James Smart

About the author

Based in London, I cover everything from graphic novels to cybersecurity. A former Lonely Planet editor, I love exploring British history, Spanish backstreets and unexpected menu items.

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Recent stories by James Smart

Walking in the Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Aug 9, 202613 min read

20 Things to Know Before Visiting Edinburgh

Scenes around Edinburgh, Scotland. June 2026.

Jun 26, 202612 min read

14 Top Places to Visit in Scotland

The road to Loch Maree in the Scottish Highlands.

Jun 18, 202610 min read

The 5 Best Road Trips in Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands

Brightly painted wooden cabins beside a sandy beach, lined with palm trees.

May 28, 20266 min read

The Best Beaches in and Around Valencia, Spain

A group of people are pictured midair as they jump off the harbor of a town into the sea.

Mar 27, 20267 min read

The Best Time to Visit Croatia

Passengers on a ferry in the Šibenik archipelago, Croatia. Pat Moore/Shutterstock

Feb 10, 20267 min read

How to Get Around in Croatia

Sheep graze in a field just off Scotland's North Coast 500 driving route. Robert Ormerod for Lonely Planet

Sep 18, 20259 min read

13 Best Things to Do in Scotland

Croatia has kept its visa system fairly easy to navigate © Littleaom / Shutterstock

Mar 14, 20245 min read

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Croatia?

A scenic view over the old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Mar 19, 20236 min read

11 of the Best Free Things to Do in Dubrovnik

The ruins of Melrose Abbey on a bright sunny day, Melrose, Scotland, United Kingdom

Aug 3, 20228 min read

Visit These 9 Buildings to Experience the History of Scotland