MAL x JAPAN

  • Anime Search
  • Seasonal Anime

Recommendations

  • 2024 Challenge
  • Fantasy Anime League
  • Manga Search
  • Manga Store

Interest Stacks

  • Featured Articles
  • Episode Videos
  • Anime Trailers
  • Advertising
  • MAL Supporter

Bokura no Chikyuu no Arukikata Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide Edit What would you like to edit? Synopsis Background Alternative Titles Picture Chapters/Volumes Publishing Dates Relations Type External Links  

Alternative titles, information, available at.

our lonely planet travel guide

More news Recent News

North American Anime & Manga Releases for January

North American Anime & Manga Releases for January

Here are the North American anime, manga, and light novel releases for January. Week 1: January 3 - 9 Anime Releases Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate (incl. Koi Imouto!) (... read more

Jan 10, 2023 8:51 AM by Aiimee | Discuss (4 comments)

North American Anime & Manga Releases For February

North American Anime & Manga Releases For February

Here are the North American anime, manga, and light novel releases for February. Week 1: February 1 - 7 Anime Releases Adachi to Shimamura (incl. Mini Anime) (Adachi... read more

Feb 4, 2022 9:30 AM by Aiimee | Discuss (4 comments)

More discussions Recent Forum Discussion

More top anime.

  • 1 Sousou no Frieren
  • 2 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
  • 3 Steins;Gate
  • 5 Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Part 2

More Top Airing Anime

  • 2 Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
  • 3 Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu Season 2
  • 4 Kingdom 5th Season
  • 5 One Piece

More Most Popular Characters

  • 1 Lamperouge, Lelouch
  • 3 Monkey D., Luffy
  • 4 Lawliet, L
  • 5 Roronoa, Zoro

Free shipping on all orders!

our lonely planet travel guide

  • North America
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Middle East
  • Australia & Pacific

our lonely planet travel guide

New Releases

Italy preview

Trending Destinations

our lonely planet travel guide

Experience Guides

  • Outdoor Travels & Adventures
  • Epic Guides
  • Food & Drink
  • Gifts & Inspiration
  • Language Guides
  • Lonely Planet Kids

our lonely planet travel guide

Country Guides

our lonely planet travel guide

Pocket Guides

our lonely planet travel guide

All Guides & eBooks

  • Lonely Planet Insider

Your cart is empty

Toolkit Survival Guides

Your ultimate travel toolkit guide collection designed to empower adventurers like you with insider knowledge and expert advice. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time explorer, Lonely Planet has got you covered with an extensive array of tips and tricks to enhance every aspect of your journey with the Toolkit Survival Guides.

Empty collection

This collection does not contain any products.

Flightdeck Powered by Pilot logo

Lonely Planet Travel Guide & App Review: Worth it in 2024?

Lonely Planet Travel Guide & App Review: Worth it in 2024?

One of the consumer staples of travel guides, Lonely Planet had once dominated the travel guide industry by providing inspiring and exciting guides for travelers around the world. Is Lonely Planet still the same today, and are their guides still worth it? Keep reading to find out.

our lonely planet travel guide

Raeesha is an expert freelance writer who loves to tap into unique perspectives about heritage, art, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Coming from a country famed for tourism, she also focuses on promoting sustainable travel choices to minimize environmental footprint. Besides the travel niche, she also writes about economics, business, and linguistics. You will find her guides informative and detailed, albeit with a pinch of dry humor.

If you’ve ever been to a bookstore, a magazine stall, or have watched TV, you’ve probably heard of the name Lonely Planet or Lonely Planet Guides.

Lonely Planet is a name that dominates the travel sphere on the internet, offering guides and informative content almost all around the world. Its popularity is largely due to its guidebooks with detailed maps that were considered a great resource for travelers, particularly for backpackers on a shoestring.

Today, it’s the world’s largest travel guide publisher with over 150 million guidebooks. It's basically a household name for travel guides.

But, as Lonely Planet’s ownership changed from time to time, it began to lose its appeal as a unique platform for travel content. After all, travel content has been fastly evolving, with popularity shifting from guides provided by large travel companies to guides provided by travel influencers and blogs.

So, I wanted to know if Lonely Planet is still a resourceful travel website ripe with information that’s relevant, timely, and budget-friendly. Are they still a thing people go to for travel inspiration and resource, or are they outdated?

How does Lonely planet compare to the newer travel guides in the market, like CN Traveler or NomadicMatt ? Keep reading to find out if Lonely Planet travel guides are still worth purchasing!

Lonely Planet Guides Logo

What Is Lonely Planet?

Lonely Planet is a travel guide and travel content publishing company that was founded in 1973 with the aim of providing travelers with useful, unique, and non-mainstream information along with affordable authentic choices for accommodation and dining.

They house a collection of experiences, expressed through the passion of lonely planet themselves, that helps travelers worldwide make the most out of their trips.

Started by two broke backpackers on a trip from England to Australia, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, had a vision to provide fellow travelers with inspiration to travel. Lonely Planet quickly rose through the ranks due to its depth of content, originality, and abundance of practical advice while traveling.

It was eventually sold to BBC and then to a billionaire, Brad Kelley during the global recession. Brad then infamously assigned CEO to a 24 year old ex-wedding photographer. That's a whole different story that I won't go into detail, but you can read the interview here!

If you are wondering who owns Lonely Planet at present; it’s Red Ventures, an owner of many digital businesses.

Where Can I Find Lonely Planet’s App?

Lonely Planet has also developed an app to digitize all of their travel guides for the convenience of their guides on the go.

