National Geographic Traveler can no longer rely on its parent brand's recognition because social media is leveling the playing field for younger online based publications.
Moon doesn't have the name recognition of some of the other travel brands, but it's managed to avoid they pitfalls that's taken them down. Newlin's experience demonstrates the value of bucking traditional wisdom.
There's a very short list of people who've figured out how to do travel on television. Fingers crossed NC2's efforts will add a few shows to that list.
Professionally created guides will always have a place in the traveler's toolkit, but they aren't going to be limited to paper any more and the next generation of guidebook brands will need to make the business work sooner rather than later.
Rick Steves points out that TripAdvisor and online travel agencies such as Booking.com and Venere can have a negative impact on small hotels, but commenters come back at him pointing out that he can wield undue influence, as well.
Behind Steves' middle-America explorer facade lies not only a political progressive, but smart business sense that may make his Euro-centric guide business the last man standing when the guidebook shakeout concludes.
You have to love it when a cherished travel writer gets blunt, like in this assessment of Scotland: "It's so boring that the Romans decided to block it off with Hadrian's Wall."