complicated simplicity

I survived 2 years in Europe on my Let’s Go Europe 2006 and Lonely Planet’s Europe on Shoestring. I toured this part of the world with nothing more than a guidebook in hand, and walking blindly in the many glorious cities of Europe, keeping faith in the American writers of Let’s Go and Australia writers of Lonely Planet.

Today BBC bought over Lonely Planet Publishing, ending an era of Australian writers keeping me in the know somewhere in the world. They are now British… Damn, can’t trust the Brits to gimme direction in their own cities! How can I even expect them to direct me around the world!

BBC buys Lonely Planet

LONDON - BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation, said it has bought Lonely Planet, the Australian travel publisher, for an undisclosed price.

Lonely Planet founders Maureen and Tony Wheeler will keep a 25 per cent stake, the BBC said on Monday.

‘Joining BBC Worldwide allows us to secure the long-term future of our company within a globally recognised media group,’ said the Wheelers, who founded the company in 1972.

Lonely Planet, headquartered in Melbourne, publishes about 500 travel guides, including cycling and walking titles.

The company has more recently targeted a mature travelling audience, after focusing on campers and backpackers for decades.

‘The association will strengthen Lonely Planet’s visibility and growth potential, particularly in the digital arena, as well as providing their users access to the wide range of BBC content which connects with their interests,’ said Etienne de Villiers, non-executive chairman of BBC Worldwide.
– REUTERS

Ok, I was kidding, but I’m gonna miss the Australian’s LP!

Anyway, still in Budapest after a day trip out to the fields and mountains near the Danube Bend up north. Just got my academic notifications, so gonna head back soon.