Desperate times / Photo Fanboy30

You reach into you wallet to pay for your hostel bed for the night, and come up empty. You dig deeper, finding only receipts and pocket lint.

You realize you’re out of money.

Nervous, you excuse yourself from the hostel clerk and rip open your backpack, in search of a secret stash of cash. Nothing. Not even a few coins.

All you have left are some smelly socks, an overdrawn bank account and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

What do you do? Pack up your gear, hang your head in shame as you call your friends/parents to send the money for a ticket home? Or do you consider these innovative options for funding a life on the road:

1. Travel Writer

Considered by many as the ultimate travel job, writing for online publications can help you buy your next mug of beer. Work your way to becoming the next Hunter S. Thomson by learning about the craft and querying your next inspired idea.

2. Wield that camera

National Geographic may not be knocking your door down, but that doesn’t mean that your photos don’t deserve an audience. Try selling your landscape and portrait shots to travel publications or submit it to a stock photography company such as Shutterpoint.com, Andes Press Agency and Getty Images.

3. Video journalism

With the advent of Youtube amateur videos are in great demand. Become a backpack film maker, set up your own vblog or simply sell it to tourism sites.

4. Busking

If you’re talented (or even if you aren’t), this is a great way to earn money. Just make sure you’re not taking someone else’s “spot” and check the legalities of performing in a certain area. Or if the police come, you could just run away really fast.

5. Work an a Bookstore

It’s a great way to show-off your “intellectual” side whilst devouring the latest books. Keep in mind that most may require a work permit before they hire you. A great alternative is to bunk in Paris’ famed Shakespeare and Company where the owner offers free beds and work in exchange that you promise to read at least one book a day.

6. Online Poker

This is the perfect money-making means for risk takers. Many travelers who have funded their trips from their winnings on Online Poker. Make sure to weigh the risks of wiping out your bank account and developing a gambling problem.

7. Massage

Have you been known to make your dates swoon with your suave massage moves? Maybe it’s time you put your seduction skills to good use by working as a freelance masseuse. Find willing clients on the beach or a location where people are looking to relaaaaxxxx. Invest in some scented oil, clean nails and your most disarming smile and you’ll have enough funds for your own spa treatment.

WWoofing it for cash / Photo strickeal

8. Farm Work

Fruit picking and farm work is one of the favorite possibilities for hippies, idealists and masochists. Though it is literally hard labor, it’s a paying job with invaluable perks, like meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors and having a unique experience.

One of the best resources is Transitions Abroad, Matador’s Guide to WWOOFING and Finding Paying Work in Europe.

9. Construction

If you’d like to fatten your wallet whilst trimming your waistline, then take on some short-term construction work. Who knows, with your newly sculpted abs and beefy biceps, you may find other uses for that tool belt.

10. Work in a hostel

Many hostels hire part-time workers in exchange for cheaper rates on rooms. Cleaning up after travelers may seem pretty disgusting, but it’s an opportunity for quick cash, a free bed and some new friends.

11. Painting

You don’t have to cut off your ear to get a painting gig, but you can put your artistic abilities to good use by offering your services for home, office or building refurbishments.

12. Dishwasher or Kitchen Staff

Grab some leftovers without having to resort to dumpster diving. Experience the stress, camaraderie and craziness of working in a restaurant’s kitchen. It may even open your eyes to a new career path like it did for bad-ass chef extraordinaire, Anthony Bourdain.

13. For the love of science…or some cash

If you were the type of kid that purposely ignores the expiration date on milk cartons just to “see what would happen,” then this is the job for you. Get prodded and poked by nervous science students in the UK, US and in Europe with Get Paid to Guinea Pig.

14. Donate Blood

So what if you feel a bit woozy? A train to Russia is not cheap. Sissy. Plus, you’re helping save lives.

15. Modeling

Do you enjoy staring at your reflection on train windows and hostel mirrors? Then throw down that backpack for a few hours and head off to the glamorous world of commercial and print modeling. Often found in the gigs section of craigslist ads and city job sites, these opportunities require little more than a few cheesy poses.

16. Movie Extra

Run through the streets of Berlin with Jason Bourne or flee Godzilla’s rampage in Tokyo by working as a movie extra. You can check out casting agencies, local job posts or even the local couchsurfing group where independent film makers often post openings. It’s a great way to rub elbows with international celebrities (or at least tell your friends you did), earn some fast cash and possibly get discovered.

17. Recycle

Yes, saving the environment does pay. In most European cities, you can get cash back for the bottles you collect. Scour the hostel lounge and trash cans for some empty containers which you can take to the local supermarket where you’ll be given enough change to finally buy that banana you’ve been eyeing.

Play the streets as a busker / Photo Kafka4prez

18. Sports events

Run after wayward golf balls or mop up the latest spillage from the Tae Kwon Do championships. For sports enthusiasts, it’s a great way to earn some money whilst gaining insight on the local games.

19. Trim some bushes

No, not those, pervert. Knock on a few doors and ask if they need any cleaning, yard work or repairs done. Though you may be chased off by Rover (or Ganesh if you’re in India), with a rumbling stomach, anything is worth a try.

20. Expositions

If you consider yourself a master of setting up tents, then challenge yourself by working at an exposition. Find these jobs on the city classified pages and help put up the displays, tarps and booths for a quick and easy buck.

21. Write Content

If you’ve been annoying your friends and family back home with your lengthy emails, then maybe its time to get paid by writing about other things than yourself. Work for a site that pays per hits such as blogit.com, helium.com and Associatedcontent.com.

22. Resell stuff

Don’t quite know what to do with that weird doll you got in Romania? Then sell it in your next location. From convincing your bunkmate to buy your lucky charms to auctioning fleamarket finds on ebay, reselling unusual travel goods can turn into quite the lucrative on-the-road business.

23. Handicrafts

If you’ve got a knack for crochet or can weave a basket at hyper speed, then selling some of your crafts can be used towards funding your next bus ticket. At the very least, you could make yourself something warm for those homeless evenings.

24. Festival Stalking

One of the best ways to combine a crazy cultural adventure, lots of drinking and enough dough for your next hangover spot is to work the festival circuit. You could either apply for a gig in one of the stands or push your own agenda by selling homemade space cakes, jell-o shots or setting up a kissing booth.

25. Sail Away

Sail off towards the sunset by working on a yacht or a cruise ship. You can find work by perusing crew job sites or simply asking people by the harbor if they have any leads. It provides a sense of freedom, a means to sustain to yourself and a way to get to your next stop.

Being on the road with very little or no cash may seem daunting at first, but the challenge of using your imagination to provide for yourself will make the experience all the more exciting and valuable.

Face the fear! There are always opportunities for the resourceful and intrepid traveler.

Any money-making ideas we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Photo by carf

A traveler walks down the red-light district of Manila City, Philippines. Carrying a backpack, a distressed expression and a pack of eager street children at his heels, he is left at a crossroads — to give or not to give?

Some yield to the desperate pleas, guilt ridden for the clean beds they know are waiting for them; others stare into space, hoping that their polite dismissal really is for the best.

This is not an uncommon sight in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil and India, wherein the divide between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is extreme. Though poverty is a global issue, the evidence of such despair is most blatantly displayed in developing nations.

There is no avoiding a child’s eyes looking up at you, an amputee holding out an empty McDonald’s cup or a mother and infant sitting in the blazing heat hoping to look “pathetic” enough to warrant the charity of a few coins.

It is an anxiety-ridden dilemma.

Knowing that these kids have not only been damaged by their homeless state, but also by the constant sexual, physical and emotional abuse, makes saying “no” a tortuous task. However, handing out a few coins results in sense of helplessness as this donation often goes to their “beggar masters,” drugs or to parents who often spend it on alcohol or illegal substances.

Therefore, how can travelers help when money is clearly not the answer? Here’s 10 things you can do:

1. Volunteer

Even if you’re not part of the Peace Corps or United Planet Quest, does not mean that you can’t reach out.

Aside from volunteer vacation programs such as Global Volunteers, you can do your part, even for just a day, with a legitimate agency. There are several directories of international outreach opportunities online, such as Idealist.org, Eyesong.org and Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum on volunteerism.

If you are interested in a more direct method, then head over to the local church, mosque, temple and ask if they need any help or know any local programs or schools where you can take part.

You can also peruse the internet and search for community organizations such as Hands on Manila in the Philippines, Asha.org in India or Streetfriends.org in Cambodia.

2. Give A Moment

The simplest and the most valuable thing you can give to a child is time. Rather than brushing them off to make your way to the next tourist site, spend some time to ask them their names, what they like to do, or their favorite games.

Traveler, writer and co-founder of the Ethical Traveler, Jeff Greenwald stated in an interview with the Globe and Mail that “Generosity doesn’t have to mean giving away things. Sharing a bit of yourself, opening a window into your own world, is a good place to begin.”

3. Eat Together

Photo by carf

If you’ve made a connection with a particular child, dining together is a great way to spend time with someone whilst letting them enjoy a warm meal. Try to eat together in one of the local eateries rather than a fast food chain.

Not only will it be healthier but it will also let the child feel more secure knowing that you are interested in his or her country and culture. However, remain cautious when extending the invitiation, as one may end up meaning that you’re taking the entire community out for a treat.

4. Share Your World

Giving things such as pens, candies or clothes may seem like a great alternative, but it often leads to a whole slew of problems.

Not only does it breed materialism, it also promotes unhealthy competition and makes them view begging as a “fun” possibility. Rather than learning anything from travelers, children come to view foreigners as gift dispensers.

Author and vagabonder Jeff Greenwald states in Straight.com that it becomes like “trick-or-treating” for the kids. Louis, a traveler from Ottawa says on the Journeywoman.com board that handing out pens and balloons often causes fights, pollution and “gets children used to systematically ask for things.”

