Summer sun, a white beach, the sound of the ocean in the background and, of course, a good book – that’s how many people imagine the perfect summer vacation. But like every year, you are faced with the (difficult) question of the right travel reading. Which I usually overthink 😀 If you feel the same way, we’ve put together a list of 5 old and new classics on sustainability and travel that are definitely worth reading! IMAGE: ©WavebreakmediaMicro | Stock.Adobe.com

5 Ideas for suitable travel reading (in no particular order)

1. Was wenn wir einfach die Welt retten – What If We Just Save the World? Taking Action on the Climate Crisis
   

   In his book, published in 2021, thriller author Frank Schätzing presents various future scenarios for our continued life on this planet in a scientifically sound manner. The first half of the book deals with fundamental questions, such as the difference between weather and climate, and the various players in politics, business, and society. Then, in the second part, he presents options for what each of us can do to counteract climate change. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about climate change, but (understandably :D) doesn’t have the nerve to read a textbook while on vacation. (The German book has been translated into 27 languages – an English translation by Jamie Searle is available.)

2. Factfulness

   The book “Factfulness” by Hans Roling is a bit older and probably already known to most people. It challenges the view of a world that is getting worse and worse with plain facts. The 400 pages deal with topics like health, poverty, education, our half-knowledge in many areas and why we tend to see the world as worse than it is. Highly recommended for some positivity during the summer vacation.

3. The Climate Book

   It’s hard to avoid Thunberg’s collection of essays by more than 100 experts from a wide range of fields – from engineers, geophysicists, and mathematicians to philosophers and indigenous leaders. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the current climate situation and, together with accounts of her own experiences protesting and exposing greenwashing, is an informative and thought-provoking read.

4. Let My People Go Surfing

   Admittedly, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s autobiographical work isn’t brand new (it was published in 2008), but since I’ve only recently read it myself, I’m brazenly sneaking it in here 😀 In the book, Chouinard tells his story – from his childhood, to the founding of his outdoor brand Patagonia, through to his life and business philosophies. In doing so, he offers interesting perspectives on sustainable business models and corporate policies that are still relevant and thought-provoking today.

5. Sustainable Travel: The essential guide to positive impact adventures

   This is a practical guide to sustainable travel. The book takes a holistic approach, covering everything from suitcase packing and hotel selection to local mobility and much more. A perfect fit for this blog, so we don’t need to explain the recommendation any further, do we?

We hope we have made it a little easier for you to choose the right travel reading. If you have your own recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments!