Lonely Planet Offbeat North America

by Lonely Planet

Discover 100 unique travel experiences in North America where tourists are few and far between, from Central Alberta's deserted ghost towns to the wild horses of Assateague Island. Featuring alternative destinations across the region, this inspiring guide takes readers beyond the classic bucket list to reveal unforgettable crowd-free adventures. Hike beneath a canopy of green forest in Canada's wild and unspoilt Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario; or spot humpback whales on eco-conscious off-shore tours as they make a splash in the Dominican Republic's Samana Bay. From under-the-radar national reserves to small towns with big personalities, these remarkable, yet lesser known spots have so much to offer. Travelers will also learn how their visit can benefit local communities and up-and-coming neighborhoods; with sustainable travel options highlighted wherever possible. Inside Offbeat North - 100 lesser-known destinations with hidden gems from each of the USA's 50 states, along with Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic - Go if you like comparisons offering magnificent alternatives to over-populated sites and landmarks for amazing crowd-free experiences - Insider knowledge on how your visit can make a positive impact on local businesses - Helpful tips for first-time travelers
- Expert advice on why you should go, when you should go and how to get there  - Presented in a beautiful hardcover format with striking photography, practical planning information and handy maps Connect with vibrant cultures, unearth amazing stories and make these exhilarating under-the-radar travel experiences part of your next great trip. Perfect for curious minds, Offbeat North America is a must-read for anyone dreaming of, or planning an upcoming adventure. Gift this unique book to the traveler in your life or simply keep these off-the-beaten track destinations all to yourself. About Lonely Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world’s number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travelers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet). 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia)

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

328 pages, Hardcover

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

OUR STORY
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.

Reviews

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone with a wanderlust for discovering new places to visit will appreciate this heavy, coffee-table sized book. In it you will find overviews for 100 less traveled places to visit in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Locations tend to be quieter tourist destinations that offer the opportunity to commune with nature. Information provided for each location includes the best months to visit, how to get there, tips for first time visitors and where to find the best crowd free experiences.

[Jill Jones 🧡 (Miss Willa Colyns Diary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Lonely Planet for gifting me this BEAUTIFUL book of little known destinations in North America! As someone who lives in a high tourist area I love the idea of finding hidden gems away from the crowds. I also love that this book mentioned a small town that relies heavily on tourist economy (like mine is!) and it also gives information on local indigenous communities. There’s a lot of information on activities where you can learn about indigenous culture local to the area which is such an important highlight. As an Astronomer I have to say I also absolutely LOVE how often the stargazing capabilities are mentioned because I love to travel with my telescope. This is such a deeply informative guide, it’s truly a great starting place for travel planning & dreaming! My only critique would be that alongside the ample information on travel accommodation, forms of transit available and roadside assistance in each area (which I loved!) I would have really liked to see more info on disability access information for disabled travelers. Adding in accessible places would have been a huge help for me as a disabled traveler myself.

Thank you again Lonely Planet for gifting me this beautiful book, my thoughts are my own

[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My travel bucket list just gets longer and longer. Lots of great recommendations in here along with some beautiful photography and practical tips. Love some armchair travel.

[WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where would you go on a road trip?🚙
I’ve been to all corners of the country but haven’t been to many states in between.
Offbeat North America by Lonely Planet would be a great companion to take with you! This beautiful book has great tips for first time travelers, and insider knowledge to support local businesses.
One of my favorite things about Offbeat North America is, they give advice to enjoy your trip crowd free. While I love traveling, an overcrowded spot can get overwhelming sometimes!
Offbeat North America includes hidden gems from each of the USA’s 50 states, along with Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. I’ve been to Canada, Mexico and the DR, but I would enjoy all of it even more with this book by my side!
“Perfect for curious minds, this inspiring guide is a must-read for anyone dreaming of, or planning, a sustainable adventure in North America. Gift this unique book to the traveler in your life or simply keep these off-the-beaten track destinations all to yourself.”
Thank you @sabrina_dax_pr for this wonderful copy!
Offbeat North America by Lonely Planet was published earlier this year and you can find it on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt thank you to @sabrina_dax_pr for the incredible #gifted books!

