Tim Leffel’s Cheapest Destinations

Favorite Books of Round-the-World Travelers

I never seem to get around to doing those year-end lists of the top this or that. It’s probably because I’m still on deadline for some article or book instead of phoning in some copy that can run while I’m off skiing at Aspen. The life of a home office maven who can’t rely on a corporate paycheck I guess.

I just tallied up which books sold through the Amazon and Fishpond links I have posted on my various travel websites, however. If you believe in The Wisdom of Crowds, here are the books that round-the-world backpackers should consider as they plan their travels. These are the ones that sold the most through my book links in 2007. The first three are the clear favorites, but after that it was a pretty close race, so figure these are not in order of popularity after that.

The World’s Cheapest Destinations. Yes, this is mine, so it got more than a little extra promotion. Still, pretty darn useful if you’re not a trustifarian.

Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts. Already a timeless classic and an inspiring read.

First Time Around the World. Doug Lansky rules and this updated book delivers what you need to be worldly wise.

Work Your Way Around the World, by Susan Griffith. If you’re not loaded, this oft-revised book will tell you how to make a buck or two on the road. (Susan is quite a talented travel book critic as well.)

Traveler’s Tool Kit, by Rob Sangster. Packed with info, but I suggest waiting until March to pick up Traveler’s Tool Kit: Mexico and Central America. Even if you’re not heading that way, it’s completely updated and yours truly got in on the action this time around.

Globetrotter Dogma, by Bruce Northam. Like the Potts book above, is as much about expanding your mind as expanding your geography.

The 4-hour Workweek, by Timothy Ferriss. Business bestsellers and travel advice books don’t often share the same room, but this is a groundbreaking call to arms that kicks workaholics in the rear.

The Smart Traveler’s Passport: 399 Tips from Seasoned Travelers. Loads of tips from the readers and editors of Budget Travel magazine.

Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua, by Joshua Berman and Randall Wood. These guys know Central America well and give the rundown on one of the cheapest places to live.

Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune, by Tim Leffel. Admittedly more for the travel novice than the road-weary globetrotter who has already seen it all. For learning how to be a contrarian traveler.

Lonely Planet South America on a Shoestring, Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring. Perhaps it was all my preaching about the U.S. dollar holding up in Latin America.