50 Facts About Lonely Planet

The Birth of Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet began as a humble project by two adventurous souls, Tony and Maureen Wheeler. Their journey from London to Australia sparked the creation of a travel guide that would change the way people explore the world.

1. The First Lonely Planet Guide: "Across Asia on the Cheap" was the first guidebook, published in 1973. It documented Tony and Maureen's overland journey, offering practical advice for budget travelers.

2. The Hippie Trail: This guidebook popularized the "hippie trail," a route through Turkey, Tehran, India, and Bangkok. It became a symbol of backpacking and counterculture travel.

3. Afghanistan in the 1970s: The guidebook included tips for traveling in Afghanistan, a safer destination for tourists back then. It even mentioned where to find hash cookies in Afghan bakeries.

4. Tony Wheeler's Anecdotes: Tony's personal stories, like encountering stoned Americans at the Afghanistan border, added humor and relatability to the guidebook.

Unique Travel Facts

Traveling opens up a world of unique experiences and fascinating facts. Here are some intriguing tidbits that Lonely Planet has uncovered over the years.

5. The World's Longest Commercial Flight: Qantas operated the longest commercial flight from Australia to Sri Lanka during World War II. This "Double Sunrise" flight lasted over 30 hours.

6. The Shortest Commercial Flight: The shortest flight operates between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland's Orkney Islands, taking less than two minutes.

7. India's Railway Network: India's railways transport about 23 million passengers daily. If laid out in a single line, the tracks could circle the world one and a half times.

8. Saudi Arabia's Unique Geography: Saudi Arabia is one of 17 countries without a permanent river, making its geography quite unique.

9. Ethiopia's Calendar: Ethiopia uses a calendar that is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. Their new year starts on either August 29 or 30.

10. Pilots' Pre-Flight Meals: Pilots and co-pilots avoid eating the same meal before a flight to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Quirky Culinary Facts

Food is an essential part of travel, and some culinary practices around the world are truly unique.

11. Banana Pizza in Sweden: In Sweden, banana is a popular pizza topping, often paired with curry powder.

12. Instant Noodles in Japan: Instant noodles were voted Japan's greatest invention of the 20th century by Fuji Research Institute.

13. Klingon Language Learners: Over 320,000 people were learning Klingon on Duolingo as of 2020, showing the enduring appeal of Star Trek.

14. Currency in Yap: On the island of Yap, rocks are used as currency. Their size and history determine their value, though US dollars are more common now.

15. Disneyland's Litter Bins: Walt Disney ensured litter bins were never more than 30 steps away in any Disney park to maintain cleanliness.

Fascinating US State Facts

Each US state has its own unique history and interesting tidbits. Here are some that stand out.

16. US States' Unique Facts: Mobile, Alabama, is where Mardi Gras originated in the US, while Alaska is the largest state, covering more than twice the area of Texas.

17. Saguaro Cactus in Arizona: It's illegal to scratch initials in saguaro cacti in Arizona, with fines up to $5,000.

18. Diamond Mine in Arkansas: Arkansas hosts America's only operational diamond mine, Crater Diamonds State Park, where visitors can pan for diamonds.

19. Sequoia National Park in California: Home to the world's largest tree by volume, General Sherman, this park is a must-see.

20. Colorado State Capitol: The 13th step leading to the Colorado State Capitol entrance is exactly 1 mile above sea level.

21. Yankee Doodle in Connecticut: Connecticut's state song, "Yankee Doodle," was originally penned by the British to mock Connecticut volunteers.

22. Bob Marley in Delaware: Bob Marley lived in Delaware from 1965 to 1977, a period marked by significant musical development.

23. Maine Avenue Fish Market: Washington D.C.'s Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest open-air fish market in the country.

24. Crocodiles and Alligators in Florida: South Florida is the only place where both crocodiles and alligators coexist in the wild.

25. Fried Chicken in Georgia: Gainesville, Georgia, passed a law in 1961 making it illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork.

