HOPE FOR THE FUTURE President Barack Obama shares his thoughts on travel with Lonely Planet

Posted on 11/21/2016 | About Peru

US President Barack Obama shared his thoughts on travel and his hopes for the future of the planet with Lonely Planet. Obama was in Peru concluding what is likely to be his final foreign trip as President of the United States. Having travelled extensively during his eight years in office, President Obama is the first sitting US president to visit Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Laos and Myanmar. The President offered to share his thoughts with Lonely Planet on how interacting with people and cultures from different countries is essential for the world's future.

In an exclusive piece he talks about how travel is fundamental to progress and essential to overcome challenges across borders. Since the publication of its first guidebook in 1973, Lonely Planet has always believed responsible travel can be a force for good, and continues to today as the world travels with Lonely Planet content on mobile, web and in print. It's a belief shared by Obama, detailed in his exclusive article on lonelyplanet.com, highlighting how the optimistic, tolerant and engaged young people he has met around the world give him hope for the future. A key takeaway from his extensive travels as President is the importance of engaging beyond governments, and connecting with young people – who will determine the future of the planet – in a meaningful way. This is particularly crucial for the future of the developing world, where 90 percent of the global population under 30 lives.“It is the world's young people who will determine whether their voices direct the change that is sweeping our world towards greater justice, opportunity, tolerance, and mutual respect.” Said the President.Read the President’s reflections on travel on Lonely Planet