I was sitting in a cozy café in Paris with a hot espresso, lost in a travel book. It took me to distant lands, lighting a fire for adventure inside me. This feeling made me read over 50 travel books since 2019, looking for stories that pull you in.
I picked 14 terrific books written in the last 20 years that will make you want to explore. They’re by 6 women and 8 men, blending personal stories with humor. They talk about remarkable journeys by everyday folks.
Some books stand out with their deep feelings and enthralling stories. You’ll find memoirs that touch your heart and adventures that keep you turning pages. We’re focusing on meaningful, wanderlust-inducing reads over old tales of survival.
Key Takeaways
- Discover 14 highly recommended travel books for every wanderlust enthusiast.
- The list features 6 female authors and 8 male authors.
- Out of the 14 books, 5 recount personal travel experiences.
- 4 of these books are considered the best travel books read in the past year.
- We’ve recommended a total of 38 travel books to date.
- The author has read over 50 travel books since 2019.
- “Not Afraid of the Fall” by Kyle James chronicles travel through 15 countries and 38 cities.
- Jessica Nabongo visited all 195 countries in the world, documented in “Catch Me If You Can.”
Around the World Adventures
Exploring the world through seasoned travelers’ eyes is both exciting and insightful. Dive into this carefully picked travel book list. It features some of the top global travel tales and adventure travel books out there.
Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James
Kyle James’ “Not Afraid of the Fall” is an engaging memoir. It details his 114-day journey across 15 countries and 38 cities with his partner. It’s perfect for those who dream of exploring and spontaneous adventures. It shows a rich mix of experiences from across the world.
The Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo
Jessica Nabongo’s “The Catch Me If You Can” tells of her travels to every recognized country, totaling 195. Her journey shares unique insights, engaging stories, and beautiful photos. It’s a standout on any travel book list, encouraging readers to venture far.
World Travel by Anthony Bourdain & Laurie Woolever
“World Travel” is Anthony Bourdain’s posthumous work, completed by his friend Laurie Woolever. It mixes Bourdain’s sharp observations with essays from close friends. It weaves a rich collection of global travel tales, capturing the spirit of adventure.
Home Sweet Anywhere by Lynne Martin
Lynne Martin’s “Home Sweet Anywhere” shares her global travels with her husband, Tim. They exchanged a static life for the thrill of global exploration. Their adventures took them through Mexico, Turkish bazaars, and Italian markets. Their story is a touching travel memoir filled with meaningful experiences.
Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh
Monisha Rajesh’s “Around the World in 80 Trains” takes readers on a global train voyage. She traveled through countries like Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, Canada, and Kazakhstan. Her book offers a rich, sensory adventure. It’s a must-read for those interested in life on the move.
Embark on these narratives and enrich your adventures with the authors’ wisdom and experiences. These global travel tales and adventure travel books open windows to the world’s diverse places and peoples. They spark your desire to explore with every page turned.
Inspirational Memoirs
Inspirational books are full of emotional travel memoirs and personal travel journeys. They share deep insights and moving stories. These travel biographies talk about overcoming obstacles, adventures, and self-growth. They inspire us to start our own adventures.
From Scratch by Tembi Locke
Tembi Locke’s From Scratch deeply moves readers with its tale of cross-cultural love, loss, and Sicilian cuisine. It stands out among inspirational books as a story filled with hope and heartbreak.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is funny yet profoundly touching. It shares his experiences growing up during apartheid in South Africa. Noah skillfully mixes humor with serious topics, making it a highlight in travel biographies.
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett
A House in the Sky tells Amanda Lindhout’s intense survival story after being kidnapped. Her resilience shines, making her tale a striking one in emotional travel memoirs.
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
Kristin Newman’s memoir offers laughs and deep thoughts about solo travel. If you like funny and insightful travel stories, this book is for you.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love is a key book on self-discovery. Her journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia encourages others to find their own fulfillment.
A Trip of One’s Own by Kate Wills
Kate Wills’ story is about a travel journalist’s self-discovery post-divorce. It shows how personal travel journeys can open the door to new starts and deep insights.
These travel biographies and emotional travel memoirs are both inspiring and moving. They make us laugh, cry, and think about our lives. Every story proves that travel can truly change us, helping us see the world and ourselves in new ways.
Explorative Guides
Explorative guides are crucial for those who love nomadic life and seek adventures off the beaten path. These books offer priceless travel tips for those eager to explore new places and understand more about our world.
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
In Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, the concept of long-term travel is unveiled. Potts shares practical advice on budgeting and adapting to new situations. It’s a must-have for anyone dreaming of a nomadic lifestyle.
Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, & Ella Morton
Atlas Obscura reveals the world’s hidden wonders. Created by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton, it’s ideal for travel enthusiasts. The guide invites readers to discover the unknown treasures of the world.
