Lonely Planet launches travel app to expand digital platform strategy

Lonely Planet has launched a new app that combines its expert destination guides with maps, local recommendations, and trip building tools. Curated by its team of 450 travel experts worldwide, the app is currently available in the U.S., with an AI assistant planned for later. Travelers can get a year of free membership for a limited time, with paid tiers expected in late 2026. This move is part of Lonely Planet's evolution from guidebook publisher to digital ecosystem, complementing the Lonely Planet Journeys booking service launched in fall 2025.