Lonely Planet's Passport to the World Festival
featuring Michael Franti & Friends
Music is such a powerful, communal force that can truly engage people and bring them together in a significant way. Lonely Planet's Passport to the World events will be headlined by Michael Franti & Friends and feature locally-based, international musicians from each city. Attendees will be able to have their passport photos taken and receive passport applications, meet and talk to Lonely Planet authors & experts, tape video testimonials about their greatest travel story (or greatest travel dream), and experience the sights and sounds of world travel in the Lonely Planet Lounge.

Why We Are So Passionate
We at Lonely Planet believe that international travel is one of the best ways to increase understanding, promote tolerance and help create one planet. Travel is a powerful source of personal enjoyment, enrichment and interest for both the traveler and the host. American citizens can play an important role as ambassadors of their country, serving as agents of understanding, tolerance and mutual respect as they travel out into the world and interact with people in other nations. Yet currently less than 23% of Americans have passports. We ask you to join us in our effort to raise awareness of the importance of international travel and the positive impact it can have on individuals, our nation and the world. Please sign our petition to make September National Passport Month.

National Passport Month
To further promote the importance of this initiative, Lonely Planet is deeming September 2005 the First Annual National Passport Month. Our goal is to build enough momentum to drive the passage of the bill in Congress so that September will continue to live on as National Passport Month. Throughout September, Lonely Planet is hosting events around the country and continuing to gather petition signatures to spread the word about this initiative, the importance of travel and the positive live-changing effect it can have on individuals as well as our nation and the world. continue reading...