(World Hum, The Washington Post, Traveler’s Tales Best Travel Writing 2007) While many of my fellow Americans are watching Jack Black play an aspiring Mexican wrestler in “Nacho Libre,” I’ve come south on this balmy summer evening for the real deal.

(World Hum, The Washington Post, Shortlisted, The Best American Travel Writing 2007) In Xian, China, I answered my hotel room phone with no idea who would be on the other end of the line.

(World Hum, San Francisco Chronicle) I was strolling down rue Pizay, a narrow, well-lit street in Lyon, when I spotted the sign: “El Sombrero, Tex-Mex.” I knew it would be awful, but I was powerless.

(World Hum, The Chicago Tribune) Lonely Planet’s impact on the world of travel as the company turns 30.