Learn about the history and culture of the destination that you are visiting from the best travel related books and shows.
It is important to me to learn a little bit about a destination before I visit. Places like Egypt are so rich in history, that I mostly learned back in elementary school, so it was helpful to refresh my memory. Reading travel books can also be beneficial for finding restaurants, hotels, or things to see and do! It’s a big part of my pre-planning and I promise it will only enhance your experience! Not only that, it is fun to read these books and get excited as you countdown the days until your flight. Here is my travel reading list….
Favorite Travel Books by Destination:
Egypt Travel Books
What to read before traveling to Egypt:
- When Women Ruled by Kara Cooney is a fabulous exploration of the remarkable six female pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. It was so cool to see the statue of Hatshepsut up close at the Egyptian Museum and know all about her reign.
- The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult is great for a lighthearted read set in Egypt.
What to watch and listen to before traveling to Egypt:
- Watch: Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb on Netflix. Whether you plan on visiting Saqqara or not, this is a fascinating look into archaeological discoveries in Egypt.
- Podcast: History of Egypt podcast
Switzerland
What to read before visiting Switzerland:
- Swiss Watching by Diccon Bewes is an account of the author’s time living in Switzerland from what the Swiss are like to the country’s founding to all about cheese, chocolate and watches. This book is informative without being overly educational and the author’s dry humor makes it so entertaining to read.
Sifnos
What to read before traveling to Sifnos, Greece:
- The Greek House by Christian Brechneff is the story of a painter’s love affair with the island of Sifnos. It is a tale of self discovery and celebration of the captivating island called Sifnos.
Dubai
What to read before traveling to Dubai, UAE:
- City of Gold by Jim Krane tells the story of Dubai’s unique history and how the city came from nowhere, but a small desert village. Find it on Amazon.
Favorite Travel Related TV Shows:
- Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain is one of my all time favorite travel shows and highly recommend watching if you find an episode on your destination or simply want some inspiration.
- Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix helped feed my travel bug when we were quarantined! When I first watched this during pandemic lockdown, I was not sure what to think. Phil is eccentric, but so endearing once you understand his personality. I enjoy laughing with him as he travels to and eats his way through some incredible destinations.
- Chef’s Table on Netflix. I love eating so I also really love taking an inside look at the chefs who are creating incredible dining experiences in their countries.
- Netflix is great for travel shows. A few other faves are…
- Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb
- Down to Earth with Zac Efron
- The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes (and Vacation Rentals)
- Restaurants on the Edge
- I also love searching YouTube for travel videos by vloggers. There are typically great inside looks at hotels and resorts from a real unbiased person.
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