A new year calls for new ways to grow, learn, and be inspired. For all those book lovers out there, or those just ready to head back out into the world (I’m saying this as I’ve been housebound since March – help!), I sat down to share my serious book obsessions that I share with friends, clients, and those new to being or working abroad- each a little bit different than the last.
Let’s start this with a badass #readinglist!
Please note some of my links are affiliate links!
The Little Book of Hygge
The Hygge concept has been pretty mainstream for over two years, but now it hits closer to home with our current situation.
This book by Meik Wiking was a birthday present I could not put down last year and something that made me curious about both a culture and a new concept that I previously did not know much about. It’s charming, a little wacky, laughable, and definitely thought-provoking. Read this if you are looking for an easy and fun read.
Rick Steve’s Travel As A Political Act
This last year has been a bit turbulent for all of us, but something that has come out of it has been further awareness of individuals, our differences and similarities.
If Rick Steves is not already on your radar, he is an American travel expert who created his own guidebook and guided tour empire to make travel more easily accessible. While he mainly focuses on an American audience, personally I believe most of his advice can be received by internationals everywhere. In his latest book – not part of his multiple guidebook series that he is known for – he brings up traveling in the current-ish ( ie. pre-COVID) political world. If you are curious about stereotypes in other countries, love politics, want to learn more about the world, or have ever been curious about traveling to certain environments, this might just be the book for you.
How to Pack
I’m keeping this book on the back burner until I feel it’s safe to travel again, however, if you are traveling at all or thinking about travel you should really read this book by Hitha on the Go before your next trip. An incredible read that appeals to anyone who has gone somewhere and felt like they didn’t pack well, is one of those people who needs a reason to help themselves plan, or may just be inspired by Marie Kondo and all of the current organizational inspo out in the world right now.
The Culture Map
For the international business enthusiast, intercultural nerd (like me!), or someone who’s already working abroad, the Culture Map is a fantastic book by Erin Meyer that goes into cultural differences between countries, such as verbal cues, movements, and general behaviors.
Anyone in Global Business should find this eyeopening and may start thinking a little bit more about communication, or want to learn more about cross-cultural complexities.
If these books have struck a chord, or you in interested in other travel-related things look no further. If you are interested in more packing and travel advice check out this post or this post. For more Hygge check out these teas or stay tuned for my Winter Survival Guide. Or check out my last post on my best tips for 2021!
Happy reading!
And don’t forget to follow my adventures on Instagram or connect with me with the hashtag #connectedinternational! Tell me what you think about these books and let me know your favorite books I should share with others.
Need help abroad? Let’s find you that job in a new country, figure out what visa you need, or help you through the struggles of adapting abroad. Discovery what we can do to get you unstuck free chat!
