A good travel book is the best companion for a traveler. When you’re getting bored on a long journey, nothing keeps you more entertained than a travel book of your choice. It’s a reliable way to learn about the places you want to add to your travel bucket list.
We have compiled a brief list of some of the best travel books. Whether you’re more into novels or prefer reading travel diaries, you’ll find these books useful. Here you go:
1. Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes – Robert Louis Stevenson
Published in 1879, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes is an evergreen travel guide. The book highlights the hiking journey of the writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. Stevenson took this journey in his late 20’s to start his life afresh and become more independent.
This book worked as a guide for travelers particularly during the 20th century who enjoyed hiking and camping. During the last decades of the 20th century, many travelers went on to retrace the route Stevenson took.
2. On the Road – Jack Kerouac
The first edition of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road was published in 1957 and it didn’t take long before this Roman a clef soon captured the attention of travelers and was met with appreciation. The writer mentions many key figures of the Beat movement in his writing.
This book is a fictitious representation of Kerouac’s travels to far and wide places in the US along with his friends. The main character in the novel, Dean Moriarty, is the writer’s alter ego and the book explains his experiences along the journey.
3. Worldwalk – Steven Newman
Worldwalk by Steven Newman is a fun read for people of all ages. The writer was a freelance journalist who decided to go on a long journey to enjoy his life as he wished. His journey spanned over 5 years and he visited 5 countries on five different continents during these 5 years.
Newman wrote about friends he made and families that invited him to stay at their homes. Aside from the adventures, he also wrote about the landmarks of the places he visited and highlighted different cultures.
4. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a masterpiece by Paulo Coelho which is a must read for everyone. This international bestseller depicts the inspiring life story of a shepherd boy who traveled in search of a worldly treasure but life led him to far different and more satisfying riches than he could ever think.
This is an aspiring read that positively changes the lives of its readers and encourages them to achieve their goals by overcoming the hardships in life.
5. Atlas Obscura
Atlas Obscura is basically an online magazine led by David Plotz, an American journalist. This guide is a must-have for every traveler. Aside from sharing the details about the most popular landmarks and the hidden wonders from around the world, it also guides travelers on how they can enjoy traveling to the fullest.
From the biggest baobab tree in South Africa to the glowworm caves in New Zealand, the Door of Hell in Turkmenistan, and the architectural marvels of India, this explorer’s guide has everything you want to know.
6. The Art of Travel – Alain De Botton
While you can find many good travel guides out there that guide you about the places you should add to your travel bucket list, not many books help you understand the purpose of traveling. The Art of Travel by Alain De Botton is just what you need to bring back the lost charm of traveling to different places.
This is an insightful book that every traveler should keep in their backpack when leaving their home. It is a philosophical take on the art of traveling for pleasure. Not only does it save you from boredom, but it’ll also make your journey more enjoyable.
7. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day – Matt Kepnes
Who wouldn’t like taking a tour of the destinations they’ve always dreamed about? But traveling isn’t easy particularly when you’re low on budget. You may give up your dream of traveling.
This is when How to Travel the World on $50 a Day comes for your rescue. This book is the bible for people who want to travel on a budget. You ought to give this book a read. After all, why would you mind reducing the expenses of traveling!
Written by a traveler, Matt Kepnes, the New York Times bestseller inspires you to pack your bags and go on a long journey. It includes the tips and tricks by the writer on how you can make your world travels more comfortable without breaking the bank.
8. The Beach – Alex Garland
This 1996 novel by Alex Garland is a popular novel that was also adapted into a film during the early 21st century. Set in Thailand, this novel is a fictional story of a backpacker’s search for a legendary and isolated beach, still untouched by tourism.
The Beach is the journey of travelers who looked for a hidden paradise along the beaches in Thailand. While the main character of the novel, Richard, is able to locate the unknown beach, he soon finds out that the civilized behavior dissipates without external restraints.
There is a famous quote from the book,
“If I’d learnt one thing from travelling, it was that the way to get things done was to go ahead and do them. Don’t talk about going to Borneo. Book a ticket, get a visa, pack a bag, and it just happens.”
While you can find many more good reads on traveling, you should give a try to the aforementioned books at the earliest.