Guidebook Evolution - May 2023
Local secrets
Best planning advice
100% researched & updated
1
LONELY PLANET’S GUIDEBOOKS ARE EVOLVING
THE JOURNEY BEGINS HERE
To cater for today’s travellers’ need for more local content, fresh takes on ways to experience popular hotspots and off-the-beaten track recommendations, Lonely Planet guidebooks are changing. From May 2023 Lonely Planet’s traditional “bluespine” guidebooks will feature a new internal structure.
● Local and diverse author pool - providing unique and fresh perspectives on places
● Quicker updates - all guides will move to a 2-year life-cycle
● A clear destination focus where guides are released in location clusters
● New structure that will surface recommendations faster
Please note: covers not final
Lonely Planet guidebooks will contain an all new 4 section structure 4EASY-TO-USE SECTIONS 1 Plan Your Trip Including highlights, itineraries and loads of inspiration 2 The Guide Full of recommendations and guidance for things to do on-the-road 4 Storybook The essence and history of a place delivered in a unique and compelling way 3 Toolkit The essentials you’ll need to know when visiting
Plan Your Trip
This upfront section is jammed with planning tools to help excite and inspire travellers about their upcoming trip.
SECTIONS INCLUDE
WELCOME (TO DESTINATION)
OUR PICKS ITINERARIES
WHEN TO GO GET PREPARED FOR (DESTINATION)
REGIONS & CITIES
THE FOOD SCENE
THE OUTDOORS
SECTION 1:
1 2 1 2
Plan Your Trip
Our Picks
● Introduction to a destination’s highlight experiences grouped by theme
● “Top Lists” help travellers identify specific highlights quickly
● Authors demonstrate their local knowledge and passion
Itineraries
● Helps travellers plan according to time
● Plots a realistic course of what to do
● Assists with destination orientation
● Allows for travel by theme
When to Go
● Provides seasonal calendar information
● Surfaces must-experience events and festivals
● Advice on avoiding crowds
SECTION 1:
The Guide
The Guide is the heart of the guidebook with all the information required to help travellers build their perfect trip.
FEATURES INCLUDE
Orientation map
Mini contents
Large evocative images
Succinct narrative text
Defining Place
Each section will open with a defining place. These places are essential for the travel experience and the perfect starting point for a journey.
2:
SECTION
SECTION 2:
The Guide
Experiences Find Your Way
● Helps to make every trip meaningful
● Provide unique insights into destinations
● Key Experiences - in depth detail on famous places
● Overview of the geographic layout of the destination
● Fly-out boxes showcase must-visit places
● Provides information on best ways to get from A to B via C
Plan Your Time
● Helps travellers make the most of their time
● Includes seasonal timeline
● Considers a trip via distance and time
Toolkit
The Toolkit delivers practical travel information in an engaging and easy-to-use format.
SECTIONS INCLUDE
ARRIVING IN GETTING AROUND ACCOMMODATION
HEALTH & SAFETY
FAMILY TRAVEL
LGBTQIA+ TRAVEL
ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL LANGUAGE
HOW TO MINI GUIDES
QR codes will link to official booking sites and local organisations.
SECTION 3:
Storybook
The Storybook is the essential pre-read to any trip. It introduces travellers to a place via its people, places and history. These commissioned essays are designed as “lean back” reads for travellers to get a greater context of the place they’re going to visit.
SECTION 4: