Five books for the offbeat traveller

Have you ever stood in the middle of Times Square and watched gargantuan-sized billboards flicker and change every minute?

The smell of vent fumes, burnt street meat, caramelized sugar, and coffee lingers in the air, while you’re jolted from side to side by swarms of tourists.

Times Square, while iconic, has its drawbacks. It’s crowded, noisy, overwhelming, and a hotbed for touts and scammers.

Every city in the world has its ‘Times Square’. Its most photographed and excessively written about attractions that draw tourists and TikTok influencers like the way fleas take to fur.

If you’re the offbeat traveller who prefers hidden gems over flocking to the waterhole where everyone is, here’s what you should be reading before you plan your next adventure.

Wild Places by Sarah Baxter

25 untameable natural wonders that reveal the curious story of our wild planet. From Ennerdale in England to Wilpena Pound, Australia, Sarah will take you on a journey like no other. With brief and oftentimes poetic descriptions, Wild Places delves into mythology, culture, and landscapes. You’ll find yourself googling places, following references, checking ticket prices, and adding to your ever-growing bucket list.

Sovietstan by Erika Fatland

The Stans — Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan — are shrouded in mystery. Censorship, Iron-clad dictatorships, and the shadow of the former Soviet Union cloud these central Asian countries from the worldview. Erika Fatland takes you on a journey through the dwindling Aral Sea to the Pamir Plateau, the Karakum desert, the silk route, and the forest of Arslanbob. Through this book, you will explore cultures, meet locals, and experience everyday life in Central Asia.

Amazing Train Journeys I by Lonely Planet

Experience 60 of the world’s greatest and most unforgettable train journeys. Crisp, and informative, with detailed information on alternative cheaper routes, this book takes you on long-distance trips like the one on Western Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer and, to little-known gems on regular commuting lines. You may end up falling down a rabbit hole, or tunnel, in this instance of train journey experiences. The Trans Siberian, The Ghan, The Rovos Rail, and so many unforgettable once-in-a-life journeys await.

Not For Tourists guide to New York City

An up-to-date map-based, neighborhood-wise dream guide that offers local NYC gems on a platter. The guide provides a neighborhood overview and then lists down local attractions, landmarks, and restaurants with price ranges. The guide also lists hotels, parks, and markets and has a separate section for nightlife. This book is hands down, the ultimate guide to experiencing a city without hassle. Not for tourists also has guides to London, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Brooklyn, and Washington DC.

A walk in the woods by Bill Bryson

If like me, you don’t like hiking, then this book might motivate you to give it a try. A walk in the woods is Bill Bryson’s journey across America from Georgia to Maine. Following the Appalachian Trail, Bryson gives us glimpses of the breathtaking terrain America has to offer. From scenic mountains to sparkling clear lakes, Bryson is an entertaining guide like no other.

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