Exploring the Planet

Back in the 70’s, newlyweds Tony and Maureen Wheeler embarked on an epic overland journey through Europe and Asia to Australia. Inspired by their experiences, they feverishly began writing their first book, ‘Across Asia on the Cheap’, and Lonely Planet was born. Over 30 years and 80 million printed books later, an international team of 800 writers continue their work as the ultimate authority in travel. Rosie Scammell interviews Fayette Fox, Assistant Commissioning Editor in London, on the wonderful world of travel.

Is volunteering abroad worthwhile for the visitor and the community, or just another money-grabbing scheme from travel companies?
Very worthwhile. Do your detective work to see where the money’s going to, mainly to check that the voluntary work benefits the local people in the ways they want. Make sure it doesn’t take work away from local people. There will often be a fee to the middle-man, which can make expense ridiculous, but some do a good job to match volunteer to placement. For people willing to do the legwork, get in touch with the charities themselves. This is way more work, especially if there’s a language barrier, but is always an option if you’re highly determined to get out there and help but don’t have the money.

How do you think the environmental anti-flying movement will affect the way people travel in the future?
Statistically, people aren’t changing their behaviour as far as flying goes. Carbon offsetting has become a ‘buzz word’, but is part of a wider set of things people can do to help. Visiting areas closer to home is a great way to combat carbon emissions; avoid the embarrassment of people knowing your country better than you by travelling within the UK. People should go away for longer, rather than lots of little trips. Students are in a great position to take advantage of their long summer holidays; take one flight then travel around for two months to make the most of it. The award-winning Man in Seat Sixty-One website (www.seat61.com) is full of affordable overland routes around the world.

Is it still possible to complete a Wheeler-style journey off the beaten track?
It is harder because travel is available to more people, the Wheeler’s journey was incredibly adventurous and inspiring at the time. But it’s absolutely still possible to get off the beaten track, firstly by going to more obscure countries; for example not so many people go to the huge chain of islands that make up Indonesia. Also visit off the beaten track parts of well-visited countries. Aim for places that are hard to get to, take a local bus or a slow boat, combine this with a longer trip which people on a two-week holiday won’t have time to do.
Try exploring a small area more thoroughly; rather than zipping across a whole country, see a region in more depth instead of just hitting the tourist hot spots. In Prague last week I took the metro north, asking locals for bar recommendations helped find places with a great atmosphere and no tourists! Local people are more open to you if you make the effort in out-of-the way places, where you can find really cool neighbourhoods where real people live.

The British are one of the few predominantly unilingual countries in the world, how can we overcome this?
There are always going to be other things to pull at your time, but if you have a goal to learn a language, being in an academic environment definitely helps. Studying abroad is a great opportunity; being surrounded by a language is a much more natural environment to learn in, and there’s nothing like the fear of sink or swim to encourage you! I’m a big believer in making the effort, attempting a foreign language will be appreciated, trying to engage in conversation makes you want to try harder. Knowing a few pleasantries such as ‘do you speak English?’ makes a huge difference and separates you from other tourists. It’s a real skill to know how to communicate clearly with someone who’s English isn’t that good.

What makes travel writers unique?
They have to be excellent researchers as well as writers; they visit every place that’s in the book. It’s definitely not a holiday, they work really hard up to seven days a week. At Lonely Planet there’s an irreverent tone that readers connect with, although a good writer can write in any style.

Without any literary talent, how can someone make a career out of travelling?
There are a lot of jobs that aren’t explicitly about travel, but that you get to travel a lot in. Check the classifieds section of newspapers, all sorts of things involve travel. One of the Lonely Planet authors used to be a tour guide in Morocco, we found him through his website. It’s an energetic, high-energy, interesting role similar to being a travel writer in some ways; you go back to the same place all the time but can’t be blasé about the trip and have to create the experience for the first-time visitor.

What’s your travel essential?
I have three! A notebook, as I always like to write down the things that I’m likely to forget, to collect the quirky details that are really wonderful and will trigger memories years later. A compass to orient myself, and a sense of humour: things will go wrong, you’ll get lost, just remember that you’re doing this for fun and laugh!

Most memorable travel experiences?
Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, was an amazing experience. We stayed in Burba villages, it was very difficult physically but stunningly beautiful and rewarding. In China I visited the Datang Caves (around six hours from Beijing). They’re filled with 50 000 Buddha Statues and are visually mind-blowing, but no-one outside of China has heard of them.

Countries with unscrupulous human rights records: better to visit or stay away?
It’s a very personal decision, always do your research and decide for yourself. At Lonely Planet, we believe very strongly that if people are going there, they should be able to make an informed decision. We present the information in a clear way; people should have the knowledge to make sure their money goes to the right places. Travel has a huge potential for change, and can be a real force for good.

Any lasting pearls of travel wisdom?
It’s very important to dress appropriately for the destination. In South-East Asia and Muslim countries, cover up appropriately. Look at what the locals are wearing as a guide rather than other tourists and you’ll be treated a lot better. It’s best to make a good impression, especially if you’re going more off the beaten track. As with practicing a language, it’s a really good feeling when you get it right.