The Best and Most Inspiring Books for Travel Fans

We have compiled the ultimate list of books for travel lovers that are educating, inspiring, entertaining and completely wanderlust fueling.

 

There are so many travel themed books on the market, from novels to memoirs and short stories which will make you laugh, cry, smile, desire a holiday and inspire you to go and explore the world. Below is a wonderful collection of must-read travel books which will whisk you away to many different lands and release any inner wanderlust.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is an international best seller which tells a philosophical tale about a shepherd boy called Santiago, who embarks on a huge adventure across the Sahara Desert to discover treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. On his journey, Santiago ends up learning about his true self and the meaning of life. This is a moving story that that will inspire you to follow your dreams and reach for the stars, no matter how far they may seem. The Alchemist is a feel good book with many inspirational and spiritual quotes that could essentially change lives.

Wild - From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

This moving memoir by Cheryl Strayed tells the story about her spontaneous hike along the 1,100 mile Pacific Crest Trail in 1995 to escape her personal issues and save herself. This is a fascinating read about Strayed’s pleasures and challenges during her trek through several mountain ranges and states, with themes of grief, pain and survival covered. Wild is moving, funny, heart breaking and uplifting all at the same time. This adventure tale will definitely inspire you to escape on a soul-searching trip of a lifetime. 

On The Road by Jack Kerouac

This American travel novel features Kerouac’s account of his journey across America in the era of the Beat Generation, capturing his experiences with his friends on his quest for adventure and mischief. It’s a relatable read that depicts the desire to see the world, and describes how travel experiences change your life. On The Road is a classic, timeless and seriously inspiring book, and after reading it you may just want to jump straight out of your daily life and go on your own adventure. This is also a great book to bring with you on your travels, inspiring you along the way.

The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen

This award-winning travelogue tells a tale about Peter Matthiessen’s two month journey through the Himalayas to Crystal Mountain on the Tibetan Plateau, to study the rare blue sheep and possibly glimpse the fascinating snow leopard. There are some pretty powerful spiritual messages included in this wonderful book, so it makes an excellent slow read, allowing you to really absorb the content. The main moral of the story is that the journey is more valuable than the destination itself, and Matthiessen really illustrates the beauty and spirit of the Himalayas. 

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux’s memoir takes you back to the 1970’s on his train journey from London through Europe to Middle East and Asia. Theroux tells a tale of his experiences aboard some of the world’s greatest railway lines including the Orient Express, the Delhi Mail and the Trans-Siberian Express, including plenty of vivid descriptions of the destinations he reached, the cultures he witnessed and the people he met on his journeys. This entertaining travelogue covers the joys of travelling by rail and really sets a scene, making you feel like you’re in the story. 

In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s fantastic memoir is about his journey through off-the-beaten-path Australia, covering stunning coastlines, desert landscapes, lush forests and local towns. Bryson illustrates his appreciation for the country’s beauty and uniqueness in the midst of him trying not to get killed or injured by wildlife, extreme weather and other dangerous things. In a Sunburned Country will make you laugh with its entertaining content and you’ll learn a lot about Australia, as there are many fun facts thrown in to the story. You’ll fall in love with this country after reading this book and may just want to visit Australia yourself.

Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche

Blogger Torre DeRoche left her life behind to run away with a man she just met and embarked on a year long epic journey across the South Pacific on a sail boat, despite her fear of the ocean. Love With a Chance of Drowning allows us to dig deep into DeRoche’s personal journey and the difficult challenges she faced along the way. The story is themed on travel and self-discovery with beautifully written content and vivid descriptions. Love With a Chance of Drowning is funny, bizarre and all about taking risks, and you’ll probably want to go and chase your dreams and face your fears after reading it. 

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Vagabonding is like a mini travel bible, opening your eyes to the incredible possibilities of long-term travelling. Rolf Pott’s inspirational and philosophical guide covers essential information about what you need to do before setting off on long-term travel adventures and he gives some excellent advice on choosing your travel destination, adapting to life as a traveller, how to make the most of your travel experience, handling challenges whilst travelling, working overseas and adjusting back into your ordinary life. Vagabonding is a perfect read for new travellers who are finding their feet and eases any travel worries, fears or hesitations. 

We’ll warn you now that reading any of these books will probably give you a strong desire to travel, and if you’re wanderlust has already been bought to the surface by reading the story overviews, you’re more than welcome to browse our array of great value Cheap flights and holiday deals to some of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations.