Lonely Planet blog

Several airport bookstores in the UK have recently changed the way they’re doing business. The statement below, from our team in London, summarises our point of view.

Last week, we learned that WH Smiths travel stores will stop stocking Lonely Planet guides – as well as Bradt, Frommers and Time Out books. (The travel shops are the ones you find at UK airports and train stations.) The only ones that will stay are DK and Rough Guides.

You might think we’re just bitter because they’re the competition. But frankly, we don’t think it’s very fair on you, the traveller.

You deserve the right to choose between a Lonely Planet or a Rough Guide, a Time Out or a Bradt, an AA or DK guide. Competition is healthy! It makes us all work that bit harder for you.

So what happens now?

Well, we’re looking into how we can rectify this and fight for your right to pick the guidebook you want! You can find us on Facebook, on Twitter or right here if you want to ask us any questions or discuss the matter further.

Where can you get your Lonely Planets from now?

Don’t fret! Lonely Planet guides are still available in your high street WH Smiths as well as other bookshops like Borders or Waterstones, and – as always – our online shop. And only stores in the UK are affected.

So buy before you fly. You could even save some pennies while you do it.

Got a question?

Contact us: www.lonelyplanet.com/contact/

Tweet us: www.twitter.com/lonelyplanet

Facebook us: http://www.facebook.com/lonelyplanet

Hide 7 comments

1. June 9, 2009 grahamhills Report this comment

   That’s interesting – I’m sure there are some people who buy LP books at the airport, but personally I would buy the relevant book much earlier in my trip planning phase. By the time I get to the airport the book would have already been put to good use!

   Have you guys done any research on when people purchase a book in relation to when they travel to the destination?

2. June 9, 2009 lou_wurm Report this comment

   Hi grahamhills,

   You’re right. The majority of travellers are prepared well in advance and like to get hold of their chosen guidebook before they leave. It makes the travel experience last a bit longer!

   But there’s always a few people who leave it to the last minute to get a guide, or people who travel at short notice, or people who have been delayed at the airport and pick up a guidebook for pleasure.

   Cheers
   Lou
   (LP staffer)

3. June 11, 2009 simonandclaire Report this comment

   I’m disgusted at WH Smith, travellers should be offered a choice of at least 3-4 titles for the popular destinations at an airport. This way will force people into either buying a book that is perhaps not right for their needs, or going without. I’m surprised that WH Smith have decided to do this. Well, I’m sticking to my LP’s!! :)

4. June 11, 2009 lou_wurm Report this comment

   Hi simonandclaire

   We’re surprised too! But the best thing we can do to combat it is to encourage people to “buy before you fly” if you want a wide choice of guidebooks (whatever the brand).

   But glad you’re sticking to your LPs!

   Cheers
   Lou
   (LP staffer)

5. June 12, 2009 earaoz Report this comment

   About when people do buy their guides:
   I usually buy them well in advance, sometimes I buy the guide to a place I don’t know when I’ll go and more than once I’ve done so at an airport bookstore.
   Even once in Delhi I decided suddenly to go to Nepal next day and bought the guide at the airport just before going into the plane.

6. June 16, 2009 lou_wurm Report this comment

   Hi earaoz

   That’s exactly the kind of spontaneity WHSmith and Penguin will not be able to cater for unfortunately. People will inevitably look elsewhere for their information.

   Cheers
   Lou
   (LP staffer)

7. June 19, 2009 lauracococcia Report this comment

   This is quite unfortunate – in the world where access to information is growing, and we have actual choice, it’s being somewhat stifled by the decision in the UK. Whether it’s LP or not (I always choose LP), people need to read what fits them, not the other way around.