People are inspired to travel in different ways, some are inspired by photos that they see, others are inspired by the documentaries that they watch, and some are inspired by reading travel books as we do.
We know you like traveling a lot which is why we decided to put together this list of the most inspirational books on traveling you could find.
With a lot of travel books and literature telling us fantastic stories of people and what they went through, how they felt, and experienced things and locations, it gets difficult to know what to pick first. This is where this list comes in and this was a difficult list to put together due to the sheer number of amazing books out there but we managed to do it and we think it’s a great list you can take to heart and pass it on to future generations.
16 best travel books of all time
“travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer”
with all that said let’s take a look at this awesome list full of great books on travel.
#1 – The Geography of bliss – a book by Eric Weiner
This author has traveled across the world in search of the world’s happiest places. while he never found the secret to happiness. His travels cultural experiences and interactions with locals make this book a very interesting and enjoyable read.
#2 – Vagabonding – a book by Rolf Potts
If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug well there’s no helping it, you’re probably going to have it for the rest of your life, might as well prepare for your next journey right, and that’s where this book comes in.
Vagabonding dives deep into the benefits and philosophy of long-term travel better than any other book in its niche. It also contains valuable insights, interesting quotes, and a ton of practice.
#3 – Into the wild – a book by Jon Krakauer
This is a story about a man who grew up rather apathetic with the society he lived in. so he decided to go and recreate a new life in the wilderness of Alaska. It’s an incredible story that will leave a lasting impression on you and also urge the feeling to embrace yourself sooner rather than later.
#4 – Shantaram – a book by Gregory David Roberts
This book follows the captivating story of an Australian escaped convict who finds himself in India where he ends up falling in love working for gangsters, fighting some Russians, going to prison, becoming an amateur doctor, and experiencing life in an Indian slum.
Although it paints an accurate and a little embellished picture of life in India once you start Shantaram you’re going to fall in love with it, but before you get too excited and purchased this compelling book, we definitely recommend you get the audio version or have it on Kindle since it’s a pretty massive book and could definitely weigh you down on your travels.
#5 – Into Thin Air – a book by Jon Krakauer
This author recalls the story of a disastrous 24hour period on Mount Everest which started with a casual storm and ended with the highest death toll in a season in the peak’s history. for anyone interested in adventuring and high altitude, this is one of the best books out there.
It’s a pretty fascinating read and gives a lot of insight into the commercialism of climbing Mount Everest.
#6 – The Lost City of Z – a book by David Grann
A book that tells the tale of one eccentric British explorer who sets off on an expedition into the amazon to find the lost city of Z, it’s a riveting and compelling tale where the author retraces the steps of our main character as he unravels a great mystery.
#7 – In a Sunburned country – a book by Bill Bryson
This book chronicles an interesting adventure of a person who moves across a large country from east to west. while he’s traveling Bryson explores tiny towns, forgotten forests, deserts, people, and regions with uncanny names.
#8 – Eat, Pray, Love – a book by Elizabeth Gilbert
This tale is about a woman who had everything society tells us that is needed for a completely happy life. A house, a successful career, but was unhappy and confused. So, she left everything behind and embarked on a quest of self-discovery.
Throughout the book she offers great insights about life and travel while she gradually explores and reconnects with nature, it’s highly recommended for anyone who needs a nudge to get out of their comfort zone.
#9 – The Motorcycle Diaries – a book by Ernesto Che Guevara
Here is a story about a young man who later is destined to become the revolutionary Che Guevara.
This book recalls his travels around South America on a motorbike accompanied by his friend Alberto Granato. on this journey, he bears witness to all the social and justices from across the continent and he’s slowly being molded into the Marxist symbol he’s remembered as today.
#10 – The year of living Danishly – a book by Helen Russell
With a burning desire to find the secret of happiness, the Danes possess Helen Russell investigated what did they know or have that made them the happiest people on earth.
