17 Enchanting Books That Will Inspire You to Travel
My friend Mary always dreamed of exploring the world, but she felt stuck in her daily routine. One day, she picked up a travel memoir on a whim, and it sparked something inside her. That single book led her on a journey through literature and eventually across continents.
Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir takes you on a journey of self-discovery across Italy, India, and Indonesia. Her honest and often humorous account of finding herself after a difficult divorce resonates with readers worldwide. Gilbert’s vivid descriptions of the places she visits and the people she meets will make you want to pack your bags and set off on your own adventure.
This book is perfect for anyone feeling lost or stuck in life. It reminds us that sometimes the best way to find ourselves is to get lost in the world.
2. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s powerful memoir recounts her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. With no prior hiking experience, Strayed embarks on this challenging journey to heal from personal tragedies. Her raw and vulnerable storytelling will inspire you to face your own challenges head-on.
“Wild” is more than just a travel book; it’s a testament to human resilience and the healing power of nature. It might just motivate you to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails.
3. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
This allegorical novel follows a young shepherd on his quest to find treasure in Egypt. Along the way, he learns valuable life lessons and discovers that the real treasure lies within himself. Coelho’s simple yet profound writing style makes this book accessible to readers of all ages.
“The Alchemist” is a reminder that sometimes we need to leave our comfort zones to find our true purpose. It’s a perfect read for anyone feeling the itch to embark on a new adventure.
4. “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes
Frances Mayes takes us on a delightful journey through the Italian countryside as she renovates an old villa in Tuscany. Her lush descriptions of the landscape, food, and local culture will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This memoir is a celebration of taking risks and embracing new beginnings.
If you’ve ever dreamed of dropping everything to start a new life in a foreign country, this book will fuel your fantasies. It might even inspire you to book that flight to Italy!
5. “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue about his adventures in Australia is both informative and entertaining. From deadly creatures to quirky local customs, Bryson paints a vivid picture of the Land Down Under. His witty observations and fun facts make learning about Australia a joy.
This book will make you laugh out loud while sparking your curiosity about this vast and diverse continent. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself researching Australian visa requirements after reading it!
6. “The Beach” by Alex Garland
This novel follows a young backpacker’s search for a legendary, secluded beach in Thailand. What starts as an idyllic adventure soon turns into a dark exploration of human nature. Garland’s gripping narrative and vivid descriptions of Thailand’s beauty will have you on the edge of your seat.
“The Beach” is perfect for those who crave a bit of danger and mystery in their travels. It might inspire you to seek out off-the-beaten-path destinations on your next trip.
7. “Tracks” by Robyn Davidson
Robyn Davidson’s memoir recounts her incredible 1,700-mile trek across the Australian desert with four camels and her dog. Her journey is a testament to human determination and the bonds we form with animals and nature. Davidson’s honest portrayal of her struggles and triumphs is both inspiring and humbling.
This book will make you reconsider what you’re capable of achieving. It might even motivate you to plan your own epic adventure, camels optional!
8. “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner
In this unique travel book, Eric Weiner explores the concept of happiness around the world. From the Netherlands to Bhutan, he investigates what makes different cultures happy. Weiner’s blend of humor, research, and personal anecdotes makes for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
“The Geography of Bliss” will inspire you to look at travel in a new light. It might encourage you to seek out destinations based on their happiness quotient rather than just tourist attractions.
9. “Love with a Chance of Drowning” by Torre DeRoche
Torre DeRoche’s memoir chronicles her journey from land-loving city girl to reluctant sailor as she crosses the Pacific with her boyfriend. Her honest and often hilarious account of facing her fears and embracing the unknown is both relatable and inspiring.
This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever let fear hold them back. It might just give you the courage to say yes to your own grand adventure, even if it terrifies you.
10. “The Great Railway Bazaar” by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux’s classic travelogue takes readers on an epic train journey from London to Southeast Asia and back. His keen observations of fellow travelers and local cultures provide a fascinating snapshot of the world in the 1970s. Theroux’s witty and sometimes cynical voice makes for an entertaining read.
This book will make you want to ditch the plane and embrace slow travel by train. It might inspire you to plan your own epic rail journey across continents.
11. “Without Reservations” by Alice Steinbach
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alice Steinbach takes a sabbatical from her job to travel solo through Europe. Her elegant prose and insightful observations make this more than just a travel memoir. It’s a meditation on self-discovery and the joys of solo travel.
“Without Reservations” is perfect for anyone contemplating a solo adventure. It might give you the push you need to book that ticket and set off on your own.
12. “In Patagonia” by Bruce Chatwin
Bruce Chatwin’s unconventional travelogue blends history, myth, and personal experience in his journey through Patagonia. His unique storytelling style and vivid descriptions bring this remote region to life. Chatwin’s curiosity about the people and places he encounters is contagious.
This book will inspire you to look beyond the surface when you travel. It might encourage you to seek out the stories and legends that make each place unique.
13. “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle
Peter Mayle’s charming memoir recounts his first year living in the French countryside. From navigating local customs to renovating an old farmhouse, Mayle’s experiences are both humorous and heartwarming. His descriptions of Provencal cuisine will have your mouth watering.
“A Year in Provence” is perfect for francophiles and anyone who’s dreamed of living abroad. It might inspire you to take a leap and move to that country you’ve always loved visiting.
14. “The Lost Girls” by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, and Amanda Pressner
Three friends quit their jobs to embark on a year-long journey around the world. Their collective memoir is a candid look at the ups and downs of long-term travel and female friendship. Each author brings a unique perspective to their shared experiences.
This book is great for anyone considering a gap year or career break to travel. It might inspire you to convince your friends to join you on a round-the-world adventure.
15. “Turn Right at Machu Picchu” by Mark Adams
Mark Adams, an adventure-travel editor who had never actually ventured into the wild, decides to retrace the footsteps of explorer Hiram Bingham III in Peru. His journey is both a historical exploration and a personal challenge. Adams’ self-deprecating humor and fascinating historical tidbits make for an engaging read.
This book will appeal to history buffs and adventure seekers alike. It might inspire you to plan your own trek to Machu Picchu or other ancient sites.
16. “Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure” by Sarah Macdonald
Sarah Macdonald’s humorous memoir recounts her experiences living in India for two years. From spiritual retreats to Bollywood dance classes, Macdonald embraces the chaos and contradictions of Indian culture. Her journey from skeptic to spiritual seeker is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“Holy Cow” is perfect for anyone fascinated by India’s rich and complex culture. It might inspire you to book a ticket to Delhi and embark on your own spiritual journey.
17. “The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton
Philosopher Alain de Botton takes a unique approach to travel writing, exploring why we travel and how we can get more out of our journeys. He combines personal anecdotes with insights from artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history. De Botton’s thoughtful analysis will make you reconsider your approach to travel.
This book is ideal for reflective travelers who want to delve deeper into the experience of travel itself. It might inspire you to approach your next trip with a more mindful and philosophical perspective.
These 17 books offer more than just armchair travel; they have the power to inspire real-life adventures. Whether you’re dreaming of a solo trek through the wilderness, a culinary journey through Europe, or a spiritual quest in India, there’s a book on this list that will speak to your wanderlust. So pick up one (or all) of these titles, and let the pages transport you. Who knows? Your next great adventure might be waiting just beyond the cover of a book.
