After a painful pandemic, I hit the road again for Lonely Planet in September 2022 and here’s my first published guidebook (USA Southwest, New Mexico chapter) in the NEW style. Yes, Lonely Planet has changed its style in its 50th year, and while I’m not paid to say this, I think it’s a game changer.
Gone are the lists of restaurants and hotels. No more addresses, phone numbers or bus schedules you can find online (in most cases, especially somewhere like New Mexico). The new style focuses on the very best experiences in a place (with photos!). See what to do, how to do it and even what it feels like to be there. And there are still some listings of the best restaurants and accommodations.
Joel Balsam 