Wherever You Go

From the former CEO of renowned travel guide publisher Lonely Planet, a look at how travel can transform not only the traveler, but also the world. Imagine your job was to travel the world, then report back on how everyone else should do it. That's what happened to Daniel Houghton when, fresh out of Western Kentucky University, he took the helm of legendary travel publisher Lonely Planet, then owned by a billionaire who had taken a shine to his work. Suddenly, he was not only jetting off to parts unknown, but closing business deals in foreign languages and scrambling to learn fifty different sets of table manners. As the son of a Delta pilot and a flight attendant, Daniel had always loved to travel, but after Lonely Planet it morphed into a mission—to spread the word about travel's unique power to change hearts and minds. In Wherever You Go, he speaks for, and to, a new generation, who want more out of travel than a list of experiences. They use it to develop empathy and cultural awareness, whether flying across the world or just heading to a different neighborhood for dinner. Daniel shares his own tips, as well as drawing on interviews with travel legends like Richard Branson, pros like Delta's longest-serving flight attendant ever, and everyday folks with fascinating stories. You'll meet Kevan Chandler, a young man in a wheelchair who realized his dream of seeing Europe thanks to six friends who carried him around in a homemade backpack; Captain Lee Rosbach of Bravo's Below Deck, who guides his young crew to all ends of the earth; and Laura Dekker, the youngest person ever to sail single-handedly around the world. They talk about everything—from their favorite places and their worst misadventures to the environmental and economic impacts of travel. And everyone attests to how their cross-cultural experiences have shaped their worldviews, their politics, their relationships, and even their careers. Whether you've booked your next trip or you're still Instagram-dreaming, let Wherever You Go inspire you to roam beyond your comfort zone.

Daniel Houghton is the former CEO of Lonely Planet, one of the world's leading travel media companies. He spent five years transforming the iconic, travel brand from traditional publisher to a well-balanced media company that grew sales of their traditional print guides while launching digital media platforms that engaged millions globally. In 2017, he was recognized as one of Forbes' "30 under 30" who were changing the media industry. Lonely Planet was also named one of Fast Companies "World's Most Innovative Companies" list in 2018. Previously, Daniel worked as a photojournalist and multimedia producer for a wide variety of clients which included The Seattle Times, the US Army, ABC, the Associated Press and McClatchy Newspapers.