Lonely Planet Releases 'Offbeat North America' Guide
Lonely Planet has released a new hardcover guide titled *Offbeat North America*, which curates 100 lesser-known destinations across the continent. The book is aimed at travelers seeking to avoid crowds and discover unique locations. Its release aligns with a growing travel trend prioritizing authenticity and unconventional experiences.
- This guide is a follow-up to Lonely Planet's successful global *Offbeat* book, which was first released in 2022 and also highlighted 100 lesser-known destinations worldwide. - The 328-page hardcover book includes destinations in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. - In addition to the 100 main curated locations, the guide features 25 extra "bonus" offbeat destinations to consider. - The introduction, written by journalist Anita Isalska, specifically addresses the negative impacts of excessive tourism on the sustainability of popular sites and national parks. - Each entry provides practical advice on the best seasons to visit, how to get there, and tips for first-time travelers to the location. - A key feature for each destination is "insider knowledge" on how visitors can positively impact and support local businesses. - The book is part of a larger trend from the publisher, which has also released an "Experience" series described as "anti-guidebooks" written by local experts. - Examples of the types of locations featured include the deserted ghost towns of Central Alberta and the wild horses of Assateague Island.
