 101 and parking it on a cliff? The answer is no. For that, head approximately 24 miles north on US-101 to Refugio State Beach and take in the turquoise waters from its confines. Within the park, there is an extensive trail network, lifeguard-led kayak tours during the summer months and reservable campsites overlooking the water. As you can likely imagine, the campsites are a hot ticket and are booked out up to six months in advance.

Santa Claus and Padaro Beach is a hidden haven

Okay, so there is not a giant sign with a cartoon character of Ole Saint Nick here. Talk about a missed opportunity! But what you will find here is a quiet stretch of soft sand beach that’s situated minutes west of the cozy beachside community of Carpinteria. Compared to larger, acres-upon-acres beaches in the area, this one is quaint and tucked just south of the iconic US-101. Parking is limited to street options along the awesomely named Santa Claus Lane. For beach goodies or a reprieve, the Surf Happens Surf School, Garden Market grocery store and Padaro Beach Grill are all there. Cozy and relaxed are the keywords here.

Dive into the heart of the action on West Beach

In the battle of West versus East in Santa Barbara beaches, West Beach takes home the gold. Adjacent to the Stearns Wharf Pier, this is the beach that will have you falling in love with The American Riviera. Boutique hotels and classic condos line the parallel Cabrillo Boulevard, as joggers and bikers zoom by on the nearby paths. From your spot on the beach – which may be under a rented umbrella or cabana – you can watch boats dock at Santa Barbara Harbor, volleyball players duke it out or kids play in the calm water. When your day at the beach is done, the refined State Street and the edgy-meets-refined Funk Zone are right there and within a few blocks.

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Berlin has a long history as a vibrant hub for freedom of expression, from landmark art museums showcasing the German contribution to modern art to the era-defining street art etched by anti-government protestors in the 1960s.

Berlin is still a city that attracts artists from all over the world. No matter where you walk in Berlin, you'll see the impact of art everywhere in this once-divided, now boldly progressive city.

Berlin's street art tells the story of the city in vivid color, from playful murals designed to spark imagination to powerful political pieces tackling pressing social issues. Here’s our guide to the top places to admire Berlin’s street art.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is not only one of the best places to see street art in Berlin, it's also one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The "canvas" for this 1.3km (one mile) open-air art gallery on the east bank of the Spree River is the longest-surviving section of the Berlin Wall.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in the winter of 1989, 118 artists from 21 different countries traveled to East Berlin to paint colorful murals depicting the wave of political change sweeping across the world.

Unfortunately, many of the original works have been lost over time, but replicas have been put up in their place. Preservation efforts are in place to protect the handful of original pieces that have survived the three decades since reunification.

From the rounded, colorful cartoon heads daubed by artist, Thierry Noir, to political pieces celebrating the reunification of Germany, these works of art capture the spirit of what it means to be a Berliner.

Essential Experience: Admiring the iconic “Fraternal Kiss”

More widely known as the “Fraternal Kiss,” Dmitri Vrubel's My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love is probably Berlin’s most iconic piece of street art. This powerful statement portrays socialist politicians Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing – a real-life scene from the 30th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic in 1979.

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RAW Compound

Right in the heart of Berlin’s busiest nightlife area and not far from the East Side Gallery, the RAW Compound has it all. Set in the derelict buildings of a former train repair depot, RAW is the perfect stop for a quick bite to eat in the middle of the day and is home to some of Berlin’s hippest clubs once the sun goes down. It's also the setting for a busy flea market at weekends.

What many visitors miss amongst the plethora of activities is the fascinating collection of street art on display in this former industrial wasteland. From easy-to-miss miniature sculptures hidden on corners to majestic murals decorating the entrances to dance clubs, the RAW compound is a lively hub for all sorts of counterculture creativity.

This is the kind of place to simply wander around with your camera, searching for artworks on the facades of each building; bring a wide-angle lens to capture larger works.

Essential Experience: Taking a street art walking tour

Every piece of art in the RAW Compound has a history, and there’s no better way to learn the back story of this creative complex than to take a walk with the experts. Whether you book a private guided tour or tag along on a free walking tour, be ready to spend a few hours at the RAW compound discussing and learning about the impact of street art on the city.

From the Pergamon to the Bode, Berlin's best museums tell the story of Germany's history

Bülowstrasse (Bülowstraße)

Formerly considered a no-go zone after dark, the Bülowstrasse was a hotbed of prostitution and drug dealing in the 2000s. That was then – today, the street is the perfect example of how street art has been used to gentrify and revitalize formerly run-down districts in Berlin.

The modern Bülowstrasse is colorful, full of life and adorned with modern art. From political statements to decorative pieces conjured from the imagination of the artists, there are eye-catching works of art to discover all the way along the street.

Travelers strolling along the Bülowstrasse will find two gigantic murals from world-renowned artist Shepard Fairey and the brilliant Urban Nation Museum, Germany's first museum dedicated to street art.

