Lonely Planet

Is there a specific destination you keep returning to in your mind? Like when you feel stressed, that's the place you mentally escape to. For me, that place is Inis Mór in Ireland, my favorite island in Europe, all weather-beaten with tangy sea breezes, untamed beaches and thatched pubs. I dream about Greece a lot too, a place that's perennially high on my wishlist. You'll see from this newsletter that my colleagues have been to all sorts of similarly dreamy spots in June. The kinda places that would occupy your mind long after you’ve unpacked and cleared the sand from your suitcase. – Sasha Brady, Digital Editor

Finding incredible writers is hard. Building a team of *dozens* of expert writers, across North America and beyond, is harder 🌎 But it's enormously satisfying when it all comes together! Even more so when you can hold the results of so much research, commissioning, editing — and hundreds upon hundreds of email threads — in your hands 🙌 Content folks who straddle the digital and print publishing worlds, you know exactly what I mean ;) Introducing Lonely Planet's Offbeat North America — with dozens of experts championing the path less trodden across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Three cheers to Rebecca Hunt for the great partnership as well as the entire dream team of writers (high-five Jessica Wynne Lockhart, Kevin Raub, Lauren Keith, Joshua Samuel Brown, and so many more). This was a joy to commission, and it's so delightful to see it hit the shelves. You can get a copy here: https://lnkd.in/gE2Q2X-e

I haven't spent a lot of time in the US, but as my American colleagues chat about their Memorial Day vacation plans, I realize how much more I need to explore! Some are excitedly sharing the (truly) bizarre attractions they'll see on their road trips, while others contemplate easy, breezy car-free escapes. Those who aren’t traveling (and plan to relax at home with a good book) are dreamily discussing their US summer vacations or (chill) music festival possibilities instead. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s go back and see where our travels have taken us since last month… Enjoy! – Sasha Brady, Digital Editor

I'm extremely grateful to be among the contributors to Lonely Planet's newest book release, "Offbeat North America." I researched about, day-tripped to and wrote the entry for New York City's Staten Island, which has been often overlooked in visitation. This borough has a lot of green space, sites linked to the American Revolutionary War and LGBTQ+ history, and fantastic Sri Lankan restaurants.

On every corner of the island, adventure awaits. Read my latest for Lonely Planet on the best places to visit in #Jamaica 🇯🇲

Happy birthday to me!🎉🎂 I’m officially in PRINT! When Anita Isalska first contacted me about writing for Lonely Planet, I was flattered and flabbergasted. Surely there was someone else she meant to email, right? Thankfully, I didn’t let imposter syndrome get the best of me, and now I can see my hard work in PRINT!😍 Not to mention my section pays love to my home state, which it doesn’t get enough of, in my opinion.😉

I don't often write about food, but when I do, I have a lot of fun doing it. Here's my latest for Lonely Planet on my hometown's culinary scene. I included a mix of new additions that have won my heart and classic spots that embody the Old-Portland vibe.

Not every day you fly to NYC to celebrate Lonely Planet social winning a Webby! ✈️✨ 🤝 Deepa Lakshmin

The first of three "blue spine" Lonely Planet guidebooks I contributed to last year is out! I researched and wrote the chapters on Albania and Kosovo in the latest Western Balkans book, which is in Lonely Planet's snazzy new experience-focused style. Albania is no longer under the radar – last year was the Summer of Albania and I expect similar crowds in 2024 (though there are plenty of ways to sidestep the tourists). Kosovo is more off the beaten track, but it's such a fascinating place to see a young, ambitious country grow up, and to tackle the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. Editors, do reach out if you're looking for any Albania or Kosovo content! https://lnkd.in/g_tkuU5H