Lonely Planet offers its stateside picks for 2011

Tuesday, 14 December 2010 4:57 PM

If you’re heading across the pond for an American adventure in the New Year, then the experts at Lonely Planet are on hand to help. To welcome gap year travellers, Lonely Planet’s US-based staff have been asked to pick out their top tips for 2011.

Southern Utah was picked out as the top suggestion, with the coloured landscape and unusual rock formations described as “the closest most of us will ever come to setting foot on another planet”.

What’s more Southern Utah’s national parks have not yet been overrun with tourists, but that may change soon with Danny Boyle’s latest film 127 Hours filmed in the region.

Visitors are also urged not to miss out on the South Coast hospitality of New Orleans. Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the Big Easy has regained its shine and there is always a vibrant feel to this city.

Finally, Northern California is definitely a must-see for wine-lovers, as the verdant valleys offer a range of exciting vineyards and enticing flavours to excite your palate.

For more ideas and destinations across the world, visit: www.lonelyplanet.com
 

Oscars inspired gap year destinations

Oscars inspired gap years

The most important movie event of the year is almost here, the Oscars. This year’s Oscar nominated movies are set in variety of destinations across the world and many may even inspire your choice of gap year destinations, from a road trip in the USA, to language learning in France, exploring the landscapes of India or ‘finding yourself’ in Thailand.

Lonely Planet guides are a great place to find travel inspiration

Wellington makes the grade for Lonely Planet

Wellington has made it onto Lonely Planet's Top Ten Cities for 2011 guide. The New Zealand city joins Tangiers in Morocco, Tel Aviv in Isreal, and Delhi in India on the Best in Travel 2011 list.
LP launch app to test users global knowledge

Lonely Planet launch new gaming app

Lonely Plant has created a new travel trivia app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch where players virtually navigate the world, testing their knowledge and solving puzzles along the way.

 Lonely Planet publish 12th edition China guide

China travel guide updated and revised by Lonely Planet

Backpackers heading for a far-eastern adventure will be pleased to hear that Lonely Planet’s 12th edition China travel guide is out this month. Describing the vast country as a ‘land of contradictions,’ the guide was written by 11 authors.
Take to the rails to explore the States

Amtrak offers 20% off long-distance rail travel

When you're cruising around American from city to city, doesn't it seem a shame to miss all the countryside in between? If so, then Amtrak can offer an alternative, as rail travel can be just as cheap a way to link up your US tour.

 Competitive snowboarders should head to Sierra-at-Tahoe

Winter events 2011 at Sierra-at-Tahoe

The 2011 ski season brings a series of high-tempo events to Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort, including world class snowboarders and local talent contests. Whether you're looking to compete or just watch, there's plenty to keep snow mad travellers excited.
Go back in time with a visit to New Orleans

Go back in time with a visit to New Orleans

There are so many places in the USA to visit, but if you want to see another side of the country on your gap year, go to New Orleans. Here, you can experience a culture, traditions and lifestyle that remind you of an America of long ago. Read on for just a few reasons why you should step back in time on a holiday to New Orleans.

 http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/SSRP#itinerary

Feature: Gap year adventure tours of the USA

What country offers the broadest range of landscapes in the entire world? Yep, you guessed it - the USA. Although this vast and fascinating country does not have the well-known backpacker network and traveller’s infrastructure of destinations like Australia, there are numerous tours designed for gap year adventurers. Even better news - we’ve found the best ones for you!

Travel Tales: "I walked through a wet forest whilst covered in leeches"

India is full of surprises, as backpacker Sarah discovered

Backpacker Sarah Ward chats leeches, monsoon weather, chilli for breakfast and clubbing in Mumbai - and everything else than happened on her Indian gap year adventure!

Interview with a local: An insider’s guide to London

London guide local interview destination

We chat to Cat Hughes, the mystery traveller behind TravelBite.co.uk's Secret London blog, to get the best travel tips direct from a local Londoner. Discover things you never knew about the UK capital...