The Seventy Islands are part of the Rock Islands of Palau

Amazing and crowd-free:12 of the world’s most underrated countries

Look beyond the usual destinations and you’ll find outstanding countries that offer something different,and may well be bargain-priced and uncrowded too.

  • byBrian Johnston
ITA Airways’ Airbus aircraft on the tarmac.

Airline review:One of the roomiest seats in economy on new flagship carrier

There’s nothing at all to complain about on this international flight with Alitalia’s successor.

  • byKristie Kellahan
Seafront scenery in the Mediterranean village Pucisca on the island of Brac,Croatia.

14 outstanding travel experiences that will give you an insider’s view

Plunge into Morocco’s medinas,ride the rails in Japan or experience the sounds of America’s south with these insider trips.

  • byBrian Johnston
Don't let the name fool you;this small international transit hub is surprisingly modern.

Airport review:Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza (Mother Teresa),Albania

Don't let the name fool you;this small international transit hub is surprisingly modern.

  • byKristie Kellahan
UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Butrint features an open-air theatre,built almost 2500 years ago.

Emerald Azzurra,Albania:Discovering the ancient ruins of Butrint

This open-air theatre was built almost 2500 years ago in a city you've probably never heard of.

  • byBen Groundwater
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House of Leaves:It's hard to think that just 11 years ago,people were still being tortured in this house.

The Museum of Secret Surveillance,Albania:The House of Leaves has a grisly past

Inside the Ministry of Spies,the air is cool and the museum is almost silent.

  • byBelinda Jackson
Church of St John the Theologian at Kaneo,Ohrid.

Travel guide to the Balkans in Europe:A land of blood and honey

A journey through the western Balkan nations of Albania,Kosovo and Macedonia shows a sobering history,a stark yet stunning beauty and resilience.

  • byBelinda Jackson
The villages of Qazim Pali and Piqeras near Saranda (Sarande) on the Albanian Riviera.

Car hire in Albania

Expert answers to all your travel questions and queries.

  • byMichael Gebicki
Man on donkey,Gjirokaster,Albania.

Open-door diplomacy

The Cold War paranoia is long gone and Albanians are confident their coastlines,forests and culture of hospitality will bring in the crowds,writes Glenn A. Baker.

Carnival Sao Paulo

Top 10 countries to visit in 2011

Lonely Planet has drawn on the knowledge,passion and kilometres travelled by its staff,authors and online community to present the Top 10 Countries to visit in 2011.