| This week: We’ve rounded up your favorite articles of 2024. | | | Awards season has officially begun, including over here at Lonely Planet. It’s been a sensational year for travel, and our team has all the wonderful memories to prove it. Some greatest hits: Senior Director of Content Laura Motta attended the Paris Olympics, Lonely Planet writer Rachel Chang got to sit down with Dolly Parton to discuss her theme park’s latest attraction, and our head of social, Deepa Lakshmin, got to attend Kazakhstan’s epic World Nomad Games. And in other good news, Notre Dame finally reopens tomorrow after a five-year renovation. With those dear memories came some legendary content, so we’ve rounded up our top articles of the year. You all loved obsessing over cute tiny airports, cozy small towns and Australia’s most adorable critters. A popular genre: budget travel. Your deepest cuts: F1 race travel, regional tipping customs and drinking in Bangkok’s nightlife (literally). Oh, and your latest guidebook chapter is ready: “dreamy off-the-beaten-path food-focused itinerary.” Consider this your year of Lonely Planet, wrapped (or should I say packed?). | | | | | You love getting the scoop on French pharmacies | I will do anything my fellow editor Sasha Brady recommends, and she says to buy the best skincare at France’s pharmacies. Here are her top recs for skincare, beauty, haircare and more. | | | | | Your travel aura: thrifty packer | If you’re like me, you’ll go to extreme lengths to squeeze everything into a carry-on. It’s a principle. These are Lonely Planet’s road-tested tips for a seamless pack. | | | | | You asked for “savings” and “local recs” in Europe | | | | | Your favorite destination: Japan | Shocker – not! Modern cities buzzing with energy, richly historic architecture and an incredible food scene that will keep you full every step of the way – Japan truly has it all. Here are five stellar itineraries to get you started. | | | Reader question: I want to go to Europe but don't do well with crowds. Where should I go? LP recommendation: First of all, visit during the low season! You can also get off the tourist trail in these fabulous destinations.
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