Recommended Reading: The World

GREAT READS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OWN ADVENTURES

THE WORLD

No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love and Wandering by Clara Bensen. Clara and her not-yet-officially-a-boyfriend Jeff explored the parameters of their unconventional relationship during three weeks of Couchsurfing around Europe with nothing but the clothes on their backs and, in Clara’s case, a small purse with a few necessities. Her insightful, beautifully written story inspired my own luggage-free travel. Read more

Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman “I move throughout the world without a plan, guided by instinct, connecting through trust, and constantly watching for serendipitous opportunities,” she explains. Tales of a Female Nomad is the story of an ordinary woman who is living an extraordinary existence. At the age of forty-eight, on the verge of a divorce, Rita left an elegant life in L.A. to follow her dream of connecting with people in cultures all over the world. In 1986 she sold her possessions and became a nomad ... Read more

The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls and the Search for Home by Pico Iyer In the global village that our world has become, travel and technology fuel each other and us. 'Everywhere is made up of everywhere else,' motion is our most constant state of being, our very souls have been put into circulation. Yet, as Pico Iyer points out in his fresh, acutely observant, and witty book, even a global person must have a home. Using his own multicultural upbringing (Indian, American, British) as a point of departure, Iyer sets out on a journey toward a definition of home. Read more

Adventures of a Railway Nomad: How Our Journeys Guide Us Home by Karen McCann Three months of train travel with no agenda, no reservations, and no fixed itinerary. "Adventurous and bold . . . full of twists and surprises," says Chris Brady, NY Times bestselling author. "Hilarious, inspiring, and beautifully written," says George Mahood, bestselling author of Free Country. "Karen's storytelling is, if possible, even more enticing than her astonishing journey," says
Alicia Bay Laurel, bestselling author of Living on the Earth. Read More

Going Gypsy: One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All by David and Veronica James When their last child left home, this intrepid couple decided to quit their jobs, sell everything, and hit the road in a beat-up, second-hand RV. They began a rollicking journey along America's back roads with a detour into Italy and a lot of self discovery. Read more

Living on the Earth by Alicia Bay Laurel Alicia Bay Laurel was just twenty years old when Living on the Earth was originally published; the book would go on to become a bestselling, trend-setting manual for natural, conscious living. During its 44 years in print, it has been cherished by those who would rather chop wood for fire than work behind a desk to pay the electric company, and by travelers who want a working knowledge of essential, natural first aid. Read more

101 Ways to Enjoy Living Abroad: Essential Tips for Easing the Transition to Expat Life by Karen McCann Thinking about working, studying, or retiring overseas? Reading this book is like sitting down over coffee with a savvy friend who’s ready to share inside information, money-saving strategies, and step-by-step advice. Available FREE on request. Write to enjoylivingabroad@gmail.com and put "101 Ways, Please!" in the subject line. Read more

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands (The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More than 60 Countries) by Terri Morrison & Wayne A. Conaway "Oops," writes a reviewer. "A few years ago, I offended a colleague from another country. Before I visited that country--or hosted a guest from that country in my home--I had meant to learn more about his culture, his behavior styles, his business practices, even his negotiating techniques. But I didn't. If you travel outside of your country...I have a book for you." Read more

Unlike some of my better-organized and more practical blogger friends, I have not included any books on these pages (or indeed any products anywhere on my blog or website) due to sponsorship of any kind. The books here are ones that have helped me on my own journeys, and I believe you might find them entertaining and useful while planning your own adventures.