For most of us, the first time we travel isn’t a physical experience—it’s a mental one. Books were probably my very first foray into travel as a child. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but those stories were transporting me across oceans to far-off places. Stories like Swiss Family Robinson, Hansel and Gretel, and the many fairy tales, all took me to places I could barely imagine as a youngster. Now decades later, I’m a world traveler in my own right. Whether you’re an over 60 traveler like me or want to take the first steps to seeing your first foreign country, look to these books for inspiration.
The ABC Travel Greenbook by Martinique Lewis
I love recommending this book to my fellow Black world travelers and anyone interested in diverse cultural experiences. It features throngs Black-owned businesses across six continents and makes supporting them straightforward. Lewis’ work also fills you in about restaurants, tours, festivals, and a range of other experiences, all geared to the Black community. There are even resources here for countries that aren’t necessarily known for their Black population. Black-owned boutiques in the heart of Zurich? Sign me up! If a full-length book isn’t your speed, you can always download the app of the same name.
Follow Marty on Instagram @marty_sandiego and buy her book.
The Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo
This travel book is truly empowering. Written by Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to visit all 195 United Nations member countries, it serves as a fascinating guide to seeing the world. The Catch Me If You Can is full of adventure, culture, and good old-fashioned human connection. I love rereading her words before setting out on a trip! It’s part memoir and part guidebook, but it’s 100% an enlightening, entertaining and inspiring good time. Word on the street is that Jessica is working on a cookbook that also mentioned her latest travels–get excited!
Follow Jessica on Instagram and grab a copy of her book!
Wander Woman by Beth Santos
Next up is a brand-new book by the wonderful Beth Santos! Released just this month Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo is essential reading if you’re looking to feel empowered to go out and see the world. It’s geared toward women hoping to grow their confidence, but includes relevant tips for all kinds of people. This book is a concise guide of everything you need to know before embarking on a solo trip, with passages dedicated to these often overlooked topics:
- How to eat alone
- Finding community as a solo traveler
- Traveling ethically
- Sustainability while traveling
Follow Beth on Instagram @maximumbeth and buy her book!
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Sometimes fictional tales are what inspire us most. This novel by Lisa See is a gorgeous depiction of life on the Korean Island of Jeju. The Island of Sea Women incorporates themes of friendship, Korean culture, and war all against the backdrop of a storied real-life island. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Jeju myself on my last South Korea trip, and I got to see the incredible female divers first hand. While this book isn’t based on real people, it does give you insight into a real place you can visit today. See’s novel is sure to spark curiosity about this amazing piece of culture!
Anything by James Michener
James Michener is a prolific author who has been writing for decades. He has a long list of works, some of them covering international travel, but many discuss U.S. destinations. When I read Michener’s historical fiction novel on Hawaii years ago, I was hooked on his style. He manages to go so in-depth about a country or region’s history and culture. His work is required reading for me to prepare for upcoming trips!
What Are Your Favorite Travel Books?
As you gear up for your next adventure, be sure to take inspiration from literature! The written word has been inspiring travel for hundreds of years. Just look at the recent tourism boom in Croatia as an example—since serving as the backdrop for Game of Thrones, people flock there from across the world. Do you have any suggestions for engrossing travel books? I’m also on the lookout for travel-inspired movies. Send me your recommendations on Instagram @travelingblackwidow!