The Lonely Planet’s app is called “ Guides by Lonely Planet ”, which can be accessed from both iOS and Andriod devices. In here, you'll find their usual guidebooks, like their Asia or Europe collection.

To make travel more accessible for Lonely Planet’s users, they’ve also included their phrasebook guides inside their app, which allows users to learn and use local phrases of countries they’re visiting.

Lonely Planet guide app preview

Is the Lonely Planet App Free?

The Guides by Lonely Planet app is free and available to access for some guides on the platform. However, a full paid subscription is required to gain full access to the app’s features and all of the guides and partner discounts offered by Lonely Planet.

Lonely Planet currently has 3 subscription plan, which includes:

  • 1-Month Subscription Plan - 3.99$
  • 6-Months Subscription Plan - 19.99$ (Save 16% from the monthly subscription)
  • 12-Months Subscription Plan - 29.99$ (Save 37% from the monthly subscription)

Lonely planet guides app explore and discover preview.

What Are the Main Features of Lonely Planet?

Guidebooks and maps.

Lonely Planet sells guidebooks on regions, countries, cities, parks, hikes and treks, and many other topics in both digital and print form. These include itineraries, maps, user reviews, insider tips, and information on hidden gems!

Here are just some of the different guidebooks they're selling:

  • Lonely Planet Japan
  • Lonely Planet South America
  • Lonely Planet The Caribbean Islands
  • Lonely Planet Portugal
  • Lonely Planet The World

One cool book I'd recommend is their annual bestseller " Best in Travel " guidebook (they're available online ), which is one of their annual list of bestsellers of the best countries, cities, destinations to visit of the year. They cover tons of topics, from the best value destinations of the year to sustainable travel choices you can make to help make travel more inclusive for others.

If you are an old-school traveler who likes to flip the pages of paperback devouring travel content, you can order its print versions. Otherwise, you can go with the ebooks , especially if you are backpacking. Maps can be purchased separately as well.

Booking can be made via Lonely Planet related to insurance, hotels, flights, adventure tours, sightseeing tours, and transport. So, if you come across interesting experiences or points of interest while going through its content, you can place a reservation directly.

Inspiring Travel Content

In addition to Lonely Planet travel guide books that users have to pay for access to, Lonely Planet also provides extensive travel descriptions, articles, and videos covering topics related to different destinations that are free to view.

Users can purchase and access Lonely Planet travel guides via its website or mobile app, which is available in both Android and iOS versions. General content related to destinations can be viewed even without an account for free.

What Additional Features Can You Get With a Lonely Planet’s Subscription?

While Lonely Planet’s guides and services are free to use, a lot of their guides and features come with a paid subscription. But what exactly are these features, and what more can I get from the paid subscription of Lonely Planet?

Keep in mind that subscriptions purchased on either the Guides by Lonely planet app or the Lonely Planet website are the same and purchasing subscriptions from either platform will give you full access to both.

Here’s the list of all the extra features that come with the subscriptions:

  • Full access to all 8000+ cities and the points of interests
  • Full and unlimited access to all the guides + Lonely Planet TV
  • Access to Magic FX, virtual tours, and budgeting tips
  • Access to Lonely Planet phrasebooks

Lonely Planet Trips

What Is Missing in Lonely Planet Today?

Updated information.

One of the frequent complaints about Lonely Planet by its avid users is how the guidebooks have lost their novel touch. I'd honestly go as far to say Lonely Planet has lost its touch.

Information and tips mentioned in newer editions are outdated and uninspiring. If a guidebook that you purchase for eye-catching information has only generic, old, and mainstream facts that you can gather with a quick search on the internet, then it’s obviously not worth the money.

They've also seemingly adopted a quantity over quality angle through their digital guidebooks, recommending an endless lists of things to do in certain places like New York or Paris, with very little actual content as to why they're recommending it.

If you have ever purchased or viewed some of the earliest guidebooks (old versions) by Lonely Planet, you would see that they’re almost always full of colorful and detailed information, inspiring you to travel.

In terms of trustworthy information goes, I'd rather read a Google, Yelp, Quora, and even a Reddit user review before going with Lonely Planet's recommendation.

But, if you take a look at the more recent versions, you’ll no longer see the same page-flipper content that you’re normally used to on the original Lonely Planet guides.

Useful Details

One of the aspects that used to set Lonely Planet apart from its counterparts from the start was the depth of its travel content.

Their original guidebooks were a treasure trove of information on places with descriptive and useful explanations. Not to mention, the authenticity of places recommended were always protrayed through incredible visuals or storytelling techniques.

Back then, Lonely Planet truely reflected the excitement of a passionate global community of travelers giving out helpful and inspiring recommendations.

At present, its descriptions are vague narratives that are written poetically but lack the necessary details we need. There is less emphasis on unusual attractions and insider tips that many readers look for in purchasing a guide, especially one that was made by Lonely Planet.

Handpicked Attractions

The list of attractions provided by Lonely Planet is nothing short of overwhelming, especially if it’s a popular destination.

While it does give us a plethora of choices to choose from and create our own itinerary, it would have been better if Lonely Planet sifts the best for us as a travel company that knows better than its users. There’s the choice of filtering the attractions based on categories but that doesn’t help us from choosing destinations that are actually worth visiting.

Lonely Planet has, in my opinion, appropriated mainstream travel content and booking websites and lost its defining competitive edge as a result. It’s no longer the expert who knows how to “guide” travelers away from dull and uninspiring spots and help them experience the true essence of the destination.

Localized Recommendations

Lonely Planet guides also provide accommodation and dining options that can be booked from the website directly. However, its knack for providing affordable and unique choices for travelers looking for a localized experience has diminished greatly.

Users also complain how Lonely Planet’s choices are overcrowded and highly commercialized places or ones that no longer exist.

Prompt Service

After reading many Lonely Planet reviews, it seems that even the customer service is subpar. Many customers have complained of delayed shipments of guidebooks they ordered, irresponsive and unreliable customer care team, and time-consuming refund process. This has further downgraded Lonely Planet and discouraged people to purchase its guides.

It’s also noteworthy to mention that Lonely Planet has gone through what any company goes through with a change of ownership – a change in objectives, values, and business model. So, the ideas cherished by its founders may not align with its present parent company – a highly commercialized enterprise

lonely-planet-travel-guide.png

What Else Has Changed?

There are other factors that have affected the popularity of Lonely Planet.

Consumer expectations have increased rapidly over the past years with the growth of the travel industry as well as technology. It may be that printed guidebooks are no longer deemed as essential resources when there are resources on the internet that won’t affect the weight of your backpack.

Lonely Planet has lost its charm to hook readers with its resources is the influx of travel websites we have experienced over the years. There’s information everywhere, and Lonely Planet has been unable to compete well enough to retain its edge.

More importantly, its competitors like Rough Guides, Bradt, and DK Eyewitness Travel have also been performing really well, filling market gaps. When it comes to Rough Guides vs Lonely Planet, some prefer the former for better accommodation options.

Depending on the kind of traveler you are, you might or might not find them useful. I personally don't.

lonely-planet-travel-guides.jpg

What’s Still Good About Lonely Planet?

Great platform to get an overview.

For those who are simply browsing for travel content on a particular country, city, or attraction, Lonely Planet may be a good place to get a comprehensive introduction.

It rounds up information on history, culture, wildlife, and other major aspects that are worth the attention while giving a long list of attractions below for you to gain a better picture.

If you prefer to gain all the basic details in one place rather than strip-searching the internet, Lonely Planet is a good site.

Covers All Destinations

It’s unlikely that Lonely Planet won’t have a description for a destination you are looking for – although it may be short of a detailed travel guide.

It’s due to this very reason that travelers continue to use the website and get a heads-up about places they intend to visit. So, while it is increasingly syncing with mainstream travel sites, the behemoth of information Lonely Planet has worked in their favor.

Due to this, Lonely Planet still remains one of the frequently used websites by travelers around the world.

Visual Content

Lonely Planet is a great place to watch inspiring videos and learn about wildlife attractions, cultural events, natural wonders, and other interesting aspects around the world. For those of us who don’t necessarily enjoy reading lengthy articles, the videos of destinations and facts about them can be a feast for the eyes.

Trip Planning

Despite the inaccuracies that have been noted in some guide books and maps, people continue to refer to Lonely Planet to supplement their travel plans. The maps have proven to be useful – although they could be much better. You can use the website to select what appeals to you and include it in your itinerary. Its booking features also make travel planning a step easier.

If you are looking for a travel planner that also provides tons of guides and insider information on places to visit, eat, and stay, you’ve come to the right place! Pilot is a social trip planner which also offers reviews and guides that can help travelers make better decisions and plan better trips.

Is Lonely Planet Still Worth It?

Having known all of this information about Lonely Planet and its travel guides and travel apps, you’re probably wondering if Lonely Planet guides are still worth it. Above that, is Lonely Planet’s paid subscription still worth the money?

From a free travel guide’s perspective, we believe that it’s still worth checking out. They contain beautiful visuals and a big picture overview of many destinations around the world and could help you decide where you want to visit.

From their paid subscription’s perspective, we believe that there are better options out there, especially when it comes to their guides and point of interest. There are newer blogs with better recommendations when it comes to places to visit or stay in a destination.

For example, our blog of Airbnb recommendations in Paris offers cool budget accommodations in Paris that might not come up in other guides.

It really is unfortunate that the leading travel media company turned into a quantity focused digital website filled with uninspiring and overly abundant recommendations. Especially in a post-pandemic world, people are more than ever seeking authentic and fulfilling experiences and taking control of their trips.

There's one caveat though, I think their phrasebooks are pretty cool.

If you’re on an extended trip or would just like to learn the local language, we believe that their subscription access to Lonely Planet’s phrasebooks is worth it! They’re amazing to use when you just want to learn common phrases of the local language.

Our Rating: 4.2/5

  • Huge collection of guides
  • Large coverage of destinations around the world
  • Pretty visual content
  • Great travel plan supplement
  • Great phrasebooks (paid subscription)
  • Outdated information
  • Lack of useful details
  • Mainstream attractions and lackluster recommendations
  • Subpar customer service reviews

Lonely Planet FAQs

Is lonely planet closing.

Lonely Planet has undergone really tough times, with multiple layoffs and a huge reduction in their publishing operations. However, they're still operational and publishing both online and paperback guidebooks and phrasebooks!

Is Lonely Planet Still Good?

Lonely Planet has lost its touch as the household name for travel inspiration and guidance. While still incredibly popular, the reduction in quality content over quantitive online publication has resulted in many of their users turning away from them due to issues of quality and updated recommendations.

What's Better Rough Guide or Lonely Planet?

My preferences having owned both is Rough Guides. It's much more natural to get inspired to travel through narration, which is done much better through Rough Guides than Lonely Planet.

How Does Lonely Planet Make Money?

Prior to the multiple acquisitions, Lonely Planet made a significant chunks of their revenue solely on physical guidebooks. Today, I estimate it to be more of a balance between digital content, advertising partnerships, as well as physical guide and phrasebooks.

Does Lonely Planet Still Do E-Books?

They definitely still do, and there are multiple ways to get them! You can either get them through the app, or you can purchase a kindle version of their guidebooks through Amazon .

Postcards and Lonely Planet guides at magazine stall.

Take Control of Your Travels!

Lonely Planet still does a solid job in providing travelers with useful content but it doesn’t allow you to plan trips using its app or website. A great trip comes with a great plan.

Plan your trips with Pilot alongside our complementary travel guide and resource, FlightDeck!

Pilot - A Social Trip Planner - Banner

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

FlightDeck’s Editorial Process

Raeesha Ikram Blog

's Experience

  • Freelancer writer with over 7 years of experience
  • Topics involve travel, customer relations, marketing, and economics
  • Experienced in content writing and copywriting

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Trending Travel Stories

Discover new places and be inspired by stories from our traveller community.

What to Buy in Japan: 13 Souvenirs You’ll Actually Want!

Did you like this article? Share your thoughts!

Related travel guides.

Culture Trip Review [2024]: Reliable travel guide, or nah?

Culture Trip Review [2024]: Reliable travel guide, or nah?

Top 10 Travel Planner Apps to Easily Plan Trips in 2024!

Top 10 Travel Planner Apps to Easily Plan Trips in 2024!

10 Best FREE Hiking Apps for You to Download in 2024!

10 Best FREE Hiking Apps You Should Download in 2024! + Honorable Mentions

Guide to Using Travel Itinerary Templates: Become a Pro!

Guide to Using Travel Itinerary Templates: Become a Pro!

Tripadvisor Traveler Review: Looking Past the Ads in 2024

Tripadvisor Traveler Review: Looking Past the Ads in 2024

Tripcoin Review [2024]: A Travel Budget App Worth Getting?

Tripcoin Review [2024]: A Travel Budget App Worth Getting?

10 Best FREE Hiking Apps You Should Download in 2024! + Honorable Mentions

Make the most of every trip

Pilot Plans web app product images

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

Close button

We use cookies to ensure that we provide the best user experience on our website. By using TravelWires.com, you agree to our use of cookies .

{{articlefound.title}}

TravelWires Logo

Lonely Planet Celebrates 50th Anniversary through 'Innovatively Revamped' Travel Guides

lonely planet travel guide travel news lonely planet anniversary

By Maisha Swanson | 2023-09-20 10:01:21

our lonely planet travel guide

In an audacious and novel era characterized by artificial intelligence, online manuals, and communal networks, the freshly adopted approach seeks to furnish travel stimulus and counsel that seamlessly corresponds with the traditional, time-honored book structure.

The revitalized guidebooks will incorporate quick-response (QR) codes to facilitate rapid connections, recommend ecologically responsible travel alternatives, propose options beyond congested destinations, and introduce novel compositions of sections, amidst a plethora of other alterations.

These guidebooks will initiate with a segment dedicated to "Crafting Your Expedition," showcase listings and chapters replete with pertinent information, an all-inclusive 'Toolkit' expounding upon rudiments such as currencies, visas, and health-related travel insights. They will culminate with 'The Narrative Compilation' - a compendium of essays authored by an assorted array of indigenous voices.

“Lonely Planet may be 50, but we are still guided by the same restless spirit and desire to shape and inspire travel,” stated Chris Zeiher, trade sales and marketing senior director.

During the inception of the original Lonely Planet tome in 1973 (the self-published "Across Asia on the Inexpensive" by Maureen and Tony Wheeler), the global milieu portrayed a markedly disparate landscape.

Entities such as Google, Ryanair, or Instagram were non-existent. The concept of the euro had not yet materialized; travel snapshots were captured through film cameras. Backpackers frequently secured their money belts with traveler's checks, and resources like TripAdvisor or Kindles were conspicuously absent.

Weathered, handheld guidebooks functioned as indispensable reference materials for audacious explorers endeavoring to navigate unfamiliar environs, subsequently evolving into prized badges of distinction adorning bookshelves.

While brands like Rough Guide, Bradt, and Frommers garnered widespread prominence, Lonely Planet reigned supreme as the vanguard - the company contends to have disseminated approximately 150 million copies of its guidebooks thus far.

“Think for just a second about how revolutionary a concept these travel guides are,” says Tom Hoban of Dublin-based independent online bookseller, LitVox. “They are not assembled by one author, but rather a team of travellers who know each destination intimately. “Bringing a Lonely Planet with you is akin to meeting a welcoming committee on arrival, a dedicated crew who want to let you know about each hidden treasure trove, every historical landmark, every cool bar, every happening restaurant and dazzling festival.”

Although Lonely Planet played a pivotal role in democratizing travel, it also came to symbolize the challenges associated with growth - spawning familiar routes for tourists, inundating recommended sites with swarms of visitors, and contributing to tourism dynamics that irreversibly transformed small communities.

The brand was acquired by the BBC in 2007, in a transaction reportedly valued at £130 million, before being divested at a purported financial loss several years later. The swiftly evolving realm of digital publishing had taken its toll.

Presently, the brand contends with a fresh cohort of competitors in the realm of AI-driven travel planning. For instance, GuideGeek, crafted by rival publisher Matador Network, is accessible through unpretentious textual cues via platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.

Recent coverage by The New York Times has highlighted the proliferation of AI-generated travel guidebooks, often bolstered by misleading evaluations, which have inundated online marketplaces.

Nevertheless, despite the swiftness of change, the Lonely Planet brand endures as a widely recognized and trusted authority. Currently owned by the American conglomerate Red Ventures, Lonely Planet asserts its ongoing reach to countless travelers annually, via print, digital, and social media platforms.

“According to Neilson Bookscan, during the first six months of 2023, the World Travel category is up 17.95pc, with Lonely Planet up 10.21pc [by volume],” Mr Zeiher says.

The organization asserts that its novel guides “remain the travellers’ best friend in an ever-changing digital world,”

Tom Hoban discerns an unabated craving for conventional travel guidebooks. LitVox, among its offerings, presents assortments comprising novels, non-fiction works, and travel guides, ideal as gifts or leisure reading during vacations.

"I've been a bookseller for 17 years, and sales of physical travel guides remains strong, even among people in their 20s,” he mentions. “In a world of bot-led restaurant reviews and influencer-style travel blogs, reliability and real know-how still count for something. Lonely Planet have always guaranteed these things. “It’s hard to kill an exceptional idea, no matter how much technology strives to replace it.”

Source: independent.ie

our lonely planet travel guide

Latest Articles

Qatar Airways Enhances Ramadan Experience with Extra Baggage Allowance

Qatar Airways Enhances Ramadan Experience with Extra Baggage Allowance

Korean Air Launches Asia's Largest Engine Maintenance Cluster for 2027 Opening

Korean Air Launches Asia's Largest Engine Maintenance Cluster for 2027 Opening

ITA Airways Expands Tokyo-Rome Route to Daily Flights Amid Rising Demand

ITA Airways Expands Tokyo-Rome Route to Daily Flights Amid Rising Demand

Hurtigruten and HX Debut New Brand Identities and Websites Ahead of Wave Season

Hurtigruten and HX Debut New Brand Identities and Websites Ahead of Wave Season

our lonely planet travel guide

Achieving excellence in connecting travel and business

TravelWires delivers immediate press release distribution services and travel industry news exposure to a global on-line audience network. Featuring special events and destinations, our website covers updates on the tourism sector news, consumer information, as well as releases about company performance and latest products on the market.

We take all kinds of payments

Most Read Topics

  • travel news
  • hospitality
  • Advertise With Us
  • PR Packages
  • Submit Your PR
  • 155 Piata Victoriei
  • Bucharest, Romania
  • [email protected]
  • Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00 EET
  • Eastern European Time

TRAVEL WIRES

Daily travel news and press releases.

our lonely planet travel guide

5 big travel lessons and one ‘mistake’ from 50 years of Lonely Planet

Tony Wheeler has spent half a century traversing the globe but still carries a guidebook. Naturally, it’s his own.

“Just a couple days ago in Brazil, I went to Iguazu Falls,” Wheeler, 76, said during a recent video call from a hotel guest room in New York City . “I went across to Argentina and had the Lonely Planet guidebook. It said to take the walk close to the river level because everybody heads to the top one. You know, the guidebook got it right.”

Wheeler and his wife, Maureen, founded Lonely Planet guidebooks 50 years ago. In 1972, the newly married couple bought a ratty old car in London and drove east, across Europe, and then farther east, to Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan, where they sold their vehicle. In Australia, their final stop, one adventure ended and another began.

Their first publication, “Across Asia on the Cheap,” spawned more than 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries. It also heralded a new generation of travelers who were young, adventurous and scrappy. Like true rebels, they ventured where few parents had gone before.

“These were books for people in their 20s with no money,” he said. “If their parents had gone to Europe, they were going to Asia. If they were in Europe, they were going down to Spain and across to Morocco. Instead of escaping the States to Mexico, they’d go down to South America. Their horizons were getting larger, wider.”

In 2011, the Wheelers, who split their time between London and Melbourne, Australia, sold their publishing company. Red Ventures, which also owns the Points Guy , took over in 2020. Although they are no longer actively involved in the series and have upgraded their travel style, they still embody the spirit of the “ backpacker’s bible.”

The day after Tony returned from South America, he shared some of the lessons he has learned from his 50 spins around the Lonely Planet.

1. Always carry on

Mishaps happen to even the most seasoned traveler, and you just have to roll with it.

During his recent trip in Brazil, the airline repeatedly canceled his flight to New York. He spent four hours standing in line at the airport counter trying to sort it out. “You can fly across the Atlantic in the Concorde in that amount of time and have a meal, as well,” he said dryly.

Also this year, an incident in France forced the railway to shut down its entire line. Then a torrential rainstorm hit. “I was standing around on a platform with rain pouring down for four hours,” he said.

Wheeler gamely acknowledged that a traveler’s best material often comes from plans that went awry.

“People like to hear the bad stuff,” he said. “No one wants to hear that my flight left on time, my seat was the one I wanted, I liked the meal and my baggage turned up.”

Speaking of lost luggage, he avoids it by limiting himself to carry-on . He said an opera singer friend would have significantly reduced her stress level had she followed suit. On her flight from Munich to his London home, the airline lost her bags. Several days later, a delivery man drove up in a vehicle packed with hundreds of pieces of luggage waiting to be reunited with their owners.

2. Travel for the people, not the politics

Of all the travel guides, Wheeler said Burma caused them the most angst. At the time, people were urged to boycott the country to avoid indirectly aiding the brutal military regime. After several research trips, the couple decided to publish the book in 1979, but encouraged travelers to support local businesses and not government-owned ones.

“The locals really wanted the tourists, and it wasn’t just for the money,” Wheeler said. “It was for the communication with the outside world.”

Wheeler is similarly conflicted by Iran. “The government’s awful, but the people are wonderful,” he said. To illustrate this point, he described the heartwarming interactions he repeatedly experienced in restaurants. Diners would notice that he was eating alone and spoke English and would invite him to join them at their table.

“How often does that happen in a restaurant in England or America?” he said. “In Iran, that does happen and I think it’s kind of amazing.”

The eighth edition of “Lonely Planet Iran” is scheduled for released next December, an update to the 2017 version.

3. Trust your research and instincts

On the subject of crime, Wheeler has been fortunate: He has been a victim only once, when he was mugged in Bogotá, Colombia. He said travelers should thoroughly research a destination but also trust their instincts.

“Things are not always as unsafe as you fear they are,” he said. “Once you get to a place and are out in the streets, you will feel if it is okay or not.”

On a family trip in Guatemala City, the Wheelers set out at night in search of food. The streets were empty and unnerving. But the next morning, they discovered an entirely different city — vibrant, lively, safe.

Wheeler has ventured to more than 170 countries, including many that have faced conflict, such as Syria, Libya and Yemen. He does not take safety lightly. He is intrigued by Nigeria — “It’s the center for movies in Africa and has a lot of entrepreneurial activity ” — but is cautious about visiting Africa’s most populous nation because of safety concerns. Many foreign offices, including the State Department, advise travelers against visiting Nigeria.

“You start with the idea that it’s not going to be totally safe,” he said, “but I’d like to see it one day.”

4. Explore ‘two streets over’ from main drag

For countless travelers, Lonely Planet opened the door to unknown or undiscovered places, but some critics say the books worked too well and have led to overcrowding. Wheeler’s solution to overtourism is actually a Lonely Planet tenet. He recommends always going “two streets over” from the main drag for sightseeing as well as shopping, dining and lodging.

“Everyone is in St. Mark’s Square,” he said of Venice. “There are other parts of the city you can go to and find churches that are not crowded with tourists.”

Another option: Skip the popular destination for a lesser-visited city, such as Ravenna, which he described as the opposite of Venice. “It almost felt like it was undertouristed,” he said.

5. Choose a train over plane

This year, Wheeler has traveled by train in a dozen countries. He said his best train experience was on Amtrak ’s Coast Starlight train from Seattle to San Francisco.

“It was a nice train, and there was quite a lot of conversation at the tables in the bar,” he said. “It was what train travel is supposed to be.”

When possible, he chooses more eco-friendly modes of travel. For a return trip from Lugano, Switzerland, he took the slower but greener route home: train from Zurich to Paris, then Eurostar to London. In Uruguay and Paraguay, he relied on trains and buses, which have vastly improved since his last overland adventures.

“My bus travel years in South America was a long time ago,” he said. “It felt dangerous all the time, the buses were uncomfortable and the bus stations were not good places to be.”

This time around, the bus station in Montevideo, Uruguay, was modern and had a great breakfast spot. The buses were comfortable and safe. The seats came with belts that people actually wore. There was a toilet onboard.

“It was definitely a real change from 40 years ago,” he said.

6. ‘A 50-year mistake’

The company’s name did not stem from a romantic notion about connecting travelers or making the world a less forlorn place, but instead from a 1971 documentary film called “Mad Dogs and Englishmen.”

Over too much red wine at a Chilean restaurant in Sydney, the Wheelers discussed the film’s song “Space Captain” and the opening lines sung by Joe Cocker: “Once I was traveling across the sky; this lovely planet caught my eye.”

Smitten with the lyrics, Tony suggested calling the series, “Lonely Planet.” Maureen agreed, but pointed out the misheard word. “It’s been a 50-year mistake,” he said.

Packing like a pro: The ultimate guide to what to bring

Aug 31, 2023 • 6 min read

our lonely planet travel guide

No matter where you go, you don't want to spend your holiday money buying something you meant to pack. © Lumina / Stocksy

So, you’ve narrowed your travel list down and finally booked your next trip. With all the arrangements made, your bags are figuratively packed. 

Now there’s only one thing standing between you and the world: actually packing. For many, it’s the most stressful part of trip preparations. But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are our tips for packing like a pro, and check out these links for tips on packing for specific destinations:

  • Pack like a pro for a backpacking trip
  • Pack like a pro for any festival
  • Pack like a pro for a family beach trip
  • Pack like a pro for staying in hostels
  • Pack like a pro for traveling with kids  

Country-specific advice:

  • Pack like a pro for Ireland
  • Pack like a pro for Italy
  • Pack like a pro for Egypt

GettyImages-523075358.jpg

Pre-Departure Checklist

Don’t leave home without getting the essentials in check. Here are some of the things that should be on your pre-departure checklist.

Your passport

Ok, you’ve probably thought of this one already, but check the expiration date. Some countries require at least six months’ validity. And if you have to renew, make sure you leave plenty of time, especially during peak vacation periods. Visa requirements can also change over time so don’t assume it’s the same arrangement as before if returning somewhere familiar. You can check if a visa is required at www.iatatravelcentre.com

Pre-book and save

Often booking in advance can save you money —and that includes booking things like parking before getting to the airport. Even if you do so on the morning of your trip you may save. The same is true for ordering currency in advance. If picking up pre-booked currency, take the card you booked with and take note if you have to go to a particular pickup point to get your cash.

Read up on your destination for up-to-the-minute issues that might affect your plans. The US Bureau of Consular Affairs ( travel.state.gov ); Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ( smarttraveller.gov.au ); and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office ( fco.gov.uk ) are the best places to start.

Get insured 

Travel insurance is an important part of your packing routine. Provisions for trip interruption, baggage delay or trip cancellation can help protect your travel investment should your trip get disrupted. 

A major part of travel insurance is health insurance. Don't assume your coverage in your home country will apply when you are traveling abroad.  As for cost, expect it to increase as you approach retirement age. For the policy to be effective, every pre-existing condition must be declared, otherwise your policy could be worthless and you could end up with a very large bill. Also check that any activity you’re planning on undertaking will be included in the price.