Unique Natural Wonders

Nature offers some of the most awe-inspiring sights and phenomena. Here are a few that Lonely Planet has highlighted.

26. Isolation of Hawaii: Hawaii is the most isolated large population center on Earth, almost 2,400 miles from California and about 4,000 miles from Japan.

27. Idaho Potato Museum: Idaho's Potato Museum showcases the history and significance of potatoes, with over 13 billion pounds harvested yearly.

28. Willis Tower in Illinois: The Willis Tower was the tallest building in the Americas until One World Trade Center surpassed it, though its roof stands 100 feet higher.

29. Indiana's Interstate Network: Known as the "Crossroads of America," Indiana has more miles of interstate per square mile than any other state.

30. Iowa State Fair: The Iowa State Fair, held annually since 1856, is one of the largest and most well-known state fairs in America.

31. Ice Cream Laws in Kansas: It was once illegal to put a scoop of ice cream on cherry pie in Kansas.

32. Mall of America in Kentucky: Bloomington’s Mall of America is 4.87 million square feet, large enough to fit seven Yankee Stadiums inside.

33. Mississippi's Name Origin: The name "Mississippi" comes from the Ojibwe words Misi zipi, meaning "Great River."

34. Missouri's Name Origin: Missouri was named after the Missouria tribe of Sioux Indians, meaning "he of the big canoe."

35. Montana's Triple Divide: Montana's Triple Divide allows waters to flow to Hudson Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

Fun Facts for Kids

Lonely Planet Kids offers educational books and articles that inspire young minds about travel and the natural world.

36. Kool-Aid in Nebraska: Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927.

37. Nevada's Drought: Nevada is the driest state in the US, averaging about 10 inches of rain per year.

38. New Hampshire's Free Library: The first free public library was founded in Peterborough, New Hampshire, in 1833.

39. New Jersey's Diners: New Jersey has the most diners in the country, iconic for American roadside cuisine.

40. New Mexico's Quaking Aspens: Pando, a grove of quaking aspens in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest, is one of the world’s largest and oldest living organisms.

41. Vermont's Maple Flavor: Vermont is the only state with its own state flavor: maple.

42. Virginia's Tobacco History: Before tobacco, silk was meant to be Jamestown's cash crop after a mulberry blight.

43. Washington's Salmon Knowledge: In Seattle, locals are expected to know their salmon species, reflecting the state's connection to its natural resources.

44. West Virginia's BASE Jumping: On the third Saturday in October, BASE jumpers parachute from the 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge.

45. Wisconsin's Cheese Culture: Wisconsin's rich dairy industry produces a variety of cheeses, deeply ingrained in its culinary traditions.

Amazing Animal Facts

Animals are a fascinating part of our world, and Lonely Planet Kids shares some incredible facts about them.

46. Lonely Planet Kids' Books: These books inspire children about travel and exploration.

47. Amazing Animal Facts: Articles cover unique animal facts, like polar bears' hair structure or huskies' endurance.

48. Polar Bears' Hair: Polar bears have colorless hair that reflects light, making them appear white. Their black skin absorbs warmth from the sun.

49. Giraffes' Necks: Giraffes have seven neck bones, similar to humans but much larger, allowing them to reach high into trees.

50. Earthworm Reproduction: Earthworms have both male and female parts but need two individuals to reproduce.

The Final Word on Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has been a guiding light for travelers since 1973. From Tony and Maureen Wheeler's first guide, "Across Asia on the Cheap," to today's extensive range of travel resources, the brand has shaped how we explore the world. Whether it's quirky laws like not eating fried chicken with a fork in Georgia or fascinating facts like Ethiopia's unique calendar, Lonely Planet keeps us informed and entertained. Their dedication to sharing personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and practical tips makes travel accessible and exciting. With publications for both adults and kids, they inspire wanderlust in all ages. So, whether you're planning your next big adventure or just curious about the world, Lonely Planet offers a treasure trove of information. Keep exploring, keep learning, and let Lonely Planet be your trusty travel companion.