Getting stuck into a good book is one of life’s little pleasures.
There is nothing more enjoyable than immersing yourself into another world and being taken away and land yourself in the middle of a jungle or on an idyllic beach, and you’ve got the perfect combination.
Travelling and cooking are two of my biggest loves and I can make my way through a decent book in a week before I go away I like to read guides by those who have been before, whilst I am away I like to read traditional cookbooks to grasp a real sense of their cuisine.
I have listed some of my favourite books; travel and cookery for you to enjoy, if you have any recommendations, please feel free to get in touch.
Lonely Planet: Where to go When
Want to discover a new location every month? This is the travel guide for you.
This invaluable book is a quick go-to before any time, considering your destination is on their list and offers expert advice for the most practical traveller.
With delightful illustrations and only the best recommendations, this Lonely Planet guide travels to all corners of the earth just for you.
Off Track Planet’s Travel Guide for the Young, Sexy and Broke
Now, I’m not young nor sexy but with so many expeditions, I am broke and this guide is perfect for the explorers out there.
With 100 destinations including Brazil, Columbia, Thailand and Buenos Aires waiting to be explored, you take some leading travellers advice to ensure your trip is one you’ll never forget. I love this book for planning my next trip, so it’s high on my list of recommendations.
Coasting by Jonathan Raban
Coasting is often hailed as one of the best books by a British author and I’d be hard to challenge that.
It’s a perfect blend of travel book, novel and autobiography ensuring this is a classic you’ll struggle to put down. This enriching novel takes you a journey by sea, coastline to coastline around the British Isles.
I have read Coasting countless times now and once you open the first page, I assure you’ll be as hooked as I am.
The Beach by Alex Garland
Everyone has seen the movie, The Beach and the story of a paradise found and lost.
The film adaptation is a little different but it’s still magical none the less, if you haven’t seen the movie, save it until after you’ve read the book!
The enchanting novel follows Richard on his search for utopia in Thailand and the wonders he discovers on the way and the compromises that have to be made to save paradise.
One of my favourite books to read whilst on my way to a new destination to remind myself that heaven is never impossible.
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux is possibly one of the greatest travel writers of all time, he continuously manages to capture the pure essence of travelling.
The Great Railway Bazaar follows Paul on his journey by rail through Asia and the wonders he discovers along the way. You’ll really be transported to his world, struggling to find yourself separating your life from Pauls, with his colourful descriptions of smells, flavours, sights and sounds he experiences.
Ottolenghi: The Cookbook
Ottolenghi is arguably one of the most iconic restaurants in the country and this cookbook is literally my bible.
Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi have crafted hundreds of unique and divine recipes to help you explore all corners of the earth, especially middle earner and Italian tastes, from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Mystical Places and Marvelous Meals: A Travel Cookbook
If you want to explore the world via taste, then this is the cookbook for you.
This travel cookbook by Sara Nieves-Grafals explores ancient settlements, searches for legendary beasts, and dispels travel myths all whilst enjoying and discovering ancient traditions of cooking along the way.
If you’re ever in need of a little inspiration in the kitchen, find yourself missing tropical climates or need a little spice in your life, this is the cookbook for you.