Listed here are many of the books we have found relevant or useful (or both) as part of our planning and preparation.  Some are designed to be information books, others tell the tales of travellers who have gone before us.  Some have been more useful than others, some have just confirmed a few thoughts.  A few have become absolute standbys.  Some will even go with us.  In no particular order:

• The Royal Geographical Society Expedition Handbook, edited by Shane Winser, published by Profile Books, 2004
• The Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide, 2nd edition, by Tom Sheppard, published by Desert Winds, 2008
• The Traveller’s Handbook 12th Edition, Ed.Director Amy Sohanpaul, Wexas, 2006
• Chasing Rainbows, Peter & Eilieen Crighton, Arabian Visions, 2005
• The World Guide 11th edition, New Internationalist, 2007
• The Ultimate Road Trip Overlanding, Tim English, Pen Press Publishers, 2004
• Born Survivor, Bear Grylls, Channel 4 Books, 2007
• First Contact, Mark Anstice, Eye Books, 2004
• First Overland, Tim Slessor, Signal Books, 2005
• First-Time Around the World, Doug Lansky, Rough Guide, 2006
• Rough Guide to Climate Change, Robert Henson, Rough Guide, 2006
• Passport to Safer Travel 3rd edition, Mark Hodson, Thomas Cook Publishing, 2004
• Long Way Round, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
• Long Way Down, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, Sphere Books, 2007
• Mosquito, Richard Swift, New Internationalist, 2006
• Travellers’ Tips, Lonely Planet, 2003

Plus a whole range of Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt guides to the various countries or continents we plan to visit.

All the above books can be used for “Armchair Travel” – here are some more that are especially suitable for that purpose:

• 501 Must-Visit Natural Wonders, Ed. Emma Beare, Bounty Books, 2007
• Ultimate Adventures: a Rough Guide to Adventure Travel, Greg Witt, Rough Guides, 2008
• Make the Most of Your Time on Earth, Rough Guides, 2007
• A Year of Adventures: a Guide to what, where and when to do it, Lonely Planet, 2006
• Unforgettable Journeys to take before you die, Steve Watkins & Clare Jones, BBC Books,