The Backpackerati bible - Lonely Planet's, formed the basis of our research. We started off with South-East Asia on a shoestring, then as the 3-month trip expanded it was necessary to broaden and purchase the India version and we borrowed one on Tibet and Vietnam.

We used Dorling Kindersley's Thailand book (Andrew is a bigger fan of pictures than just text!) and we borrowed Rough Guide to China from the library. Using these books alongside brochures from Intrepid, Geckos and World Expeditions we were able to plot a path and highlight destinations that we particularly wanted to see in each of the countries. Plus we wanted to go a bit slower than the organised trips so we extended the time compared to the brochures. We also went to slideshows by the afore mentioned tour operators, which kept our enthusiasm up when we were tired of saving up all the time and persuaded us to add Laos to our itinerary. 

Books
We read the following books before our trip for inspiration:

• China
  • China Wakes - Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
  • The road to Miran - Christa Paula
• India
  • The God of Small Things - Arundyhati Roy
  • Desert Places - Robyn Davidson
• General
  • The Art of Travel - Alain De Boton
  • Educating Alice - Alice Steinbach

We have many more planned to read when we are away - a book feast!

Films for inspiration

• China
  • Seven Years in Tibet
  • Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion
• Thailand
  • Bridge over the River Kwai
• India
  • Gandhi
• Vietnam
  • The Quiet American
• Cambodia
  • The Killing Fields

Websites for inspiration
We have spent many hours pouring over these sites, thanks everyone for your information and great stories.

travel-library.com

bootsnall.com

vagabonding.com 

backpacking around the world in 333 days

aroundtheworlds.com

asiaexplorer.co.uk

paulwhkan.com

backpacking in SE Asia

thaicookeryschool.com

beijingtraveltips.com

Tim and Mari

talesofasia.com

Thailand and Singapore

wired2theworld.com

world tour 1998