If you’re like me, you tend to hibernate in the wintertime and become more of an “armchair traveler”. And with COVID-19 and its variants still a prominent issue, it may be more of a challenge to getaway this winter. If you’re looking for a fun, travel-themed book to keep you cozy this winter, check out my recommendations below!
Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson
If you want an adorable and heart-warming story, look no further! Like many of us millennials, Dean Nicholson drifted through life trying to establish himself. In September 2018, he sets off from his home country of Scotland to cycle around the world. While cycling through the mountains south of Bosnia, he came across a scrawny grey-and-white kitten that had been scampering along the road, trying to keep up with his bike. This was the start of an unusual friendship, as the newly named Nala joined Dean on his travels. Dean documents their adventures together on Instagram as @1bike1world and you can continue to follow their journey on Instagram as well as on their website.
50 Shades of the USA by Anna McNuff
Sick of the corporate grind in London, Anna McNuff decides to clamber atop a beautiful pink bicycle named Boudica and set out on an 11,000-mile journey on her own, through each and every state of the USA. Anna’s story is particularly inspiring as she had no previous experience as a long-distance cyclist. From the challenging weather conditions, to the kindness of strangers, Anna’s story of self-discovery is perfect for any armchair traveler, and is the gateway to many more adventures, including running throughout New Zealand and cycling the Andes Mountains.
Free Country by George Mahood
Author George Mahood and his pal Ben come up with a plan to cycle 1,000 miles from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland in 3 weeks. However, they have no bikes, no clothes, no food, and no money. Setting off in just a pair of Union Jack boxer shorts, they attempt to rely on the generosity of the British people for everything from food to accommodation, clothes to shoes, and bikes to beer. It’s an entertaining ride as they spend the 3 weeks in a variety of different environments and show how generous others can be.
Escape the Ordinary by Julie Bradley
After retiring from a twenty-plus year career in the military, Julie Bradley and her partner, Glen, escape the ordinary by buying a sailboat in France and set off to sail across the world. Immediately, they are challenged by Force 10 storms in the North Atlantic, dodge voodoo curses in the Bahamas, and claw their way out of underwater caverns in the South Pacific. The first of two books spanning across a 7 1/2 year adventure, “Escape from the Ordinary” is a truly inspiring tale and will give you some ideas on alternative lifestyles beyond the office.
No Wrong Turns by Chris Pountney
In attempt to be the first person to navigate around the world only using a bicycle and boats, Chris Pountney sets out on his bike with seven additional challenges to guide him. From Paris to the snowy mountains of Turkey, Chris tells his story in a light-hearted and humorous way. “No Wrong Turns” is the first of three books of his adventures around the world (I’m currently in the middle of his second book: Into the Sunrise).
Lady Red Travel 
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