Essential Experience: Diving into urban art at the Urban Nation Museum

An indoor museum for street art? What sounds like a contradiction in terms is actually a wonderful celebration of the art form. The Urban Nation Museum in the Schöneberg district opened its doors in 2017, showcasing the best of Berlin street art, and it quickly became one of the best museums in the city.

From graffiti, murals and canvas paintings to sculptures and art installations, Urban Nation exists to promote all types of street art. You can admire the works of top international street artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey and Martin Whatson, as well as Berliner graffiti artists such as the 1UP crew.

Teufelsberg

Initially intended to be a Nazi-era military-technical college, Teufelsberg was turned into a National Security Service (NSA) listening station during the Cold War, before being abandoned for over a decade.  Street artists soon took over the buildings as a new urban canvas.

In 2012, the space was selected as the venue for the Berlin Artbase event, and professional and semi-professional artists were invited to create on the concrete walls. The event was canceled when the city government refused to issue a permit, but it planted the seeds of Teufelsberg's creative future.

Teufelsberg has become one of Berlin’s most colorful and beautiful open-air street art galleries, attracting hundreds of tourists during the summer months. Located outside the city center on top of a hill, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip combining hiking and art appreciation.

Essential Experience: Climbing the dome at Teufelsberg

Ascend the pitch-black stairwell in the center of the ruined complex at Tesfelsberg and you'll come face-to-face with a massive painting of a man stretching out his arms, covering almost the entire inside of the dome once used to monitor Soviet communications.

It's one of the oddest pieces of art in the whole complex, with eerie religious overtones. While it can seem ominous at first, the longer you stay inside, the more appealing it becomes.

The 8 best day trips from Berlin

Mehringdamm

While the whole district of Kreuzberg is studded with street art – including some of Berlin’s most beautiful pieces – Mehringdamm is the hidden gem. To get there, walk from the Hallesches Tor U-Bahn station to Checkpoint Charlie. There you'll stop in your tracks at the sight of stenciled political messages, community artworks and complex and creative murals making powerful statements.

Untitled by Spanish creative duo PichiAvo and Make Art, Not War by the influential Shephard Fairey are two of the most emblematic pieces in this area, but there are many more standout works here, including the captivating Elephant Playing With a World Balloon by Jadore Tong (aka S.Y.R.U.S).

Essential Experience: Appreciating the artistry of Elephant Playing With a World Balloon

The premise of this stunning mural is simple; flanking a tarmac basketball court, a huge elephant adorned with colorful rosettes holds a balloon in the shape of the earth in its trunk. This gigantic and intricately designed piece, located at Wilhelmstraße 7 in Berlin Mitte, is considered by many to be the most outstanding street mural in Berlin. But don’t take our word for it – visit and stand in awe by its grandeur.

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And so, we rumble onto the third year of the pandemic. The knots are tight in our necks. Our shoulders permanently lurched forward like gargoyles. Our eyes – once able to spot predators at 200 paces – have shrunk to dehydrated peas. They are now only capable of seeing Insta. We are all in need of a holiday. A reset. A trip where our wellbeing is prioritized.

So this is an intervention: Stop what you’re doing and pick a vacation that will make you whole again. Look for a getaway that specializes in love and self-care. Realign your chakra. Patch your broken heart. Finally book that Himalayan hermit hut. You deserve it.

From improved gut health to complete and utter silence, it’s never been easier to choose your own cure. But wellbeing vacations are no longer just about salads and neck rubs – many now aim to rebuild us in some way following stress, trauma, and exhaustion. Here are health and wellness trends emerging in the tourism sector in 2022.

Menopause mini-breaks

Is there anything that can’t be cured by a week in the Cotswolds? England’s pastoral idyll is like a bucolic beauty queen that unfurls across six counties. Soft rolling hills, twee thatched cottages, ancient, honey-stone pubs. This is the England the population lies back and thinks of.

Nestled to the north of these near-endless waves of the countryside are 400 acres of Worcestershire fields and woodland belonging to the Farncombe Estate. Onsite, the glorious Foxhill Manor will host a new menopause retreat led by medical specialists. The aim is to help women improve their hormonal and mental well-being with doctors, yoga teachers, nutritional therapists, and stylists.

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Improved gut health and immune-boosting treatments

As the body's built-in bouncer, a strong immune system is integral to good health: It acts as an antibodies factory and naturally filters out any unwanted nasties. Immune-boosting treatments continue to grow in popularity as travelers seek ways to strengthen their body’s natural defenses, but there is emerging scientific proof that our gut could be a vital link in our wellbeing.

In Innsbruck, amongst the Austrian Alps, Park Igls is a modern-day sanitarium that follows the medical advice of the physician Franz Xaver Mayr, which found that our most common illnesses start in our digestive system. This preventive Medi-spa resort offers seven-day programs that lasers in on improving gut health and helping guests to de-stress through diet, exercise, and a personalized wellness plan.

