The summer holidays are already in our sights, which seems absurd when it feels like Christmas was only yesterday (!) For many people, this means it’s time to start thinking about and booking your summer holiday – whether home or away.

With the weather still chilly over here in the UK it’s difficult to get inspired and to start thinking about someplace warmer (there is someplace warmer, right?) However, if you’re lacking incentives for getting away this year we’ve got a few books that might just spur you on – all travel companies can thank us later!

First we’re taking a visit to the Algarve – the much-loved tourist region in Southern Portugal. The Algarve is well-known for its golf courses, great food, water parks and flawless white beaches. If you want to find out more about this holiday destination frequented by the likes of Cliff Richard and Bonnie Tyler, then you’ll need to read Karl Bradshaw’s Algarve Travel Guide: 54 Cities/Towns/Villages.

The story The Treasure of Al-Raqtan is set in 1968 and revolves around a hidden treasure left behind by Khalid Al-Raqtan in Saudi Arabia. Mark Holmes and Dominic O’Flaherty, university lecturers, compete to find it, leading to a series of adventures across Egypt, Lebanon, the Arabian Gulf, and Saudi Arabia. Mark faces danger and friction with Dominic throughout. The story climaxes with a confrontation between Mark and Dominic in the wilderness. The narrative is devoid of explicit content but includes essential violence.

Would it really be out of the question for the coach to make a slight diversion? We heard that this tour was headed for the Northern Lights. That’s why we took it, but now we can’t seem to find those Northern Lights anywhere on the itinerary. Any idea why that would be the case? Now you are curious about the book A Suitcase Full of Olive Branches, right? Let me enlighten you. This is a book about Italy and its beautiful northern lakes. While travelling on a tour coach on a round trip from Milan, tiny olive branches are handed out to perfect strangers in an effort to let the Italians know that their country is not considered number one in the world in terms of World Heritage and Culture for nothing.

The passage describes how Donald Keith enters the unfamiliar worlds of business and global travel, armed with valuable life lessons and a unique sense of humour. The book, "True Travel Tales," shares stories that blend self-deprecating humour with cross-cultural understanding and cooperation, occasionally tinged with danger. The reader is advised to carry their values and principles, as they prove valuable in all situations. The book is highly praised for its relatable anecdotes, making it an engaging read for those who have worked or travelled extensively. The reviewer found it hard to stop reading, even making a long flight enjoyable.

'Travel Tales and Cryptic Crosswords' comprises travel stories and cryptic crosswords for 53 weekends a year. The tales are unconventional and light-hearted, covering experiences like global ship journeys, winter road trips, hitchhiking adventures, and unique encounters. There are humorous rants, enthusiastic recommendations, and essays on various topics, along with photos, poems, and a recipe. The included cryptic crosswords, slightly easier than The Times', add to the mix.

By now you surely must be motivated to go and book your holiday or at least delve further into these travel guides and memoirs. If you’re still not convinced, take a look at more of our travel titles here.