Tony Wheeler, who has visited more than 170 countries, has revealed four destinations he won’t be returning to
Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of the renowned travel guide Lonely Planet, has traversed more than 170 countries but has now disclosed four destinations he has no plans to revisit.
With over fifty years of globe-trotting experience, Wheeler has singled out a quartet of places that no longer appeal to him for return trips.
Launching what would become a travel publishing giant with his wife Maureen in 1973, Wheeler’s journey began with the release of Across Asia on the Cheap. He eventually sold Lonely Planet to the BBC in 2007.
On his blog, Tony Wheeler’s Travels, he recently shared insights into why he’s been deterred from revisiting Russia, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Bali in Indonesia, citing reasons such as war, local transport issues, and political instability.
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Russia.
Wheeler, who has made multiple visits to Russia, stated he wouldn’t consider going back “as long as they’re buddying up with North Korea and the USA to attack Ukraine” and “as long as Vladimir Putin continues to kill innocent people”. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, highlighting the potential dangers of drone strikes and terrorist acts in urban areas, reports the Mirror.
Saudi Arabia.
The seasoned traveller expressed reluctance to return to Saudi Arabia for “many reasons”, despite the kingdom drawing in 30 million visitors last year. The country has faced international scrutiny over its human rights practices.
Tony brought to light the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul back in 2018, coupled with the recent news of Saudis taking the lives of East African domestic workers.
He shared his own experiences: “On my own travels to Somaliland in 2022 I encountered cheetahs saved from being shipped to Saudi Arabia to be kept as pets, and then killed when they grew too large.”
Bali.
The picturesque island of Bali in Indonesia has long been a favourite retreat for Brits in search of a gap year adventure or luxury holiday. However, Tony points out that the boom in popularity has left Bali struggling to keep up.
Reflecting on the situation, he expressed: “Bali, there are so many good things about that Indonesian island and I’ve just had a great travel writers reunion trip there, but until they sort out the ridiculous traffic I never want to go back.”
USA.
In a more unexpected turn, Tony enumerated the USA as one of his no-go zones despite its frequent appeal to Western tourists. With visits to every US state bar three under his belt, he has resolved not to return as long as Donald Trump holds the presidency.
Explaining his stance, he commented: “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.
“Despite having spent nearly 10 years of my life living in the USA (Midwest, East Coast, West Coast) and despite having many American friends, I’m currently happy to leave the USA at the bottom of my dance card.”
