Travel Books

1. My Life as a Hooker by Steven Gauge

   I'll admit that I did a double take when I clocked the title of this book, but as it turns out, a hooker isn't just a label affiliated with ladies of the night. It's also a position played in the game of rugby. Live and learn. In summary this in an open account of one man's mid-life crisis and also a second chance at sport, after the early life humiliation of school, where a lack of immediate talent on the field so often leads to immediate stigmatism. It's a surprisingly heart-warming read with just the right amount of educated cynicism.

   My Life as a Hooker by Steven Gauge is published by Summersdale (paperback; £7.99). It is also available through amazon.com and all good booksellers.

2. First-Time Europe by Rough Guides

   If you're planning your first trip to Europe and you're searching for a place to start, the look no further. This is the definitive guide to planning travel throughout the European Union with information about inter-railing, accommodation, visas, what you can afford to miss and what you'll regret not taking snapshot of. Add to this money saving tips, referrals to regularly updated local websites, maps and more, and you're laughing.

   First-Time Europe by Rough Guides is published by Rough Guides. (paperback; £12.99). It is also available through amazon.com and all good booksellers.

3. China Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

   For many China is a final frontier of travel and given that its own citizens require visas to travel within it, the thought of traversing this massive country can be quite daunting. This guide however slays those fears with well-informed travelogues and honest accounts of the cultural contradictions that you need to look out for. From making the most of train travel and conquering the Great Wall to culinary highlights and popular hikes, you'll find it in this guide.

   China Travel Guide by Lonely Planet is published by Lonely Planet (paperback; £19.99). It is also available through amazon.com and all good booksellers.

4. Frommer's New York City Day by Day

   Always eager to take on the likes of Rough Guides and Lonely Planet, Frommers serves up this book and within it, 22 smart ways to see the city that never sleeps. What sets this guide apart however is the focus on New York's free and dirt-cheap attractions. There's always a new favourite in this city, be it a restaurant or a museum but this book catalogues the steadfast attractions that'll never go out of fashion. Read on and you'll become enamoured about everything from brunch in Greenwich Village to art appreciation in Chelsea. It's definitely food for thought with 22 self–guided tours to boot.

   Frommer's New York City Day by Day: 22 Smart ways to See the City is published by Frommer's(paperback; £7.99). It is also available through amazon.com and all good booksellers.

5. Lebanon from Bradt Travel Guides

   Last but no means least in this month's top five reads we have the guidebook to Lebanon from Bradt Travel Guides. It's an incredibly diverse country and therefore deserving of this jam-packed guide. Profiling some of the oldest human settlements on the planet, the legendary cuisine and the intense nightlife, this guide has it all. Also in addition to expert city guides for Tripoli and the like, there are top tips about travelling out of town to locations like the lush Qadisha Valley, a perfect spot for skiing and hiking.

   Lebanon is published by Bradt Travel Guides (paperback; £15.99). It is also available through amazon.com and all good booksellers.

- Robert Savage