Sleep and deep relaxation

Between the vivid stress dreams and exhausting bouts of heavy-eyed insomnia, the pandemic has played havoc with our shuteye. So now is the time to fluff up the pillows and sink into a world of better slumber, by taking a vacation that will put us in sync with our natural circadian rhythms.

On the northern tip of Qatar, the brand-spanking-new Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Sm offers 3- to 14-night retreats that showcase traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine. Designed to improve sleep quality through better diet and nutrition, physical activity, and spa treatments – like the traditional Qatari hamiz, a soothing, stress-reversing massage with tadleek oil – this is a pioneering wellness resort in the Middle East.  The ancient healing traditions here can be traced back to the work of the great physician and philosopher Avicenna who, we can only assume, slept like a baby.

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Nature as therapy

Ah, the Great Outdoors – and all of its nourishing, life-affirming beauty. We've been hoodwinked into thinking that technology and sustenance from social media photography are all we need as modern beings, but – as plenty of evidence has shown – humans need to be in actual, real-life, tangible nature. It’s beneficial for our mental health. Sinking our toes into the soil. Sitting in the shimmering light of a verdant forest. In short: Stepping away from the smartphone.

The pandemic has made many of us crave something else as well: Silence. Proper, mind-clearing quietude. That hushed harmony you only find away from the cities. Original Travel organizes remote camping in Australia ’s Kakadu National Park – 20,000-sq-km of as-nature-intended nourishment: Tumbling waterfalls, thick rainforest, vast vistas that unfurl endlessly from the summits of its craggy gorges. The trips are all led by aboriginal guides.

CBD spa treatments to combat stress and anxiety

The pandemic put many of us on constant high alert. We've become hyper-anxious and mega stressed, but never really come back down. CBD, an active (but non-psychotropic) ingredient in cannabis that has been shown to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain and prevent insomnia, is now being used by spas and wellness retreats in a variety of ways to help people, well, chill out a little.

Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, a luxury retreat perched above the golden, crumbling cliffs west of Faro, offers a number of CBD treatments including an 80-minute body massage designed to soothe and calm as well as a CBD stress-reducing face therapy and massage which is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.

Digital detox in Asheville: how switching off my device helped me reconnect

Twaddling – giving yourself permission to not do anything

When was the last time you did nothing? Like, deliberately just opted out? No scrolling through the phone. No checking emails. Just switching off entirely? As our smartphone usage spiked during the pandemic – along with our preference of Zoom meetings, computer games, and binging on TV shows – studies showed that increased screen time can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments.

Digital detoxes have long been seen as the answer to countering screen burnout, but Fiona Arrigo, the biodynamic psychotherapist behind The Arrigo Programme, has come up with something even more novel: Twaddling. That's what Arrigo calls the periods she sets aside to do nothing. To twaddle. That may be to lie and relax or cook something for pleasure. But the idea is to switch off, just be, and not to beat yourself up about it. Arrigo will run a retreat in India this November, which aims to give women time to step back from everyday life and reconnect to their feminine wisdom.

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Health and wellness travel trends for 2022: gut retreats, sleep therapy and menopause mini-breaks

Oman ’s stunning landscapes are this country’s marquee attractions.

And to truly appreciate the rose-gold desert dunes, trails crisscrossing mountainous terrain, white-sand beaches, quiet fishing villages and rocky valleys with turquoise pools, it’s best to explore by car.

While Oman’s public transportation system of buses and ferries will get you between the main cities and towns, a private ride is recommended if you want to travel deeper in search of nature experiences such as hiking, diving or snorkeling – likely to be the highlights of any trip here.

In addition to accessing to remote areas around the country, getting around in Oman by car gives you flexibility in your travel plans. There’s nothing like chancing upon an empty beach tucked away in a cove and spontaneously deciding to set your tent up under a starry night sky.

If you plan a road trip across Oman’s different regions – from the desert landscapes of Al Buraimi in the northwest and coastal cities such as Muscat and Sur to fortified towns like Nizwa and Bahla in the interior and agricultural villages in the Hajar Mountains – you’ll need at least a week. Add another week to your itinerary if you’re keen to drive to the beaches, verdant wadis (valleys) and nature reserves of the Dhofar region in the south, perhaps visiting a few islands along the way.

Here’s how to get around Oman during your visit.

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Cut down travel time in Oman by plane

Domestic flights are the best way to significantly reduce travel times between certain regions and avoid entire days of driving between them. Oman Air operates flights between Muscat, Duqm, Salalah and Khasab, and Oman-based low-cost airline Salam Air offers connections between Muscat, Sohar and Salalah. Tickets can be booked online.

A car is the easiest, most flexible way to see Oman

Renting a car is undoubtedly the easiest way to travel around Oman, giving you plenty of flexibility, the best value for money and the ability to reach remote locations you wouldn’t by other means. You’ll also have the freedom to wild-camp on public land: just bring a tent, food and sleeping bag.

Cars can be rented from international chains like Avis and Thrifty or local companies at a slightly lower rate, using your International Driving License. You can book your rental car in advance and pick it up at your arrival airport.

