Travel Writers' Hard-Earned Lessons: Mistakes Lonely Planet Authors Made (So You Don't Have To) – Part 1
The briefest warnings in Lonely Planet guidebooks—such as 'Don't swim in the river,' 'No photos,' or 'Watch your wallet'—are often the result of firsthand, hard-won experience by our expert authors.
Discover the real stories behind these essential travel tips. A word of caution: These are genuine mishaps from professional Lonely Planet writers, shared so you can sidestep them on your journeys.
Snow and ice on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Image by James Morgan / Robert Harding World Imagery / Getty Images.
Don't swim in the river
Arriving at Guyana's Iwokrama base camp hot, exhausted, and dust-covered, my father and I eyed the inviting, murky river. Our guide confirmed it was safe to swim but insisted on watching from the shore. We dove in, easing our travel-weary muscles, unaware of the danger.
At dinner, our server smiled sweetly: 'I hear you went swimming. Did you meet Sankar?' 'Sankar?' 'Our eight-foot caiman.' My dad nearly choked on his cassava. 'Is he friendly?' I asked. 'I'm not sure,' she replied cheerily, 'but I feed him meat scraps.' She then headed to the kitchen.
A toothy grin from a possibly friendly caiman. Image by Thomas Vinke / Getty Images.
No photos
Researching Lonely Planet's Trans-Siberian Railway guide, I stepped off the train at Illanskaya station—a charming early-20th-century red-brick complex with flower gardens. I snapped a few photos, only to be seized by three men and marched to security, accused of spying.
With my train departing, I pleaded to retrieve my bags—laptop, notes, and cash—but it pulled away. After proving I was a travel writer, kind locals helped me reach Irkutsk. Miraculously, the conductor had safeguarded my belongings with the police; nothing was missing, not even my 'seven pairs of dirty underwear.'
'This is the Russian way,' my guide said. I was profoundly grateful.
Be sure to heed that 'no photo' sign. Image by Cory Doctorow. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Watch your wallet
During VinItaly, Italy's premier wine fair, my wallet vanished mid-interview with a Prosecco maker after a day of tastings. A Roman wine blogger offered a ride to my Verona accommodation. En route, we picked up his delayed Parisian date—a stunning, frosty woman who eyed me coldly.
To ease the tension, I bought drinks with my last euros and excused myself. Returning, they argued; she stormed off. We tracked her to another bar amid admirers. Shouting ensued; I walked home. Updated warning for VinItaly: Watch your wallet—and avoid romantic entanglements.
Taxis by Rome's Colosseum. Image by Robert Lowe. CC BY 2.0.
Count your (own) blessings
Hiking in Tibet's mountains, my photographer friend returned exhilarated: 'I found a shack where a couple served po cha Tibetan butter tea with gold flakes—the ultimate blessing!' Envious, I backtracked but found nothing as dusk fell.
Envying his luck taught me: Don't chase others' experiences. Embrace your own unique adventures.
Time for tea in Tibet. Image by Melanie Ko. CC BY 2.0.
Take the road more traveled
My gravest error: Novy Urgal, a Siberian town I considered for Lonely Planet's Russia or Trans-Siberian Railway guides. Crumbling sidewalks, derelict buildings, echoing empty halls—no hotel, no rest house. Stranded for seven hours, I endured a bleak restaurant and sparse internet, checking sports scores repeatedly.
A tiny railroad museum offered brief cheer from an enthusiastic guide speaking rapid Russian. I photographed Lenin statues, avoided a drunken bench-mate, and arrived at the station two hours early. Lesson learned: Stick to proven paths.
Arm yourself against travel mishaps with Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips. Avoid station overnights by booking expert-recommended hotels and hostels in advance.
