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2000-2010: Travel Highlights from Lonely Planet's Founders and Editors

As a new decade begins, reflection is inevitable. Lonely Planet turned to our founders, authors, and travel editors for their insights on travel in the 2000s—the highlights, lowlights, humorous mishaps, dramatic moments, and visions for the future.

Tom Hall, UK Travel Editor

Tom Hall selected Ethiopia as his top travel highlight of the decade, praising its profound history and adventure. His biggest disappointment? A disappointingly unluxurious luxury sleeper train across Europe. And his notable 'mistake'? Overshooting the campsite by a staggering 80 miles.

Get Tom’s full review here.

Robert Reid, US Travel Editor

Robert Reid, our US travel editor, spent much of the 2000s writing on the road for Lonely Planet. Yet his standout experience was closer to home: a thrilling adventure that led him to name Kansas a decade highlight. Most underrated destination? Bulgaria, which left him stunned. For 2010? Lobster in Maine.

Get Robert’s wrap-up here.

Frances Linzee Gordon, Author

Frances Linzee Gordon, a renowned Lonely Planet author and talented photographer, was captivated by Saudi Arabia's vast scale and the elegant Arabian oryx. Ethiopia surprised her with its stunning landscapes and history. Highlights included a sequined 'Lonely Planet' tablecloth in Morocco and being dubbed 'Ms. Planet.' For 2010? Learning to fly!

Read Frances’ full review here.

Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet Founder

Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet and lifelong traveler, pinpointed a dive to a WWII Japanese passenger-cargo shipwreck in Chuuk as his top experience. Afghanistan remained as fascinating as in the 1970s, though getting stuck in a Mongolian elevator was not. Next stop: Bruny Island's scenic coast.

Read the rest of Tony’s review here.

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