In Jeff Greenwald’s article “A Fistful of Rupees: Coping with Begging on Third World Trails” he recounts an experience with some kids from Delhi and the power of an inflatable globe:

“Cornered by a troupe of 10-year-old beggars in Delhi, I pulled out a small, inflatable world globe. What started as a feeding frenzy quickly became a geography lesson. The kids immediately began matching bits of news they’d heard on the radio – about Russia, Japan and the U.S. – to the appropriate countries, and argued heatedly about why India was pink and Pakistan blue.”

5. Play With Pictures

Another great tool is your digital camera. Kids love to ham it up and in my experience, they will often burst into excited shrieks and start making funny faces, flashing “peace signs” or doing group photo ops. If you can, show them the results, and guaranteed you’ll have a ton of kids squealing with excitement and eager to do another round of wacky poses.

6. Feel the Music

If you’re musically inclined (or in denial of being tone-deaf), try singing a few lines of a global pop song like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” More often than not, you’ll have kid’s belting out the lyrics with an accompanying “moonwalk.”

7. Create a Picture

If you want to leave a part of yourself behind, then how about a postcard of your hometown or a drawing of cities you’ve visited? Not only will you be sharing a part of where you’re from or where you’ve been, but it also provides a great image of the world beyond the slums. You can make it even more personal by writing a few words or do a group drawing session on the postcard.

8. Teach Each Other

Even if you’re not the artistic type, getting the kids involved in a spontaneous ‘arts and crafts’ session is a great way to get their creative juices flowing.

Small projects such as showing them some cool Origami techniques (or paper airplanes) or making simple bracelets with some string will be a mutually inspiring activity. If you’d like to do something more in-depth, you can also check out an charity organizations that specialize in this field.

9. Learn Local Slang

Have the children teach you some of the local lingo. In turn, share some funny phrases in your language. This method beats any phrase book you can buy, as you’ll be learning the key phrases to getting around the city. In turn you’ll gain a few friends and make them feel like they’ve done something special.

10. Donate To Local Orgs

Just because the jingling coins in your pocket are rendered useless on the street, remember that there are still ways to shell out those pennies without the guilt.

You can head over to the local schools or organizations and donate books, coloring materials and other learning paraphernalia.

Do some internet sleuthing and find out how you can help out when you return home. A great read is Emma Jacobs article on helping the locals you leave behind.

Though there aren’t any clear cut answers, recognizing that poverty is a global issue and that children all over the world deserve a future is the first step in the right direction. As Dr. Loretta Scott famously said: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

Do you have advice on helping street children? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Photo by Bhollar

The Internet has made it much easier for writers to break into the world of publishing. As an aspiring writer myself, I’ve spent countless hours exploring every website imaginable, all of which promise the key to success.

Websites such as Matador Travel, Transitions Abroad, and EditRED provide opportunities to hone your journalistic endeavors.

But while the Internet is undeniably one of the greatest platforms a modern writer can use to promote their work, the debate between old-school traditionalists who prefer print and cyberspace junkies who preach the gospel of RSS still burns.

Many perceive the printed word as THE official medium for a writer.

This perception is largely due to the pervasive belief that the editorial standards of print media are higher than those of online alternatives.

This perception is incomplete, because many online outlets do have high editorial standards; in some cases, higher than the majority of print publications.

Even if your writing is accepted by an elite online publication, telling your friends about your accomplishment will rarely evoke gasps of admiration. The reputation of inconsistent online quality is just too hard to shake, because so much mediocre writing is freely available through e-zines, online communities and blogs.

The truth needs to be revealed: writing for the web is more than Myspace blog posts and personal “My Summer Holiday” narratives. There is excellent writing online, you just need to know where to look.

The Weakness Of Websites?

One argument put forth by the traditionalists is that websites present less detailed information and lack in-depth analysis, supposedly symptoms of the online media generation afflicted with a bad case of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Photo by Len-K-A

Instead of reading an article thoroughly, these web-savvy youth merely log on, scan a few paragraphs, get their facts, and scuttle off to the next site in search of pirated movies, music, and the latest Britney Spears upskirt photo.

In some ways, this criticism hits the mark. Reading online does not provide the tactile and leisurely pleasure of turning the pages of a morning paper over coffee and eggs.

However, many websites such as Drift Magazine, Terrain and Anderbo provide downloadable PDF versions that are designed to provide a more in-depth reading experience.

Many online articles also provide a full-on multimedia experience that goes beyond the simple act of reading and provides new ways for reader and writer to connect.

And greens take note: in this age of increased environmental awareness, reading online is also much friendlier for the environment. Digital magazines prevent unnecessary paper consumption and waste.