She describes the culture the beliefs the food. the government and everything else in a very hilarious and engaging way making the year of living Danishly a very enjoyable book to read.
#11 – Notes from a small island – a book by Bill Bryson
This author shares his perspective on the curiosities of the notes from a small island where he comes from.
Delivered with a touch of humor and plenty of nostalgia, Bryson offers insights into the modern society of Great Britain making this book an absolute delight to read.
#12 – Microadventures – a book by Alastair Humphreys
This is an uplifting and original concept for those who don’t want to hit the road and drop the whole thing.
Microadventures provides the reader with a plethora of ideas for the best travel experience with your family and friends, which are simple pretty cheap close to home, and guaranteed to refresh your life.
#13 – Wild – a book by Cheryl Strayed
After a series of terrible events, Cheryl Strayed realized she’d lost everything in her life and so decided to walk 1,000 miles (1610 km) along the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a compelling and at the same time uplifting story that’s rapidly becoming one of the best travel books of all time.
#14 – The places in Between – a book by Rory Stewart
This author shares their incredible experience while traveling across Afghanistan and surviving with the help of his knowledge of the culture and the kindness of strangers.
The places in between is a deeply moving story although difficult at times that has been swiftly recognized as a classic.
#15 – The art of travel – a book by Alain De Botton
This is a clever original book where the author manages to take into account all of the thoughts, fears, and emotions that emerge while traveling and articulates them in an easy to read and witty manner.
De Botton takes an honest and philosophical approach to look at why we travel and brings forward truths that often we don’t want to see or believe.
#16 – Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, Dylan Theras, and Ella Morton
Atlas Obscura is one of the most wonderful guides ever put together. it takes the reader on a journey to experience over 700 unique places, festivals, and other unusual happenings across the globe.
If you’re ready to pack your bags and head out into the world do yourself a favor and purchase this book that illustrates our world in the most amazing way possible.
Best adventure books
Adventure books incorporate details on a wide range of adventure travel destinations around the world. Readers may avail information on the exotic wildlife safaris of Africa and the expeditions of Antarctica.
Comprehensive data on an exploration of countries like Vietnam, China, and Japan or the islands of Lakshadweep and the Andaman are incorporated. All this and more, are included in books that deal with adventure travel. Information on trekking, hiking, water rafting, snorkeling, shark diving and much more may be availed from this category.
Here is a list of the best adventure books that you can read:
- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
- Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl
- Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
- Endurance by Alfred Lansing
- Tracks by Robyn Davidson
- The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston
- Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
List of 20+ amazing other books about travel you must read
- Honeymoon with my brother – a book by Franz Wisner
- The art of Non-conformity – a book by Chris Guillebeau
- A walk across America – a book by Peter Jenkins
- Work your way around the world – a book by Susan Griffith
- On the Road – a book by Jack Kerouac
- Naples 44 – a book by Norman Lewis
- Coasting – a book by Jonathan Raban
- Travels with Charley: In Search of America – a book by John Steinbeck
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – a book by Hunter S. Thompson
- Homage to Catalonia – a book by George Orwell
- The Beach – a book by Alex Garland
- The Great Railway Bazaar – a book by Paul Theroux
- The Road to Oxiana – a book by Robert Byron
- Venice – a book by Jan Morris
- In Patagonia – a book by Bruce Chatwin
- The Sun Also Rise – a book by Ernest Hemingway
- Among the Russians – a book by Colin Thubron
- Wild Coast – a book by John Gimllete
- A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush – a book by Eric Newby
- Arabian Sands – a book by Wilfred Thesiger
- Our Man in Havana – a book by Graham Greene
- The Journals of Captain Cook – a book by James Cook
- Round Ireland With a Fridge – a book by Tony Hawks
- Travels – a book by Michael Crichton
- Pole to Pole – a book by Michael Palin
- Neither Here nor There – a book by Bill Bryson
- Babette’s Feast – a book by Isak Dinesen
- Seven Years in Tibet – a book by Heinrich Harrer
