3 Books That Will Change The Way You Think About Travel
Sometimes you read a book and it changes you. You may not realize it at the time, but looking back, it just "clicks" - that book (or experience, conversation, etc.) had an impact on your life.
For me, there are a few books that come to mind (and I read a lot! Once I started using speed reading techniques I went from reading about 10 books a year to 25+ a year).
It's always good to be introduced to new ideas and ways of thinking. Doing so challenges our own ways and routine.
Why do we do what we do? How do other people do things? Does their way of looking at things make more sense to me, and if so, how can I implement those practices into my everyday life?
Here are three books I believe will change the way you think about travel and life.
Chances are you've heard of them, and if you haven't already read them, I highly suggest you give them a try!
The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo
The Alchemist is amazing and has been called a "modern classic." I read it for the first time for a class in high school (thanks Mr. Norris!) and have since read it another three times.
What I love about The Alchemist is that it's unique to many other books. You just have to read it to get what I mean.
It's inspirational and uplifting. The cliche of "It's about the journey, not the destination," couldn't be more fitting for this book.
When you're building a work + travel lifestyle, you have to go through many steps. You have to start somewhere, come up with a plan, and execute it.
Things may go wrong along the way. Things may change. When you get there, you'll look back on the journey - the excitement, the drawbacks, everything - and know that it was entirely worth it.
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
It surprises me that I'll mention the The 4-Hour Workweek to people and some still haven't heard of it!
This book completely shifted my mindset about not glorifying being busy, especially since busyness is often just moving the hamster wheel instead of actually making progress on what matters most.
It also made me reconsider following society's path of work-work-work-work-retire, and to allow travel (or "mini retirements" as Ferris calls them) instead.
It truly puts you in the mindset of not doing busywork, but rather being productive in many ways. This includes starting an online business, but instead of working yourself into the ground, finding ways to delegate and automate so that you can have money flowing in on autopilot while you go live your life.
This book is a great place to start if you're even thinking about starting an automated online business, are interested in productivity hacks, or are looking for a new way to view what "work/life balance" really means.
It was The 4-Hour Workweek that changed everything for me in terms of my productivity and prioritization at my old 8-5 job, and I carry those skills with me today as I freelance and work remotely while I travel.
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
You really only need minimal possessions to feel like you're truly living your life.
In On The Road, Sal hits the road in the American 1940s, hitchhiking and meeting friends and new people along the way.
Money is the last thing from his mind (except when he needs to work to stay on the road), and experience and travel take the front seat.
If you have that feeling of just wanting to drop everything and travel with nothing more than a vague plan, this is the book for you. Maybe you're considering moving to a foreign country, taking a long road trip, or just going to your number one destination...
For me, I personally wouldn't want to totally travel like Sal in the sense of not having much "security" in the forms of a savings account, a stable place to live, etc. However, it really makes you think about what you really need in life.
How much money do you need to do what you love?
What material possessions do you really need?
What would it be like to travel with very little plans and make it up as you go along?
These books may be listed on many other travelers' lists, but for good reason. When books are this popular, you know there must be a reason why! Check 'em out and let these fuel your wanderlust.