ABOUT

Who is Robert Reid?
I’m a Oklahoma-raised, Brooklyn-based freelance writer who has written over a dozen books for Lonely Planet from 2003 to 2008 that have sold, and sell, nearly one million copies. Previously I worked at Lonely Planet’s Oakland and London offices as Series Publishing Manager to Shoestring and Multi-Country guides — and I’ve updated a dozen guides in the past five years (including Southeast Asia, Myanmar, Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia, Romania, Eastern Europe, Central America & New York City). While at LP, one of the most common requests was to make ‘customized’ books so that someone going to Paraguay or Suriname needn’t buy the full 1116-page South America guide. When Lonely Planet asked me to update the Vietnam guide in 2006 — a dream since I lived in Saigon in the late ’90s — I decided to make one for myself instead.

For other Robert writings and nonsense, check my other website. Recent Vietnam articles include an article on Phu Quoc for the Houston Chronicle (and other papers) and tips on Breaking the Group-Tour Ruts in Vietnam (on ThingsAsian.com).

When was this online guidebook published?
Robert updated the South Vietnam content in October and November of 2006, and published it here in February 2007. The Central and North Vietnam sections were updated May to July 2007 and published in September 2007. This turn-around time is about 10 months quicker than traditional guidebooks.

What’s next for ReidOnTravel?
More Vietnam updates — still need to add a few lesser-seen parts of Vietnam, including the Central Highlands and Con Dao Island — as well as Cambodia. Hoping to add this for next year’s peak season, published by the end of 2008.

Do you take freebies?
No, I accepted no free services – including hotels, package tours or meals – while updating this online guidebook. This distinguishes this free guide with a few guidebook publishers (not Lonely Planet), who encourage authors to get free hotels and services while researching.

What’s the difference between this site and regular guidebooks?
Everything you need for a trip to Vietnam is here: maps, hotel recommendations of all budgets, restaurants, travel agents to trust, bus/train/plane info. The biggest difference is that it’s free! And I give far more frank, personal recommendations than you’ll see in guidebooks, who have to be more measured in how high they gloat over places. I’ve visited all the sites here (other than a couple secluded, luxury beach resorts, which I flag in text) and ‘tell it like I would tell my friends.’ In some cases, I box unworthy hotels in ‘No!’ sections — I’m not trying to pick on poor choices, but flag ones that otherwise have reputation or visibility when you get into town.

One of the key things I heard from readers when working in-house at Lonely Planet is the idea of interactive guides – where travelers could customize their guides so they wouldn’t have to tote a full book, but only what they needed. Well, here it is – you can print just sections you want, or refer to by the Internet on the road. Up to you – it’s your trip.

How do you make money?
I don’t yet — well, I got $17 from the affiliate ads I have in the right column so far. Any ideas?

Do you accept ads?
Sure. Hit ‘Contact’ on the thumb tab and let’s talk.

Got any press?
Well, a Transitions Abroad piece included the site. It’s a start. Hit ‘Press’ on the links, below to the right, for a few more mentions.