Vicarious Wanderings

I would like to use this space to provide some 'air time' for some of my favourite travel writers. Armchair travel is one of the few remaining planet friendly activities left to frustrated adventurers and explorers.
My interpretation of what constitutes a 'travel' book is very inclusive. Not many others would include James Harriot's novels about a Yorkshire Vet in this category, but I love to imagine that part of England when I am reading his descriptions of the people and surroundings.
I guess it was Peter Mayle who first got me hooked on this type of reading. A Year in Provence transported me to France.
I definitely lean toward the more humourous accounts and therefore have demolished all of Bill Bryson's books.
Nick Middleton and Harry Pearson are two other authors that have a sharp wit and a knack for sharing humourous insights.