My Favorite Books for Travel

(that aren’t travel guides)

One of the most important things I have learned while traveling is that dedicating time to bond with the destination beforehand, always leaves me with a greater sense of connection while visiting and long after I have left. My favorite way to bond from afar is through books! Closely followed by documentaries and movies highlighting the history, local culture, and cuisine.

As soon as I have a new place in mind to visit, the first thing I do is research books about the destination along with any noteworthy, local authors. Typically these aren’t Rick Steves or Lonely Planet guidebooks. They are novels, memoirs, mysteries, and historical accounts that add a different perspective and new depth to the destination.