Hey ConvenienceBigs,
Thanks for signing up for my virtual travel book club!
Once a month, I'll send out an e-mail with my favorite books of the month. I'm constantly reading so I always have a lot of suggestions. They will be about travel, personal development, entrepreneurship, and anything else I find inspirational. Just a few books to inspire you. That's it. I'm a voracious reader and am glad to know that you are too!
To start, here are my all-time favorite travel related books:
In a Sunburned Country
by Bill Bryson
This book chronicles Bill's journey through Australia and takes you through tiny little mining towns, forgotten coastal cities, and off-the-beaten-path forests. Bryson includes lots of trivia in his tale as he travels around in awe - and sometimes in fear (thanks to box jellyfish, riptides, crocs, spiders, and snakes) - of this enormous country. Bryson is one of the most prolific and recognized names in travel writing and he hardly ever writes a bad book in his quirky, yet informative, style. This book inspired me to go to Australia and is one of the most amazing travel books ever written. It just pulls in....and down under!
Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story
by Tony and Maureen Wheeler
Written by the founders of Lonely Planet, this book chronicles the start and rise of the guidebook found in everyone's backpack or on everyone's bookshelf. The story follows Tony and Maureen from when they set out from England in the 1970s for trip across Asia, their move to Australia, and how they founded, Lonely Planet. In between, you hear all their travel tales and learn about their early business struggles. It is ultimately a fascinating read about the company that helped start the travel guidebook industry and forever changed how we travel. They helped inspire my website and one day I wish I have as much impact as they have!
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
I can't count how many times I've read this book. I pick it up at least once a year for inspiration. The story follows a young shepherd boy from Spain to Egypt as he follows his heart, goes with the flow, learns to love, and learns the meaning of life. The book is filled with wonderful and inspirational quotes, my favorite being "If you can concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man...Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we're living right now." This is one of those books that makes you rethink what you're doing in life and keeps you focused on your dream. While all the books on this list are incredible, if you read just one, make it this one.
The Beach
by Alex Garland
This story about backpackers and their search for off-the-beaten path "authentic" paradise is one many of us can relate to. Following Richard and his quest to "do something different" in Thailand, he heads off the beaten path in hopes of an authentic experience but finds that things aren't always what they appear. The book is part adventure and part an exploration of why travelers always search for utopias and the consequences of that quest. It was turned into a movie featuring Leonardo DiCaprio back in the 90s. However, the book is a lot different (and much better). Focusing on the ideal of travel, I can't recommend the book enough.
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
by Rolf Potts
Written by the godfather of backpacking, this book is a must-read for those new to long-term travel. Rolf spent 10 years on the road (he even walked across Israel) and his book contains valuable insights, quotes, and practical information. From saving to planning to life on the road, this is a must for newbies. It's an inspirational book and one that really affected me when I was planning my trip. Whereas my book might be for the practical purpose, if you're looking for anything to articulate the why of long-term travel, this is it. Read this before you head out on the road.
Until next month, happy reading!
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