Every traveler knows the value of a good book. It’s the perfect companion for those long journeys on buses, trains, or planes when you’ve got nothing but time on your hands. I personally love reading about travel, exotic places, and chasing dreams while I’m on the road. It keeps me inspired and dreaming about new destinations. Even if you’re not traveling, a great travel book can spark that wanderlust in you.
Here are some top-notch travel books that keep the dream alive:
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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This is a tale about pursuing your dreams. It’s one of the most popular books in recent times, selling 65 million copies and translated into 150 languages. The story follows a young shepherd boy’s journey from Spain to Egypt, learning about love and the meaning of life along the way. It’s a book that reminds you to follow your heart and dreams.
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On the Road by Jack Kerouac: A classic travel novel from the Beat Generation, it resonates with anyone seeking a break from modern life. The story follows Sal, who leaves New York City to explore the west, experiencing adventure, love, and life along the way.
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Unlikely Destinations by Tony & Maureen Wheeler: This book tells the story of the rise of Lonely Planet, the guidebook company that’s probably in your backpack right now. It’s a fascinating read about the company’s early struggles and amazing travel tales.
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The Beach by Alex Garland: This is one of my favorite travel books. It’s about a group of backpackers searching for the ultimate paradise, only to realize that the quest itself is an illusion. It’s a captivating tale about the pursuit of the "ideal destination".
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Oracle Bones by Peter Hessler: This book offers a fascinating look into China’s culture, politics, and daily life. It provides insightful observations into the lives of China’s ethnic minorities.
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Smile When You’re Lying by Chuck Thompson: A humorous critique of the travel writing industry, this book is filled with entertaining stories and a slightly jaded perspective on travel magazines and the "Lonely Planetization" of the world.
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Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: A must-read for those new to long-term travel, this book offers valuable insights and practical information for the first-time vagabond.
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Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer: This classic recounts the tale of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer’s escape from British India, his trek across the Himalayas, and his stay in Tibet.
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In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson: This book takes you on a journey through Australia, from tiny mining towns to forgotten coastal cities and off-the-beaten-path forests.
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The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto “Che” Guevara: This is the story of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s eight-month motorcycle journey across South America, mixing observation, adventure, and politics.
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A Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell: This book chronicles Helen and her husband’s move from busy London to the rural countryside of Denmark, exploring why the Danes are consistently rated one of the happiest people in the world.
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Meeting Faith by Faith Adiele: This memoir chronicles Faith’s life in Thailand, where she lived at a remote Buddhist monastery, becoming the first black Buddhist nun in the country.
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Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams: This book recounts Adams’s tale of hiking across Peru in search of Inca ruins and ancient cities.
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Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche: This book covers Torre’s fear of the ocean and her conflicting desire to sail across the Pacific with her boyfriend.
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Wild by Cheryl Strayed: This book highlights Strayed’s journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in the world.
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Ten Years a Nomad by me: This is my memoir about my ten years backpacking the world and my philosophy on travel.
Whether you need something to keep you entertained on your next flight or you’re looking for a captivating read to keep you inspired between trips, this list has got you covered. Great books not only keep us entertained but they make us better travelers. They remind us why we travel in the first place.
If you’re looking to step up your travel reading, feel free to join our travel book club! Each month, I’ll be featuring about five amazing books — some oldies, some recent reads — covering travel, history, fiction, and anything else I think you might enjoy! So, if you want book suggestions, just sign up below. Once a month you’ll get a list of suggested books based on what I read and loved that month.
When you’re ready to book your trip, check out my resource page for the best companies to use. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
