How the iconic Lonely Planet travel guides became 'the backpacker's bible'

Lonely Planet travel books have been the so-called “backpacker's bible” for 50 years, ever since Tony Wheeler and his wife Maureen self-published a guide based on their own adventure driving across Europe and Asia.

How the iconic Lonely Planet travel guides became 'the backpacker's bible'
On the left, a woman models a light blue T-shirt with the words "Lonely Planet" written on it. On the right, a man in sunglasses models a similar T-shirt coloured red.

Lonely Planet travel books have been the so-called “backpacker's bible” for 50 years, ever since Tony Wheeler and his wife Maureen self-published a guide based on their own adventure driving across Europe and Asia.