When it comes to travel books these are some of the best. They will inspire you to take that leap into the unknown and will teach you how to embrace your own adventure!
A classic that follows 2 free-spirited characters on a road trip through America. The book is full of jazz, drugs and adventure!
1. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
One of the most classic travel books of all time. A true throwback to the days of Jazz and drugs, this book evokes endless wanderlust with its story of Dean Moriarty and Sal Paradise as they crisscross America (and Mexico).
Kerouac’s tale of freedom inspired a generation and despite mixed reviews on release, it still holds a magnetic pull for young people today. It remains a reminder that life, like travel, is about the journey and not the destination.
Another renowned book that inspires dreamers to follow their hearts is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A mystical allegory that will take you to far-flung places and encourage you to believe in magic.
2. The Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne
An engrossing read that displays the history of one of the world’s great cities. Dense, yet enjoyably readable, this book is sure to inspire travel enthusiasts everywhere.
Bad Lands: Travels in Extreme Places by Chuck Thompson
If you need inspiration to be fearless and pursue your dreams, this is the book for you. Written by the founder of Lonely Planet, this book will challenge your fears and help you to overcome them.
3. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
After living in Europe for years, Bryson decides to reacquaint himself with his homeland by hiking the Appalachian Trail. He enlists the help of a crude, overweight friend named Stephen Katz, and they begin their arduous journey. Along the way they encounter a horde of obnoxious Ralph Lauren-attired yuppies, as well as many other pitfalls that the wilderness has to offer.
If you love to walk, this book is perfect for you! It features stunning short walks, mountain hikes and long distance adventures. It also shares a little history about each location and the people who live there. It will inspire you to go out and explore the world. This is a must read for every walker!
4. The Lost City of the Monks by Mark Adams
This New York Times bestseller follows Adams' retracing of the 1911 route of Hiram Bingham III to Machu Picchu. The book captures the spirit of adventure that many backpackers feel at the outset of their trips and is a great read for anyone planning to visit.
This no-holds-barred autobiography of Ishmael Beah chronicles his attempt to evade the military in Sierra Leone as a child soldier and is incredibly gripping. It is not a typical travel book, but it is a must-read for any person who loves to travel or cares about the safety of others.
This book popularized the term 'vagabonding' in America and ushered in the modern age of long-term travel. The author's style is wry and irreverent. You will laugh out loud! This is one of my favourite travel books. Also, you can never go wrong with a Bradt Guide.
5. Micro Adventures by Alastair Humphreys
A witty account of a trip around the world without planes, this book will give you travel fever. It will also make you appreciate how far we have come in our transportation options and that the journey can be just as fun (and challenging) as the destination.
After completing several mega-sized adventures Humphreys began to wonder if adventure could be found closer to home. He developed the idea of microadventures to inspire people to take a leap of faith and explore their surroundings - no matter how small or how close to home.
If you dream of globetrotting but feel held back by your job, finances, or family responsibilities then this is the book for you. Potts gives you practical information on financing your travels, adjusting to long-term travelling and much more. A must read for all future backpackers!
6. The Lost City of the Monks by Mark Adams
In 1911, Hiram Bingham climbed into the mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. But what if the truth was more complicated? Author Mark Adams retraces the explorer’s perilous route in this fascinating travel book that reminds us that adventure is not always easy but can be profoundly transformative.
A Woman Alone explores the empowering and inspirational experiences of solo female travelers. This anthology of personal narratives is a must-read for those who want to see the world through the eyes of women.
7. In Patagonia by Louise Chatwin
This is a fantastic travel book for those who love adventure. It follows a journalist’s search for a mysterious beast in Patagonia and is a swashbuckling tale of high adventure.
Chatwin was inspired to visit Patagonia after his grandmother showed him a scrap of skin that she said belonged to a brontosaurus from one of the ends of the earth. His journey is complemented by the stories of the people who encounter him.
This is a brilliantly written memoir about a young backpacker’s quest to explore the world. It captures the excitement, anticipation and eagerness that most young travellers feel at the outset of their trips. It is an inspiring read for anyone who wants to follow their dreams. It will make you want to pack your bags and go!.
8. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
This hilarious book tells the story of Bryson retracing his steps on the Appalachian Trail to reconnect with his native America. It’s a fascinating and entertaining read, with a host of mind-blowing facts about the trail along the way.
If you love hiking and adventure travel then this is a must read book for you. Follow author Matthew Polly on his journey to break into the world of Shaolin Kung Fu with strange disciplines like “The Iron Crotch.”
One of the most famous travel books out there. This memoir by a former New York concierge is a funny and revealing look into the world of the rich and famous. It’s an inspiring reminder that dreams do come true. Sometimes you just have to be willing to take the risk. Especially when you’re Bill Bryson. He has written a host of hilarious travel books including Neither Here Nor There and The Lost Continent.
9. The Lost City of the Monks by Mark Adams
Travelers often search for something external on their adventures, but they also find pieces of themselves along the way. In this book, the author recounts her heartbreaking yet inspiring journey to recover from her past and learn to love herself.
In this New York Times bestseller, Adams retraces the 1911 route of Hiram Bingham III, who "discovered" Machu Picchu. Using modern travel writing, the author transports readers through Peru's rugged landscape and awe-inspiring ruins.
This is a must-read for any couple who wants to get out there and explore the world together. The authors offer a unique perspective on couples traveling and include useful tips and advice that will make every trip a success. The book also includes a number of fun and adventurous activities for couples to try.
10. American Dirt by Lydia Quixano Perez
This book is a must read for any traveller. It describes the excitement and anticipation that comes at the beginning of a new journey and captures the adventurous spirit perfectly.
Lydia Quixano Perez runs a bookstore in the Mexican city of Acapulco and has a son called Luca. She seems to have achieved modest success and contentment – but her life changes when she encounters the cartels in their gruesome grip.
Cummins’s promise, in the blurbs she commissioned, was to write “the great American novel about violence and immigration”. It could well achieve that, but it must be a complex work, not merely an instructional one, in which the characters are not just vectors for trauma. It’s time to rethink the genre.
