The four tourist destinations Lonely Planet co-founder avoids

WorldTravel
13 May 2025 • 3:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler has listed four destinations he won't revisit.
  • Russia is on the list because of political concerns and the ongoing war with Ukraine.
  • Wheeler, 78, will not travel to Saudi Arabia due to human rights concerns, despite the Middle Eastern country investing billions of dollars to become a leading tourist destination.
  • Wheeler said he is avoiding the US due to its current political climate under President Donald Trump.
  • Bali is also off his list because of its severe traffic congestion.
  • Wheeler, a dual Australian and British citizen, sold Lonely Planet to the BBC in 2007.

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