Thirteen travel books to inspire you to travel

Books can be travellers’ best companions on long endless drives or give them inspiration to navigate own travel woes. Book can help you kill time, whether you are in for a long bus ride in Thailand or you are waiting to explore Australia’s outback such as Uluru. Tours and travels have inspired many tales of wanderlust. Here are 13 of the best books about journeys.

1 On the Road – Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac’s On the Road is a timeless classic about the joys and frustrations of travelling. The main character, Sal travels west from New York to quench his unmanageable desire to explore the world. He rides the train, finds friends along the way and party to his heart’s content. As he gains more travel miles, he grows in strength and confidence to become a better person. Sal’s ache to simply travel resonates with many travellers.

2 The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist talks about following ones dreams. The book unravels the soulful journey of a young Shepherd who travels from Spain to Egypt. Throughout his long journey, he learns about the meaning of life and love. If you are looking for some truly meaningful inspiring quotes, the Alchemist will be your treasure trove. Perhaps the most quoted phrase from this book is ‘“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” But you can find plenty of other quotes worth remembering such as, “The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them” or “Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”

3 The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca – Tahir Shah

Tahir Shah tells a brilliant tale filled with the mundane trials and the beauty of moving to another country. Hoping to escape his dull life in England, Shah moves his family to Morocco where they establish themselves in a mansion filled with Jinns. Dar Khalifa (the house) loosely translates as the Caliph’s House and the family has to contend with the three guardian jinns’ antics. The story weaves effortlessly as if by magic.

4 Unlikely Destinations: The LP Story – Tony & Maureen Wheeler

Founders of Lonely Planet, Tony & Maureen Wheeler chronicle the story of the company that gave birth to the travel guidebook industry. The narration follows the duo’s own journey from 1970s in England up until early 21st century. The book reveals stories about their travels and the initial struggles of the company. To be honest, the narration sometimes tends to drag a bit but it is a fascinating read to any traveller.

5 Love with a Chance of Drowning – Torre DeRoche

The author of Love with a Chance of Drowning is travel blogger who has a gift for vivid and emotive descriptions. The story unfolds in a picturesque manner that makes the reader want to trace Torre’s footsteps. She writes about her cruise across the Pacific with her boyfriend and how she managed to override her fear of the wide blue ocean. Love with a Chance of Drowning is one of those books you cannot put down.

6 A Year of Living Danishly – by Helen Russell

Helen Russell moves to Denmark with her husband who gets a job at the Lego office in Jutland. A Year of Living Danishly narrates her story of trying to fit into the Danish society. Helen writes in a finny, self-depreciating and a poignant manner to capture the reader’s heart. If you love Copenhagen, you will appreciate her take on Denmark’s education system, food, childcare and sexism and all the other truly Danish ways.

7 The Lost City of Z – David Grann

David Grann exquisitely mingles biography and history with a fascinating travelogue in telling the story of South America explorer: Percy Fawcett. The explorer travelled through the Amazon jungle looking for the lost city of Z, an advanced civilization that had once (as fabled) thrived in the Amazon. The author writes about Fawcett’s life, his travels and the science behind the mythical city with its sophisticated way of living.

8 The Beach – Alex Garland

The Beach talks about a young backpacker’s search for an idyllic beach untouched by tourism. Garland ultimately reveals how seeking for an ideal can ruin that ideal. Set in Thailand, The Beach is filled with intrigue. The main character Richard follows the lead given by a mentally unbalanced Scotsman who shortly commits suicide. Richard chases his dream of paradise with a French couple only to realize that he was simply a pawn in a revenge plan.

9 In A Sunburned Country – by Bill Bryson

In his signature style, Bryson writes about a journey through Australia’s nooks and corners such as the largest monolith or Uluru. Tours of entire continents can pack a lot of enthralling adventures. Bryson does just that with his tales about forgotten coasts, forests and small mining towns that still retain bygone vibes. In A Sunburned Country is just the book to read if you are planning a trip to Australia and its boundless wonders.

10 Vagabonding – Rolf Potts

Rolf Potts reveals the story of his own vagabonding years. He spent 10 long years on the road and lived to tell his fascinating tale. Vagabonding is like the Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy to travel beginners only more useful and factual. If you are considering travelling for the long haul, this book will give you plenty of insider information.

11 The Geography of Bliss – Eric Weiner

Eric Weiner sets of on a yearlong quest to find the world’s happiest place. He travels to mdestinations such as Denmark, Iceland, India and even Moldova (hint- it is not a happy place). Weiner does not find the secret to happiness but he gathers rich insights in to various cultures and ways of life. It is lighthearted read that deals with an impossibly philosophical question.

12 Cruising Altitude – Heather Poole

Author Heather Poole untangles a captive narrative about her life as a flight attendant. The book contains some humorous stories and talks about life lived in a plane and at airports. Poole describes how to work with pilots and her own training. If you read this book, you will learn to appreciate the hard work of flight attendants and the hardships they face. However, it is a light read.

13 Turn Right at Machu Picchu – Mark Adams

Adam’s recounts his journey to discover Inca ruins and cities that belonged to ancient and almost mythical time. He follows the path described by archaeologist Hiram Bingham and goes on a bumpy yet a fascinating journey of Peru. If you are not already fascinated by the tales of Inca and Peru’s offer of mystery and excitement, reading this book will change your attitude.