Latest news with #MaureenWheeler
Metro
22-07-2025
- Metro
Lonely Planet founder reveals the Greek island tourists haven't destroyed yet
When married couple Tony and Maureen Wheeler left London for Australia in 1973, they were effectively taking a 'gap year' before the term was even coined. After travellers they met along the way started to ask them for their advice, they wrote their first book, Across Asia On The Cheap. And when that shifted 1,500 copies in its first week, travel guide publisher Lonely Planet was born. Fast forward 52 years, Tony is still sharing his wisdom with the masses – and during a recent visit to Greece, he found an island that's not been decimated by overtourism. The northernmost island in the Cyclades group, Kea, isn't as well-known as the likes of Mykonos – but that's part of its appeal. Despite having a permanent population of just 20,000 residents, with its white houses and sparkling blue waters, Santorini attracts as many as 3,400,000 visitors each year, a situation that's led politicians to introduce a €20 (£17.33) daily tourist tax for those arriving via cruise ship between June and September. By comparison, Kea is mainly still visited by Athenians looking for a break from the city, which has given Tony 'reassurance' that overtourism hasn't taken over the entire world. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. There are glimmers of hope that remain, if you know where to find them. Forget Red Beach or Kamari: if you want to emulate the magic of Santorini's famous waterfronts, you needn't look any further than Xyla. It might be coated in pebbles and golden sand rather than red or black, but it's certainly got that quintessential peaceful feel – and the Aegean Sea still sparkles. There are also plenty of sun lounger spots available at Pisses, while Spathi is another quiet nook. If you're into Greek history, then Kea is peppered with archaeological sites. One of the most famous is the Agia Marina Tower, which, at 20 metres high, is made exclusively from local slate and marble. These days, some of its original materials can be spotted on neighbouring buildings, as after it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1858, it was used to rebuild those that had suffered a worse fate. Meanwhile, the Lion of Ioulida sits on top of the island's hilltop capital – and, constructed in 6BC, it's another notable example of well-preserved Hellenic history. There's also the Kea Folklore Museum, which, originally built in 1845 to house travellers passing through the island, now documents local history. Mainly displaying agricultural tools and traditional costumes from the locality, there's also a theatre outside that hosts events throughout the summer, including the Fairy Tales Festival with its folk legends. Given that it's not yet been overrun by tourists, it'll come as little surprise that there isn't an airport on Kea Island. So, if you're wanting to escape for a little bit of Greek sunshine, you'll need to fly to Athens International and catch a ferry. There are direct London connections from Luton, Stansted and Gatwick, all of which take in the region of four hours. The best bit? The boat from the port of Lavrio only takes an hour, and tickets cost a very reasonable €14 (£12.13). By comparison, Mykonos can take between two and two-and-a-half hours from the Greek capital. Naturally, there's no shortage of sunshine on Kea Island – and the summer is the hottest time of the year. More Trending Temperatures throughout August tend to average out at around 33C, so if you can't handle the heat, you might want to bookmark your trip around October, when things chill out to approximately 24C. Likewise, if you're looking to top up your dopamine levels during the winter, the mercury levels out at around 15C in February, while March dips up slightly to 17C. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Airline founded by UK millionaire 'parks' only plane — after two return flights MORE: 'First-of-its-kind' Eurostar-style train to directly connect UK with Berlin and two more cities MORE: Our Travel Editors' picks of underrated destinations in the easyJet summer 2026 sale
Metro
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Lonely Planet co-founder reveals three more countries 'not to visit'
Lonely Planet has long been a reliable name when it comes to holiday guides and recommendations, ever since it was founded in 1973, by husband and wife team Tony and Maureen Wheeler. The adventurous duo have been all over the world, and Tony is often asked by holidaymakers exactly which four corners of the globe people should visit. Tony has shared his love for the Australian Outback, and Jaipur, in India, but he's also got some opinions on where definitely not to go. The 78-year-old previously wrote a blog post, titled, 'I'm not going there anymore', where he listed four places he's sworn off. Bali was written off due to it's 'ridiculous traffic', and the USA is a no-no for Tony while Trump and his 'associated scoundrels' are running the place. His other two big vetoes for travel probably won't surprise many people: Russia and Saudi Arabia. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And in a follow-up post, he's added three more to his list: Israel, Belarus, and Burma (Myanmar). Firstly, in regards to Israel, Tony says he's 'amazed' he left it off his initial blog post. He adds that people complained about the country's omission, which Tony says was 'absolutely right.' He's actually visited Israel more than once, and when he went in 2011, he said he felt a sense of 'hope that some sort of peace and agreement could come to that troubled region.' But in light of the events of and since October 7 2023, Tony says he won't be returning. He wrote: 'Despite the horrors of the Hamas attack I still cannot live with the Israeli attack on Gaza which has now been going on for more than one and a half years. It has to stop.' Next, Tony references the Belarussian dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, as a reason not to visit Belarus, calling him a 'Soviet era thug.' More Trending Tony actually visited the Eastern European country in 2018, saying he had a 'few interesting days in Minsk' but adds that 'my interest in Belarus has definitely gone downhill, I'm not planning on any return trips.' Finally, Burma was the last place that Tony listed. He has been to the country several times over the years, most recently in 2017, making a stop in 'the country's absurd capital'. Citing Burma's unstable political situation he said of his trip back then: 'It was very clear that a country which has gone up and then down for the whole time I've been visiting it, the first time was in 1974, was embarking on another stupid downhill plunge.' Tony adds that recommending places not to visit is a gear change for him, adding: 'For a long time I've thought we should go anywhere, it's important for all sorts of reasons that we make contact with places, good or bad.' While the places in this article might not be on your travel bucket list, there are several 'underrated' spots that are well worth a visit, according to Michael, a man who has visited 175 of 195. Here are his top recommendations: Tunisia 'Tunis has one of the best street food scenes I've ever encountered,' he says of the capital. 'I did a food tour with my buddy Mehdi, who runs the YouTube channel Tunisian Street Food, and I still dream about the stuff we tried. Fricassés, brik, grilled merguez – it was unforgettable.' Bhutan Metro's Gergana Krasteva recently wrote that of the 10 countries she visited in 2024, Bhutan trumped them all. Michael agrees that the isolated Himalayan kingdom is unlike anywhere else on Earth. From the ethereal mist draping the capital Thimphu to the sheer cliffs where Tiger's Nest Monastery clings, this mystic enclave feels like it exists outside of time. 'It's the kind of place that stays with you, haunting your thoughts long after you leave,' Michael explains. Madagascar 'If you want nature, wildlife, adventure, and coastline all in one place, this island will leave you speechless,' Michael says. 'It feels prehistoric. Like stepping into a lost world.' Pakistan The path to Pakistan is one less travelled. Michael says: 'The people, the food, the landscapes, and the sheer affordability make Pakistan a must-visit for adventurers like me.' Metro recently named Pakistan as an unmissable destination to visit in 2025 thanks to its vast valleys and mountain ranges in the north, and we're not the only ones noticing all the country has to offer. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Israeli Mossad agents 'infiltrate heart of Iran with special-made weapons' MORE: Iran vs Israel: who has the strongest military? MORE: Ryanair shares warning over 'unfair' issue making holidaymakers miss their flights
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Lonely Planet founder reveals the travel destinations he'll NEVER visit again
