The true measure of a great travel book isn’t in the awards it wins, but in the journeys it inspires. These books take our imaginations on long voyages and encourage us to hike, drive, and fly to new destinations.
Looking to transform the way you travel? Here are must-read travel books recommended by seasoned travelers. Get ready to catch a serious case of wanderlust.
1. Papillon (P.S.) by Henri Charriere
This memoir recounts the author’s wrongful imprisonment and daring escapes from the penal colonies of French Guiana and Venezuela.
The story is set in the notorious penal colonies, including Devil’s Island, and vividly depicts the harsh yet beautiful South American wilderness. From his 1945 imprisonment for a crime he claimed he didn’t commit to his audacious escape attempts, the intense details of Charrière’s experiences kept me riveted.
If you like reading on vacation, then you should prepare several books in different genres so that you can find a companion in any mood. If you have not prepared in advance, you can read romance novels online right on your smartphone. Every self-respecting book enthusiast should have an app for reading. It opens up almost endless possibilities for novel reading in any condition.
2. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Set in rural Florida, Hurston’s novel stands out for its use of local black dialects from the time, much like the works of Toni Morrison. Unlike other writers who explore African American culture through a racial black-white lens, Hurston presents it through the eyes of her black Southern characters.
3. Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
If you’re looking for a captivating read, “Love with a Chance of Drowning” by travel blogger Torre DeRoche is a must. Even if you’re not usually a fan of “travel love stories,” you’ll find this book hard to put down. It beautifully chronicles Torre’s journey of overcoming her fear of the ocean to sail across the Pacific with her boyfriend. The narrative is powerful, vivid, and moving. It’s hands down the best travel book you’ll read this year.
4. Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James
After purchasing one-way flights from New York City to Paris, you and your girlfriend Ashley quit your day jobs and planned your future adventures. You decided to see as much of the world as possible. Over 114 days, you trekked across 15 countries and 38 cities with nothing but your backpacks, your smartphones, and each other. If you want to follow Kyle and Ashley’s travels but don’t have time to order the book, just use the App Store and your iPhone. The reading app will provide quick access to this exciting adventure.
5. Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Katherine Boo is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who moved to India with her husband. While living in Mumbai, she followed the lives of several families in the Annawadi slum. Her book weaves together their stories, making it read like a novel.
For many, “Slumdog Millionaire” was a first glimpse into slum life, but that was Hollywood’s version. Great literature challenges preconceptions and broadens perspectives, and Boo’s work does just that.
6. The Half-Known Life by Pico Iyer
Read The Half-Known Life for a mesmerizing exploration of various ideas of paradise and what they can teach you about living well. In this captivating book of journeys—many of them inward—Pico Iyer challenges conventional notions of what a travel book should be. Dive into this unique travel book to uncover the paradoxes of paradise and reflect on what peaceful living means to you.
7. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
This classic novel follows Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they travel across the United States seeking adventure and spiritual fulfillment. Kerouac’s spontaneous prose captures the essence of Beat generation counterculture, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American road trips.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to pack one (or all) of these must-read travel books for your next adventure! So go ahead, pick up a book, get lost in its pages, and let it take you on an unforgettable journey. Happy reading!
