Anyone seen the new Lonely Planet (Globe Trekker's old name)

[djariya]

I just recently visited Hong Kong last month and went to a local record store and bought several DVD's on Lonely Planet: 6 degrees. Some of you may already know that Globe Trekker use to be called Lonely Planet. This show has never aired in the USA, but I heard about it when it was in development.

Let me just say that this new version of Lonely Planet lacks all the charm, fun and character that makes Globe Trekker as special as it is. I've only watched one of the DVD's thus far, but the host I watched named Toby Amies, who presented the Hong Kong episode, is one of the worst travel hosts I have ever seen. He lacks the personality and charm of Megan, who made the Hong Kong/Taiwan episode one of the best GT episodes I have ever seen. The structure of their show is just bizarre...it focused alot on very eclectic underground scenes that the normal traveler wouldn't visit.

So to the folks at Pilot: Keep up the great work!!

[glindquist]

Hi djariya

I'm new here at GT and I haven't seen (or even heard about) Lonely Planet ... but you wrote something that tweaked my interest:

"it focused alot on very eclectic underground scenes that the normal traveler wouldn't visit."

See, I would like to focus on getting to know the locals ... 'cuz for me that is what is so fascinating about travel ... the people adapting to the place.

Like, in Cynthia's video, the part I liked best was her interaction with her surfing instructor. If and when I get to LA, I'd try to look him up and take a lesson or two ... yeah, sure, u-betcha! *wink*

Little things ... in Paris I could not -- for the life of me -- get a tobacconist (sp?) to sell me a postcard stamps on my one trip there. They didn't even want to talk to me for that amount of small change. (I don't speak more than a word or two of French, of course.) I found it humorous, and even kind of made it a game to see if I could find one. I didn't. But the clerks at their post office were more than cordial and laughed with me over my dilemma.

The people who live and work year-round in Alaska's Yukon Wilderness Arc -- to beat my particular drum incessantly -- make access to that vast region accessible for any level of adventure traveler or tourist without their having to ride a cattle car ... oops!, tour bus. *wink*

And I hope this forum is a place where we can share that kind of "insider" info that helps make the chechako (newcomer) like me comfortable with going somewhere I haven't been. I think it is that kind of place.

[Cynthia]

djariya, I have not seen any of the Lonely Planet Six Degrees dvds so I cannot say much about the show. I have seen the "trailor" and "preview" from their website and I thought it was good.

glindquist, I'm glad you enjoyed the surfing part of the video. Kip, my surfing instructor, was very nice, funny and really helpful. If you are going to Califoria and you want to take some surfing lessons, I highly recommend him! The lessons last typically about 1.5 hours. His contact info is at the end of the video.

Cynthia

[djariya]

I guess we all have our preferences as travelers. One of the reasons I like Globe Trekker so much is that it presents alot of elements that help you get to know the country if you are unfamiliar with it. Some episodes that I've seen mention costs, where key historical landmarks are located, the food and local markets.....Now that's the stuff that I enjoy as a traveler.

Lonely Planet 6 degrees I guess just isn't my cup of tea. I mean I'm for getting to know the locals, but one of the segments had the presenter visit some random bizarre costume party in HK.....and to top it off, there weren't even any locals there...it was all foreigners laughing and drinking. Another segment had the presenter visit some dog trainer in HK, who also was a foreigner...He spent almost 15 minutes chatting with this woman.....I mean I'm all for getting to know the locals, but a dog trainer? Your traveling 6,000 miles to visit a dog trainer in Hong Kong?

[glindquist]

[munizera01]

djariya;
Is this new series connected to the Lonely Planet guidebooks? 'Cause I
know they have no connection to Pilot productions. (Greatest guidebooks ever, tho)

[djariya]

Yes this series is affiliated with the LP guide books. I was only referencing it here because GT was once called Lonely Planet back in the 90's.

[the.collector]

LP six degrees is not made by Pilot. The original LP was made by Pilot. Some episodes are ok...But not as good as the original ones hosted by Ian or Megan. Original LP was once an official Lonely Planet Publications certified product. Since the pathetic seperation of LPP and pilot, LPP started its own LP called LP-6 degrees. And the original LP had to give up its name due to legal bindings. It first Beacme PG for some years and then became GT. In short this is the classic example of how media corporations kick each other and mess it all up for the fans...........sigh

[munizera01]

I'm pretty sure that it was only Ian and then Justine who did any of the old Lonely Planet episodes. Megan came later.

[the.collector]

yup u r right. megan came later.

[shell_e_anne]

i havnt seen the new series yet but im dying to! i hope it hasnt lost its charm cos i agree it makes it extra addictive!!

as for the LP guide books, i love them! theyre packed full of stuff you havent even thought of!

but i dont get why they dont sell the guides books in the pilot shop

[admin]

[Dawgzilla]

I recently found 10 of the early episodes I had not yet viewed in my local library system under the name "Lonely Planet".

Those who are looking for some of the early issues can find them that way.

[Cynthia]

Sweet! Great idea! Thanks for sharing

Cynthia