Medical Matters

Start with a checkup at your doctor’s and dentist – it’s far easier to deal with any potential issues before you hit the road. Try to go as far in advance as you can in case you need to take full courses of immunizations before you travel. You can usually get any necessary vaccinations at your local health clinic, though specialist travel health clinics can also be found in major cities around the world.

Discount and membership cards

If you’re eligible, obtaining an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) before you go will save you money all over the place – see www.isic.org for details of both. Travelers of any age will benefit from Hostelling International membership ( www.hihostels.com ). Senior travelers also qualify for travel discounts with some airlines and for ground transport in many countries. Sometimes flashing an ID is enough, sometimes you need to use a local scheme.

The hands of a woman are packing a colorful sweater into a suitcase at home

Five tips for packing light

Doug Dyment, author of OneBag.com , gives his advice for reducing baggage bulge:

  • There’s only one real ‘secret’ to traveling light: a proper personal packing list. It’s a contract you make with yourself, a personal pledge that you will never pack anything that isn’t on your list. And for most people, such a list needn’t include more items than will fit in a single, carry-on bag and is able to accommodate destinations ranging from India to Inuvik.
  • Learn about luggage. Most bags on the market are designed to sell easily, rather than facilitate lightweight travel. So learn about design (shapes, configurations) and construction (fabrics, zippers). You may even discover that the primary function of a wheeled bag is to support itself, not efficiently transport anyone’s belongings!
  • Avoid liquids; they are the bane of the light traveler. Liquids (and gels) are heavy, bulky, prone to leakage (particularly on planes), and suspicious to security. Did I mention heavy?
  • Plan to do some laundry. This needn’t be onerous: done properly, and regularly, it should be more like brushing your teeth. With the right gear (travel clothesline, powder detergent, universal sink stopper), three pairs of underwear will take you anywhere.
  • Coordinate your colors. An excellent way to derive maximum use from a modest amount of clothing is to ensure that every item goes with every other one.

A woman's hands prepare for a summer trip by packing items including a sun hat, some comfortable shoes and various electronic devices

Backpacker’s packing list

Ensure nothing gets left behind with our handy checklist

  • Boarding Passes
  • Foreign cash
  • Credit/ATM cards
  • Maps/directions/itinerary
  • Guidebook material
  • First aid kit
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Repeat and travel medication
  • Folder for all documents
  • Large backpack
  • Small combination lock

Electronics

  • Camera and charger
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Tablet and charger
  • Plug adapters (see below)
  • Headtorch and batteries
  • Waterproof pocket camera
  • Back-up hard drive
  • Light jacket
  • Waterproof coat
  • Light jumpers
  • Thin hoodie
  • Casual shirts
  • Loose trousers
  • Trainers/comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat/cap
  • Sarong/shawl
  • Hidden zipper belt
  • Sunscreen and aftersun lotion
  • Body lotion/moisturizer
  • Insect repellent
  • SPF lip balm
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap/body wash
  • Make-up and remover
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Hair products
  • Disposable wipes
  • Sanitary products
  • Nile file/clippers
  • Laundry kit: travel detergent, braided clothesline, sink-stopper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Dental floss
  • Small tubes for liquids

Miscelleneous

  • Painkillers
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Travel journal and pen
  • Waterproof watch
  • Beach towel/quick-dry towel
  • Waterproof bag
  • Water purifying bottle
  • Refillable bottles
  • Travel neck pillow
  • Playing cards
  • Pocket sewing kit
  • Sleeping bag
  • Portable stove

International Plug Sockets

Here's a run-down of some of the world's plug sockets and fittings. Along with a converter, you can also get individual plugs. For instance, instead of using a converter to charge your iPhone, buy the country-specific plug (often available through sites like Amazon or a store in country) and just rotate it out. 

Features - bb-plugs-a7e8e7eb3999

*-Except: Switzerland and Liechtenstein (type J, compatible with C); Denmark (type K, compatible with C); Italy (type L, compatible with C if socket is 10A)

This information is reprinted from Lonely Planet’s Best Ever Travel Tips

This article was first published June 2019 and updated August 2023

Explore related stories

our lonely planet travel guide

Tips & Advice

Mar 14, 2024 • 7 min read

The Sunshine State draws visitors with top beaches, theme parks and cities packed with culture and nightlife. Here are the best places to go in Florida.

Rower using her feet to row a boat along the Ngo Dong River at the Tam Coc between giant karst mountains.

Mar 14, 2024 • 10 min read

our lonely planet travel guide

Mar 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Akihabara_shopping_Tokyo_S.jpg

Mar 14, 2024 • 17 min read

A young woman exploring a valley with rock formations and fairy chimneys near Uchisar castle in Cappadocia Turkey

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

our lonely planet travel guide

Mar 14, 2024 • 4 min read

our lonely planet travel guide

Mar 14, 2024 • 8 min read

IMAGES

  1. Buy Lonely Planet Travel Guide : 14th Edition

    our lonely planet travel guide

  2. Lonely Planet: Travel with Children : The Essential Guide for

    our lonely planet travel guide

  3. Travel guide: lonely planet italy

    our lonely planet travel guide

  4. THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL LIST BY LONELY PLANET

    our lonely planet travel guide

  5. Buy Lonely Planet Travel Guide : 5th Edition

    our lonely planet travel guide

  6. Buy Lonely Planet: Travel Guide Dublin 12 Online

    our lonely planet travel guide

COMMENTS

  1. Lonely Planet

    Our guidebooks & travel books. Whether you're interested in traveling to a new city, going on a cruise, or cooking a new dish — we're committed to inspiring you to experience travel in a whole new way. Lonely Planet's collection of 825+ travel and guidebooks is sure to inspire the traveler within. View All Books.

