If you’re a lover of travel, you likely enjoy learning about the places you’re traveling to before you go there. Maybe you want to have a better understanding of the culture so you can avoid being disrespectful, or perhaps you want to know about the best things to do or avoid doing while you’re at your destination. A great way to get this info is to read books about traveling to new places. Many books have been written over the years by travel experts and natives of various countries that discuss landmarks, culture, food and so much more. Here are a few of the best books to read if you’re a travel fanatic.

The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country – Helen Russell

Journalist Helen Russell set out to find out what makes Denmark so special in one year. Instead of living in the city of Copenhagen, she decided to move to a rural area and live a more authentic life. In her book, she explores the various facets of Denmark’s lifestyle and culture. She took up hobbies such as singing and cycling to try and recreate the same life she studied. According to Russell, instead of trying to create a more Scandinavian lifestyle, she encourages us to start trusting people more. This book will teach you the true nature of Denmark’s lifestyle and culture. If you’re interested in learning more about the world’s best-known country, this book is a must-read.

Desert Solitaire – Edward Abbey

In his memoir, Edward Abbey, a renowned writer, and conversationist, describes his experience in the southwest US in the wilderness. This is a unique and inspirational read for anyone who’s looking to find solitude in nature. The book is autobiographical, and it features his thoughts on the increasing number of people and technology in the area. The trials and hardships he faced during his trip also make for an interesting read.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir – Haruki Murakami

Although this doesn’t usually appear in the lists of travel books, Running by Haruki Murakami is a must-read. This is one of his more recent works and provides deeper insights into the world of travel. He started running seriously when he was 33 years old, and in recent years, he has been covering an average of six miles a day. Over the years, he has participated in over 20 marathons. Through his experiences, he was able to complete an ultramarathon in 1996. Running is not only about the running itself, but it’s also about bringing people along with him on his journey. From Japan to Greece, the book is about personal exploration and global travel.

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel – Rolf Potts, Timothy Ferriss

In this book, Rolf Potts talks about how long-term travel can be accessible to everyone. He provides a unique and insightful take on the subject, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about this type of travel. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide to traveling, but it’s a great way to get a deeper understanding of how it works.