The books that we read, whether travel-focused or not, may influence the way in which we understand the process or experience of travel. This multidisciplinary work provides a critical analysis of the inspirational and transformational role that books play in travel imaginings. Does reading a book encourage us to think of travel as exotic, adventurous, transformative, dangerous or educative? Do different genres of books influence a reader's view of travel in multifarious ways? These questions are explored through a literary analysis of an eclectic selection of books spanning the period from the eighteenth century to the present day. Genres covered include historical fiction, children's books, westerns, science-fiction and crime fiction.
In A Sense of Place, journalist/travel writer Michael Shapiro goes on a pilgrimage to visit the world's great travel writers on their home turf to get their views on their careers, the writer's craft, and most importantly, why they chose to live where they do and what that place means to them. The book chronicles a young writer’s conversations with his heroes, writers he's read for years who inspired him both to pack his bags to travel and to pick up a pen and write. Michael skillfully coaxes a collective portrait through his interviews, allowing the authors to speak intimately about the writer's life, and how place influences their work and perceptions. In each chapter Michael sets the scene by describing the writer's surroundings, placing the reader squarely in the locale, whether it be Simon Winchester's Massachusetts, Redmond O'Hanlon's London, or Frances Mayes's Tuscany. He then lets the writer speak about life and the world, and through quiet probing draws out fascinating commentary from these remarkable people. For Michael it’s a dream come true, to meet his mentors; for readers, it's an engaging window onto the twin landscapes of great travel writers and the world in which they live.
Inspired to Travel; Travel to Inspire – A Travel Memoir describes the author’s many travels and life journey. Coming from a very provincial background, she persisted to follow her passion and eventually fulfilled her dreams to travel and explore other countries and experience other cultures. Joan believes that if she can inspire one other soul to follow his/her dream by reading this book, then the author has fulfilled one more of her own dreams.
This travel coloring book for grown-ups features 47 beautifully detailed cityscapes and scenes from across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Each illustration was created from a real-life photograph taken during the around-the-world, non-stop travel adventures of the book's husband-and-wife creators, Geoff and Katie Matthews. Offering a range of difficulty, from relatively simple illustrations of Paris, Guatemala, and Colombia, to extraordinarily detailed architectural cityscapes of Prague, Quito, La Paz, and others, the crisp black and white line drawings will transport colorists from Taiwan to Lithuania to Argentina with the flip of a page. This adult coloring book is perfect for people who love to travel, people who dream of traveling, and those who love to lose themselves in a world of imagination and creativity while completing colorful cityscapes, detailed line work, and memorable vignettes of extraordinary travel destinations.
A Newbery Medal Winner Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic fantasy-adventure is now available in a handsome new edition. "William Pene du Bois combines his rich imagination, scientific tastes, and brilliant artistry to tell astory that has no age limit."—The Horn Book
In this mix of memoir, guidebook, and travelogue, a married couple documents the year they took off from work and traveled the world together. Wait for me . . . Who knew these three words said to a near stranger would start an international travel adventure? A Year Off is one part memoir, one part travel essays and one part travel guide, documenting the story of Alexandra and David Brown, a couple who decided to take a year off from their jobs and “regular lives” to travel the world together after only knowing each other for four months. Each chapter tackles a different part of the journey, including: -Practical takeaways for how to take the same leap and travel, like tips on budgeting, planning, pacing and adjusting to culture shock -A look into David and Alexandra’s story as they traveled the world together and got to know one another -Colorful memories of their travels, like a dramatic kayak ride in Milford Sound, New Zealand, an emotional evening in India, a life-changing meal in the Loire Valley, France, a hilarious makeover in Romania . . . and many more This inspiring book is for all the dreamers, would-be adventurers and endearingly practical professionals looking to scratch the travel itch. With many gorgeous photographs and actionable travel advice, A Year Off captures all the beauty and magic of the wanderlust spirit, guiding readers on how to take the same leap and showing them just how doable a journey this type of round-the-world travel is. Praise for A Year Off “In A Year Off married couple Alexandra and David Brown chronicle a trip around the world and provide advice for travelers who may want to follow in their footsteps. Filled with personal stories, useful takeaways, beautiful photos and great design, chapters like “Identity Crisis” and “Financial Freak-outs” make it clear that the Browns haven’t airbrushed their story.” —BookPage “Have you ever dreamed of quitting the rat race and taking a year off—and then swiftly jolted back to reality? If so, A Year Off will give you the inspiration and the courage to make it happen in real life.” —The Independent
Traveling alone doesn't have to be scary! With the proper tools, community and precautions, anyone can expertly navigate the globe on their own. Jen Ruiz is a lawyer turned travel blogger and bestselling author who has traveled the world extensively by herself. "The Solo Female Travel Book" is the latest installment in her how-to travel series and includes funny stories, tips and inspiration to help you see the world safely and confidently. From surviving her first overnight hike in the Grand Canyon to dating mishaps while "living abroad" in Sydney Australia, Jen shares some of her most comedic and relatable travel memories in this book. It's half guide, half memoir, all heart and a must-read for aspiring female adventurers. With this book, you will learn how to: - Prepare for your first solo trip - Choose the right destination - Plan the perfect itinerary - Take stunning photographs by yourself - Pack light and bring all the essentials - Make friends abroad and combat loneliness And much more! Don't let fear hold you back. You don't need to have a travel partner to have amazing adventures. There is power in flying solo, and it's time for you to start discovering it.
A sweeping novel set in war-torn 1928 China, with a star-crossed love story at its center. In a city full of thieves and Communists, danger and death, spirited young Lydia Ivanova has lived a hard life. Always looking over her shoulder, the sixteen-year-old must steal to feed herself and her mother, Valentina, who numbered among the Russian elite until Bolsheviks murdered most of them, including her husband. As exiles, Lydia and Valentina have learned to survive in a foreign land. Often, Lydia steals away to meet with the handsome young freedom fighter Chang An Lo. But they face danger: Chiang Kai Shek's troops are headed toward Junchow to kill Reds like Chang, who has in his possession the jewels of a tsarina, meant as a gift for the despot's wife. The young pair's all-consuming love can only bring shame and peril upon them, from both sides. Those in power will do anything to quell it. But Lydia and Chang are powerless to end it.
As thrilling as travel can be, planning a great trip can be intimidating for those hoping for a rewarding and personalized journey. The travel editors at Fathom have spent years gathering a treasure trove of recommendations and stories from a network of interesting people who travel well (chefs, novelists, designers, innkeepers, musicians) in places both well-known and off the beaten path. All of this has been beautifully packaged up in the first edition of Travel Anywhere (and Avoid Being a Tourist), a book that will inspire the traveler in you, no matter what kind of experience you're looking for. Along with compelling anecdotes, suggestions, interviews and imagery, you'll find a clever approach to being a better traveler and global citizen – everything from how to go off-grid and where to go for a once-in-a-lifetime meal, to cool ways to give back and learn more about other cultures. Whether you're getting on a plane or sitting on the couch, this book navigates readers through the full trip journey, celebrating travel inspiration, experiences and the lingering memories of it all.
