Books and Movies that you Should Consult Before Traveling
Before setting out on your travel adventure, there are some sources that you should consult for wisdom and as indispensable resources before you go. As freeing as backpacking can be, it is unwise to leave without doing a bit of homework. You may not have a strict itinerary, but there are some things that you will need to know about the places you are going.
Before leaving, you should research the countries you are going to see. If you know a bit of the history of the country, you will appreciate it more when you see it firsthand. You can purchase some pretty great travel books that are dedicated to providing thorough travel information on specific countries. Lonely Planet and Frommers are two better known series.
You may also want to consult general information on travel, tourism, accommodations, food, and safety in the general area you are traveling to. Depending on the area, it may be harder to get around, find affordable accommodations, or the country may be experiencing unrest that you should be aware of before deciding to visit. You also want to make sure that you will be in the country during good weather. Make sure you know when the wet seasons are, when their winter is, or when hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons are most prevalent. You can find all this information on the internet or in travel books.
Travel movies, although mostly fictional, can help to provide some insight into the life of a traveler. Some movies convey quite aptly the experiences that travelers face, the ups and downs of being so far from home, and the feeling of impermanence that is felt by travelers as their scenery, friends, and beds keep changing. They also show the adventure, the fun, and the new and exciting experiences that travelers face.
