Lonely Planet advanced its efforts to evolve from guidebook
publisher to digital ecosystem with the launch of a new app.
The app combines the expert destination guides the brand is known
for with maps, local recommendations and trip building. The approach pairs
advice curated by the brand’s team of 450 travel experts worldwide with tools
that allow users to collect ideas and build custom itineraries.
Currently available in the U.S., Lonely Planet said the app will later add an artificial intelligence assistant trained on decades of its content. For a limited
time, travelers who download the app will receive a year of free access to
membership features, with paid membership tiers expected to roll out later in 2026.
Lonely Planet CEO Paul Yanover framed the launch as part of the
company’s focus on serving the traveler.
"We know our travelers don't just take trips—they
think about travel as part of who they are, engaging with it in some way every
day,” Yanover said. “That understanding is driving how we evolve our products
and offerings, bringing our trusted expertise into a modern digital ecosystem
that gives travelers clarity and confidence in an increasingly overwhelming
travel landscape."
The app is part of a broader push to connect Lonely Planet’s
content, planning tools and trip booking in a single ecosystem. The offering complements the fall 2025 launch of Lonely Planet Journeys, which allows
travelers to book customized itineraries created by local experts in more than
70 destinations. The company has also launched a redesigned website and updated
visual identity developed with creative agency GrandArmy to create a consistent
look across touchpoints.
Alongside its digital expansion, Lonely Planet continues to
operate its publishing business.
In December 2020, Lonely Planet was acquired by Red Ventures, parent company to The Points Guy and Bankrate.