On the Road with Lonely Planet: August Edition
August's highlight? The Olympics! Sure, the sports were thrilling, but for me, the most moving scenes were competitors embracing each other after a game. Moments like boxer Yang Liu from China beaming with pride when her opponent, Algeria's Imane Khelif, won gold, or the men’s javelin competitors grinning in awe as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record. Sob!
Sentimental much? Yes! But these moments felt like the world coming together to celebrate human achievement and connection. It's reassuring in the era of AI to know that we're still fascinated by all the cool things other humans can do. We still crave real experiences and the shared stories that come from them.
That's what travel is about, too. Connecting us to the world through the stories we gather and share. Rather than AI-generated lists, we seek tips from locals excited to share their corner of the world with us and travelers who get a kick out of letting us in on their cool finds, itineraries and advice.
People like my teammates who are still buzzing from their amazing travel experiences in August. And you know what? Summer ain’t over yet. We still have the Paralympics to look forward to. And so much more.
– Sasha Brady , Digital Editor
Edinburgh, Scotland
My husband and I just got back from our biennial trip to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. In between all our sightseeing, we managed to see 28 shows in five days – and I still wish I had squeezed in one more. We had friends from across Europe and the US join us this year, which really inspired us to see a wider variety of shows. I never thought a Shrek-themed burlesque or a puppet show about a 44th birthday party would be two of the more memorable ones we caught.
Erin's favorites
1. Best experience Taking my breakfast to go on Arthur's Seat. I picked up a peach, basil and ricotta sandwich at Twelve Triangles and hiked up in the quiet morning to start the day with a picnic overlooking the city.
2. What you can't miss The vintage shopping! Find the perfect ’70s suede at Armstrongs Vintage or ’40s cocktail gowns at Carnivàle Vintage.
3. Top meal I loved the food tour at the Fringe's Assembly Rooms in George Square. Getting a dinner table in August can be tough, so join the masses and find perfection at the food trucks! Take your pick of vegan cubanos, mac n' cheese, samosa chaat and more.
– Erin Lenczycki , Photo Editor
Munich, Germany
Germany holds a special place in my heart, as I lived there during a fellowship in 2017–18. I was thrilled to spend several weeks in Munich this summer, getting a chance to practice my German skills and remember all my favorite things about the country.
Melissa's favorites
1. Best experience Attending the Kocherlball. The folk dance festival happens the third weekend in July, in the early-morning hours.
2. What you can't miss The surfers at Eisbachwelle in the Englischer Garten. Can’t surf? On a hot day, you can also jump in and float the Eisbach River.
3. Top meal Loved the Bavarian Schnitzel at Wirtshaus Görreshof. It has mustard in the crust!
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– Melissa Yeager , Destination Editor
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
I recently took a trip to Grand Cayman and stayed at the Westin for a weekend getaway. I flew directly from New York JFK on Cayman Airways and was greeted with sunny skies and blue water. What more could you ask for?
Serina's favorites
1. Best experience We went to Stingray City with Red Sail Sports (they partner with the Westin) and swam with friendly rays – it was magical!
2. What you can't miss While here, you have to go to Seven Mile Beach (which is actually "only" 5.5 miles) and the Cayman Islands National Museum. And don’t forget to order a mudslide!
3. Top meal Agua was delicious! The eggplant ravioli and yucca fries are must-orders.
– Serina P. , Marketing Manager
Paris, France
I have to repeat it to myself just to fully believe it: I went to the Olympics! Twelve days of athletic excellence, searing heat, radiant Parisian sunsets, questionable stadium food and endless waves of emotion have left me depleted – and a little disappointed with the ordinariness of life after the games.
Laura's favorites
1. Best experience Cheering at Champions Park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for the U.S. figure skating team, who were awarded a long-delayed gold medal from the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics.
2. What you can't miss Shopping in the Marais, which was blissfully quiet while most locals were out of town and most visitors were at the games.
3. Top meal Lunch at Monsieur Bleu at the Palais de Tokyo! I had a haricot vert salad and a glass of white wine on the terrace.
– Laura Motta , Senior Director of Content
Photography credits: Laura Motta, Erin Lenczycki, Melissa Yeager, Serina Patel / Lonely Planet