Lonely Planet

Travel in France is all about experiencing world-class architecture and art, alongside endless culinary opportunities, in a landscape that weaves from northern France's cliffs and sand dunes to the piercing blue sea of the South. See the lights of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, go on a Champagne-tasting tour of Reims and explore captivating chateaux. 

Italy is an extraordinary feast of heart-thumping, soul-stirring art, food and landscapes rivalled by few and coveted by millions. Take in a gondolier's sweet song while gliding past Venetian palaces, sample olives and wines as you traverse Tuscany's storybook hills, or be humbled amid thousands of year of Roman history and art. 

Endless miles of aquamarine coastline, sun-bleached ruins, strong feta and stronger ouzo - the Greek landscape thrills, and the Greek people are passionate about politics, coffee, art and gossiping. Discover some of the world's most popular islands, follow in the mythical footsteps of ancient legends, search for the perfect sunset or savour local seafood delicacies. 

Feast your eyes on fine-arts capital Madrid; hike the spectacular ranges of the Pyrenees; or take in some flamenco in quintessentially Spanish Seville; all with your trusted travel companion. Passionate, sophiticated and devoted to living the good life, Spain is both a stereotype come to life and a country more diverse than you ever imagined. 

Prepare for a roller coaster of feasts, treats and temptations as you take in Germany's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic palaces and half-timbered towns. See storybook castles arise from the Bavarian forest, raise a stein to an oompah band in a Munich beer garder, and take in the vibrant Berlin arts scene. 

Whether it's your first visit or your twentieth, China is so big, so diverse and so fast-changing, it's always an adventure. Pass through the Gate of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City, hike along the Great Wall, or slurp wonton soup amid Shanghai's neon lights. 

Uncover the delights of Japanese cuisine, bask in the awesome gaze of the country's best temples and lower yourself into the tub in a classic Japanese onsen; all with your trusted travel companion. Japan is a world apart - a cultural Galapagos where a unique civilisation blossomed, and today thrives in deliciouscontrasts of traditional and modern. Its spirit is strong, warm and welcoming. 

Landscapes and legends draw adventures to the West, where a good day includes locavore dining, celeb-spotting, vineyard wine-sipping, cowboy history and outdoor fun.From the dreamy beaches of Southern California or the towering redwoods of NorCal to spectacular hot springs in Colorado or the neon lights of Sin City, there's no doubt in our minds that West is best!

Flanked by megacitiesNew York city and Chicago, landscaped with dune-backed beaches, smoky mountains and gator swamps, and steeped in musical roots, the East rolls out a sweet trip. Explore historic neighbourhoods in Boston, lose your stomach in Orlando, catch a country sar live in Nashvilled or dive into Miami's eccentric nightlife - Eastern USA is a true traveller's playground. 

It's easy to see why Hawaii has become synonymous with paradise. Just look at the sugary beaches, technicolour coral reefs and volcanoes beckoning adventurous spirits. The Hawaiian Islands show off nature's diversity at its most divine, from fiery volcanoes to rainforest waterfalls to pristine bays. Dive into coral reefs, bite into juicy liliko'i (passion fruit) and let your troubles fade away. 

Rise over the city on the London Eye, uncover the past at Kensington's museums, and explore Soho, Greenwich and the Tower. Get to the heart of London and begin your journey now! Soak up Shoreditch's edgy and offbeat atmosphere in a local bar, explore the world-class Tate Modern gallery, or steep yourself in history at Westminster Abbey. 

As the planet heats up environmentally and politically, it's good to know that we have our own slice of heaven. The uncrowded, green, peaceful countryside is the ultimate escape. Take some time to enjoy the secluded beaches of the North Island, or head south for outdoor adventures and to-die for landscapes. Why not take the opportunity to discover all your own backyard has to offer?