These are some of the questions former CEO of Lonely Planet Daniel Houghton attempts to answer in this wide-ranging collection of Houghton's own insights and interviews with other avid travelers. After years of teaching people how to travel while running the world's biggest travel publisher, he attempts to help readers rediscover why they might be driven to do so. Wherever You Go includes interviews with notable people including Virgin Airlines founder Richard Branson, former U.S. Navy submarine commander Captain L. David Marquet, sailor Laura Dekker and travel writer Noo Saro-Wiwa. Between the interviews and his own anecdotes, Houghton provides a meditation on the function of travel in today's world, and how people can get the most from it--whether that is stepping outside of routines, dealing with unexpected hiccups or being prepared to eat just about anything.
Essentially, Houghton's book turns on the following point: "Travel is the single greatest thing you can do to expand your mind. When you go outside your comfort zone, you have no choice but to observe and learn about other ways of life." This is what he, and those he interviews, encourages readers to do more of--with respect, open minds and a willingness to grow from the experience. --Michelle Anya Anjirbag, freelance reviewer