As summer heats up, you might find yourself struck by a bit of wanderlust. If you’re itching to get out—of the office, the city, or the country—then read these travel-themed picks and dream of a world outside the subway this week.
On Your Kindle
Wanderlust: Real-Life Tales of Adventure and Romance, by Pico Iyer
It begins with a definition of the word wanderlust; a definition concluding that the word is a difficult one to define. This collection of stories from Salon.com’s “Wanderlust” section—personal memories of travel in the United States, in South America, in Europe, and all around the globe—seek to shed some light on why people lust after wandering. The motif that links the stories—which are defined both by the vivid descriptions of location and by the unique writing style of each author—is one of love. Some stories are about romance, some are not, but all are about the loving thrill of experiencing something new.
On Your Smartphone
Top Travel Blogs to Discover, by Michael Hodson
When planning a trip, the Internet is a wonderful resource. Travel deals, online bookings, mobile boarding passes—the options for easier travel are endless. And travel blogs! The ramblings of individuals who’ve been where you’re going: Real people who’ve toured the real sites and know what’s awesome—and what’s not.
The volume of resources, however, can be overwhelming. This fantastic article by Huffington Post travel writer Michael Hodson pares down the size of the blogosphere to bring you the top 13 (14 if you count his bonus pick) travel blogs. They’re all unique, featuring good writing, cool locations, and beautiful photography. Check them out when planning your next trip, or if you just want to daydream.
On a Podcast
Hostelworld Podcasts, by Hostelworld
If you’re a seasoned wanderer, you probably already know and love Hostelworld.com, the hostel-booking website that ranks digs on safety, security, location, staff, and more. The site is much more, though: It features handy “pocket guides” for each city, sample itineraries, and links to transportation options. When you’re still planning your trip, check out the multitude of podcasts they have available, refined by city and attraction.
Old School
Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift
If you’re looking for some funny old-school travel writing inspiration, look no further than Gulliver’s Travels. The esteemed Irish satirist Jonathan Swift begins his novel by tacitly poking fun at the travel writers of his time as he introduces Lemuel Gulliver, the traveler whose own wanderlust takes him to many bizarre and colorful places. He encounters tiny people who hold him captive, giants who love him, and pirates who attack him. His journey is entertaining and indicative of the time in which it was written.