As one of the most respected voices in travel writing, Tony Wheeler has been helping tourists experience the world's most majestic sights since the early Seventies when he first founded Lonely Planet. The holiday sage, now 78, regularly discusses his favourite places, and the destinations he's got no desire to visit - and his latest list is out. While some might not surprise many, given global politics, the other two that have made Wheeler's no-go list are hugely popular tourist destinations. In a blog post on his website, the Lonely Planet co-founder - he set the company up with his wife Maureen in 1973 but later sold it to BBC Worldwide, posted explaining exactly what's behind his decisions. The post, entitled, I'm Not Going There Anymore, reveals that travelling at all by plane feels difficult as the threat of global warming increases, but admits he 'continues travelling and continues to feel guilty about it'. The first two destinations on the list are Russia and Saudia Arabia. While the latter is investing heavily in wooing tourists with luxury hotels and high-end developments, it doesn't float Wheeler's boat - and he's frank about it. He says while he had an interesting time when visiting in 2002, he has no wish to go back, and it's a similar story with Russia, with the Lonely Planet founder citing political stories about both countries that have left him voting with his feet. The place those who read his books might be more surprised about? Indonesian island Bali. 'Sorry Bali,' he explains. 'There are so many good things about that Indonesian island and I've just had a great travel writers reunion trip there, but until they sort out the ridiculous traffic I never want to go back, unless there's a very good reason to drag me there.' While he maintains he loves the art, food, shopping and cultural attractions on Bali, the jam between Kuta beach and Ubud has put him off for the forseeable. And a place that he's visited dozens of times also gets short shrift, meaning he may not complete his quest to visit all 50 states. Yes, the USA is off radar for the travel guru, with his visits to Missouri and Carolina likely to be his last for a while - well, at least the next four years. He explained: 'Despite having spent nearly 10 years of my life living in the USA and despite having many American friends, I'm currently happy to leave the USA at the bottom of my dance card.' He reveals it's the current president that's putting him off: 'Right now with the orange one (or even Donald Trump to some people) and his associated scoundrels running the place I really don't want to go there anymore.' Wheeler and his wife Maureen sold Lonely Planet in 2007 to the BBC Worldwide in a deal worth £130million in 2007. However, the commercial arm of the BBC later sold it to US company NC2 Media at a loss of nearly £80million. In 2020, the brand was acquired by Red Ventures. Last year, the current batch of travel experts at Lonely Planet unveiled a wanderlust-inducing list of the 30 best places to visit in 2025 - and the US did make the cut. Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2025 book crowns the top ten countries, regions and cities to visit this year. The rankings were curated by 'Lonely Planet experts, contributors from around the world and publishing partners', with the guide adding that the destinations have been chosen 'for their topicality, unique experiences, wow factor and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity'. Cameroon topped the country ranking, with Lithuania in second place and Fiji snatching the bronze medal. Pittsburgh came sixth in the city ranking, which was topped by Toulouse in France. East Anglia was declared the eighth-best region in the world.
Metro
12-05-2025
- Metro
Lonely Planet co-founder reveals the four places he'll never visit again
For many of us, the first thing we do when planning a trip abroad is to look up the place on Lonely Planet – or buy one of the company's guide books. The publisher has been running since 1973 and was co-founded by Tony and Maureen Wheeler, who are both adventurous travellers. It's fair to say the pair have been all over the world and Tony, in particular, is often asked for his holiday recommendations as a result. The expert has recently recommended Uluru in the Australian outback, saying it's 'impressive' and 'magic', as well as Kangaroo Island in South Australia. However, there are also several places he claims he won't be 'going anymore' and two of the countries on his list are incredibly popular with tourists. Writing in a blog post titled, 'I'm not going there anymore', Tony revealed that he feels 'guilty' about travelling these days as friends have decided to 'look after the world and not fly any more'. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. For now he's decided to 'continue travelling and continue to feel guilty about it', but there are four places the 78-year-old has sworn off, including Bali. The Indonesian island is a popular holiday spot thanks to its natural beauty with vibrant blue waters and an abundance of flora and fauna. It's also generally considered a pretty affordable place to travel but for Tony it's got one major flaw. 'Sorry Bali,' he writes. 