Each country I visit I try to pick up a book about the local history, culture, people or related areas—either fiction or non-fiction. Reading these books while traveling in the countries they are about really brings the stories and history to life. I’ve read a number of great books so far and a […]

In each country I’ve traveled, I always try to read a book or two in addition to a guidebook about the country in which I am exploring. My favorite read in Japan was a travel book entitled Hitching Rides With Buddha (previously titled Hokkaido Highway Blues). Written by Canadian, Will Ferguson who hitchhiked his way from the southern tip to the northern tip of Japan following the blossuming of the Sakura (cherry blossoms) after teaching English through the JET Program.

I have read nearly a dozen books specifically on how-to “travel around the world.” Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Practical Nomad, etc, and they are all good in their own way and each targeted a specific audience. But, my first recommendation to those of you wishing embark on such an adventure is to pick upRolf Pott’s Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. Read more about why.