An extensive network of paved roads in good condition connects the main cities and regions. In Oman, vehicles are driven on the right-hand side of the road; most of the time, lane discipline is maintained, and traffic rules are respected. While driving in Muscat isn’t as nerve-wracking as in Dubai in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, if you find yourself being tailgated it’s best to move to the next lane and let the car pass.

Road signs are written in both English and Arabic. Speed limits are 120km/h (75mph) on highways, 90km/h (55mph) on rural roads and 40km/h (25mph) in residential areas; all roads are monitored through radars and speed cameras. Although you can navigate using Google Maps, the Waze app is more accurate. There are plenty of gas stations with stores and toilets along the main routes.

Between November and March, there can be days of heavy rainfall around the country, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. On such days, road conditions are not ideal for driving: in Muscat, for example, roads can get waterlogged and some areas can get flooded, leading to traffic congestion. Since seas can be rough during such times, it’s best not to camp along the coast.

When planning a road trip around Oman, keep an eye on the weather and check the official website of the Directorate General of Meteorology for any warnings concerning flash floods, sandstorms and tropical cyclones.

If you plan on driving around in desert terrain or mountainous regions like Jebel Akhdar (where you can expect steep graded and dirt roads between villages and wadis), it’s sensible to rent a 4WD vehicle suitable for off-roading. Do not wander off existing tracks.

Off-roading requires skill, common sense and a good presence of mind. It’s wise to carry a long tow rope, traction mat and shovel, should your vehicle get bogged down somewhere. Ensure you always have enough water and some food in your car.

In Oman, it’s not uncommon to see 2WD cars ill-equipped for the rugged terrain of the mountains and desert dunes break down or get stuck in the sand. Generally, Omanis are helpful; should you find yourself in such a sticky situation, someone passing by will almost always stop to help. In remote areas, however, you might not have such luck.

When driving outside of the cities, keep an eye out for wandering camels and mountain goats. Flash floods can occur in the wadis just after it has rained, and it can be tricky to get out of overflowing wadis. Check the weather forecast and warnings before you set out.

Beware of driving on sabkha, a salt flat that seems like it’s solid and therefore easy to drive on only until you get stuck; this is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Pay attention to signs warning visitors and avoid venturing farther.

Hailing a taxi in Oman

You’ll find privately owned orange-and-white taxis in Muscat and other cities outside shopping malls, hotels and tourist attractions: these are safe, well-maintained and comfortable. They’re also unmetered, so fares must be negotiated before you get in, but will almost always be cheaper than the alternative. The relatively newer, metered, government-operated Mwasalat taxis (in a red-and-white livery) are another option.

In Muscat, English is spoken, and drivers will be familiar with popular landmarks and tourist sights; otherwise, show them the location on a map on your smartphone. It’s also possible to hire a private taxi to travel between cities or for an entire day – ask the driver about fare and availability.

While Uber, Careem and Lyft are not available in Oman, local smartphone apps include Oman Taxi: Otaxi and Marhaba Oman taxi (the latter is slightly pricier). Both let you select your pick-up and drop-off locations on a map, connect you to the nearest driver and indicate approximate fares.

As per the unspoken rules of culture, women traveling alone are advised to sit in the rear seat directly behind rather than across from the driver’s side.

Budget travelers should consider the bus

The government-owned Mwasalat operates public buses within Muscat and Salalah as well as a network of intercity and inter-regional buses and ferries across Oman, including connections between Muscat and Nizwa, Duqm, Bahla, Sur, Buraimi, Masirah Island, Salalah and Khasab.

Visitors can consult daily schedules, routes and tariffs on the network’s website. Tickets are affordable – fares range from OR2 (US$5.20) to OR26 (US$67.50) – and can be bought on board. The Mwasalat smartphone app is useful for its journey planner and interactive map.

The buses are clean, comfortable, safe and air-conditioned. For travelers on a budget, buses offer the cheapest mode of transportation, both within cities and between them.

Explore the coastal islands by boat

Ferry services from the mainland make it possible to visit Oman’s coastal islands, where you’ll find dive sites thriving with marine life, nature reserves and pristine beaches. Mwasalat operates a ferry service between Masirah Island and Shannah Port on the southeastern coast, and also runs a bus from Muscat to Shannah Port. The journey to Hilf, the main town on Masirah Island, takes an hour. Cars can be transported on the ferry.

A ferry service also connects Shinas in northern Oman (reachable via bus from Muscat) to the ports of Khasab, Dibba and Lima on the Musandam Peninsula. You can check ferry routes, schedules, and tariffs and book tickets on the official National Ferries Company (NFC) website.

Water taxis are the most convenient way to travel between the marinas at Al Mouj and Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat and Jebel Sifah Marina on the east coast.

The most straightforward way to reach the Daymaniyat Islands is with local operators like SeaOman, which organizes catamaran and powerboat trips to the islands, as well as diving, snorkeling and other water sports from Al Mouj Marina in Muscat and other locations along the coast. They’ll also arrange all the permits needed to visit these islands.

