Like the McDonalds of tourism, the proliferation of Lonely Planet (LP) seems as though it has branded and shaped our interaction with the world. LP has effectively homogenized how people think about travel, reducing the experience to a predictable set of outcomes.
Jessica: Now, I don’t think travel guides are bad, because there’s no doubt I could sit in the travel store for hours if I had the time. But just consider the negative effects they can have on our own expectations and awaited experiences.
The vicarious adventures we hope to experience through Lonely Planet writers have all been handed to us on a golden plate. LP has shaped our international expectations as Americans. We don’t know if today’s popular guidebooks have based their selection on the highest advertising bid or on the opinion of the independent back country vagabond. Before rushing to the store, think about the unlimited possibilities you could enjoy through self-discovery and through a journey that you decide. What a freeing and independent feeling! Others that travelled before us who chose not to enjoy the convenience of carrying a list of the hottest restaurants were still able to experience an amazing adventure, right? If you need to research, then research, but try not to depend on a sheet of paper to tell you what you will like and won’t like. If you are going on a trip just to check it off your list, you are not living and experiences the amazing quirks that pass right by us everyday. It can still be just as rewarding to relax and enjoy your stay while relying on your own standards to plot the course of your adventure.
Of the travel guidebook experiences that have been shared and discussed amongst our friends and neighbors, the “unique and unknown” guidebook destinations end up being more of a disappointment as they are crowded with camera flashes and 12-pocket cotton shorts…all because of the popular suggestions and trip tips of the “New American Guidebook” way of life. Everything is so convenient now that we expect to be led by the hand without getting dirty. Do we still have the drive to experience the same adventures and excitement without the specific suggestions of today’s “progressive” guidebook leaders?
It seems the idea of Lonely Planet is not to provide us with secret spots of interest and local favorites, but instead, the corporate head telling us what we must do and where we must go in order to see true culture and excitement. We seem to be missing out on so many opportunities because we rush to the next suggested hotspot. Always remember, a well-beaten path does not always make the right road.
And as Oprah puts it, “Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility.” :)
Dave: Our own personalities may likely have the final say on our expectations and experiences when venturing to far away lands. If you expect to pay a lot of money on travel expenses and tour guides, take off from work for a month and have the adventure of your life, then I hope your personality meshes well with your expectations.
Most of us crave adventure and new experiences, but truth be told, a lot of people are reluctant creatures of habit. This said, you are only going to experience as much as you allow yourself to experience. I think we would all feel liberated if we could just lift our self-imposed limitations and even our own views of ourselves from time to time.
I’m not saying we should be different people when we cross into another border, I’m just saying that we should be in tune with what is going on around us at all moments. When we are in tune with our surroundings, our surroundings are in tune with us.
So allow yourself to experience the experiences waiting to happen to you. Take advantage of your unique personalities and enjoy yourselves! Share yourselves with others around the world and create the experiences you’ve only dreamed of up until now.
Allow yourself to be in the moment.
Allow yourself to be.
~
Click here to read “Before Lonely Planet” by Stephen Henighan.
Do you think Lonely Planet is shaping our perception of international travel? Are we missing out on what each country really has to share and to offer? Let us know what you think!
Just an interesting take on things.
Enjoy and have a wonderful day!
Jess and Dave
Tagged: disadvantages, international travel, lonely planet, Stephen Henighan