Lonely Planet began when Tony and Maureen Wheeler embarked on a trip of a lifetime. They met in Regent's Park and married a year later. For their honeymoon, they decided to attempt what few people thought possible - crossing Europe and Asia overland, all the way to Australia. It took them several months and all the money they could earn, beg or borrow, but they made it. And at the end of it all, they were broke… but couldn't have been happier.
They wanted to share their experience with everybody, and began creating their very first travel guide: Across Asia on the Cheap.
Within a week of releasing it they'd sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. Two years later, their second journey led to South-East Asia on a shoestring, which led to books on Nepal, Australia, Africa, and India.
Fast-forward over 30 years
In 2007 they found a partner and In October of that year, BBC Worldwide acquired a 75% share in Lonely Planet, pledging to uphold Lonely Planet's commitment to independent travel, trustworthy advice and editorial independence.
Today, Lonely Planet has offices in Melbourne, London and Oakland, with over 500 staff members and 300 authors. Tony and Maureen are still actively involved with Lonely Planet. They're traveling more often than ever, and devoting their spare time to charitable projects.