If you find yourself in a coastal town and want to explore nearby villages or islands (such as those close to Al Sawadi), it’s possible to rent one of the private boats from local operators and fishermen, either for the day or to be dropped off and then picked up at a specific time.

Accessible transportation in Oman

Most Mwasalat buses are wheelchair accessible, with low floors and extendable ramps. The NFC ferries to Masirah Island and Musandam are also wheelchair accessible. For road travel, it is more convenient to rent an accessible vehicle with a hired driver from a private operator than from a rental company.

In Muscat and other cities, newer and international hotels, shopping malls, tourist sights, marinas, some beaches and retail districts are accessible. In some locations, there are designated parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.

You’ll find more information and tips on our accessible travel resource page.

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Welcome to Friday Around the Planet, where I wrap up the travel-related news you might have missed this week as requirements and restrictions in countries around the world rapidly change.

After a year of false starts in 2021, we know better than to get ahead of ourselves due to the unpredictability of COVID-19. But, this week felt like a glimmer of hope that we might see at least a bit more stability when it comes to travel restrictions and planning those long-awaited trips to far flung destinations.

(Shameless plug: maybe it’s time for a guidebook for one of those destinations you’ve been dreaming about during lockdown.)

Morocco and the Philippines both reopened their borders this week. On the heels of New Zealand’s announcement last week, Australia announced after almost two years, it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated visitors starting February 21. Sweden and Denmark joined Norway in lifting COVID restrictions and reopening to visitors.

The final piece of good news this week:  Ireland is planning a massive festival to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day returning this year. Adding to the joyous celebration, the Irish government declared March 18 a national holiday to thank its citizens and acknowledge the tough times they bore through the pandemic. Since St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is always a national holiday – that gives the country a long weekend to celebrate (and recover?).

The Well-Traveled Path: What is your exit strategy for the pandemic?

COVID-19 travel requirements

While French Polynesia announced it would require proof of a booster shot from travelers who had their last jab more than 9 months prior to arriving, Hawaii went the opposite direction saying it would not require boosters and is in the early stages of exploring when it should sunset its Safe Travels program altogether.

(Speaking of which: Lonely Planet has this new guide to accessible travel in Hawaii if you and your loved ones are planning a trip.)

Though the CDC did add Japan and several other destinations to a list that already includes more than 130 countries it advises Americans not to travel to due to COVID-19, it also moved South Africa off the list to Level-3 status. Meanwhile, media reports swirled that COVID restrictions may soon be sunset in France as well as the requirement to show a COVID-19 health pass to enter indoor establishments. We’ll let you know if and when an announcement is made.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

Black History Month in New York City

Black History Month celebrates the historic achievements of Black Americans that have often been overlooked and my colleague Lynn Brown has highlighted a few great experiences around the New York City area this week that you should put on your list to visit the next time you're in NYC.

The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) in cooperation with The Africa Center are hosting an exhibit called “African/American: Making the Nation’s Table” which documents the historic contributions of Black chefs to the culinary tapestry of America. (I’m particularly intrigued by the shoebox lunches prepared by famous chefs, a nod to how African Americans packed their lunches during the Great Migration as they were often refused service while traveling.)

The beloved home of Louis Armstrong has reopened to the public after closing due to COVID-19. The museum spent the time refreshing the exhibits, making renovations and constructing a new 14,000 square foot  Armstrong Center in a brand new space across the street from the historic home.

And while you’re at it, check out the Black Gotham Experience walking tours that document the contributions of Black Americans to New York since the colonial era, that have often been overlooked in history books(and guided tours).

Glacier National Park: Mark your Calendar

If you’re planning to visit Glacier National Park this year, set a calendar alert on your phone for March 2. That’s when tickets to drive Going-to-the-Sun road will go up for grabs on Recreation.gov. This is the second year the park has required tickets to manage traffic on the route and last year, tickets went fast - so our advice is make an account in advance and be online at 8 am MST.

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The northernmost county in England has an off-the-radar feel that’s rare to find on this otherwise bustling island. Much of the pristine coastline of Northumberland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its edge-of-the-world light has drawn in travelers for centuries, from early Christian saints to great Romantic painters.

The county’s interior is no less beguiling: a place of vast, untouched landscapes, remote walking paths, and gloriously dark skies. But don’t be fooled by all this tranquility – Northumberland played a pivotal role in English history, and its battle-filled past is borne out by its catalog of ancient ruins and crumbling castles.

These days, invading Romans and Vikings and feuding royal families have been replaced by visiting horticulturists, hungry foodies, hikers and Harry Potter fans, lured by the region’s cameos in the movie franchise.

When planning your trip, be aware that many attractions go into hibernation during the chilly winter months. The arrival of spring is the time to pull on your sturdy walking shoes and get stuck into the best things to do in Northumberland.

Behold Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle ’s ramparts, watchtowers, and storybook keep sprawl over a dolerite bluff overlooking a beautiful sweep of beach. This Norman fortress could have gone the way of the region’s other time-toppled strongholds, but 19th-century industrialist Lord Armstrong snapped it up for a bargain price, then spent a fortune on its restoration. His descendants still live within its hefty stone walls.

Visitors can enjoy a fascinating glimpse into Northumberland’s battle-sieged past by touring the staterooms, dungeons and grounds. Book the elegant self-catering apartment in the bell tower and you can stay in chambers that once hosted medieval kings and queens. Be sure to clamber over the grassy dunes below the bluff – the view of the castle from the powder-soft sands is one of England’s loveliest vistas.

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Seek seals and puffins on the Farne Islands

Piercing the North Sea a couple of miles off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands have provided sanctuary to shipwreck survivors and saints over the centuries. Today, these isolated isles are an important haven for wildlife – inquisitive seals, clown-billed puffins, and some 100,000 other seabirds come to these soot-colored outcrops to breed.

To get close to this photogenic crowd, board a boat in the village of Seahouses. Trips run all year, weather permitting; tours with Billy Sheil and Serenity are popular choices. Although the waters are invariably choppy, and a windproof coat is nearly always needed, you can enjoy a gentler ride from May to August, with almost guaranteed puffin and seal sightings.

From April to September, it’s possible to spend an hour exploring the National Trust-managed island of Inner Farne on foot – just bring a hat as protection from swooping Arctic terns.

Take a pilgrimage to the Holy Island

The tiny tidal island of Lindisfarne, cut off from the mainland twice a day by the rhythms of the sea, became the unlikely center of English Christianity during the Early Middle Ages. Still known as the Holy Island, the isle is dominated by the mottled medieval ruins of Lindisfarne Priory marking the spot where St Aidan founded the island’s original monastery in 635 CE. Reaching Lindisfarne today involves walking or driving along a narrow causeway that is submerged at high tide; check crossing times before traveling.

On the other side of the harbor, a steady trickle of cagoule-clad daytrippers flows uphill to lovely Lindisfarne Castle. Sure-footed walkers can continue to the secluded northern beaches, but it's just as rewarding to take a gentle stroll around the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, past the sheds fashioned from upturned herring boats near the harbor, and on through the island's single picture-postcard village. Pause for a warming flat white at Pilgrims Coffee and stock up on Lindisfarne Mead at St Aidan’s Winery before the sea sweeps back across the causeway.

Experience the magic of Alnwick Castle

Dating back to 1096, Alnwick Castle (pronounced AN-ik) boasts parklands landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and paintings by several Italian Old Masters. But it’s arguably more famous for its role as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. The imposing fortress has proudly embraced its celebrity status, with castle tours highlighting filming locations; budding wizards can even undergo broomstick training in the same spot where Harry learned to fly.

Developing the 4.8-hectare plot next door was a labor of love for the current Duchess of Northumberland. Alnwick Garden is now a separate attraction, with an enchanting web of contemporary, bloom-filled enclosures. At its heart is a spectacular 21-tiered water feature, which occasionally drenches admirers with its dancing jets. The garden’s other showstoppers include a sinister poison garden, a bamboo labyrinth, and the inviting Treehouse restaurant.

Feel a warm glow in Alnwick’s town center

While in the area, swing by the handsome cobbled center of Alnwick (or make it your Northumberland base). The people of the North East are known for their warmth and friendliness, and there are few better places to put this to the test than in one of the town’s cheery, hop-scented pubs. Close by, friendly volunteers welcome families to the Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery with kid-friendly trails and hands-on activities. Housed in the old rail station, Barter Books also offers snug shelter from the rain; buy a second-hand novel to read by the store’s open fire as miniature trains rattle over the shelves.

Stroll the coastal path to Dunstanburgh Castle

The crumbling twin towers of 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle can only be reached on foot, but it's a lovely walk. Start at the fishing village of Craster, and follow the Northumberland Coast Path north through flat, grassy farmland dotted with cows and sheep. As you spy the romantic ruins brooding in the background, you’ll understand why JMW Turner kept returning to this strip of coast in his atmospheric watercolors. Keep binoculars handy in case seals or dolphins are bobbing about in the sea.

Although the two-mile walk is the main draw, you can buy tickets to enter the English Heritage-managed castle and scurry up one of the castle towers for sweeping views. Carry on across the splendid horseshoe beach of Embleton Bay for a fresh crab sandwich at the Ship Inn, or turn back towards The Jolly Fisherman at Craster.

Feast on some of England's freshest seafood

The North Sea’s cold, mineral-rich waters produce some of England’s finest seafood. Keep your eyes peeled for menu entries involving Craster crabs and Lindisfarne oysters. A good place to slurp them down is The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh. Over in Craster, you’ll find another regional delicacy: Craster kippers. For over a century, L Robson & Sons has produced these cured fish in traditional smokehouses.