Editorial Opinions

Online media also provides immediate opportunities for reader involvement. Simmons B. Buntin, Editor of Terrain, says:

“Online publications have provided more real-time, what we might call ‘viral’ marketing or exposure opportunities. If you read something online that you like, all you need to do is send the link to a friend…newer web technologies allow us to rate writing, comment on it, track it, listen to it, promote it through our blogs, and in general share it with others at an exhilarating, if not mind-boggling, rate.”

The online medium has become indispensable for aspiring writers because they’re able to receive feedback and publicity for their work.

Websites such as The Rose and Thorn, Hack Writers, and Cafe Irreal, provide the possibility for writers to interact with their audience.

Furthermore, e-publishing is a great way to gain exposure, not just among fellow writers, but also to literary agents, editors, and publishing houses who can help writers make the transition from web to print.

Editor Sam North from Hackwriters attests to the fact that online work can be a useful tool for self-promotion:

“Writers gain exposure through writing on-line and some find editors who will take them up in print…many of our writers have had books commissioned from work on site.”

Authors like Rolf Potts, James Ogle, and Digby Beaumont got their start by publishing in e-zines and online communities, and have since moved on to print publications, although both continue to publish writing online.

Learning Where To Start

Many authors have gotten their start by joining online writing communities. This concept of a society of artists is not new. For decades, authors have formed social bonds that involve the free exchange of connections and ideas.

Examples of legendary icons who have taken this route to fame and fortune include Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and their fellow beat poets, Ernest Hemingway and the Lost Generation in Europe, Henry Miller and Anais Nin, and Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

One of the foremost websites that promote this concept is EditRED.com, which aspires to help writers get work published by exposing it within the online community.

In this ‘writers space,’ users are not only able to promote themselves, but can also provide feedback and support on each other’s work. EditRED is also a great space for self-promotion, because authors can advertise the books they’ve already published.

Sean Merrigan, editor and co-creator of EditRED, believes that the success and sustainability of both a writing website and aspiring authors is contingent on:

“…finding and keeping an interested audience. But I think beyond this simple formula, sustainability in any creative field involves finding a market or niche or community that is willing to participate, support and nurture talent. Editors need great writers, writers need great editors, both need an audience that is switched on to what is being presented to them. At the same time, audiences are ever more discerning.”

Show Me The Money

Screenshot of your beloved BNT.

However, if helpful sites such as EditRED.com aim to provide all the tools that a writer would need to become wildly successful, why aren’t there more successful online writers?

Alternatively, how do editors of quality websites achieve their sustainability without getting lost in the vast junkyard of blogs, sites, and ezines?

Simmons B. Buntin states: “the publication can be the impetus, but not the regulator.”

The tools, tricks, and the mechanics of publishing can be assisted by the website or community, but the real work begins and ends with the writer.

Buntin states the “responsibility of advancing work lies first and foremost with the writer…but the elements contain such things as hard work, perseverance, a thick skin, plenty of reading, plenty of writing, lots of submitting, an eye for detail, and no small amount of luck.”

Thus, the main way for writers to get work noticed and accepted is to produce quality pieces. Simple.

With so many ‘quick and easy’ schemes available on the net (as well as in print), it is easy to forget that the main job of the writer is to actually write well. The value of a website relies on the caliber of the written word.

Just like traditional writers, Barbara Quinn cautions that “…many people tell stories that aren’t interesting to anyone but themselves. Writers need to ask why would anyone want to read this? What makes this story stand out from the hundreds of others like it?”

Online magazines and writer communities won’t allow a mediocre writer to succeed, but they will grant good writers the possibility of success by allowing them to immediately expose their work to a wide audience.

A Changing Perception

Attitudes towards online media seem to be changing, and sites have been garnering greater attention from both readers and print publications. Online magazines, which many people initially thought of as a passing trend, seem to have become a permanent fixture.

Popular newspapers and magazines such as The New York Times and Newsweek have taken notice, building a major online presence with features such as blogs, podcasts, and videos.

With more and more companies, communities, and magazines expanding into cyberspace, the competition to produce quality content is fierce. Simmons B. Buntin asserts that the view of the public is changing and will continue to change “as more people find good literature online.”

With so many new technological innovations conceived and invented every day, readers, writers and editors all wonder: what’s next?

G.S. Evans from Cafe Irreal thinks that “some form of revolution in reading technology that would make it easier and more comfortable to read online publications” could combat the residual bias against cyberzines.

Simmons B. Buntin believes that websites that can be accessed through mobile devices, such as iPhones, and Amazon’s Kindle, are becoming increasingly necessary for success.

On a similar note, Sam North from Hackwriters believes that the future lies with magazines that move, allowing “some combination of sound, text, image…Performance readings and the like.”

Sean Merrigan looks to establishing closer ties between readers and writers:

“…the future holds greater interactivity between writers and readers; more debate, and more ideas. But this will be a collaborative process: editors need to ensure they promote quality writing; readers need to be demanding about what they want to read. This will be the key to greater legitimacy. In my opinion the sky is the limit.”

What do you think about the changing view of online writing? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Reading is a great form of entertainment and inspiration. However, for aspiring travel writers, it also serves as a necessary tool to learning the craft of writing. Books become your teachers, and who better to learn from than the legends of literature?

Who better to guide you through the streets of Paris and teach you how to make your words sing than Hemingway? What better way to learn how to recreate the details of a train ride than Paul Theroux?

Though your aching back may come to despise you for loading your rucksack with travelogues, your mind will thank you. Here is a list of 50 recommended books to choose from for your next travel adventure.

1. Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway

A necessary piece for those traveling through Spain, most especially for those planning on watching a bullfight. It’s an enviable work of journalistic skill that studies the art of bullfighting and its meaning within Spanish culture.

2. The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux’s “Great Railway Bazaar” captures the spontaneous pleasures of travel. Rich in observation and detail, this book is best read during solitary moments on a train. The route takes place from London’s Victoria Station to Asia and finally through the Trans-Siberian express. Capturing the idiosyncracies of train travel, the circumstances Theroux finds himself in, as well as the characters he encounters are a comical portrayal of life on the road.

3. Finding George Orwell in Burma by Emma Larkin

One of the most in-depths books on Burma to date. The book is simultaneously a political analysis on Burma, a literary study of George Orwell’s work, and an intoxicating travelogue.

4. When We Were Orphans by Kazou Ishiguro

This mystery novel will take you to the depths of Shanghai in the 1900’s and London in the 1930’s, as esteemed detective Christopher Banks searches for his parents, who had disappeared when he was a child. It is a startling look at loss, ambition, and the power of memory.

5. Four Corners: Into the Heart of New Guinea-One Woman’s Solo Journey by Kira Salak

An inspiring read for women travelers, as Kira Salak proves that gender is not a barrier for a life of risk and adventure. It is both a story of survival and a personal reflection on a life lived without borders.

6. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Often touted as the launching pad for vagabonders, wherein the purpose of life is to simply “live.” It’s an iconic book that has fueled the imagination of several generations of readers. A piece of pure voltage as the characters traipse their way through America in search of enlightenment. A bible for those “on the road” in search of meaning and adventure.

7. Into the Wild by John Krakauer

John Krakauer’s study of Chris McCandles short life will shake you to the core. It’s a story of a young man who decides to give up all his worldly possessions and head towards the Alaskan wilderness. Aptly changing his name to “Alexander Supertramp,” McCandles’ unwavering dedication to the journey is both awe-inspiring and ultimately heartbreaking.

8. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress: A Novel by Dai Sijie

Written like a fable or a tale, this book is a comical, yet touching account of life during the Cultural Revolution in China. Light in its delivery but profound in meaning, it serves as a reminder regarding the importance of intellectual freedom.

9. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Although this book is often looked down upon by the “literarati,” it is an exciting read, especially for those planning on making a trip to the Louvre museum in Paris. Not only interesting for conspiracy fans but also a passion to read for art lovers. It is guaranteed that you will see art in a different light.

10. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

At midnight, on August 15, 1957, one thousand and one children are born possessing supernatural powers. With them, like the country, the burden of freedom weighs heavily. Not only is it a stunning work of magical realism, it’s a historical view of the hopes, dreams, and passions of post-colonial India.

11. America Is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan

Written by Carlos Bulosan, the first Filipino to be published in the United States of America, it is the story of his migrant experiences in the so-called ‘land of plenty’ in the 1930’s. The book is about his journey through the American landscape and discusses life as an exile, dislocation, racism, and poverty.

12. Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History by Robert D. Kaplan

Kaplan’s ‘Balkan Ghosts: A Journey through History’ is not only a travelogue, but a political analysis of the past and present struggles within the region. He not only provides an interesting account of the Balkan peoples, but also gives insight to the roots and effects of hatred and terrorism.

13. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

The story revolves around the character of Christopher Marlow and his journey through the Congo. An important and timeless piece, especially for post-colonial studies, it poses questions on the concept of ‘civilization,’ the inner-struggle between good and evil, and colonialism.

14. Video Night in Kathmandu: And Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East by Pico Iyer

‘Video Night in Kathmandu’ is a collection of essays set in Asia from Pico Iyer, one of the most prolific of contemporary travel writers, which aims to dissect the the cross-cultural relationships between East and the West.

15. The Castle by Franz Kafka

A great piece for any traveler that has felt completely lost and alienated in a strange new city. It is an eerie novel of disambiguation as the character by the name of ‘K’ arrives as a land surveyor in an unamed village and seeks to gain entry into the castle but his path is blocked by mysterious authority figures and indifferent locals.

16. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The character of “Pi” (Piscine Molitor Patel), a young boy from Pondicherry whose father is a zookeeper, is shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean for 227 days. With him in the life raft are various animals, the most intriguing of which is the Bengal tiger who becomes Pi’s only friend, as well as enemy. A shocking and absorbing story that examines religion, spirituality, and the psychological effects of traumatic experiences.

17. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

A great book for those planning on traveling through the former Czechoslovakia, or even those simply seeking artistic and philosophical insight. A novel about love, desire, and the struggle between logic and emotions; it follows the lives of artists during the invasion of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact Allies in the country.

18. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

An absorbing masterpiece by Henry James that emphasizes the differences between America and Europe. It is the confrontation of the New World versus the Old World, where the character of the American Isabel Archer travels to Europe to find her destiny. The novel is about the search and loss of freedom and a grand overview of an American in Europe during the Victorian era.

19. The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert

“The Dark Room” is a profound novel that recounts the events of 20th century Germany through the lives and struggles of three characters all connected by their love-hate relationship with the city of Berlin.

20. The Tale of Murasaki: A Novel by Liza Dalby

Written in the form of a diary, the book is a display of Dalby’s skill for imagination and recreating Japanese literary history. It captures the essence of Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote “The Tale of Genji” and is full of philosophical and cultural insight.

21. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

A great adventure story told through the eyes of Buck, a domesticated dog who returns to his primal nature in order to survive the harsh landscape of the Yukon. Though expressed through experiences of an animal, it is a timeless tale of tapping into the savage instincts that lay buried within all of us.

22. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thomson

A cult novel that is an account of Thomson’s drug-infused, paranoia ridden journey to Las Vegas in order to fulfill an assignment for Rolling Stone Magazine. Not only is “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” wildly entertaining as a novel, a travelogue, and a biography, but is an important study on the idea of the “American Dream.”

23. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast” is his memories, observations and experiences of living in Paris during the 1920’s as part of the “Lost Generation” of America writers and artists. It is an essential piece for those who dream of living abroad or are in the midst of piecing toghether their expatriate lives.

24. Lord of the Flies by William S. Golding

“The Lord of the Flies” tells the story of a group of British schoolboys marooned in an island and have to learn to fend for themselves. In their efforts, they create their own democracy which goes awry as violence and chaos ensues. Set in the midst of World War II, it is an allegorical tale of a society without authority and the loss of innocence.

25. Dubliners by James Joyce

“Dubliners” is Joyce’s portrayal of Ireland’s middle-class in the 20th century told through a collection of 15 stories. Written during the wake of the Irish nationalist movement, the pieces reflect the people’s search for identity and the struggles of everyday life.

26. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Though mostly popular due to the Disney cartoon classic, the book is a collection of stories set in India. The book is not only interesting for children, but for adults as well, as it details the different customs and traditions in India, as well as a criticism of British colonial powers.

27. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry

An inspiring novella for those searching for a sense of meaning and purpose. Though largely viewed as a children’s book, “The Little Prince” is about an aviator who lands in the Sahara desert and comes to meet an alien in the form of a boy who teaches him the value of seeing the world through the eyes of an innocent.

28. Maximum City Maximum City by Suketu Mehta

“Maximum City” is Mehta’s account of returning to the India he had left behind as a child when his family migrated to New York. The author paints a picture of modern Bombay and the complexities of living between two opposing cultures.

29. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

One of the most creative and entertaining travelogues to date, “In Patagonia” is Chatwin’s account of trying to reconstruct the legendary adventures of his grandmother’s uncle through South America. This book, in its literary depths, historical accounts, and adventurous undertakings, set the standard for travel writing.

30. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

For anyone who has aspired to start afresh and ‘build a new home,’ so to speak , “Under the Tuscan Sun” is a rich and deeply moving account of her efforts to restore a villa in Italy. It is a memoir that reminds us of the sensual pleasures of food, life, and the importance of making a leap of faith.

31. Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

A breathtaking true story of Austrian adventurer Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter escape to Tibet after being imprisoned in India by the British during World War II. An insightful novel that gives an insiders account of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan way of life, that is rarely seen by outsiders.

32. Going Solo by Roald Dahl

“Going Solo” is Roald Dahl’s biography and is an account of his life as a pilot in North Africa during World War II. Not unlike his captivating children’s books, this book is rife with exciting adventures, interesting encounters, and laugh-out-loud humor.

33. I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallman

Kuki Gallman’s memoir of her life in Africa is simultaneously inspiring and heart-wrenching. In the wake of a tragedy that occured in her homeland in Italy, Kuki moves to Africa with her family and lover and is about overcoming and embracing the challenges of living in a world so different than her own.

34. The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost

“The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific” is J. Maarten Troost’s hilarous yet discerning account of living in Tarawa for two-years. The novel touches on the romantic image of “Paradise” we often attach to island living and the sad realities that need to be acknowledged.

35. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Marie Rilke

“Letters to a Young Poet” is a collection of letters between Rainer Marie Rilke to an aspiring young poet by the name of Franz Xaver Kappus. Not only is it inspiring to read while on the road, but also a necessary piece for those of us searching and striving to live an authentic life.

36. The Living City by Frank Lloyd Wright

For architecture buffs or those that enjoy reveling in a bustling metropolis, Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision of a Utopian city is an enthralling look into his views on society, urbanization, and freedom.

37. Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon

This masterpiece by Thomas Pynchon raises the bar for what any would-be-author would aspire to create. A postmodern epic set during the end of the 2nd World War where its protagonist, Tyrone Slothrope search for German V-2 rockets is linked with the pattern (specifically, constellation) he created to keep track of the women he has slept with. Although a difficult read, its complexity, subplots, and confusion are allegories to the challenges of the modern world.

38. The Beach by Alex Garland

After the movie of the same title came out, hoards of adventurous backpackers made their way to Thailand in search of snake blood and hidden maps. However, the book is more exciting than the film version as it highlights the travelers quest for the unknown, yet also reveals the pitfalls of exploitation travel.

39. The Size of the World: Once Around Without Leaving the Ground by Jeff Greenwald

“The Size of the World” by Jeff Greenwald is an inspiring book for travelers searching for creative ways to explore the world. It begins with Greenwald’s goal to travel the globe without leaving the ground, and before he begins his journey he posts a query in the personals section of a newspaper to find a female travel companion. Thus, the story is not only an adventurous chronicle of the 9-months spent traveling by buses, trains and boats, but also a hilarious account of the women who respond to his ad.

40. Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles

A dramatic piece of literature set in Morocco, where the desert becomes an untamed character in itself. Set in the 20th Century, the characters of Kit and Port Moresby are a married couple from New York who travel to North Africa in the hopes of re-igniting the passion in their marriage, however they must learn to battle the elements, circumstances, and sense of dislocation brought on by the “sheltering sky.”

41. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

“Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne set the stage for the future of adventure seekers everywhere. A classic novel that begins with Londoner Phileas Fogg, who makes a £20,000 bet with his friends that he can circle the globe in 80 days with his French valet Passerpout.

42. The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron

Written in the form of a diary, Byron’s “Road to Oxiana” is a moving account of his travels through Persia and Afghanistan. Each page never fails to entertain, as Robert Byron’s skill in painting an image of his personal experiences, opinions and encounters to the reader.

43. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

“Travels with Charley” is Steinbeck’s account of his journey through America during the 1960’s with his best friend, Charley the dog. His prowess as a writer is unchallenged, as he weaves together his observations of modern America and highlights the value of surrendering oneself to the journey.

44. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

Published in 1869, it is Twain’s travel story through Europe and the Holy Land via a pleasure cruise. A pleasure to read, not only for Mark Twain’s clever observations, but also because it highlights the relationship between the Americans and Europeans during the 19th century and how each viewed their place in the world.

45. The Book Bag by W. Somerset Maugham

An intriguing and entertaining collection of short stories by W. Somerset Maugham that include pieces set in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The tales will shock, captivate and amuse the reader as Maugham pulls the “skeletons out of the closet” of his seemingly conservative, ‘civilized’ characters.

46. The Summing Up by W. Somerset Maugham

“The Summing Up” by W. Somerset Maugham is a must-read for any aspiring writer. Maugham emphasizes that the book is not his autobiography but are his reflections on the the craft of writing and the importance of travel, literature and philosophy.

47. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

A novel that teaches the lessons of love as the character of Kitty, a shallow and confused socialite marries the passionate bacteriologist Walter Fane who she later cheats on with the Charles Townsend. When Walter Fane discovers her infidelity he takes her on assignment with him to China. Not only is the book about discovering the meaning of love, forgiveness and compassion, but also paints a vivid picture of China during the 20th century

48. Collected Poems 1947-1997 by Allen Ginsberg

What better way to walk the uncommon path than through the works of Beat poet, Allen Ginsberg. The voice he creates through his poems calls out for spiritual liberation and passionate causes.

49. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

An exciting read, especially for those planning on traveling by train; Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” will have you on the edge of your seat as esteemed detective, Hercule Poirot tries to solve the case.

50. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Whitman’s collection of poems in “Leaves of Grass” creates an image of America, the horror of war, and the nature of man through his raw and sensual verses.

What books would you add to the list? Leave your picks in the comments!

It all began with a volcanic eruption. Caught in a storm of ashen rain and almost walking into the ocean, Michaela Lola realized at the tender age of eight that life was meant to be an adventure. Her escapades include riding the midnight train to Marrakesh, partying with the katoys in Thailand and sampling insects in China.

Call it a delayed reaction, but after months and months of planning my trip, the fear and trepidation of traipsing across a continent all by myself occurred only at the last minute.

Although this solo European adventure was not my first excursion outside my home country, it was the first time I would be traveling alone.

Why did I decide to go solo? During my previous travels, there was always a part of me that longed to separate from the group. I wanted to take in every sight, sound and smell like a greedy child. With a travel buddy, the journey felt too safe. I felt as if I had cheated and taken the sterile route.

