Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story

by Maureen Wheeler and Tony Wheeler

Book Overview

Founders of the phenomenally successful publishing company Lonely Planet, Tony and Maureen Wheeler have produced travel guides to just about every corner of the globe.

Lonely Planet Publications was born in 1973 when the Wheelers self-published a quirky travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. This was quickly followed by what soon became the backpackers' bible, South-East Asia on a Shoestring. Going boldly where no other travel...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0794605230
• ISBN13: 9780794605230
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Periplus Editions
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Excellent independent-travel guides

Lonely Planet Publications began in 1973 when the authors self-published a unique travel guide ACROSS ASIA ON THE CHEAP. What began as a one-time publication evolved into an entire publishing company specializing in places where few conventional tourists traveled. UNLIKELY DESTINATIONS is a wonderful addition to any travel library: it blends autobiography, business history and travel and covers the authors' personal story and the evolution of their budget travel guide business. Armchair travelers and any familiar with the Lonely Planet lineup of excellent independent-travel guides will relish this expose of how they came to be. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

An amzaing story - and great business case

If you love to travel and love the idea of making your passion pay for itself, then this is a must read. An open and honest look at the creation and evolution of Lonely Planet!

Be warned, this book will inspire traveling!

Interesting book on how the Lonely Planet got started. Tony Wheeler blends traveling tips and stories with the start-up of Lonely Planet and his and Maureen journey and growth as individuals.

Much more than a book about travel

I am an avid traveller who has used Lonely Planet books from Bangaldesh to Nambia. When I'm not traveling, I'm often reading about traveling. This book about how Lonely Planet (LP) began and grew was great. I enjoyed reading about the overland travel from Europe through Asia in the early 70's and how Maureen & Tony started LP. The book is a mix of travel, personal relationships, and business. I thoroughly enjoyed all parts. Great book for entrepreneurs & travellers alike.

Living your dreams

I'm not a person who generally reads armchair travel books. For the most part, I stick to fiction. But when my sister handed me this book and I started reading it (on the train, I was *really* bored), I just couldn't put it down! Unlikely Destinations is more than just a travel story, although the places the Wheelers have been, how they got where they were going and what they've seen & experienced are incredibly thrilling in and of themselves. But this is also a love story between two people and between a married couple and travel, and eventually, a family of four and travel. It's a business adventure and cautionary tale, about starting your own business from nothing and turning it into a multi-million dollar company, despite or perhaps because of the many bumps encountered along the way. This is not a story about an overnight phenomenon, but rather it's about how much dedication, hard work, sacrifice and yes, love, it takes to follow the road less traveled. I had a few minor gripes with the book, but nothing too serious. I would really have liked to have more of the story told by Maureen, and there were a few sections I felt like Tony was glossing over too much, but over all, this book just grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go until I finished the last page. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!