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Stress free travel
Travel planning releases endorphins! Anticipation, actively planning an adventure, picturing the fun you’ll have, reading the best travel books – all help relieve everyday stress. They lift you out of the humdrum of daily routines. Reading about adventures, watching movies about destinations, even pouring over maps, creates happiness. Travel fantasies also help relieve the eventual, inevitable complications that arise from making any trip a reality.
Here are a few of the best travel books I’ve come across in the last few months. Two fall into the aspirational category, one is eye-opening for anyone interested in extending their travel budget and immersing in new cultures. The final book is a keen reference for anyone who suffers from Jet Lag.
The Yoga of Max’s Discontent – Karan Bajaj
Rumi once said: “Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.”
Compelling and contagious, this novel hooked me deeply. I’ve been meditating for decades and was a yoga teacher for nearly ten years. It was easy to imagine the aspirations of the novel’s character, Max, but his fictionalized journey into and beyond Yoga will shake anyone who’s fantasized about exploring India’s spiritual culture.
The first page introduces us to Max, a Wall Street banker who travels the world in search of truth and enlightenment. Don’t imagine hippie beads and tie-dye, you can’t anticipate where Max goes with the desire to be something more. Author Karan Bajaj, was already a No. 1 bestselling author in India when he followed the endless trek of professionals chucking their productivity-obsessed professions, their complicated lives, to become beginners again and explore simply being. Within a year sabbatical, Bajaj grasped enough to settle into writing and returned to his corporate job in New York, changed in unexpected ways. The Yoga of Max’s Discontent is one of the best travel books I’ve read.
The Yellow Envelope – Kim Dinan
A lighter read, Kim Dinan’s novel about embracing a nomadic life will appeal to any of us who have pictured selling everything and leaving for parts unknown for as long as we can. The yellow envelope of the title becomes something of a talisman propelling Kim’s journeys, or repelling them. While the most compelling shifts happen within, luckily, Dinan pens introspection vividly. She dances close to Eat, Pray, Love territory but twists to surprising revelations.
Kim, like the protagonist Max, also abandoned a cubicle job, and told me that “There are times in life where we have to do the things that terrify us.” I won’t spoil her trajectory for you but the hopeful adventure is fraught with change, realization and quiet drama. How she gets there and where she goes next will surprise you.
Going Local: Experiences and Encounters on the Road – Nicholas Kontis
Authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and peer-to-peer encounters have become buzzwords within the travel industry. Long before business caught on, Nick Kontis was traveling and seeking new opportunities to experience the world. The sharing economy and internet access has opened up travel to those venturing on a shoestring as well as luxury wanderers. Kontis details Apps and other tools to connect with locals.
How to travel responsibly and consciously are issues dear to my nomadic heart. Kontis has connected with some of the most successful travelers in media, Tony Wheeler (Lonely Planet,) Rick Steves (TV and podcasts,) Richard Bangs (often considered the father of modern adventure travel,) Don George (pre-eminent travel writer and editor,) Judith Fein (award-winning travel writer and lecturer,) David Noyes (travel writer and photographer,) and James Dorsey (Explorers and Adventurers Club, photographer and lecturer.) Their wisdom pepper the chapters with invaluable insights. Food tourism, volunteer efforts, and home stays and exchanges, with Kontis’ guidance, will turn the exotic, otherness into face-to-face exchanges of a lifetime.
I will be referring to Go Local again and again.
The Cure for Jet Lag – Lynne Walker Scanlon and Charles F. Ehret, PhD.
I’m including a book that has transformed the way I approach any time-zone hopping flight. Whether it’s crossing from California to New York or zipping abroad, this program – The Cure for Jetlag – has saved many a trip. Jet lag affects each of us differently and unfortunately, I’m one who suffers most. My cells rebel, leaving my head heavy with fatigue and I spend long nights tossing in an effort to sleep. It’s not just personal discomfort but jet lag impacts my work and relationships. This program, which I’ve written about before, is detailed and specific. It becomes second nature with use. I’ve included a link to the updated book below. The program was originally developed at Argonne National Laboratory and used by Fortune 500 executives as well as U.S. Army Rapid Deployment Forces since Ronald Reagan was President.
Where to find the best travel books:
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Morning in magnificent Edfu.
Here, the Pharoahs celebrated and prepared offerings. The god Horus protected. Isis ruled with compassionate justice.
Today, the temple was hot, noisy with excitement and wonder, but the power of this space endures.
#egyptlove #egyptseraitravel #solotravels #sheisnotlostbutfound #tripwellgal #traveltuesday #travelwritersuniversity #travelernotebook
Weekend break from regular programming...
Attended the final tour concert of Half.Alive at the Los Angeles Wiltern.
What a masterful show and great crowd!
I discovered they were from Long Beach (a formative place for me.) Then they blew me away when I stumbled across their first Jimmy Kimmel performance well before the Big Pause. This was my 3rd show, and the night was so well curated, such fun - start to finish.
