Travel Books and Literature

Whether it is information to prepare for your vacation, or reading to get you excited, here is what should be on your shelf and in your bag

Guidebooks

I always get a guidebook as a starting place before planning an international trip. Yes, there are a lot of free references online (including this site), but guidebooks tend to provide a broad and diverse overview that can help as a first take on providing a sightseeing framework. From there, it is easier to get a sense of the main things you want to experience and then fill that in with other insights and research. There are many series out there and each connect with different types of travelers. My preference was Lonely Planet for many years, but in the last decade I've become a big fan of the DK Eyewitness series. The color photos are great and the history and descriptions seem to find a sweet spot on the level of depth needed to be properly familiar.

Experienced Tip: Buy used guidebooks and save money. The information doesn't change that often on the main tourist information and you will find exactly what you need in a used copy at Half Price Books or Amazon.

Maps

If traveling in your own country, most people just use their phone for maps and directions. However, traditional printed maps can be helpful when in a foreign country. They won't cost anything to access if you don't want to add to your service plan or depend on service coverage at the time you need it. Paper maps are also less risky have out or misplace (there have certainly been times that I didn't feel safe pulling out my phone). You can always print out a few online maps and mark out your main stops ahead of time. Another option at a small cost is the "Streetwise" series of maps (available online or in bookstores) that are available for most major cities. They are laminated and won't get ruined in a backpack. However, what makes them great is the readability. These maps have the right amount of detail to orient you and leave out all the clutter.

Experienced Tip: Whether using a professional map or an online printout, make a couple photocopies and highlight your key reference areas (hotel, monument, etc.). Having a single sheet of paper that can fold small into a pocket is great for discreetly viewing on a subway or sneaking into somewhere you don't want to attract attention as a lost tourist.

Travel Writing Recommendations

Despite being passionate about travel, I haven't connected with large numbers of travel writing books. It might be because it's hard to really relate to someone else's experience since travel is so personal. We all find different meaning in going to a location. There is a good series called The Best American Travel Writing, which contains collections of short and medium length stories each year. I enjoy getting the annual edition and selecting ones that interest me- almost like articles in a magazine instead of committing to a full book.

The Longest Way Home, by Andrew McCarthy (yes, the actor), is my favorite travel writing book. It's a well written and engaging read about using travel to help find one's self. It is incredibly honest and also provides a window into experiening a few amazing locations.

Heads in Beds, by Jacob Tomsky, is an entertaining window into the hotel industry as told by someone that has had many roles on the front lines of high end hotels. Along the way you pick up some clear dos and don'ts for interacting with hotel staff and tricks to a better experience.

Into the Field, by Tracy Dahlby, is an excellent account of traveling the globe as an experienced foreign correspondent. Dahlby is a skilled storyteller and the book provides a great account of the tricks and challenges in both international journalism and simply emersing into an area's cultures and customs.