Lonely Planet Co-Founder Rules Out Russia, Saudi Arabia, US, Bali Over Conflict, Unrest

Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet and a seasoned traveler to over 170 countries, has publicly identified four destinations he will not revisit: Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the Indonesian island of Bali. Wheeler refuses to return to Russia due to its ongoing war with Ukraine and the actions of Vladimir Putin, including the killing of innocent people and the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17. Saudi Arabia is off his list because of its human rights abuses, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the mistreatment of East African domestic workers, as well as the unethical treatment of cheetahs imported as pets. The United States, despite Wheeler's extensive travels there and nearly completing visits to all 50 states, is currently a no-go due to the political climate and leadership. Bali, despite its attractions and cultural offerings, is excluded because of severe traffic congestion that Wheeler finds intolerable. His reflections also express a broader moral conflict about traveling amidst global issues, influencing his travel choices.