Wandering, But Not Lost: The Best Travel Books
Is traveling at the core of your spirit? If your heart stirs at the sound of the word “adventure”, there’s a very good chance that it might be. Taking a well-needed trip to a far-off location and trailing through new lands are the things that make up your version of a life well-lived, and you’ve already gotten your bags packed and ready for another adventure on the horizon.
Whether your next vacation is on the other side of the world or a mental journey in the comfort of your own home, travel books make a great addition to any voyage. There are plenty of incredible stories to be read, from timeless classics to modern-day works of art, and the journies that these colorful characters take are sure to inspire you for your next trip.
This article mentions a few of the best books for travelers to read and spark their imagination and wanderlust. Take a look at the list and see which of these reads catches your eye. You’ll be surprised where the journey may take you.
The Beach by Alex Garland
The beach has always been a vacationing point for most travelers, so it makes sense that you should read a book about going to the beach. That said The Beach by Alex Garland is quite a different twist on what you might have expected. In this book, a young backpacker named Richard sets out to find a hidden beach that is believed to be an exotic paradise. The novel is set in Thailand, making it a great travel companion on trips to Southeast Asia.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The incredible book by Paulo Coelho sums up the idea of following your dreams. In this novel, a young shepherd boy travels from Spain to Egypt in an epic quest that has him following his heart to try to understand the meaning of life. Hailed as one of the most-read books of recent history, this epic tale is sure to sweep you off of your feet and carry you through one of the most epic literary journies you’ll ever experience.
The Rings of Saturn by W.G. Sebald
This is the type of work that can’t truly be defined by any actual genre, making it a journey in and of itself. The Rings of Saturn is a powerful work of W.G. Sebald that portrays a character who takes a walk down the coasts of England. Though his physical journey is that of only a few miles, his mental journey is far greater, showcasing his take on multiple matters of the time such as the colonialism of the Congo and the historical reign of a Chinese empress. It’s a must-read for all ages.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
This incredible masterpiece by Geoffrey Chaucer is a beautiful and entertaining portrayal of journeying during the 14th century. In this work, Chaucer delivers a large and vibrant cast of characters who are traveling to the city of Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Though they each have their own reasons for making the journey, these individuals meet up with one another along the way and keep each other company on their voyage.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
A comedic book of epic proportions, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a must-read for those who love humor during their travels. In this novel, Douglas Adams paints a picture of a humorous journey through space as two characters, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, take a journey through space as the earth is destroyed. Their travels are full of meeting new (and equally amusing) characters, and will be a story you’re sure to enjoy.
The Lost City of Z by David Grann
The Amazon jungles have always been a place shrouded in power and mystery, and David Grann places this intense energy into his bestselling novel. Here, the book sets out to learn what happened to adventurer Percy Fawcett during his trek into the depths of the jungle to find the fabled city. Mixing biography, history, and travelogue, Grann’s story gives the reader a new spin on a people whose tales are largely hidden from history.
The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
The Adventures of Tintin is a wonderful and heartwarming tale made for those who are both young and young at heart. This story follows the adventures of an aspiring reporter who travels all over the world – and in some cases, out of this world – with his trusty furry companion. This visually-driven comic book series is sure to inspire you to continue journeying no matter what your age may be.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
this international bestseller is simultaneously a journey over the waters and a journey of self-growth and perseverance. Pi Patel, the son of a zookeeper, is stranded at sea and has to survive on a small boat with a tiger for 227 days. The details of the journey are beautifully depicted and are sure to hold your attention from start to finish.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Traveling is one way for us to bring out happiness within ourselves, and this book will help supplement that emotion. The Happiness Project is a work that attempts to discover what truly makes a person happy. This year-long transformation of the author is one that you can read and follow to become the best version of yourself no matter where you may be in life.
Found a story that you might like? You can purchase your story at any time and read it on the Kindle reader for Mac. This handheld device was designed for those who are on the go, and it would fit perfectly into your life as your journies lead you to new locations and fill you with awe no matter where you go. Here’s to happy (and safe) travels.
Travel Books Made Just for You
Now that you know which travel books you need for your journey, you’ll be able to enjoy a good read every step of the way. Make sure to look through the rest of our site to find more ways to live a happy life filled with success. We’re sure you’re going to love what you find here!
