I’m a big fan of travel books. They’re my go-to for long flights, bus rides, and train rides. Actually, I just love reading in general. As a kid, I was a bookworm, but as I got older, I found less time to read. So, last year, I started a book club to motivate myself to read more. Now, I’m reading about a book a week, sometimes even two if they’re short.
In 2015, I shared a list of some of my favorite books. Now, as we’re nearing the end of 2016, I want to share some more of the fantastic books I’ve read this year that you might want to add to your Amazon wishlist:
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A Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell: This is probably my favorite book of the year. It’s a funny and insightful story about Helen Russell’s move to Denmark when her husband got a job at the Lego offices in Jutland. She explores why the Danes are so happy, covering everything from childcare and education to food, interior design, taxes, and sexism.
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Eat Pray Eat by Michael Booth: I found this book in Thailand. It’s about Michael and his family’s trip to India, partly because he wanted to write a book on Indian food, and partly because his wife thought it was time for a family trip. It’s a story about personal transformation and reconnecting with family.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Paradise by Alex Sheshunoff: This book is about Alex quitting his job in NYC at the end of the tech boom and moving to the South Pacific in search of the perfect life. He travels from island to island, trying to find the "paradise" we all crave.
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson: This book is about breaking down the myth that we’re all special and that we’re owed happiness. It’s about accepting things as they are, recognizing that problems can push us towards development, and focusing on the bigger picture.
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The Backpacker by John Harris: This book is about John’s travels to India, where he meets Rick, who persuades him to go to the Thai island of Ko Phangan. They pose as millionaire aristocrats, get on the wrong side of the Thai mafia, and then travel to Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and Hong Kong.
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Walking the Nile by Levison Wood: This book is about Levison Wood’s journey to be the first person to walk the full length of the Nile. It’s a fascinating tale with plenty of insight into this part of Africa.
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Backpacking with Dracula by Leif Pettersen: This book is a travelogue, history book, and practical guide to Romania. It’s a witty and funny retelling of Romanian history.
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Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King: This book is about twelve American sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815, captured by desert nomads, sold into slavery, and taken on a two-month journey through the Sahara.
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The Joys of Travel by Thomas Swick: This book is about "the seven joys of travel" through a series of personal essays that detail his experiences visiting destinations across the globe.
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Encore Provence by Peter Mayle: This book is a series of essays and comments on the changes in the region, thoughts on the popularity of his first book, and a "how-to guide" to visiting the area.
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Getting Stoned with Savages by J. Maarten Troost: This book is about Troost’s life in Vanuatu and Fiji. He and his wife move back to the South Pacific after she gets a job, he gets fired, and they decide it’s a better place to start a family.
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Eating Vietnam by Graham Holliday: This book is about the history and culture behind Vietnam’s street cuisine. It provides a unique perspective on the country.
If you’re looking for some great books, consider some of these!
For your trip, you can find cheap flights using Skyscanner. For accommodation, you can book your hostel with Hostelworld or use Booking.com for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t forget travel insurance to protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. For activities for your trip, Get Your Guide is a great resource.
