Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
For so many of us, our trips, experiences, and memories have been shaped by a guide called the Lonely Planet. It's so ubiquitous that it feels like it's always been there; something that just...exists. But in the beginning, it was a simple pamphlet written by a couple in Australia just trying to raise enough money for plane tickets home. Today we talk to the creator of the Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler, and the first writer for much of Southeast Asia, Joe Cummings, as we look back on the first years, the ups and downs, and the incredible legacy of the world's most iconic travel guide.
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Please "Like" if you enjoy the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications!
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Please consider supporting OTR on Patreon and thanks so much to anyone who does; your support truly keeps us going. patreon.com/OTRontheroad
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0:00 - Introduction
1:52 - The Hippy Trail
4:23 - Tony Wheeler and the First Trip
12:20 - Australia
13:47 - The First Guidebook
18:20 - Lonely Planet
20:03 - Joe Cummings
21:50 - Writing the Thai Guide
26:21 - The 1980s
28:38 - Writing History
33:30 - Pushback
34:30 - The Lonely Planet Effect
46:45 - Growth, Expansion, and Sale
48:18 - Advice for Travelers
54:49 - Impact and Legacy
59:03 - Khao San Road
1:01:42 - Credits
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Video Credits:
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youtu.be/t-1byGqtHdk?si=qvT_CX8AwDWvByuL
For so many of us, our trips, experiences, and memories have been shaped by a guide called the Lonely Planet. It's so ubiquitous that it feels like it's always been there; something that just...exists. But in the beginning, it was a simple pamphlet written by a couple in Australia just trying to raise enough money for plane tickets home. Today we talk to the creator of the Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler, and the first writer for much of Southeast Asia, Joe Cummings, as we look back on the first years, the ups and downs, and the incredible legacy of the world's most iconic travel guide.
-
Please "Like" if you enjoy the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications!
-
Please consider supporting OTR on Patreon and thanks so much to anyone who does; your support truly keeps us going. patreon.com/OTRontheroad
Website: OTRontheroad.com
Instagram: instagram.com/otr.offtherails/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
FB: facebook.com/OTR-106170292218693
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0:00 - Introduction
1:52 - The Hippy Trail
4:23 - Tony Wheeler and the First Trip
12:20 - Australia
13:47 - The First Guidebook
18:20 - Lonely Planet
20:03 - Joe Cummings
21:50 - Writing the Thai Guide
26:21 - The 1980s
28:38 - Writing History
33:30 - Pushback
34:30 - The Lonely Planet Effect
46:45 - Growth, Expansion, and Sale
48:18 - Advice for Travelers
54:49 - Impact and Legacy
59:03 - Khao San Road
1:01:42 - Credits
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Video Credits:
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youtu.be/t-1byGqtHdk?si=qvT_CX8AwDWvByuL
