Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler doesn't want to go to these countries anymore
Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler doesn't want to go to these countries anymore Credit: IMAGO
  • Lonely Planet co-founder revealed four destinations he’d never visit again
  • Tony Wheeler wrote them in a blog post
  • It was titled ‘I’m Not Going There Anymore’
Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler doesn’t want to go to these countries anymore Credit: IMAGO

Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler has got lots to say about holidays he doesn’t want to take anymore.

The travel information resource creates guides and recommendations for potential tourists but one of its co-creators is speaking about where isn’t on his to-visit list anymore.

Lonely Planet was founded by Wheeler and his wife Maureen, who went on to sell it to the BBC in 2007.

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Wheeler’s confessions came via his own personal blog, which is an epicentre for all things world adventure.

What’s the first unwanted destinations?

Among the destinations included Russia for the reason of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Thousands have died since the 2022 invasion by President Vladimir Putin.

“I’m not going back to Russia for certain, as long as they’re buddying up with North Korea and the US to attack Ukraine. And as long as Putin continues to kill innocent people,” the 78-year-old wrote on the blog.

He continued, “There have been untold numbers of Ukrainian deaths of course, but also there were 27 Australians amongst the 298 innocent passengers and crew on Malaysia Airlines MH17 which Putin’s boys shot down in 2014.”

The second spot was Saudi Arabia, which was also decided for “so many reasons.” One of the ones he gave was the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in their embassy in Istanbul in 2018.

“Or check The New York Times for the report on Saudis murdering East African domestic workers,” Wheeler added.

Where else does the Lonely Planet co-founder not want to go?

Like many people, Wheeler has watched what President Donald Trump has done since returning to office in January with horror. The feelings have led him to cross of the United States from any future travel plans despite the goal to hit all 50 states.

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President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mattel Credit: Imago

“But right now with the orange one (AKA Liz Trump, or even Donald Trump to some people) and his associated scoundrels running the place I really don’t want to go there anymore,” he wrote.

And the final?

Bali, the fourth and final place, Wheeler was ruling out of travelling was for much less political reasons. Citing its “ridiculous”road congestion, he ruled that he “never” planned “to go back”.

“Unless there’s a very good reason to drag me there,” he added.

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Wheeler continued, “Bali has great places to stay, wonderful art and dance, terrific food, great shopping if that’s your thing, but no way I ever want to spend another two hours of my life travelling between the Kuta beach strip and Ubud.”