I’m not really one for New Year’s Resolutions, but I do think January is a golden time to motivate you and choose your direction for the rest of the year. So, while I’ve done instructional posts for past years, this year instead of demands I figured I would give you some inspiration- in the form of an extensive reading list designed to get you psyched to put your travel dreams into action.
I have read every one of these books and personally recommend them.
Travel Memoirs
How Not to Travel the World- Lauren Juliff
If you’re read Lauren’s funny blog, than you are familiar with her crazy life and great writing. If not, settle in for a travel adventure that… doesn’t exactly go as planned.
The Lost Girls- Jennifer Bagget, Holly C Corbett and Amanda Pressner
Three best friends backpack across continents together and changer their lives. I read this book before I left on my round the world trip and it could not have made me more excited.
Love with a Chance to Drowning– Torie De Roche
Torie’s book might be the best written blogger turned memoirist story I’ve read. Read about how she, a water-phobic Australian expat, gave up everything to sail across the Pacific Ocean (love makes you crazy).
A Year Without Make-Up– Stephanie Yoder
How could I resist the urge to include my own little memoir? This slim book is about how I quit my job, traveled the world and met the man of my dreams- all without mascara.
Eat Pray Love– Elizabeth Gilbert
This classic is incredibly polarizing- people seem to either love it or hate it, but I’m firmly in the love camp. It’s the grand-daddy of modern travel memoirs and absolutely worth a read.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail– Cheryl Strayed
The movie was meh, but I fell head over heels for this hiking memoir- and I don’t even like to hike! Although Cheryl in the book isn’t much of an aspirational figure, Cheryl the writer is incredible.
A Cooks Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal– Anthony Bourdain
This is basically No Reservations in written form and it’s a pretty inspiring read for people who love food.
Lifestyle Design and Working Abroad
The Art of Non-Conformity- Chris Guillebeau
This is the perfect punch of inspiration for people who are waffling about quitting their jobs and leading a more unconventional life.
The 4-Hour Workweek- Timothy Ferris
I’m going to go on the record as saying that I think the 4-hour workweek method is basically baloney. It can’t be done. Nonetheless I still think this book is worth reading as a primer on lifestyle design and thinking outside the box.
Hammocks and Hard Drives: The Tech Guide for Digital Nomads- Dave Dean
If you are planning to work while you travel, then your have a lot to consider before you leave. This is a great guide for the challenges you might encounter working on the road.
Travel Writing 2.0: Earning Money From Your Travels in the New Media Landscape– Tim Leffel
While I certainly don’t recommend travel writing or blogging for everyone, this is a great guide to getting started.
How-To’s
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel– Rolf Potts
Rolf Potts is one of the biggest names in modern travel writing, so he definitely knows what he’s talking about. All of his writing is good, but this guide to extended travel is a must-read for anyone planning a long trip.
How To Travel the World for $50 a Day– Matt Kepnes
My buddy Matt runs one of the most successful and long-standingbudget travel blogs out there, Nomadic Matt.
The Food Traveler’s Handbook– Jodi Ettenberg
I’ve eaten with Jodi and I can tell you- nobody knows food better than Jodi. This is a great guide for eating safely, and deliciously, around the world.
The World’s Cheapest Destinations: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune- Tim Leffel
This is the fourth edition of this guide to all the cheapest places to live and travel around the world.
How to Become a House-Sitter and See the World– Dalene and Pete Heck
Housesitting is an ideal way to live all over the world rent free. This is a great primer to get you started.
How to Shit Around the World: The Art of Staying Clean and Healthy While Traveling– Jane Wilson-Howarth
Here is your bible for staying healthy while you travel the world.
Classics
Travels with Charley– John Steinbeck
One of my favorite travel memoirs by one of my favorite authors. Steinbeck drove across the US with only his standard poodle for company. Here is what he found.
A Moveable Feast (Or pretty much anything)- Ernest Hemingway
Look: basically any of Hemingway’s Europe based books, novel or memoir, are more travelogue than anything else. The Sun Also Rises, Death in the Afternoon, For Whom the Bell Tolls. They are all beautiful.
Into the Wild– John Krakauer
Some might call this book inspiring, I would say it’s more of a guide on what not to do. In any case it’s gripping.
The Beach– Alex Garland
Visitor’s to Thailand will find copies of this book strewn everywhere. Although it’s message has been distorted over the years, it’s still essential reading for all backpackers.
