Long rides on a plane, bus, or train can get really boring and give you so much ‘dead’ time. This is why every traveller needs to have a good book to read. If you are looking for some wonderful reads, here are some of the best travel books you can bring along with you on your trip - or read them to simply go to faraway places.
This is an international best-selling book about a young Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago, who wants to travel to look for treasure. He goes with the flow, simply follows his heart, and eventually learns love and finds the meaning of life. The Alchemist is a wonderful book about bravery and pursuing your dreams. Through entertaining stories, it will teach you valuable life lessons and also help you conquer your fears. There are so many inspirational quotes in this book.
This book by Alex Garland has been adapted into a movie, but like many adaptations, the book is much better than the movie. The story is about backpackers who search for paradise. People can easily identify with the main character, Richard, and his pursuit to “do something different,” but eventually, you will just realize that is an illusion. The backpackers in the story are chasing some ideal, but don’t realize the quest itself can ruin it.
This book is for those who need a little more convincing about the life-changing things that wait for you overseas. In this short novel, Peter Gethers documents his life as he travels the world with his cat named Norton. The story puts a bit of delightful humor into a lot of common travel circumstances. Norton goes with Gethers on his trips and helps him win over the love of his life. The three of them travel for years and eventually settle in New York.
This book is about Bill Bryson’s hilarious voyage through the infinite coastlines and sundried deserts of Australia, wherein he tried not to be killed by the wildfire. There are lots of interesting and fun facts about the country in this book. While it is not like any other conventional guidebook to Australia, it is a good read if you plan to visit the country. Through some amusing storytelling, Bryson will give you an idea about the people, their traits, and a real sense of the place.
New York City is one of the most popular cities in the world, and if you are interested in reading about the place, you might want to pick up this book by Russell Shorto. It deals with the founding of the city by the Dutch, how the British took it, how the Dutch tried to win it back, only to lose it once more. It contains an in-depth description of how the first Dutch settlers still influence the culture of the city.
This book is Torre DeRoche’s travel memoir. She has a morbid fear of the ocean, but she leaves her sophisticated city life, overcomes her fear of water, and sails away with her lover across the Pacific. In a trip filled with wonders and challenges, they go on their year-long voyage. The book will take you on a romantic and beautiful journey of self-discovery.
On the Road is a timeless travel book written by Jack Kerouac in 1957. Kerouac based the character Sal Paradise on himself. Sal leaves New York City and goes on the road to look for adventure, drugs, and sex. His desire and frustration to travel the world can resonate with many people. He becomes a better person through his travel adventures.
Paris Was Ours is a collection of short stories from 32 writers from different countries who moved to Paris. They talk about personal stories of their life in the city and how they blend into the Parisian lifestyle. The book shows that Paris can have a lasting effect on people, though it’s a city that takes a different shape for every person.
Seven Ages of Paris features the history, tragedies, triumphs, and culture of one of the greatest cities in the world. It will take you from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century. The book will give you a wonderful insight on how Paris was built through the centuries and how it became the city it is today.
This book is a great read for any traveller. It contains interesting quotes, lots of practical information, and valuable insights from Rolf Potts’ experiences from 10 years of traveling. Newbie travellers can learn how to save and plan their life on the road. This book will inspire you while planning for your trip.
