Books to Use to Plan Your Walking Vacation

(note: this post was updated December 2018)

When I start planning a trip, there are three books I always peruse to get ideas for a trip. These books aren’t my only reference; I use the internet a ton, but these books always seem to nail my ideas. Additionally, books are free from ads and secret links that might send you on the web to someplace you don’t want to go. Here are my three must-use books for planning my walking vacations.

1001 Places to See Before You Die

It’s a bit of a morbid title, but it is 1001 Places to See Before You Die with a comprehensive list of things to do. I think the author must be rich–some of the places are high dollar. But the book gives a good idea of the things you must not miss when traveling, and it frames out a nice overview for where to stop by continent.

The DK Eyewitness Travel Series

Yes, it’s not a book, it’s a series, but it’s a good series. I particularly like the DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Series. Each book’s maps are highly detailed and the top ten lists excel. I often buy the Top 10 for the big cities where I’ll stop. Although I generally don’t follow the where to stay and eat lists within these books, I do follow the where to go lists. They are relatively cheap, portable, and easy to use. Many have fantastic pull-out maps you can stick in your pocket.

1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die

Again, I’m not a fan of the title, but 1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die is another great reference for trip planning. I’ll often find a walk within the book and plan an entire trip around it. I’m planning a trip right now based on the Beaches of Sayulita walk the author suggests.

Which books do you use when planning your walking vacation?

I’m off to do some reading…

(note: this post was updated December 2018)

~Chris