What favorite local band have you followed for years?
Thanks to @alongcomesmary26 for joining me!
A few moments of bites and sips in Aswan, Egypt.
See all the Egypt food experiences on YT:
https://youtu.be/Wg3ee83-MYU
#aswanegypt #cataracthotel #carriageride #travelwritersuniversity #foodiefriday
I found a few moments to myself in Karnak Temple.
Tourism is back, and the heat is rising, but go, just go.
#egyptseraitravel #egyptseraitravel #egypttravel #solotravels #karnaktemple #traveltuesday #travelwriters
#travelwritersuniversity #templearchitecture #gratitudedaily
The most beautiful train station - Cairo`s central. It`s full of symbolic shapes on a scale that complements the country`s history.
I didn`t need a ride. This was the destination.
#visitegypt #tripwellgal #traveltuesday #travelwriterscafe #egyptseraitravel
I`ve waited a lifetime...many actually....
Egypt, Day 1 - Cairo
Many thanks to @egyptseraitravel for masterfully arranging everything.
#cairoscene #greatpyramids #tripwellgal #travelernotebook #solotravelers #wanderbeauty #sheisnotlostbutfound #egyptseraitravel #visitegypt
Resembling prehistoric birds, three gigantic stilt-walking puppet performers moved through the crowd in San Diego`s Marina Plaza. It was all a little scary, extremely beautiful, and mesmerizing.
The Close-Act Theater Company creates large-scale, interactive performances based on direction by Hesther Melief and Tony Aerts. The performance is just one of many different acts free this weekend as part of the WOW Festival in San Diego. Reservations suggested. Birdman was supported by DutchCultureUSA.com
Ending a sublime week with a sunset flashback to a few days with friends in Baja Norte.
Celestial serendipity to see the sunset between the Coronado Islands. Thank you, @chefjulied for sharing the beauty.
Have a great weekend, my friends.
What a great selection. I am looking into getting ‘The Yellow Envelope”
#theweeklypostcard
Thank you, Nyla
The only thing better than traveling is reading a book that transports me – thanks for the many recommendations!
Thank you, Jackie. I love that transportation too.
I love the travel planning stage almost as much as the actual travel. I love scouring the bookstores and libraries for travel guides on my new travel destination.
I find the most useful part of the travel guide books to be the section at the back of the book that offers all the travel tips.
I have a few favorites and still love carrying a travel book with me when I’m in a new country. Lonely Planet guides have been with me for years.
What a great selection of “beach reads” for the summer! Re. jet lag, take No Jet-Lag tablets.
Thanks, Carole. Yes, good summer reads. I’ve used the no Jet Lag tablets but they haven’t helped me as much. Glad they work for you.
I will check out the cure for jet lag book… Also, Nick’s book is one I have downloaded and ready to read. I have trouble finding time to read for pleasure these days but any book that incorporates travel piques my interest.
I know the pressure of finding time to read but with an in-hand book have found it much easier to incorporate into my busy schedule and get away from the monitor for a few minutes. Nick’s book has a lot of great information.
Great list! I will have to read a few of these soon. Thanks for the suggestions!
Thanks, Kristina
I have two passions reading books and traveling. These books combine both and I have never heard of them. Thanks for the recommendations I will check them out.
Glad to hear about your passion. I hope you enjoy these.
The Nicholas Kontis book looks like a must read! I should try and get hold of that. Thanks for this post!
So very welcome, Claire. Thanks for stopping by.
Awesome list of travel books, Elaine! I agree that having literature to boost your anticipation helps deepen the impact of a trip. Thx for sharing.
You’re most welcome, Doreen. It’s a small but varied list.
I am in complete agreement. Reading about travel, preparing itineraries and indeed thinking about travel sure does generate a euphoric feeling. Travel books are a great source of inspiration and joy. This list looks promising, I have not read any of them but will check them out.
There is some good info and great stories in the list. I hope you get a chance to read them!
Oh I love me a good travel book or two!
Glad you do, Jean!
The anticipation is a great stage of travel planning
It can be such fun, especially when sharing with your travel buddy.
Travel planning is one of my favorite states of ‘being’. I just finished the Yellow Envelope and really enjoyed it. It actually brought me to tears several times. The Yoga of Max’s Discontent sounds like one I would enjoy. India is by far my favorite country and anytime I can do a bit of armchair travel back there I am in a good place! Love that photo of you in the poppy fields!
Thank you, Alison, I’m going to quote you one day about the favorite states of ‘being!’ Yes, I so loved the poppy fields and wish it happened every spring!
Awesome post! Makes me wanna check the book about yoga out!
Thanks, Aaron, I hope you do check out Max’s Discontent. Namaste!
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll be using this line, “Travel planning releases endorphins!” as I suggest this post to others.