  2. Paperback

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 2 (2) Mone Sorai. 4.8 out of 5 stars ...

  3. Guides

    Guides. As we continue to better focus our product offerings for the future we are making changes to the current Lonely Planet Guides App offering. As users, we want you to be among the first to know. At the end of February 2022 Guides by Lonely Planet will no longer be supported or updated. You'll still be able to use the app and related ...

  4. Lonely Planet Travel Guidebooks: Free Shipping & Immediate Delivery

    Lonely Planet has a team of local experts in destinations across the globe that can help you uncover hidden gems and local treasures to make your itinerary unforgettable. They will guide you through lesser-known attractions, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and authentic cultural experiences that will leave you awe-inspired.

  5. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide Series

    Book 4. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 4. by Mone Sorai. 4.45 · 174 Ratings · 30 Reviews · 5 editions. Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoi…. Want to Read. Rate it: Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1, Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 2, Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 3 ...

  6. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume... by Sorai, Mone

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 4 (4) Paperback - September 4, 2023. Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married. As they travel from country to country, the ...

  7. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022

    The top 10 cities, countries and regions around the world were carefully selected by our editors to inspire a new year of travel. Now we're unveiling a whole new series of stories, video interviews, and tips for turning our Best in Travel list into your travel reality, whether that happens in 2022 or further down the line.

  8. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1|Paperback

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, #1: Pages: 208: Sales rank: 128,609: Product dimensions: 4.90(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.90(d) Age Range: 13 - 18 Years: About the Author. A prolific BL (yaoi) manga artist, Mone Sorai has also published under the name Avil Abey. She lives in Japan, and includes music, movies, flowers and taro among her favorite things.

  9. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 2

    I received "Our Not-So-Lonely-Planet Travel Guide Vol.2" from Netgalley for review maybe mild spoilers?*** I haven't read a lot of manga, but I really enjoyed "Our Not-So-Lonely-Planet Travel Guide". I even went and looked for volume one to read first. As for volume two, I loved reading about Mitsuki and Asahi traveling through Germany ...

  10. Bokura no Chikyuu no Arukikata

    Looking for information on the manga Bokura no Chikyuu no Arukikata (Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide)? Find out more with MyAnimeList, the world's most active online anime and manga community and database. Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to ...

  11. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 3

    Mone Sorai, Katie Kimura (Translator) 4.42. 300 ratings50 reviews. Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married. As they travel from country to country, the different people, cultures ...

  12. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 3|Paperback

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, #3: Pages: 208: Sales rank: 91,899: Product dimensions: 4.90(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.70(d) Age Range: 13 - 18 Years: About the Author. A prolific BL (yaoi) manga artist, Mone Sorai has also published under the name Avil Abey. She lives in Japan, and includes music, movies, flowers and taro among her favorite things.

  13. About

    Our goal is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of exploration. Because we believe this builds a kinder, more inclusive, more open-minded world. Like you, travel is in our DNA. At Lonely Planet, we believe travel opens the door to the greatest, most unforgettable experiences life can offer.

  14. Toolkit Survival Guides

    Gift Guide 2023. Your ultimate travel toolkit guide collection designed to empower adventurers like you with insider knowledge and expert advice. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time explorer, Lonely Planet has got you covered with an extensive array of tips and tricks to enhance every aspect of your journey with the.

  15. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1 is different than a lot of the manga I normally read, in that it follows an already established couple. Asahi and Mitsuki have decided to travel the world, and once they return to Japan they are going to get married. This first volume follows their trips to Thailand, India, and Georgia.

  16. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 3 (3)

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 3 (3) Paperback - January 19, 2023. Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married. As they travel from country to country, the different ...

  17. Lonely Planet

    Your guide to life-changing travel experiences.

  18. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 2 (2)

    Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up. Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 - 1. Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.2 ounces. Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.7 x 7.5 inches. Best Sellers Rank: #469,994 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books) #448 in LGBTQ+ Manga (Books) Customer Reviews: 4.8 97 ratings.

  19. Lonely Planet Travel Guide & App Review: Worth it in 2024?

    Lonely Planet quickly rose through the ranks due to its depth of content, originality, and abundance of practical advice while traveling. It was eventually sold to BBC and then to a billionaire, Brad Kelley during the global recession. Brad then infamously assigned CEO to a 24 year old ex-wedding photographer.

  20. Complete guide to India

    Ensure you breeze across the border with our guide to its visa requirements. Budget Travel. India on a budget: 14 ways to get the best experience for less. Dec 20, 2023 • 11 min read. Activities. The 22 best things to do in India. Dec 17, 2023 • 22 min read. Destination Practicalities.

  21. Lonely Planet Celebrates 50th Anniversary through 'Innovatively

    Lonely Planet is commemorating its 50th anniversary by engaging in a profound overhaul of its emblematic, cobalt-spined travel guidebooks. In an audacious and novel era characterized by artificial intelligence, online manuals, and communal networks, the freshly adopted approach seeks to furnish travel stimulus and counsel that seamlessly ...

  22. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1

    Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1 - Kindle edition by Sorai, Mone. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 1.

  23. 5 big travel lessons and one 'mistake' from 50 years of Lonely Planet

    Wheeler and his wife, Maureen, founded Lonely Planet guidebooks 50 years ago. In 1972, the newly married couple bought a ratty old car in London and drove east, across Europe, and then farther ...

  24. The ultimate guide to packing like a pro

    Plan to do some laundry. This needn't be onerous: done properly, and regularly, it should be more like brushing your teeth. With the right gear (travel clothesline, powder detergent, universal sink stopper), three pairs of underwear will take you anywhere. Coordinate your colors.