These books are truly a treasure. They unveil a multitude of destinations that I never would have considered visiting. Each book features an insightful map along with captivating descriptions of the locations. What’s even more impressive are the curated crowd-free experiences and essential tips for first-time travelers. The photos are beautiful and enticed my to start making my vacation list.

The North America edition showcases an array of unique and lesser-known locations across every state, while the Offbeat book takes you on a journey around the globe, revealing exciting places complete with fascinating details.

I'm genuinely thrilled to start planning my next adventure to explore these stunning destinations. With so many recommendations for hiking, camping, fishing, and dining, each country comes alive with unique experiences waiting to be discovered.

If you have a passion for venturing off the beaten path, these books are an absolute must-have. Don’t miss out; they are both available now!

[On_a_sandbar (Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you prefer to visit popular tourist locations and attractions? Do you like see the smaller, less crowded jewels?

I’m really a fan of the sometimes quirky, and usually less crowded spots. Of course I’m going to see the important locations but I love the lesser traveled ones, too.

Lonely Planet’s Offbeat North America offers more than 100 unforgettable destinations for from the tourist trail in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic like:
🐳 🪿Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec
🤿 🐬🏄🏻 Wai’anae Coast, Hawaii
⛷️🐴 Butte, Montana
🍷🪻Hill Country area, Texas
🐎 🥃 🎺 Lexington, Kentucky

On my trip radar:
🦙 Grand Junction, CO - Alpacas!
📚 Lafayette, LA - I’ve been there but, how did I miss the Beausoleil Bookshop?
🍽️ And a secret supper show at Maison Madeleine B&B featuring award winning musicians and James Beard nominated chefs?!!
🍇 Clear Lake, CA - Napa without the price, Tahoe without the tourists! 👏🏻👏🏻

Thank you @sabrinadaxpr and @lonelyplanet for my gorgeous hardcover book and the fun stickers!

🎉 Pub date May 21, 2024

Full post on Instagram @on_a_sandbar

[Marne - Reader By the Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, @lonelyplanet and @sabrina_dax_pr, for the gifted finished copy of this drool-worthy book.

The pictures don’t do this coffee table book justice. It weighs 3 pounds, 6 ounces, and is bigger than my neighbor’s cat. It’s equally gorgeous and succinct. Each area gets two pages of text and bullet points describing an area off the beaten path with tips and techniques for making the most of your visit: when to go, how to get there, and how to get around once you arrive. It’s compelling and addictive, especially with the stunning pictures throughout.

As I flipped through the pages, I couldn't help but reminisce about the states we’ve lived in (eight!) or visited (all but four?). This personal connection made the book even more enjoyable. However, a word of caution: this book, like all Lonely Planet publications, is a surefire way to ignite your wanderlust. Read at your own risk. 😉

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to get a copy of Offbeat North America 100 Amazing Places Away From the Tourist Trail by Lonely Planet. This books is stunning! The pictures, places, and research are incredible. Offbeat shares about each location in a four page spread that tells you what there is to do at the location, crowd-free recommendations, when to visit, how to get there, and tips for visiting the first time.

I was absolutely intrigued with Offbeat North America. I found myself looking for places I have been like Columbus, Ohio; St. Augustine, FL, and Kansas City, Missouri, and places I could visit in the future. I loved how they mentioned Cincinnati as well. This book will give you hours of enjoyable reading as you discover places that are off the beaten path. I highly recommend Offbeat North America!

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful coffee table book filled with stunning color photos and unique travel inspiration across North America. I’m grateful to have this for reference.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑩𝑬𝑨𝑻 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 gives 100 places that are off the beaten path, but still accessible! I may have a few of these chosen for future trips already. This spans the continent and includes gems from Canada, regional areas in the U.S., and Mexico & the Caribbean. I have scoured each page. I was a bit tickled by some of the Midwest options as I grew up here, but I will concede, it is offbeat!

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed. Some of the chapters were just cities or whole states.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly fun and lovely read! Get ready to think about road trips, because these are places that you are going to want to visit.

Very well done and super informative.

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to go - now!

p-n, s-n, v-n

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, great advice for more off-the-beaten-path places. Some are more secluded than others. The book also lists some smaller cities and areas for travelers to consider. New and updated book.