The underlying theme uniting the photographs in this book is connection - travel's most rewarding and profound gift, encouraging appreciation of the similarities we share in a world of different cultures, experiences, circumstances and environments.

Chosen from the collection of images held in the Lonely Planet Images library, the photographs in this book were selected not only for their beauty and photographic excellence, but also for their sense of capturing a moment in time, a moment that is shared - or at least understood - across the globe.

The photographs capture the essence of being there, in that moment. The immediacy is inclusive; their energy, edge and sense of fun invite the viewer into the picture to participate in the universal emotions and rituals that connect us all as humans.

Above all, the photographs in this book carry one simple message - 'see it for yourself.' It is Lonely Planet's hope that the images in this book will inspire the creation of new adventures.