'There are so many good things about that Indonesian island and I've just had a great travel writers reunion trip there, but until they sort out the ridiculous traffic I never want to go back, unless there's a very good reason to drag me there.' He continues to list all of the 'wonderful' things about Bali, including the art, food, shopping and places to stay but adds that there's 'no way' he'd ever want to spend another two hours of his life travelling between the Kuta beach strip and Ubud. Another place he won't be going back to is the USA, despite having spent years trying to visit all 50 states – and having gone to Missouri and south Carolina last year. Tony currently only has three states left to visit until he's been to them all (Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi), but ticking them off isn't a priority right now. 'Despite having spent nearly 10 years of my life living in the USA and despite having many American friends, I'm currently happy to leave the USA at the bottom of my dance card,' he states, continuing to say that this is due to Trump and his 'associated scoundrels' running the place. His other two big no-nos for travel right now probably won't surprise many people: Russia and Saudi Arabia. Tony says he's been to Russia several times over the years, but won't return 'as long as Putin continues to kill innocent people'. And as for Saudia Arabia, he writes that there are 'so many reasons' he never wants to go there, from the 'murdering of journalists' to 'cheetahs being shipped to Saudi Arabia to be kept as pets'. This comes after Metro travel writer Alice Murphy, revealed the one country she'd never go back to – and interestingly it's one that didn't make it onto Tony's list. More Trending Alice, who has visited 50 different countries, shared that Qatar is the only place she has no desire to ever return to, as it felt 'clinical' and rather 'dystopian'. While the places in this article might not be on your travel bucket list, there are several 'underrated' spots that are well worth a visit, according to Michael, a man who has visited 175 of 195. Here are his top recommendations: 'Tunis has one of the best street food scenes I've ever encountered,' he says of the capital. 'I did a food tour with my buddy Mehdi, who runs the YouTube channel Tunisian Street Food, and I still dream about the stuff we tried. Fricassés, brik, grilled merguez – it was unforgettable.' Metro's Gergana Krasteva recently wrote that of the 10 countries she visited in 2024, Bhutan trumped them all. Michael agrees that the isolated Himalayan kingdom is unlike anywhere else on Earth. From the ethereal mist draping the capital Thimphu to the sheer cliffs where Tiger's Nest Monastery clings, this mystic enclave feels like it exists outside of time. 'It's the kind of place that stays with you, haunting your thoughts long after you leave,' Michael explains. 'If you want nature, wildlife, adventure, and coastline all in one place, this island will leave you speechless,' Michael says. 'It feels prehistoric. Like stepping into a lost world.' While India is known for its chaotic energy, the path to Pakistan is one less travelled. Michael says: 'The people, the food, the landscapes, and the sheer affordability make Pakistan a must-visit for adventurers like me.' Metro recently named Pakistan as an unmissable destination to visit in 2025 thanks to its vast valleys and mountain ranges in the north, and we're not the only ones noticing all the country has to offer. She said: 'Silence was the first hint that Doha was not my kind of city. Or rather, the particular kind of silence that hangs in the air of an empty street. Running down the broad boulevards of the Gulf state's capital are lines of luxury cars, custom Rolls Royces and cherry red Maseratis gleaming under the Arabian sun. But beside them the pavements are empty, because nobody walks on the streets of Qatar.' 'I couldn't help feeling that this driving-centric culture makes an aesthetically impressive city seem clinical, a desert sea of skyscrapers with little life around them. The only people on the streets are construction workers, their heads covered with cloth to fend off the sun. 'The scene was similarly dystopian in the Souk Waqif, a traditional market ranked as one of Doha's top attractions that I couldn't wait to shop in. It's said to date back to the 19th century, but its sandstone alleyways have been modernised so much, they feel like a sterile sort of Disneyland. Compared to the vibrant bazaars of Jerusalem and Marrakech, it's just a little soulless.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Bare beating' is tormenting commuters on the London Tube network MORE: Donald Trump urges Putin and Zelensky to meet 'now' for peace talks MORE: Huge chunk of Soviet rocket may have broken up over southern England
