I guess over two years ago I purchased the Lonely Planet Blue List 2006.  It was a well designed book, but now entirely practical when it comes to an actual guide book, which was the point I suppose.  And then when the 2007 book came out, LP offered a special “Purchase the Blue List 2007 and get a free copy of Blue List 2006.”  Well, I was interested in the 2007 edition (which was orange) so I got it and gave the 2006 book to a friend.  So when 2008 came out, I’m thinking…okay…let’s wait a year and get two at one time to save money (2009 & 2008).  Well 2009 came and no Blue List.  Instead LP came out with ‘Best in Travel 2009.’ And as I assumed, they offered a free copy of 2008 Blue List with it, shown above.  So I guess LP decided the Blue List wasn’t working anymore.  Which is a bit of a shame, since it was an interestingly designed book.  Bottom line…I’m going to be pissed if they come out with Blue List 2009 and I just bought this combo.  Wow…that took way more effort to explain than what I was shooting for.

Lonely Planet has a new application on their site. A trip planner. I’m not ecstatic about it though, it’s just a simplified way to get their information on where you want to go basically through a new drag and drop interface. And like so many other applications, you have to register (it means you’ll be getting more email) and search for where you want to go. Maybe it’ll be worth it for a few of you and actually help.

One of Lonely Planet’s newest items in the guide book collection are their Encounter Guides. I counted 26 cities for which they created an encounter guide. The difference between these guides and normal travel guide books are that these are pretty much purely about local knowledge and hotspots, not hotels and tourist warnings. They are pocket sized and they do come with a pullout map. Can’t wait to actually put one in use.

Need cash? Lonelyplanet.tv is offering $500 for good travel videos. Basically they want to monetize you tube…and cut you in a piece I suppose. I really don’t frequent LonelyPlanet.tv too much, but still found myself wishing I had a video of some of the shit I’ve seen. I just never carry a video camera while I travel. But that may change soon, as video cameras get smaller, better, and most importantly cheaper. The entry for the promotion is on lonelyplanet.com/youtube.