Here are 20 must read travel books, ready to fuel your wanderlust with tales to spark your next adventure, perfect for seasoned explorers and curious newcomers alike. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and thoroughly entertained, wherever you may be and whatever journey you are on.
20 Must Read Travel books
1. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer – Follow the true story of Christopher McCandless as he ventures into the Alaskan wilderness in search of adventure and self awareness.
2. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – Join Elizabeth Gilbert on her journey of self-discovery through Italy, India and Indonesia as she learns to embrace life, love and spirituality.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Follow Santiago, a young shepherd, as he goes on a journey to fulfil his dreams and discover his true destiny.
4. Tenzing Norgay by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Yes it’s one for your kids. Its a children’s book that doesn’t just look at Tenzing’s (most well know as Edmund Hillary’s sherpa) most famous climb of 1953 but also the obstacles Norgay he had to deal with and beforehand.
5. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin – Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia through the eyes of Bruce Chatwin as he uncovers the region’s history, culture and mysteries.
6. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner – Join Eric Weiner as he travels the world in search of the happiest places on Earth and discovers the true meaning of happiness.
7. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts – Learn how to embrace the art of long-term travel and discover the joys of slow, immersive exploration.
8. Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams – Follow Mark Adams as he retraces the steps of Hiram Bingham, the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu and uncovers the secrets of this ancient Incan citadel.
9. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson – Join Bill Bryson as he hikes the Appalachian Trail and shares his humorous and insightful observations of the natural world.
10. The Lost City of Z by David Grann – Follow David Grann as he untangles the mystery of the lost city of El Dorado and explores the Amazon rainforest in search of exploration and discovery.
11. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck – Join John Steinbeck and his faithful poodle, Charley, as they go on a cross-country road trip to rediscover America.
12. The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton – Explore the philosophy of travel and learn how to nuture a deeper appreciation for the world around you.
13. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders -Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, Ella Morton Explores more than 600 of the most strange and unusual destinations around the world.
14. The Beach by Alex Garland – Follow Richard as he discovers a hidden paradise in Thailand and grapples with the consequences of seeking out the ultimate escape. Made famous by the DiCaprio film with the same name.
15. Tracks by Robyn Davidson – Join Robyn Davidson as she travels on a solo journey across the Australian Outback with her faithful camels and confronts the challenges of solitude and survival.
16. A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines – Anthony Bourdain. Fans of bestselling author Anthony Bourdain will love this fresh look at his classic food travel memoir.
17. Why We Travel’ by Ash Bhardwaj – Ash Bhardwaj book is written as both a theoretical examination of travel as well as a personal travelogue.
18. Into the Heart of Borneo by Redmond O’Hanlon – Join Redmond O’Hanlon as he ventures into the heart of the Borneo jungle in search of rare wildlife and encounters the challenges of exploration in a remote and untamed landscape.
19. The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell – Join Helen Russell as she immerses herself in Danish culture and discovers the secrets to Danish happiness and contentment.
20. There’s No Toilet Paper . . . on the Road Less Traveled: The Best of Travel Humor and Misadventure – edited by Doug Lansky is a compilation of wacky travels of well known authors whose journeys took a wrong turn.
So there you are – 20 must-read travel books for curious travellers looking to expand their horizons, ignite their wanderlust and undertake unforgettable journeys.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or simply a good story to get lost in, these books are sure to satisfy your craving for exploration and revelation. They may even help you to decide where to go in the world.
Happy reading and happy travels!
