DOG-eared. Yellowed. And proud. My copy of Lonely Planet’s New Zealand South Island guide book has definitely seen better days. Well. it did look nice when I first unwrapped it from its plastic eons ago. I remember skipping away from the local MPH after its purchase like someone who’d just won the lottery. I wish I did because the book was pricey enough to burn a hole in my flailing wallet back then. But I guess there are just some things in life that can’t be denied!
Then a coveted book, today, it’s one of my most prized books among the many on my heaving bookshelves. It’s been my well-thumbed, constant companion for four years on the trot as I fulfilled my insatiable quest to traverse the length and breadth of South Island, New Zealand. I don’t think it’s ever going to go into retirement any time soon as I have plans to whip it out again for another adventure in the Land of the Long White Clouds.
Come to think it, the section of my bookshelf that’s dedicated to “books I love” comprise predominantly of travel books. And they’re all by Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide book publisher.
“So you see, they got these really fun stuff for kids too now and an even wider range of offerings, but of course, still anchored on their forte, travel. But certainly, the brand is evolving,” my friend Shirley Ng’s enthusiastic droning snaps me out of my nostalgic mind-tribute to my beloved book at home, bringing me back to the present, and in the lobby of my office.
On the glass table in front of me are bags and bags containing brand new books from the Lonely Planet stable. oh, and some YA (Young Adult) stuff thrown in, just for company!
Like a child being presented with an early Christmas present, I tear into the bag excitedly and one by one, I lay the new titles out on the table. A hardback, encased in what looks like a translucent vellum paper, catches my eye. Street Art, the bold title reads on the cover. It looks absolutely fascinating with pages of vibrant street art from around the world.
Another beautiful hardcover, National Parks of Europe, makes me squirm with delight as breath-taking images of some of Europe’s best national parks jump out from the pages, glorious in their majesty.
A funky pink, green and yellow A3-size book distracts me as Ng pulls it out from the stack in the bag. Actually, it’s a fold-out, fact-filled Family Height Chart and Lonely Planet’s offering for kids. One of many, according to Ng, in a collection that’s targeted at readers from the ages of 5 to 12. There are other innovative novelty books like Dinosaur Atlas and Incredible Cabinet of Wonders. And this year also sees the addition of Washington DC into the mix under the City Trails series, a collection that offers unique insights into the world’s great metropolises.
With so many titles to trawl through, I know I can’t wait to get home and lose myself in the pages of these books. And I guess it’s hardly rocket science to deduce who/what has inspired my passion for travel and adventure!
Titles to check out:
National Parks of Europe
By: Lonely Planet
Pages: 315
Here’s the chance for you to explore the best of Europe’s breath-taking national parks. From the Lake District to the Black Forest, this book is a wonderful introduction to 60 of Europe’s parks, with plenty of amazing photos, original illustrations and extremely useful info and tips. Go plan that trip!
Street Art
By: Lonely Planet
Pages: 220
Here’s a book that’s going to change the way you see street art. Through the vibrant pages, readers get to discover the street art scene in London, Melbourne, San Francisco and 39 other cities around the world. From stencils to mosaics, and to amazing murals, this is your companion as you embark on locating secret stashes of street art, and getting acquainted with key artists, festivals and locations.
Films and TV Locations
By: Lonely Planet
Pages: 127
Here’s a favourite. Ever wanted to travel to the place where the smouldering dance instructor Johnny Castle (aka Patrick Swayze) uttered those unforgettable lines, “You know, the best place to practise lifts is in the water?” to teenager Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (aka Jennifer Grey) in the movie Dirty Dancing? Or maybe where Lord Of The Rings was shot? Well you can. From Star Wars to Games Of Thrones; Harry Potter to La Dolce Vitta, this fabulous book takes you on a voyeuristic journey to those places where scenes from famous films and TV series were shot.
The World’s Best Spicy Food
The World’s Best Superfoods
By: Lonely Planet
Pages: 200+
Foodies will salivate over the 100 or so authentic recipes in The World’s Best Spicy Food that promise to tingle the taste buds. A wonderful feature is the handy info boxes that enable you to learn more about the cultures behind the planet’s spiciest dishes.
Meanwhile, The World’s Best Superfoods offers 66 tasty and health-boosting recipes from around the world, all containing ‘star’ ingredients to boost your health and wellbeing.
Again, the added feature of the info box or ‘Tasting Notes’ is super handy, enabling you to learn more — and appreciate — other cultures around the world.