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
In The Art of Travel, Alain de Botton examines the essence of travel. He encourages readers to see their travel experiences from a new perspective. This book deepens the appreciation for the art of journeying.
Classics of Modern Travel Literature
Exploring classic travel literature highlights titles that define iconic travel narratives and modern literary adventures. These works inspire many to start their own journeys. They awaken the desire to explore within readers.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson’s book captures Australia’s vast wonders with humor and curiosity. It’s a shining example of classic travel literature. The book entertains and teaches with each page.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a deeply moving tale. It follows a young shepherd on a quest for his dream. This story is a hallmark of iconic travel narratives, pushing readers to pursue their own adventures.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac’s masterpiece reflects the spirit of the Beat Generation. It captures the essence of post-war American freedom. “On the Road” is essential for fans of modern literary adventures.
The Beach by Alex Garland
Alex Garland’s “The Beach” delves into the quest for a utopian paradise. It examines the ideals and traps of escapism. This book is a powerful classic travel literature example.
This article suggests 38 travel books for those eager to explore. They cover a wide range of iconic travel narratives and modern literary adventures. There’s something profound and captivating for every reader.
Unique Cultural Experiences
If you love exploring other cultures through books, these picks are perfect. They take you on journeys around the globe from your reading spot. Each story offers insights into different cultures, making them must-haves for cultural fans.
In the selection of books provided, Australia, Canada, Cuba, Scotland, Italy, Portugal, and the United States are featured as destinations, each recommending a particular book as essential reading before visiting.
For Australia, Johnno by David Malouf shows Brisbane’s heart. Thomas King’s The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America dives deep into Canada’s native culture. Cuba’s story is told through Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton.
Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting paints a raw picture of Scotland. In Italy, dive into Neapolitan life with Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend. The Portuguese: A Modern History by Barry Hatton explores Portugal’s rich heritage. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird tackles social justice in the U.S.
These books explore themes like history, politics, and culture. They’re chosen by authors and travel writers for a deeper look at each destination, enhancing the reading experience.
Themes cover race, identity, revolution, and more. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini offers insights into Afghanistan. The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston shares Chinese-American experiences. We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen brings 19th century Denmark to life. And The Milk Lady of Bangalore by Shoba Narayan lets us into Bangalore’s heart.
Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik tells Persian poet Forugh Farrokhzad’s tale. Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea explores Antoinette Cosway’s story, from Jane Eyre. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee spans Korea’s history. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is set in South America.
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart looks at Nigerian tribal life. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho follows a journey to Egypt. Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog focuses on post-Apartheid South Africa. Elif Shafak’s The Architect’s Apprentice takes us to 16th century Istanbul. John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath shows the struggles of American families during the Great Depression.
Together, these books offer a rich understanding of different cultures. They encourage us to explore and understand the world more deeply through stories.
Travel Book Recommendations for Every Mood
Looking for a story about travel through Nigeria, a thrilling Amazon exploration, or a revealing Mumbai slum journey? This section has diverse travel books to match different feelings and tastes.
Looking for Transwonderland by Noo Saro-Wiwa
Want a mood-based travel literature with personal and cultural detail? Noo Saro-Wiwa’s “Looking for Transwonderland” is perfect. It explores Nigerian society with personal stories, historical, and cultural insight.
The Lost City of Z by David Grann
Interested in mystery and history? David Grann’s “The Lost City of Z” is fascinating. It details Percy Fawcett’s doomed Amazon city search. The book’s intense storytelling and vivid detail will grab you.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Katherine Boo’s “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” provides a raw view of a Mumbai slum’s life. It’s ideal for those who like mood-based travel literature that inspires deep thought and emotion.
These diverse travel books cover various places and feelings. They offer rich experiences for any reader’s mood.
Conclusion
This handpicked list of travel books is a door to the wide and inspiring world of reading that sparks the urge to explore. With 52 top picks from 1903 to 2014, there’s a book for every kind of traveler. From the soul-searching adventures in “Eat, Pray, Love” to the in-depth travel tips in “Vagabonding,” everyone can find a story that resonates.
These books cover many genres like memoirs, poetry, and science. They help us see the world in new ways. Books such as “The Great Gatsby” and “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” teach us about the American Dream and issues of race and class. Adding authors like Barack Obama and Sylvia Plath makes our reading list even more diverse and deep.
From the beginnings of science fiction with “Frankenstein” to the cultural tales of the Harlem Renaissance, these books are a treasure. They’re not just stories; they’re lessons in history, culture, and perspective. They make perfect companions whether you’re traveling the world or just from your armchair. Let these books be your guide and spark your wanderlust.
