Lonely Planet launches 'Discover' guides for pressed-for-time travelers

(courtesy of Lonely planet)

Lonely Planet is set to roll out a new series of country-specific travel guides, according to a March 15 announcement. The new Discover series is geared toward travelers looking for a shorter, highlights-based travel experience.

The Discover guides set out to cover major highlights of each country, as well as a few off-the-beaten path experiences. They are distinguished by their focus on suggested itineraries and best-of lists, intended to help travelers "make the most of the short amount of time they may have in a destination," according to Stephen Palmer, Lonely Planet's Managing Director, Print Publishing.

"We recognize there are travelers who want guidebooks that focus more on the iconic attractions, sites and experiences, while still suggesting the less obvious things that will surprise and delight them."


Features of the Discover guides:

-Full color, including maps
-Focus on major highlights
-Suggested itineraries sorted by region, theme and length of trip
-‘Best of' lists: country-specific, region-specific, theme-specific
-Options for all budgets, including luxury
-400-page format intended for one- to two-week trips

The first Discover guides - on Australia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Thailand- are now available in Australia and will be out in North America beginning April 1 and in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa beginning in May. Other guides due out in May and June include titles on Europe (a special 800-page guide), Germany, Egypt, and Greece.

Lonely Planet's other travel series include the "blue-spine" Country Guides (exploring every aspect of a destination), Multi-Country & Region Guides (focusing on a specific region), Shoestring Guides (comprehensive guides with budget recommendations), City Guides (for extended time in one city), and Encounter Guides (short city breaks).

http://www.lonelyplanet.com