If you’re anything like me during these unprecedented times, you are anxiously waiting for when you can get back to exploring the world. But did you know there are still ways to travel without having to spend all the money? Yes, you heard that right! I like to call it ‘Couch Travel’. You can do this by watching travel TV shows, documentaries, and reading books! It can be just for fun, or perhaps to get a head start on the planning of your next trip. To help you feed your wanderlust during these times, here are 10 travel books you should read right now!

1000 Places to See Before You Die - Let’s start off this list with a classic. If you ever wanted to create an ultimate travel bucket list, Patricia Schultz has got you covered! A New York Times Bestseller, ‘1000 Places to See Before You Die’ brings together the top destinations around the world, both on and off the beaten path. Moving through each continent with lists packed with beaches, accommodations, activities, mountains, and so much more. With destinations such as Il Duomo in Florence, Italy; the Moroccan Sahara; the Drakensberg Mountain in South Africa; and the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, there’s something for everyone! This makes a perfect gift for any travel lover, and will never go out of style. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.

Hidden Places: An Inspired Traveller’s Guide - Savor seclusion as Sarah Baxter transports you to 25 of the most secretive destinations around the world. Places like Spirit Island, Canada; Our Dear Lord in the Attic, Netherlands; the Great Zimbabwe ruins in Zimbabwe; and Phnom Kulen National Park in Cambodia, each one is full of stories. Whether it’s a forgotten city, a hidden gem, or a spot that has been purposefully tucked away as a sanctuary for those escaping danger or persecution. Click here to purchase this book on Amazon.

Go Your Own Way - The first time I ever traveled solo was to Lisbon, Portugal while I was studying abroad. I can say with full disclosure that I was terrified. So I prepared how I would for anything else in my life: I bought a book written by someone with experience. Ben Groundwater’s ‘Go Your Own Way’ has quickly become one of my all-time favorite travel books. It goes through all the major differences between travelling alone versus travelling with someone: how to stay safe, how to make it affordable, and how to meet people while abroad. It also gives you a list of top cities for solo travelers, complete with recommendations for where to eat, where to sleep, and what to do. It finishes off with a list of 5 amazing journeys to do on your own. If you’ve ever wanted to travel the world solo, this is the ultimate preparation book for you. Click here to purchase this book.

Frozen River: Seeking Silence in the Himalaya - James Crowden tells his travel story that he began in 1976, and shares his perspective on life before mass tourism. The once army officer decided to part from the military to live amongst a remote mountain community in the Himalayas. This epic memoir shares the experiences of an American living silently in a community that was otherwise unaffected by the modern world. He shares his profound thoughts while participating in activities such as following butter traders along the river Leh, and listening to the chants of Buddhist monks. To purchase this book, click here.

National Geographic Travel - While it’s technically not a book, I couldn’t create this list without including the Travel articles from National Geographic. What used to be a print magazine has moved to a weekly email newsletter full of all the latest stories and events in the travel world. I signed up for the newsletter 3 years ago when I first started my bachelor’s degree in tourism management, and it has helped me stay updated on everything ‘travel’ going on in the world! To sign up for the National Geographic email newsletter, click here!

The Adventurer’s Son: A Memoir - This harrowing drama, written by National Geographic Explorer Roman Dial, recalls the disappearance of his son Cody Roman Dial while on a solo expedition through the dense jungles of Costa Rica, known for hiding poachers and drug smugglers. The last words that Roman Dial received from his son was in an email sent in 2014 the day before he disappeared. The story follows Roman’s journey through Costa Rica, trekking the jungle and interviewing locals for any clues that could help him find his son. You won’t want to put this book down! Click here to purchase the book on Barnes & Noble.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel - Every year, the authors and collaborators of Lonely Planet come together to predict the top destinations to visit for the upcoming year. These are the trendiest spots to go, or the places that are undiscovered gems! I used a book store gift card I got as a present for Christmas 2018 to buy the 2019 edition, and even managed to make it to one of the destinations on the list (Normandy, France)! If you want to be ahead of the game for the year’s hottest experiences, these are the books for you! You can purchase the 2020 edition by clicking here!

The Only Gaijin in the Village: A Year Living in Rural Japan - Scotland and Japan may just be two of the most culturally different countries. So when author Iain Maloney and his Japanese wife Minori decided to move out of the city and settle in a small Japanese village in the countryside, it was a complete culture shock! Even though he had spent over a decade living in Japan, learning the language and cultural nuances, he wasn’t prepared for this. Under the watchful and curious eyes of his neighbors, Iain learns how to adapt to the lifestyle of these Japanese farmers, all while dodging venomous snakes and wasps the size of small birds! If you’d like to purchase this book, click here!

Secret Marvels of the World: 360 extraordinary places you never knew existed and where to find them - The title of this travel book may be a mouthful, but it truly lives up to the name! I first read this book 2 years ago when my mother picked it up from the library for me while I was stuck at home with the flu. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I read it in just a few days. This Lonely Planet guide documents the weirdest and most wonderful spots to visit that you’ve probably never even heard of. If you’re anything like me, a person who loves to go off the beaten path and have experiences that other travellers might never get, this is the book for you. With places like the Swing at the End of the World in Tungurahua, Ecuador; the abandoned ghost ship in Kentucky, USA; the fairy circles in the Namib Desert of Namibia; and Vale da Lua, a valley of sculpted rock in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil, there so many extraordinary places to read about. Click here to purchase the book on Barnes & Noble.

Acanela Expeditions Blog - I may be a little biased, but if you want new and trendy articles about the top destinations in the world, you’re already in the right spot! Acanela Ambassadors (including yours truly) from all over the world write weekly articles that you can read and use to help plan ahead on your next trip! There are packing guides, ultimate destination guides, and plenty more! Acanela Expeditions blog articles should definitely be on your must-read list!

While we are all staying home, there is no better time to crack open a good book and dream of distant lands. From true stories of perseverance, to recommendations for where to go on your next expedition, travel books really have it all! Also, Make sure to check out @acanelaexpeditions on Instagram, where we are hosting virtual cooking shows, tours, and talk shows from the comfort of our own homes!

Post written by: Demitria Rounis