Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar was just named the best airport in the world in the 2024 Skytrax awards, knocking 12-time winner Singapore Changi Airport down to second place.
03.04.2024 - 22:17 / lonelyplanet.com
Washington, DC combines the best of all worlds – a highly walkable grid system expertly designed by the French and a manageable Metro that connects travelers across the District and beyond.
Sprinkle in some dedicated bike lanes and trails, and you’ll find you've got some pretty good options when finding your way around in Washington, DC. Your biggest dilemma will likely be figuring out which transit option to choose, so here’s our guide on navigating the capital of the US like a local. The best part is that you don’t really need a car.
One of DC’s most affordable and eco-friendly options for exploration is by bus. Washington Metro Authority (WMATA) has its sights set on a zero-emissions fleet by 2042, with two 60ft electric buses as part of its fleet.
The Metrobus links neighborhoods with finer precision than the Metrorail, and fares on regular routes will cost you $2. You’ll benefit from unlimited bus-to-bus transfers for two hours and the ease of paying your fare with SmarTrip on your phone’s wallet. The WMATA has a solid transit app, but I prefer Google Maps’s bus integration for directions and wait times.
Tourists visiting DC can have the closest thing to a free ride by hopping on the DC Circulator. For just $1, you can jump on the iconic red bus while journeying through some of DC’s most desired tourist sites, museums and neighborhoods.
Don't miss Washington, DC's best experiences. Here are the top things to do in the capital
Capital DC Bikeshare makes wheeling around the city a breeze through regular bike and e-bike rentals. You can get a day pass for $8 that offers unlimited 45-minute rides for 24 hours on a classic bike. Or, opt for an e-bike day pass at $0.10 per mile. There are over 700 stations across the DC metro area, so you won’t have to go far to dock, and you can easily manage your rental through Capitol DC Bikeshare’s mobile app. Popular areas to cycle are the National Mall and the Tidal Basin, and for a longer route, try the Mt Vernon loop or the C&O Canal trails.
Want to cycle the C&O Canal trails? Here's what to expect
DC’s waterfront sprawls are absolute gems, so hop aboard the Potomac Water Taxi to catch a view or visit them all. Trips start at $22 one-way, which feels steep if you see it just as a taxi, not mainly as a sightseeing opportunity. Kids under two can ride for free. Hop on and off at District Wharf, Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor and the Georgetown Waterfront from March to December.
If you’re looking for a free opportunity to sail, check out the District Wharf Jitney. This little boat crosses the channel from the Wharf to East Potomac Park, a popular spot to view cherry blossoms. It’s a short five-minute ride, but hey, it’s unique.
I’ve traveled to many cities,
Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar was just named the best airport in the world in the 2024 Skytrax awards, knocking 12-time winner Singapore Changi Airport down to second place.
I didn’t mind that it was raining when I arrived in Cannes on a Tuesday afternoon in November. Strolling the small city on the French Riviera, best known for its annual celeb-studded film festival, I appreciated the sleepy beaches; the warm, salty breeze; the dearth of crowds or waits to be seated at restaurants. That evening at Le Fouquet's brasserie, as rain pitter-pattered on the ceiling of the heated terrace, the sommelier poured me a chilly Chablis to go with my crispy seared scallops. “Romantic, isn’t it?” he asked. I couldn’t help but agree.
Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast to the south of Valencia, Villajoyosa has been named the “Best Hidden Gem in Europe 2024,” according to European Best Destinations, which has just published one of the most anticipated lists of the year. The best secret destinations in Europe is a ranking that recognizes hidden corners, spots far from the crowds, beautiful villages lost in time, and places where some of Europe’s natural beauty can be experienced by simply taking a short walk.
These three islands off the coast of Lombok are the ultimate tropical escape, where you can fully disconnect amongst the palm trees and powdery beaches. Thanks to a ban on motor vehicles, the islands feel like a whole world away from Bali’s crowded streets, allowing you to soak up the peaceful atmosphere no matter when you visit.
Crisscrossed with an impressive web of highways and byways, Washington is a typical US state. Driving is king for those who can afford it and public transportation outside of cities is relatively meager compared to countries in Europe, Asia or South America. Many visitors elect to rent cars and partake in that most romantic of American vacations: the road trip.
Although many people think of Oregon as one big forest — or equate the Pacific Northwest with Portland, its unabashedly weirdest and biggest city — this massive state offers so much more.
Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world—so it only makes sense that its largest city would be home to some pretty decent wine bars and wine-focused restaurants with great local wine.
Great road trips define Canada.
There's never a bad time to visit Washington, DC. Not only do brilliant events take place almost every day, but the district also undergoes breathtakingly beautiful transformations as the seasons change.
America's capital city is a fantastic destination to visit with children in tow. It's filled with kid-friendly museums, has an abundance of parks in which younger visitors can burn off excess energy, and a logical, pedestrian-friendly layout (let's not forget that DC was designed to showcase urban planning at its very best).
Though K-beauty first landed stateside back in 2011 — when Dr.Jart+ flooded the shelves of Sephora stores across the country and spawned the BB cream craze — South Korean skincare products have experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past few years.
In a groundbreaking move, the prestigious MICHELIN Guide unveils its inaugural ranking of MICHELIN Keys for France today, marking its first foray into hotels. With 189 distinguished establishments across France among the 600 hotels in the new guide, Michelin celebrates the talent and dedication of these hospitality professionals, setting a new standard for excellence in the hotel industry. As MICHELIN's inspectors continue to scour the planet for the best in class, hotel rankings for other destinations are to follow later this month.