How do you go about planning your next vacation? Remember those Instagram reels you saw on your feed or those casual recommendations from friends of places that tourists haven't yet “discovered”? All of these are, of course, perfectly valid ways to choose your next travel destination. But here's another way to choose your next vacation: by reading. There are literally hundreds of travel destinations just from the books published in English every year. So why not choose your next destination based on some of these books? There's nothing better than being transported to a place through the written word and having a burning desire to see it in person.
For those who love to discover both books and places, here are some recommendations.
Berlin, Germany
Revolutionary Berlin: A Walking Guide by Nathaniel Freikin
Freikin is a journalist and historian who leads anti-capitalist walking tours of Germany's historic capital. Berlin seems to be a city that has seen it all: Communism, fascism, revolution, world wars, and of course the fall of the Berlin Wall. Freikin's focus is firmly on the “revolution” part of the city's history. Each chapter deals with a particular neighborhood and a particular era, and through nine chapters, readers are introduced to Berlin's radical, vibrant, sometimes seedy, but never boring, history. Read the book, then sign up for Freikin's tour when you visit Berlin.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Quan Mai:
Vietnam seems to be in the spotlight right now. Every second person (or every third person) you know will speak enthusiastically of Vietnam's beaches, coffee, and delicious cuisine. But few of us have likely spent the time to read up on its history beyond a few superficial bits and pieces. Dust Child is set in two timelines: 1969 during the war, and 2016, when a Black-Asian orphan is searching for his American soldier father. The book not only paints a vivid picture of Vietnam and its changing society, but also the devastation the war left behind.
Havana, Cuba
“Havana Year One” by Carla Suarez (translated by Christine McSweeney)
Learn about the invention of the telephone in 19th-century Cuba as you stroll Havana's iconic Malecón promenade. Or sit in a paladars, the family-run restaurants that sprung up across Cuba in the '90s, while discussing the post-Soviet economic crisis. This slim, quirky book will have you checking out that ticket to Havana.
Fiji Islands
“Disappearance in Fiji” by Nilima Rao
Fiji, 1915, a time when indentured labourers were transported to the Fiji Islands to work on sugar plantations run by British colonialists. A young Sikh police officer is tasked with investigating the disappearance of an Indian female labourer from one such plantation, but his superiors expect him to avoid any (white) resentment. Set against the backdrop of this island paradise, this rich picture of a society in flux is a joy to read. What better way to introduce a (potential) holiday spot than through an atmospheric historical novel?
Chile
“The Chilean Poet” by Alejandro Zambra (translated by Megan McDowell):
A country with a rich political and literary history, and consequently a history of brutal dictators and Nobel Prize-winning poets such as Pablo Neruda, is sure to be fascinating. The social contradictions that have produced both poets and tyrants all form part of Zambra's winding slice-of-life novel, which deals with love, family, country and, of course, poetry. If you love romance, literature and history, this book will inspire you to explore this corner of South America…
Bangkok, Thailand
A Good True Thai by Sunitha Manning:
Thailand is no longer a novel option for travelers, but there's always room for a deeper understanding of the beloved destination. Manning's book will likely be an eye-opener for most who are unfamiliar with the complexities of Thai history and politics. Set during the Thai people's bloody student revolution in the 70s against dictatorship and censorship, the book may offer a deeper look into the complexities of a place that is merely an escape for most tourists.
Guadeloupe
“Across the Mangroves” by Maryse Condé (translated by Richard Philcox)
Another paradise in the shimmering Caribbean Sea, Guadeloupe is probably a place you've never thought to travel to. The book begins with the mysterious death of a newcomer to the island, and through intertwining stories, the reader is presented with the perspective of the locals. This book by a master of Guadeloupean fiction will leave you curious about the place; a quick Google search will surely pique your interest even more. For adventure seekers who are always looking for new experiences and “offbeat” getaways, this is the perfect introduction to a part of the world that not many hear about.
Tokyo Japan
“The Pachinko Parlor” by Elisa Schuur Dusapin (translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins)
Some books are so perfect that you'll be surprised to learn they were originally written in another language. The Pachinko Parlor is a deceptively simple book, but it's written and translated with precision. Like many translated Japanese novels, it's full of ennui and melancholy. Start with the beautiful writing and let yourself be immersed in the atmosphere. This is in no way intended to belittle or belittle the book, but to highlight the readability of Dusapin's writing and why it makes you want to spend your time in sunny Japan, too.
Penang, Malaysia
“Gift of Rain” by Tan Twan Eng
You may have read The House of Doors, Tan Twan Eng's 2023 Booker Prize shortlisted novel. His first work is well worth a deep dive as it is set in colonial Penang, full of intrigue, betrayal and a world in turmoil during World War II. Immersed in this ambitious, epic and riveting book, it's not hard to imagine yourself in the jungles of Malaysia.
Deep Sea
Other Minds: Octopuses, the Ocean, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey Smith
Who hasn't thought about the deep sea and its countless secrets? One of those secrets is the amazing octopus. Scientists and enthusiasts have long marveled at these creatures. They are often said to be the closest thing we have to “aliens.” This book will inspire you with the same awe and inspire you to book a deep sea expedition. For more facts about octopuses, you should also read the recently published Secrets of the Octopus by Sy Montgomery. After reading these books, you might think that with such wonders in the ocean, who cares about land?
All of the books mentioned in this article are available in bookstores or online as e-books.
Ayushi Saxena is a consulting editor who has worked on several award-winning and bestselling children's books and is currently the publisher of Art1st, an independent publishing house that produces children's books based on Indian art.
