The ultimate guide to tipping around the world

If you’ve ever found yourself nervously flicking through a stack of notes at the end of a meal when on the road, or fumbling for loose change in the back of a taxi in an unfamiliar city, you’ll understand. To help steer you through the quagmire of uncertainty and doubt that gratuities can throw up, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to tipping around the world.

That's £1 please...

Pop the question at the world's best engagement destinations

Congratulations! You’ve found ‘the one’. Now you’re keen to seal the deal with a romantic proposal abroad. But where should you pop the question to your future husband or wife, and soon-to-be travel buddy for life?

From cow painting to boat racing: the 8 best festivals in South India

You haven’t seen South India until you have seen South India at festival time. The five southern states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh – serve up an electrifying cornucopia of colourful celebrations, and the myriad cultures represented in this region ensure that there’s something happening somewhere almost every month of the year.

What’s the fastest way to board a plane? Gatwick Airport wants to find out

One of the holy grails of travelling by air is making the boarding process faster. That seemingly interminable hurry-up-and-wait is one of the most frustrating parts of travel, especially if you’re carrying your luggage with you and hoping there’ll be room in the bins.

Get paid to travel to 40 countries across the world for a year with friends

A dream job where you can bring a friend with you as you travel to 40 countries is sure to make the chosen person very popular with their pals.

How to see the best of Ireland's West Cork coast on a four-day road trip

Lonely Planet writer Joe Davis has visited West Cork in Ireland at least once a year since he was born, and he has compiled the ultimate road trip itinerary to help you sample the best of West Cork in just four days.