Book review: Lonely Planet’s guide to the world
Can a guidebook to the entire globe really work? Find out what we made of Lonely Planet's latest guide to the world.
This boldly-named book wants to be you guide to the world, but is it really worth its weight in pages? We got ourselves a copy and leafed through its nearly-1,000 pages to find out.
What's it about?
Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet’s latest The World: A Traveller’s Guide to the Planet does what it says on the tin. It’s a country-by-country guide to the globe: for each place the book lists key facts, top experiences, when best to go, transport information, unmissable food and drink, among other handy tips.
Does it actually cover the whole world?
Yes. While there are 195 “officially recognised” countries in the world according to the United Nations, the book covers 221 destinations, singling out places like Hong Kong and Greenland.
Why should I buy it?
Each destination’s entry features a good balance of inspirational description and practical advice to help you decide where to go for your next trip, or at least fuel daydreams about future adventures. The book provides key information for each place, helpful, detailed maps and some stunning photography.
What are the best bits?
The book details more off-the-beaten-track experiences, like zip lining in Laos and hiking in the Georgian mountains, for each destination alongside the well-known highlights. Information about the destination’s infrastructure – its domestic airlines, roads, trains and waterways – is also extremely helpful.
We love the suggested travel itineraries at the front of the book, which are great for if you’re planning an extended trip around entire regions, or across several continents, like an American road trip or the hippy trail from Europe to Australia.
Are there any drawbacks?
It’s a hefty book – you’re holding the world in your hand after all – so not ideal to carry around on a big trip. It’s also not totally comprehensive, so you’re unlikely to be able to plan your entire trip with it, but squeezing the globe into 991 pages is no mean feat.
The verdict?
The World provides an insightful overview without being dry, covering hundreds of exciting destinations, including those which are more often difficult to visit such as Yemen and Sudan.
Inspirational and useful, the guide is the perfect springboard for your next adventure.
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