The goal for this trip was to escape the four corners of my cubicle, the frightening comfortability of a daily routine, and my approaching quarter-life crisis. I thought of the comments and protests made by my family and friends, who told me that my plans were impossible and unsafe, and that I was “only a girl.”

Determined to prove them wrong, I reminded myself why I decided to travel solo:

1. Enjoy Complete Freedom

Traveling alone allows you to be the “Captain Of Your Own Destiny.” It is an experience of ultimate freedom. You can choose to satisfy your every desire or indulgence.

You can taste-test an array of cuisines from the local market without someone crinkling their nose in disgust; and alternatively you won’t have anyone forcing you to eat anything you would rather not try.

The time you lay your head on the pillow or decide to rise is your prerogative. You can wander the streets of Madrid at 3 a.m. without a travel partner pouting in annoyance. There is no need to sacrifice any plan for the sake of compromise.

2. Challenge Yourself

With only a backpack for company, traveling alone is one of the greatest yet most rewarding challenges you can choose to take on. It forces you to be confident in your choices. Every decision is based upon your own sense of self-belief.

There is no one to seek counsel or rely upon, and so trusting your own instincts becomes a necessary survival skill. If the first step of travel is to take the plunge into the unknown, then walking the road alone requires leaping headfirst off an 80-foot cliff.

It is precisely these challenges that make you stronger. You are responsible to no one but yourself. Thus, every wrong turn or misstep is yours – and yours alone.

3. Attain Deeper Insights

Risk is always a factor when traveling. However, oftentimes there is greater danger to a group of unprepared travelers than a single prepared one.

Loneliness is inevitable. Even so, I have found that the quiet solitude of solo travel has led to my deepest insights about my own nature and the realities of others. The sensation of being connected in a world so vast and varied leaves you humbled and filled with gratitude.

The solo traveler can revel in the the long-lost freedom of becoming ‘one’ with the landscape. There is no need to fill the empty gaps of time with desperate, painful dialogue; rather you can retreat into the deepest recesses of your mind and imagination.

Everything taste better, shines brighter, and seeps deeper into your bones when all you have are your thoughts and a notebook. You become a sponge, absorbing every detail and sensation of a new location. The intensity of your aloneness magnifies this privilege.

4. Leave Home (And Travel Companions) Behind

Taking the road with a companion (or a hoard of them) often means that you’re packing remnants of home along with your guidebook.

As a solitary traveler, observation became my main means of entertainment. I observed people traveling as a couple or in a group who, rather than noticing the windmills of Don Quixote’s Spain, or the different characters that boarded the train in Malaysia, all too often were lost in conversation about the latest gossip from back home.

Thus, they often failed to see the flashing landscape of a country and the habits that made its people unique.

Another tendency that I noticed by observing packs and pairs of backpackers was that they seemed to be surrounded by an “invisible shield” – a force field that appeared impenetrable and intimidating to fellow travelers and locals. It was as though they had a sign stating Do Not Approach in bold, neon lights.

5. Meet The Locals

As a lone traveler, you become more curious and active in your new environment.

I remember wandering down the beach in Asilah, Morocco, encountering a kif-smoking goat-herder. Despite the language barrier, we struck up a friendship. He took hold of my guidebook and started pointing out places on the map and gave me their names in Arabic, while I stated the county names in English.

Though most of our conversation was dominated by clumsy hand movements and mutual laughter, it was an interaction that I will never forget.

It was also an encounter that I highly doubt I would have experienced if I had been with a partner or a collection of friends.

6. See With Clear Eyes

Whether or not you travel with others can also affect the “eyes” with which you view the journey. The desire to please and be accepted, most especially by those whom we consider our peers, is an innate and almost inescapable social need.

Thus, a traveler may often see the world through his partner’s eyes and censor her opinions for the sake of “peace” or “agreement.”

The travel writer Alain de Botton elucidates this point in his 2002 book “The Art of Travel,” stating:

It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially molded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others. They may have particular visions of who we are and hence may subtly prevent certain sides of us from emerging… Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companions questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity.

Traveling with others may not only hinder us from being truly ourselves, but also thwart the spiritual growth that comes with a journey. The partner or group serves the function of preserving the identity we constructed for ourselves before the trip.

Shedding the shell that one has built over time becomes an unlikely possibility when fellow travelers are there to constantly remind you of who you were – and who they think you still should be.

The Road Back…or Forward

We return home from travel with a transformed view of the world. People often say that ‘you are not the same person you were in your twenties when you are in your thirties,’ and travel accelerates this metamorphosis. Every trip enriches you in ways that can never be recreated or reproduced.

A traveler who sets out alone is like a bird pushed out of the nest and obliged to take flight on its own. Travel solo, spread your wings, and soar above and beyond your greatest hopes and dreams.

It all began with a volcanic eruption. Caught in a storm of ashen rain and almost walking into the ocean, Michaela Lola realized at the tender age of eight that life was meant to be an adventure. Her escapades include riding the midnight train to Marrakesh, partying with the katoys in Thailand and sampling insects in China.