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Friday Around

the Planet

October 21, 2022

This time of year, as the days get shorter and the weather turns cold, we're assessing all the places we want to go before 2023. The winter chill makes many of us seek out warmer climes. This week we're focusing on St Lucia, a Caribbean island known for its warmth, literal and figurative. We're also thinking about heading to Japan for the opening of Ghibli Park or sticking closer to home with an affordable New England road trip. So many trips, so little time …

– The editors at Lonely Planet

You're gonna love St Lucia

If you're already thinking about where to go in the Caribbean this winter, might we suggest this exclusive St Lucia itinerary, created for Lonely Planet by St Lucian travel expert Nasha Smith? This one-of-a-kind, 7-day road trip circumnavigates her home island, taking you to the most spectacular places to swim, hike and eat.

Japan's Ghibli Park opening November 1

For many, the mere mention of Studio Ghibli is enough to conjure a world of whimsy and intrigue. The studio's much-anticipated Ghibli Park officially opens its gates next month in Nagoya, Japan – a city that can be reached from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train) in less than two hours.

Top 5 places to eat in Dublin right now

Dublin punches well above its weight when it comes to its thriving food and drink scene. You'd need at least a few weeks (and a generous budget - this city is expensive) to really get a feel for the dynamic culinary scene here. However, if you're visiting for a short time, don't leave Dublin without having a meal at least one of these five dining hotspots.

A budget-friendly New England road trip

If you love to see those vibrant and magical fall colors before they're gone, check out this reasonably priced road trip in New England – from Portland, Maine to Mystic, Connecticut. Stop to hike Kingdom Heritage Trail in Vermont, visit one of the excellent museums in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and cap it off with a lobster roll at Ford's Lobster.

Get ready to celebrate Día de Muertos

From late October to early November, visitors flock to Mexico for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This annual remembrance of departed souls encapsulates the country's upbeat treatment of mortality, making it one of the world's most universally familiar festivals. Here's a primer on this year's celebrations.