Travel stories that define us

Sometimes it is the journey that changes you [View in browser]( [TikTok]( [instagram]( [facebook]( [Friday Around the Planet - Your source for all things travel news](www.lonelyplanet.com) Friday Around the Planet August 18, 2023   This week: The privilege of traveling and the experiences that change us [Deesha Dyer and her husband in New Zealand]( Travel stories that inspire Deesha Dyer is one of the most brilliant, joyous and inspiring people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Her [story about a long-awaited trip to New Zealand]( is one of those narratives that fills you up, lifts you up and makes you think. When Deesha was in 7th grade, she came across a photo in her science textbook. Her mind was blown: an otherworldly image of colorful wildflowers stretching out as far as the eye could see and curving up a hill. The caption read: "New Zealand." Though it seemed too far away and out of reach, she never forgot about it. “I was a kid from Philadelphia. I went to a boarding school for children from difficult backgrounds. Traveling to me was going to the Jersey Shore or to visit family in Queens, New York,” Deesha tells me. Spoiler alert: she made it to New Zealand (with her new husband) earlier this year. Before that, Deesha served in the Obama White House, co-founded [beGirl.world Global Scholars]( an organization focused on diversifying study abroad and travel by uplifting, educating and equipping Black teen girls to be global citizens (Lonely Planet has partnered with beGirl.world to amplify its mission). Now she runs her own social impact firm and has just written her first book. Deesha’s story is about possibility. It’s about why travel is and should be for EVERYONE, not just the privileged few. This is why we’re championing [first person]( essays (like [retracing family history in the Caribbean]( and [solo camping in the Canadian wilderness]( to shine a light on the personal travel experiences that define and change us, almost always for the better. — Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director [Read more]( Inspiration for your next trip Take this trail to the center of French gastronomy France’s new [Vallée de la Gastronomie]( food trail is a food and wine lover’s paradise. This road trip winds though 459 (and counting!) different culinary experiences, making the 385-mile trail great for foodies – both expert and casual. [More on this epic culinary adventure]( [Hand pouring olive oil over baguette](   Morocco or Egypt? Deciding between these mesmerizing countries? Two of our Lonely Planet contributors square off to help you choose which of these destinations is best for your travel plans. [See which one is right for you]( [Man on camel in Egypt](   Will more scenic train routes through Italy help overtourism? Italy’s rail company unveiled a program dedicated to developing sustainable, high-quality travel experiences for a range of travelers visiting Italy. [Here’s what we know about the plans so far]( [Train along Italian coast]( Save on your next purchase! [25% off on your next purchase]( Get 25% off and get free shipping on all orders. Use code AUGUST25 at checkout and start planning an unforgettable journey today.* *Valid through 8/31/2023 for one-time use. [Shop 25% off now]( More travel news - [You’ll see this everywhere: Stuttgart Stäffele]( - [Living between these two cities has done wonders for my mental health]( - [Copy my trip to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef Utah]( - [New exhibit in Alabama tells the story of America’s last slave ship]( Trending destination [Green coastline of Pembrokeshire]( Wales Pembrokeshire, in the corner of southwest [Wales]( has been Lonely Planet contributor Kerry Walker’s favorite escape since moving to Mid Wales. Kerry breaks down the cost of a family trip to this stunning coastal area in this week's Total Trip. [See what the trip cost](     Love travel inspiration in your inbox? Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking [here](.   This email was sent to you by: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 © 2023 Lonely Planet [Unsubscribe]( Policy](