Thanks, Kristin, always glad to hear there’s something useful to share.
Thanks for introducing me to these book titles! I’m always looking for good jet lag tips and tricks to minimize that horrible fuzzy feeling when we travel long distances.
I hate that ‘fuzzy’ feeling too. Hope the book helps you.
I need to check some of these out! They’ll be a great add to my summer list.
Thanks, Edith and Juan, I hope you find a good read here.
That jet lag one especially appeals to me! It used to never be a problem, but the older I get, the longer it takes to adjust. Thank you!
Jet lag is so harsh and perhaps, like you, I’m having more problems with it too. This helps me so much.
We love travel literature and this is a great list of travel books. Nicholas Kontis’ book sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing this list!
I hope you check out Nick’s book. Lots of great tips and stories.
Elaine, I like your proposals for travel books, especially The Yellow Envelope from Kim Dinan, because I find ourselves in his adventure. We also live as world nomads and left all behind five years ago.
How wonderful that you’re a nomad! I’d love to travel 6 months every year.
These all sound so good. It’s true that reading about a destination can get me excited about a trip. Time to start reading and planning! I definitely need the jet lag book!
Thanks for stopping by, Lois. Hopefully, the ‘Overcoming Jet Lag’ program helps you.
Perfect timing. I’m looking for another great travel book to read. I’ll have to check out your suggestions.
These are each so different from each other. I hope they’re a fit for you.
You are totally right; the anticipation and planning of our next rip are so joyous and do pull us up when day to day stresses get us down. I think I’ll check out The Yellow Envelope — looks like a great read!! Great post!
Thanks, Marilyn, I hope you like Kim’s book. Glad you found the post interesting.
I am always in search of good travel books. I have to take up on your advice and check out The Yoga of Max’s Discontent! Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks, Cat. That book is quite surprising.
Thanks for sharing your finds – I haven’t come across any of these titles yet, so adding them to my Kindle list – totally agree that reading travel adventures is my way of getting me through until the next trip 🙂 Maybe I’ll have a book of my own one day about my own adventures!
Yes, Megan, I hope you find the time to put all your success (and struggles) into a book or two or three. Just listened to your podcast with Alexa – such helpful info.
I love travel books and always try and pick up a book or two before my travels – it’s a great way to get in the mood for an adventure. Thanks for your recommendations – definitely need to check some of these out! I really enjoy some of Tony Hawks’ books – mixing travel with humour to great effect
Thanks for your recommendation. I’ll have to check out Tony Hawk’s books now too.
These sound like great reads! Going Local sounds like my kind of read. I love The Geography of Bliss and The Two of Travel!
Love getting recommendations for reads from fellow travelers! I’ll check yours out.
Great list Elaine! Thanks for putting it together. Definitely need The Cure for Jetlag!
May it ease your way, Melinda.
They are intriguing and great that these books are also travel related. Thanks for sharing these and now I have an option from Netflix on the road! @ knycx.journeying
Yes! I need to get away from the monitor – for work and fun. Old school and love having a page turner with me.
Your post certainly made me realise that I need to start my habit of reading books once again…they are such a balm for the soul as well. The book by Karan Bajaj looks especially interesting…
Yes! I love that ‘balm for the soul’ – good books definitely nourish me. I love great writing.
Great list! I should really read more about travelling… but my list of other books to read is so long already
Whatever brings you joy is my motto with reading. I bet that some of your reading list involves other countries and places = travel!
Ah so it’s good for my health to travel plan! One more excuse to give my husband to book a trip! You know what they say, “happy wife, Happy life!” haha Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Love it, Lolo. I’ll remember that quote!
I love to read but I haven’t had time to do it properly on the past months (I mean I read a lot online but haven’t has time for books). All the books in here sound so interesting. I really need to check that jet lag book. On my last trip, I battled with jet lag for a week (once I returned from the trip). #WeekendWanderlust
I know that finding time to read is hard but when I have a good book around there are moments to fill or breaks from constant computer work that make reading a book so nourishing. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for your recommendations, Elaine. I’ve been planning to read Nick Kontis’ book (“Going Local: Experiences and Encounters on the Road” ) for a while now, but I never seem to have enough time on hand. #TheWeeklyPostcard
He really is onto something and has done exhaustive research. It’s not a perfect book but so unique and helpful.
Wow! The cure for jet leg seems like something I would want to read! It is great that there are a variety of contributors from big companies or the army! Such trustworthy recommendation
It’s true, Bictoria. Considering how many time zones Fortune 500 and military members have to cross, they have to land ready to work. That’s definitely been my experience with the program. I didn’t lose a minute!
I will have to check these out! I started reading, ” The Lost City of Z”, but I just couldn’t get into it. So now I am on to, “Love with a Chance of Drowning”. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Those sound promising. Thanks for the recommendations. Love summer reading!