Adventure Inspiring Books
Whenever I’m in London, I make my way over to Covent Garden for a browse in my favourite bookshop: Stanfords Travel. It’s a whole huge book store in Covent Garden selling nothing but travel books and related things (like maps and globes). I get lost in there for hours every single time I go in! And I always leave with weighed down with adventure inspiring books!
Here are a few of my recent finds and why I love them!
Walking The… Nile/ Himalayas/ Americas
By Levison Wood
OK, so I *may* have cheated a little bit and grouped three books into one, but they’re all by the same author so you’ll let me get away with it, right?
For those of you who don’t know, Levison Wood is an ex-Officer of the British Parachute Regiment, who made his name in the adventure field by walking the length of the river Nile in 2014. He’s now an author, modern-day explorer and photographer.
His three books (so far), Walking the Nile, Walking the Himalayas and Walking the Americas are each accompanied by a UK TV. More recently, he’s been touring UK theatres to speak about his adventures. I believe he’s beginning to tour more globally now too, so keep an eye out for him.
Levison Wood’s series of adventure inspiring books capture the highs and lows of walking solo for incredibly long distances. Completely absorbing and well worth a read.
Walking the Nile: Find it on amazon.co.uk | Find it on amazon.com
Walking the Himalayas: Find it on amazon.co.uk | Find it on amazon.com
Walking the Americas: Find it on amazon.co.uk | Find it on amazon.com
TV Series Box Set: Find it on amazon.co.uk
You Only Live Once
By Lonely Planet
You only live once – it’s true. So your mission is to live once and live it well! I’ve said before that my ultimate aim in life is to be like my grandmother – to sit in my retirement home, content in the knowledge that I did everything I wanted to do.
It’s said that your biggest regrets will be the things you didn’t do, not the things you did, and this book from Lonely Planet inspires you to do ALL THE THINGS!
It’s a fantastic coffee table book. Divided into sections of adventures you can take in an hour, a day, a week, a month and a year – there is adventure inspiration for all. Full of longer descriptions, as well as short facts and anecdotes, it’s a ‘pick up, put down, and pick up again’ kind of book.
If you’re ever lacking in adventure inspiration, pick up this book.
You Only Live Once: Find it on amazon.co.uk | Find it on amazon.com
The Little Book of Mindful Travel
By Tiddy Rowan
I’ve always loved travel, but mindfulness is relatively new to me. I had a rough time last year and found myself filled with anxiety that was difficult to shift. Then I came across the Headspace App which somewhat saved me! Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment – not looking forward, or backward, or thinking and worrying – just being really there right now.
In this book, Tiddy Rowan reminds us that travel should be about being present in the experience of the journey. That a journey should be enjoyed, rather than endured. And that even a journey as mundane as our daily commute to work can be a pleasant one, if only we learn how. A well-crafted collection of quotes and ideas, this pocket-sized hardback is excellent company for a bus, train or plane.
The Little Book of Mindful Travel: Find it on amazon.co.uk | Find it on amazon.com
National Geographic Greatest Landscapes
By National Geographic
Another amazing coffee table book, National Geographic Greatest Landscapes is full of awe-inspiring landscape photography from stunning locations around the globe. National Geographic has always been known for its incredible photography, and this book is no exception.
Part of a series of adventure inspiring books, this one will have you on a plane to these amazing locations in no time! Queue the photography course I’m currently taking, lead by an accomplished landscape photographer… Instagram material here I come!
National Geographic Greatest Landscapes: Find it on amazon.co.uk | Find it on amazon.com
I’ll be honest – this article contains affiliate links, which means I will get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to buy. Integrity is really important to me, so I only recommend products that I really love! Of course, do your own research and if you have any questions about the books or need some advice, please feel free to get in touch – I’d be happy to help!
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