World Tourism Day: Explore the World Through Books
27th September is World Tourism Day (WTD). Sanctioned by the UN World Tourism Organisation, it is observed every year since 1980. “Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.” The theme of the 2020 edition of the WTD is “Tourism and Rural Development.” The theme underlines tourism’s unique ability to drive economic growth and provide opportunities outside of big urban centres.
Like every sector, tourism has been hard hit by—COVID-19. Many travel enthusiasts found themselves helpless in the face of unending lockdowns across the world. Travelling to the corners of the globe can be an enlightening and transformative experience. Those who have realised this simple fact have nothing on their minds except the ever-increasing desire to travel and explore more of the world. But as they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! If we cannot physically go out, books are there to compensate us for the loss. Sometimes, reading a travel book can be as transformative as the journey itself. This is beautifully summed up by Anna Quindlen, “Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.”
Let’s discover the world through books. They help you travel the world from the comforts of your home and…without a passport. On this World Tourism Day, let’s explore the picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, exotic cultures and meet people who never existed for us before—all through the pages of books.
Below we list down some travel books which will feed your travel taste buds and help you look at the world with a different eye.
Book: Working at the End of the World: An Antarctic Diary
Author: Con Curtis
Working at the End of the World: An Antarctic Diary presents a splendid account of life in Antarctica—the highest, coldest and windiest continent on earth. The writer worked in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey as a base and field assistant between 1990 and 1992. This is a diary account of Con Curtis’s experiences of the daily life in this spectacular white continent, complemented by retrospective thoughts and anecdotes. It tells the readers about Antarctica’s impenetrable glaciers, towering mountains, all-time frozen lakes, fantastic flora and fauna, the extreme weather conditions and how researchers tackle these extreme adversities head-on. The details presented are candid, at times terrifying and most often humorous which will allow the reader to envisage both the magnificence and severity of this stunning—but unwelcoming—continent. Antarctica may be physically inaccessible to most of us but thanks to Con Curtis, this account makes you feel as if you are there. Order a copy of this incredible book at 30% off.
Book: Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner
Author: Michelle Cottam
Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner is a history book, as well as a travel book. It’s a stunning account of the history of London, its heritage and landmark symbols presented by a Londoner who worked as a tourist guide. The book takes the reader back to the past, from the early Roman settlement of Londonium, to the calamities such as the London tornado of 1091, the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666. Written by a historian as well as a tourist guide, the snippets of information, historical facts and interesting stories make a great resource for anyone who wishes to visit London, or is just interested in knowing more about this brilliant city. It also scrutinises the particulars of history, people’s motives and how our attitudes are shaped by our present-day values. Among many other things, the author also pays homage to the iconic pigeons of the capital. Claim a copy of this entertaining and delightful read at 30% off.
Book: A Caribbean Adventure
Author: Sarah Symons
Most of us are intrigued by the glamorous beaches, striking landscapes, mysterious cultures and the tragic histories of the Caribbean Islands. A Caribbean Adventure offers you all this—to virtually sightsee the landscapes and witness the history of these exotic islands. This incredible travelogue teleports readers to Barbados and Grenada and from there, to Panama and the coasts of Guatemala and Costa Rica. Adorned with photos and supplied with the necessary political, geographical and historical information, this book is a must-read for every travel aficionado as well as a casual reader. Grab a copy of this enlightening book at 30% off and cruise through these beautiful islands with the author.
Book: China – Behind the Mask
Author: Greg McEnnally
China - Behind the Mask is part travel guide, part biography and part history. It substantially describes life in present-day China from the perspective of the author, an Australian English teacher, who taught in China for more than 10 years. Having observed the Chinese culture, heritage and values from close, Greg McEnnally adorns the book with fascinating personal anecdotes and thoughts. He makes some interesting comparisons which profoundly underline the divide between the West and East. This account also dwells upon the current political landscape of China and how inhabitants view other cultures and countries. Get a copy of this book at 30% off and stay informed about a culture which though is far away, influences our daily lives.
Book: It’s About Time!
Author: John Mabbs
It’s About Time! is the tale of how John Mabbs and his girlfriend, Christine, said goodbye to everything, set off on an adventurous journey and never looked back. They both broke out from the monotony of ordinary lives—the ‘rat race’, tortuous commute, never-ending austerity cuts, job insecurity and disappearing pensions. While both experienced their share of trials on their way, the wonders and excitements outweighed those challenges, ‘not all wanderers are lost’. It boasts of useful information for those who want to quit the rat race and also aids those travellers who are looking to find a reasonable holiday home or are in search of some useful tips about road trips across Europe. Join them on their journey of a lifetime and wander through their experiences as they leave it all behind. This is a must-read title for adventurists and those who need an escape from the monotonous everyday life. Buy your copy at 30% off and let yourself drift into the wild.
Book: Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe
Author: Joe Hajdu
Most cities in Europe have seen both the splendours and the destructions, the trends of the day bring with themselves. Budapest is no exception. Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe explores this theme. And the single landmark that tells us the story of this city is the Castle Hill of Buda, the seat of Hungarian royals since the 13th century. The book contrasts the developments and wealth Budapest generated with the misfortunes it accumulated after it went to the Ottomans for two centuries. On the opposite banks of Danube lies Pest. Joe Hajdu tells the readers about the unification of Buda and Pest to make this splendid city, Budapest. The book dilates upon the tumultuous years of the Second World War and how it affected Budapest. It also takes into account the contributions of individual and families in making this city a vibrant and dynamic economic hub. Today, it’s a comfortable home for its citizens and a welcoming place for the millions of tourists it attracts every year. Get your copy of this informative book at 30% off and witness the past and present of this great city with Joe Hajdu.
If you have exhausted these books, we have much more in store for you. Visit our website and pick your favourite titles from our travel section. We are offering 30% off on all paperbacks!
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