The little food van by the village car park serves them glistening with butter in a soft bread bun. For fresh-off-the-boat seafood, make a beeline for Amble, where The Old Boathouse and its sister restaurant, The Fish Shack, plate up elegant fish and chips and piled-high sharing platters.

Dilly-dally in Amble

Come to Amble for the delicious seafood, but stay to enjoy the family-friendly sights around the River Coquet estuary. By booking ahead, you can join a puffin cruise around lighthouse-topped Coquet Island. Afterward, take a stroll around the harbor, admiring its pastel-colored beach huts, and browse the wooden retail pods, which sell everything from local crafts to cheese.

A playground hides to the south of the harbor, and kids will also be delighted by the award-winning ice cream at Spurreli. Grown-ups may be equally pleased by the fresh craft ales at Brewis Beer Co.

Bask (or at least wander) on the North East's epic beaches

Coming to Northumberland without visiting a beach would be like going to Paris and not setting foot in a pavement cafe. Bamburgh and Embleton Bay, with their romantic castle vistas, are two of the most popular choices for sand-seekers, yet you may find them occupied by only a handful of families and the odd dog walker. For variety, test out the soft sands of pretty Alnmouth, head south to pristine Cresswell Beach, or decamp to painter L S Lowry’s favored strands at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Overlooking the golden swoop of Beadnell Bay Beach are three 18th-century lime kilns; once the haunt of smugglers, they’re now where fisherfolk stash their lobster pots. To taste the day’s catch, check in for Lobster Night at the Bait at Beadnell on Thursdays (except over winter). The bay’s sheltered waters are a good spot for sailing and watersports; KA Kitesurfing Adventure Sports offers kitesurfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and more, with plenty of activities aimed at kids.

Hike along Hadrian’s Wall

In 122 AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian decided to make clear to the Picts in the north where his authority began. The result was a 73 mile-long stone frontier lunging from coast to coast across northern England (well south of the modern Scottish border). Northumberland is home to the longest surviving stretch, which tilts its way through captivating landscapes, with some fascinating fort and temple ruins en route.

It’s possible to ramble the entire Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. If that sounds a tad ambitious, start out with the dramatic section at Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum within Northumberland National Park. Enthusiasts can continue the deep dive into history by continuing to the nearby live excavation site at Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum.

Explore Roman ruins and sup craft beer in Corbridge

A couple of miles south of Hadrian’s Wall are the ruins of Roman Corbridge, once the most northerly town in the Roman Empire. It’s still possible to tramp down its timeworn high street, gaining a sense of how the local craftspeople, traders, and soldiers lived side by side in this cosmopolitan hub two millennia ago. The excellent onsite museum is home to the Corbridge Hoard, a collection of arms and armor that represents one of the most significant Roman finds in England.

A short stroll along the banks of the River Tyne will bring you to the modern-day town. Snoop around its independent book, antique, and craft stores, then duck into The Pele Tower for a pint of local ale. This three-storied micropub feels a bit like a Game of Thrones prop, and it was once a fortified medieval vicarage.

Marvel at the ingenuity of Cragside

Set atop a rugged hill and framed in June by a kaleidoscope of rhododendrons, Cragside House is impressive enough from the outside, with its magnificent Arts and Craft exterior. Yet, the inside is even more astounding. This was the first house in the world to be powered by electricity, and its pioneering owners stuffed it full of every possible Victorian invention, running off an innovative hydroelectricity system. Keep an eye out for an early dishwasher and a water-powered rotating spit in the kitchen.

It’s possible to spend an entire day touring the house and its 1000-acre grounds. All the same, try to stop by the nearby town of Rothbury with its lovely high street, crammed with independent stores. Bewicks Kitchen & Coffee House is a great place to recharge.

Dig down into mining history

A trip to the Woodhorn Museum is a great way to delve into the region’s industrial past. Located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth II County Park, on the site of what was once the largest pit village in the world, the museum's interactive exhibits and immersive mock-ups give a powerful sense of what life would have been like for the 2,000 coal miners who worked below ground here.

Be sure to look out for artworks by the "Pitmen Painters," an amateur art group who created a striking record of life in Northumberland’s mining communities in the mid-20th century. With its mix of indoor galleries and dog-friendly outdoor spaces, Woodhorn is a great choice for a day of changeable weather – something fairly common in this part of the country.

Admire surprising artworks at Kielder Water and Forest Park

Kielder Water and Forest Park is home to the largest man-made lake in northern Europe and it's a scenic summer playground for watersports fans. But culture vultures flock here too, lured by the large-scale art installations that litter the 26-mile shoreline.

Hire a bike if you want to see them all, although manageable walking trails take in some of the highlights. Perhaps the most memorable work is Silvas Capitalis by American art collective, SIMPARCH – this giant wooden head screams out from the forest and you can enter its mouth and peek from its haunted eyes.

Stargaze at Northumberland International Dark Sky Park

The night skies above Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water and Forest Park have been awarded gold tier status by the International Dark-Sky Association, making this the largest International Dark-Sky Park in the UK. On clear nights in autumn and winter, you have only to gaze upwards after sunset to be wowed by the shimmering show.

