Below is a list of just some of the books that I have bought and found useful on . . . → Read More: Books]]>

Below is a list of just some of the books that I have bought and found useful on my travels. I usually read these before I leave and try to memorise as much as I can, as carrying even just one book with you when you travel adds considerably to your load. (That said, I do carry the first book on the list with me as it is tiny).

To be honest, these days I tend to listen to audio books on my iPod mainly, as I can fit a considerable number of books onto it and listening in this way also keeps your hands free when walking around. You can buy these online or in major bookstores on CD. Just search online for audio books.

(Click for US supplier) (Click for UK supplier)

Travel Health

Bezruchka, Stephen. The Pocket Doctor: A Passport to Healthy Travel. Mountaineers Books; 3 edition (March 1999). The classic reference for international travelers – completely updated.

Dawood, Richard, M.D. Travelers’ Health: How to Stay Healthy All Over the World. New York: Random House, 1994. With six hundred pages of advice from sixty British and American travel medicine specialists, this is the most complete travelers’ health guide.

Dessery, Bradford L., and Robin, Marc R. The Medical Guide for Third World Travelers: A Comprehensive Self-Care Handbook. San Diego: K-W Publications, 1992. This is a good health guide by two nurses with practical experience.

Schroeder, Dirk G. Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Chico, CA: Moon Publications, 1993. Another good travelers’ health book.

Equipment

Fletcher, Colin. The Complete Walker. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984. Dubbed the “hiker’s Bible,” this is a highly detailed look at the gear and philosophy of a wilderness backpacker who has also written several other books.

Working Abroad

Griffith, Susan. Teaching English Abroad. Oxford: Vacation Work, 1994. This is over three hundred pages on the subject, including numerous personal accounts. Distributed in the U.S. by Petersen’s Guides, Princeton, NJ (tel. 800-338-3282).

Communication

Hall, Edward T. The Silent Language. Garden City, New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1959. A groundbreaking work on nonverbal communication.

Pei, Mario. Talking Your Way Around the World. New York: Harper & Row, 1971. Interesting reading on languages by the popular linguist, although you won’t quite be speaking Indo-European come page 288.

Miller, Stuart. Understanding Europeans. Santa Fe: John Muir Publications, 1990. This is an incisive book by an American former professor of European comparative literature who has lived and worked extensively in Europe. It also helps you understand Americans.

Links to the suppliers of the travel gear I use and recommend can be found through out this site. . . . → Read More: Suppliers]]>

Links to the suppliers of the travel gear I use and recommend can be found through out this site. Here is a list of those suppliers on one page.

I don’t work for any of the companies listed, neither do I receive any money from them to list them here. The list changes all the time as I add new suppliers and test out new gear.

I buy my equipment from companies on both sides of the Atlantic (I am both British and American). US-based companies and website links are preceded by and those in the UK by

For example, most of the things I buy I get from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

When I am in the States I frequently shop at REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), and have bought equipment from them online too. All the products have been high quality, including their own brand. You can also become a member of their cooperative by paying a small joining fee which entitles you to an annual dividend (about 10% of what you spent with them the previous year).

I have bought equipment online from Magellan’s International Travel Inc (based in California). They have a US website and a UK website. I order mostly from the UK website as if they don’t have what you want they can get it quite quickly (I assume from the US).

Another supplier with websites for both the US and the UK is Tilley Endurables. I have bought hats and travel underwear from this company and am very happy with both. Everything is very good quality and worth the little extra it may cost.



I bought my main travel pack, the MEI Voyageur, directly from the manufacturer, you can read about them here. The website has their email address but you can also contact them by clicking here: mei-legacy@netscape.com

I bought one of Kiva Design’s lightweight backpacks for carrying small amounts of shopping and sometimes laundry. It packs away really small in its own stuff sack and fits in a pocket or clips to a belt.

A good clothing store where I shop in London is Rohan. They also sell travel accessories and have an online store.

As well as being a travel equipment supplier both in their stores and online, Nomad have a travel clinic which gives advice on travel health and can give vaccinations and supply you with malaria pills.

Craghoppers don’t have their own store but many stores stock their excellent gear. They also have an online store from which I have bought equipment before.

Other US suppliers I have used are Campmor for camping equipment, and Sierra Trading Post, an online outlet mall for clothing and equipment.

All my hammock requirements are met by Hennessy Hammocks, I have the Ultralite Backpacker model.

You can find Eagle Creek gear in a lot of other stores and websites but they also have their own online store. I like their money belts and pouches (I have two).

For water purification I use products like the Aquapure Traveller water bottle and the Steripen handheld, pocket-sized water purifier.

The MIOX water purifier is supplied by Mountain Safety Research. They also make some great stoves, tents and other gear.

Good knives and other tools are supplied by Leatherman and Victorinox (Swiss Army knives) and can be bought anywhere.

Packing List