Media FAQs
How did Lonely Planet get started?
Lonely Planet was founded after Tony and Maureen Wheeler fled London and hit the road in search of adventure in 1972. They travelled overland across Asia and landed in Australia where, due to incessant questions from would-be travellers, they compiled their journey notes and stapled together their first travel guide; Across Asia on the Cheap. To find out what happened next click here.
What makes Lonely Planet stand out from other travel publishers?
Lonely Planet is a leading independent global travel information company. It is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travellers. The guides cover must-see spots but also encourage travellers to get off the beaten track. Lonely Planet also advocates responsible travel and donates a percentage of its turnover to various aid projects, human rights organisations and environmental programs. To find out more, click here.
Where did the name Lonely Planet come from?
It's from a line in ‘Space Captain’, a song by Joe Cocker and Leon Russell from the album Mad Dogs and Englishmen. The actual words from the song are ‘lovely planet’ but Tony Wheeler heard ‘lonely planet’ and liked it and the rest is history.
How many guides does Lonely Planet publish?
Lonely Planet currently publishes 500 titles including specialist activity guides, shoestring guides, world food guides and phrasebooks. For specialist series information please click here.
What are Lonely Planet's best selling titles?
There's always room for hot new destinations that will make it onto our top seller list, but those that have been up there for the past 10 years include: China, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, Spain, France, Western Europe, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Southeast Asia on a shoestring and the French Phrasebook.
How often are the guides updated?
Guides are on two-, three- or four-year cycles. Those on two-year cycles will have information that is more liable to change in a short space of time. This ensures that the most up-to-date information is provided for travellers.
How long does each guide take to write?
For the larger guides, which need more authors and cover a greater area, the process of commissioning, researching, writing and editing takes about eight months. For smaller guides the process can take around four months.
Which languages does Lonely Planet publish in?
As well as English, our guidebooks are currently published in a number of key languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish.
How do I contact authors for country specific information and features?
Please contact the press office located within your region and they will be able to help.
Can Lonely Planet provide photos for a story?
Yes. Lonely Planet Images is one of the largest online travel photographic libraries in the world. It contains over 100,000 high resolution images with 1500 added each week. Visit www.lonelyplanetimages.com for more information and to register.
What kind of traveller uses Lonely Planet?
Anyone, whether they're travelling for two days to a European city to sample the food and soak up the culture or two months around South America with a backpack. All guides provide accommodation and listings across all budgets and tastes.
Where can I buy Lonely Planet guides?
Lonely Planet products are sold in bookstores and retailers worldwide and are available to purchase online.
What's next for Lonely Planet?
Lonely Planet remains committed to providing the most up-to-date information available in forms most convenient to travellers. Watch this space for developments.
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