Kielder Observatory runs expert-led events if you need some help navigating the galaxies (book well ahead). Alternatively, sign up for a stargazing night at Twice Brewed Inn – you can eat supper, marvel at twinkling constellations at the onsite observatory, then return for a pint in the cozy bar before heading upstairs for bed.

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Getting around Malawi is easy compared with many other African countries. Malawi has a good coach network that connects all the main settlements, roads are in reasonable condition and cars are generally roadworthy.

The motola minibus system is affordable, but traveling this way can be a cause of frustration because the minibuses won’t leave until they are (unsafely) packed to the max with passengers. Visitors to Lake Malawi should consider traveling by ferry – the antique MV Ilala – rather than driving. Though the timetable is loose at best, it’s a romantic and scenic way to explore the lake.

In the capital of Lilongwe, you will probably depend on taxis because the city’s sprawling layout isn’t conducive to walking. Blantyre is more walkable but choked with traffic, while the leafy avenues of Zomba are a pleasure to explore on foot.

Anyone considering a visit to a national park will either have to rent a 4x4 vehicle or hire a driver. The roads can be rough in remote places such as Nyika, and the rains make dirt tracks difficult to navigate.

Take the ferry on Lake Malawi for a memorable experience

The MV Ilala has been plowing up and down Lake Malawi for 60 years and offers a unique perspective on this gorgeous body of water. The leisurely schedule takes it up and down the lake once a week in each direction, from Monkey Bay in the south to Chilumba in the north. It’s not a luxurious experience, but it is a deeply characterful one, especially if you can splash out on a cabin. Drinks, snacks and meals are available onboard.

Malawi has a good coach network between regions

Malawi is crisscrossed by a dependable and competitive coach network. It can be a sociable way to travel: you can chat to fellow passengers and get a panoramic view of the beautiful passing countryside. The main contenders are Axa and SoSoSo : both play music videos at high volume, so take earplugs if you’d like to get some shut-eye.

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MV Ilala ferry, on Lake Malawi © Karwisch.de / 500px" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="5ebcad90-a4b4-40f9-be12-0c89aa4fb7af" data-langcode="en" title="Lake Malawi">

Drawbacks to taking a motola (minibus) in Malawi

Crammed motola buses certainly bring you into close proximity with Malawian people, but it can be a rather dour – and dangerous – experience. Yes it is a super-cheap mode of transport, but you often wait for hours for the bus to fill, and conductors shoehorn in way more passengers than is safe. Plus it’s often hard to see anything out of the windows because of overcrowding.

Top tips for driving in Malawi

Unless you’re a confident driver, you’re likely to find renting a car in Malawi a stressful way to travel. Fellow drivers travel at speed and with cavalier overtaking maneuvers, and sadly road traffic accidents are common here.

There is little in the way of road lighting, making night driving particularly hazardous. The speed limit is 80km/h (50mph), 50km/h (30mph) in the towns, and driving is on the left.

If you visit any of Malawi’s national parks for wildlife viewing, you will be doing a lot of driving on dirt roads. During the dry season, these can become rutted and skiddy, so a 4x4 is recommended. When it rains, the soil can become sticky, and smaller cars are likely to become stuck.

Car rental is relatively expensive in Malawi, so consider a car share with fellow travelers to reduce your impact on the environment and to share costs.

If you’d like to visit out-of-the-way areas and national parks, you can take a lot of the stress out of your trip by hiring an experienced driver, who may also have guiding skills to point out wildlife and give interesting background on the country.

Catching a taxi

Taxis are ubiquitous in the cities, and fares are generally reasonable. You may want to establish a fare before you take a ride, but inflated fares aren’t a big issue in Malawi.

Airlines that travel in Malawi

Malawi Airlines travels between Lilongwe and Blantyre, while Ulendo Airlink offers private charters from Lilongwe. Needless to say, flying is the least climate-friendly way of exploring Malawi.

Riding a bicycle in Malawi

Traveling long distances in Malawi by bicycle is only for the fit and well-equipped, and passing cars are a hazard on major roads. That said, most Malawians travel by bike rather than car, and you are likely to enjoy friendly encounters with fellow cyclists. Get some good maps and then take to the back roads for an adventure. Bikes can be transported intercity on the roof of a coach or minibus.

Most lodges rent out bikes for local exploration, and cycling with a local guide can be a fun way to explore rural areas.

Can I travel by train in Malawi?

Malawi has a limited train service that operates between Limbe and Blantyre, Balaka and Nayuchi via Liwonde, and Limbe and Makhanga. Trains are overcrowded and in poor condition, so it’s not a recommended way to get around.

Accessible transportation in Malawi

Malawi is not an easy country for travelers with disabilities, and no special provisions are made for wheelchairs. The best option, though not a cheap one, is to hire a dedicated driver with a car that has space for a wheelchair.

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