Lonely Planet: Maureen & Tony Wheeler

The 'Lonely Planet: Maureen & Tony Wheeler' episode of 'How I Built This with Guy Raz' podcast traces the journey of Maureen and Tony Wheeler, who transformed their passion for travel into the world's largest travel guidebook publisher. The story begins with a serendipitous encounter on a sunny bench in London's Regent's Park in 1970, where Maureen, seeking a spot to read, reluctantly sits next to Tony. Their conversation leads to a movie date, and within a year, they are married, inspired by a shared desire to explore the world.

The Wheelers' travel odyssey commences with a bold decision to drive from London to Australia, traversing the 'Hippie Trail' through Europe and Asia. With only a minuscule budget, they document their experiences, capturing the essence of budget travel. Their journey is not without challenges; they face storms at sea and navigate through countries where Western travelers are scarce. Upon reaching Australia, nearly penniless, they find modest jobs to sustain themselves.

The idea for Lonely Planet is conceived as the Wheelers realize the value of the information they had gathered during their travels. The first guidebook, 'Across Asia on the Cheap,' is a rudimentary compilation of travel tips and advice, stapled together and sold to local bookshops. The book's success leads to more guides, and as the Wheelers embrace the roles of dreamer and pragmatist, Lonely Planet begins to flourish. The publication of an extensive guide to India marks a turning point, catapulting Lonely Planet into a global brand.

As the company grows, so does its product range, expanding into television and digital media. However, the events of 9/11 bring unforeseen challenges, threatening the survival of Lonely Planet. The Wheelers are forced to make difficult decisions, cutting back on staff and publications to keep the company afloat. Despite these setbacks, they manage to turn the business around, though the transformation into a digital-focused company signals a departure from their original vision.

Eventually, the Wheelers decide to sell Lonely Planet, a decision that brings a mix of financial reward and personal sorrow. The sale marks the end of an era for the couple, who had dedicated their lives to building a company that encouraged and facilitated travel for millions around the globe.