V is for Vacation

 I've decided to do the A to Z Blogger Challenge this year and I'm recommending five books all from the same alphabetical genre each day. So today, V is for Vacation. I don't know about you, but I love traveling. And sometimes, I also enjoy reading books about other people's travels. Here are five of my favorite vacation books, or travel memoirs if you want to use the official genre title (except travel memoir doesn't start with a V).

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell - Sarah Vowell is quirkier than the average journalist, and when she takes vacation's they are suitably entertaining. In this book, she chronicles her journey to visit all of the historic sites associated with presidential assassinations. It is an interesting blend of history and travel that is a very fun read.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - Bill Bryson's one of those writers that every time I read one of his books I find myself wishing he lived next door to me. He's the type of guy I know would be really fun to sit down and have a beer with. And even if hiking the Appalachian Trail with him isn't something I would want to do, A Walk in the Woods is still a very funny read.

Adventure Capitalist by Jim Rogers - I want to hang out with Bill Bryson, but I want to be Jim Rogers. They guy is like a gazillionaire, so who wouldn't want to be him. As a former Wall Street Broker, he understands the importance of a diversified portfolio and investing in foreign markets. So what better way to managed his assets than by taking a three year around the world road trip? This book does talk some about the banking practices of the 100+ countries he road tripped through, but mainly it focuses on the great international adventure part of the journey. I would LOVE to one day go on a round the world road trip, so I also loved reading this book.

Getting Stoned with Savages by Maarten Troost - This is a very funny memoir about a man who left his stressful corporate life to move to the Pacific Islands and commune with the cannibals. I don't I want to be Maarten Troost, or even live next door to him for that matter. But I did find this book very entertaining.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - This is probably the best known travel memoir these days. It's about a woman who spent a self centered year in the land of I, dividing her time evenly between Italy, India, and Indonesia. It's a great glimpse into not only Gilbert's turbulent life but also three fascinating cultures.

What about you? What's your favorite vacation read?