Top 10 Most Inspirational Travel Books to Read

Are you feeling wanderlust but stuck at home? Do you crave adventure but unable to travel? Fear not, for we have compiled a list of the top 10 most inspirational travel books to satisfy your cravings. These books will transport you to different places, cultures, and time periods, encouraging you to explore the world from the comfort of your couch. So sit back, relax, and embark on a journey with these must-read travel books.

Discover the World from Your Couch with These 10 Books

1. "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert – Follow the author’s journey to Italy, India, and Indonesia as she searches for meaning and discovers herself.
2. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho – Join a young shepherd’s quest for his personal legend and unravel the mysteries of life.
3. "The Beach" by Alex Garland – Experience the thrill of adventure on a paradise-like beach in Thailand, but beware of the consequences that come with it.
4. "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer – Travel to the top of the world and witness the tragedy and triumph of climbing Mount Everest.
5. "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed – Join the author’s solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as she confronts her past and finds redemption.

Get Inspired to Travel with These Must-Read Books

6. "A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle – Explore the charming countryside of southern France and indulge in the delicious food and wine.
7. "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner – Discover the world’s happiest places and learn the secrets to happiness.
8. "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson – Laugh out loud as the author takes you on a hilarious and informative journey through Australia.
9. "The Motorcycle Diaries" by Ernesto "Che" Guevara – Follow the iconic revolutionary’s motorcycle journey across South America and witness the injustices that inspired him to fight for change.
10. "Turn Right at Machu Picchu" by Mark Adams – Join the author’s quest to retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham III and discover the lost city of the Incas.

These Travel Books Will Transport You to Another Place

11. "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts – Immerse yourself in the vibrant and chaotic city of Mumbai and the underworld that lies beneath it.
12. "The Shadow of the Sun" by Ryszard Kapuscinski – Explore the complexities of Africa and witness its struggles and beauty through the eyes of a foreign correspondent.
13. "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway – Travel back in time to 1920s Paris and Spain and join a group of disillusioned expatriates in search of purpose and identity.
14. "The Great Railway Bazaar" by Paul Theroux – Embark on a train journey across Europe and Asia and witness the diverse cultures and landscapes that unfold along the way.
15. "The Lost City of the Monkey God" by Douglas Preston – Join the author’s expedition to uncover the secrets of a lost civilization in the dense jungles of Honduras.

Journey Around the World with These Inspiring Reads

16. "The Art of Travel" by Alain de Botton – Delve into the philosophy of travel and discover the true essence of why we travel.
17. "In Patagonia" by Bruce Chatwin – Explore the rugged and remote wilderness of Patagonia and the fascinating stories and legends that surround it.
18. "The Tao of Travel" by Paul Theroux – Learn from the master of travel writing as he shares his wisdom, experiences, and reflections on the art of travel.
19. "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson – Join the author on his comical and challenging hike along the Appalachian Trail.
20. "The Places in Between" by Rory Stewart – Accompany the author on his solo trek across Afghanistan and witness the beauty and danger of a country at war.

Escape Reality with These Top Travel Books

21. "The Island of the Colorblind" by Oliver Sacks – Explore the unique and mysterious world of the Pacific island of Pingelap, where a high percentage of the population is colorblind.
22. "The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen – Join the author on his spiritual journey to the Himalayas and encounter the elusive snow leopard.
23. "The Last American Man" by Elizabeth Gilbert – Discover the fascinating and unconventional life of Eustace Conway, a modern-day pioneer and survivalist.
24. "Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck – Join the acclaimed author on his road trip across America with his faithful dog, Charley.
25. "The Rings of Saturn" by W.G. Sebald – Take a meditative and melancholic journey through the landscapes, histories, and memories of England.

Fuel Your Wanderlust with These Inspirational Travel Reads

26. "Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts – Learn how to embrace the spirit of long-term travel and make your dreams of adventure a reality.
27. "The Backpacker" by John Harris – Follow the author’s backpacking adventure across Asia and witness the highs and lows of backpacker culture.
28. "The Road to Little Dribbling" by Bill Bryson – Join the author on his hilarious and nostalgic journey across Britain.
29. "The Immeasurable World" by William Atkins – Explore the world’s deserts and the fascinating stories and histories that lie within them.
30. "The Old Patagonian Express" by Paul Theroux – Join the author on his epic train journey across South America and witness the beauty and diversity of the continent.

These Books Will Satisfy Your Travel Bug During Quarantine

31. "A Walk Across America" by Peter Jenkins – Embark on a journey across America on foot and witness the diversity and beauty of the country.
32. "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes – Escape to the idyllic countryside of Tuscany and indulge in the beauty, food, and culture of Italy.
33. "The Happy Isles of Oceania" by Paul Theroux – Join the author on his adventure across the islands of the Pacific and witness the wonders and challenges of island life.
34. "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" by Tom Wolfe – Travel back in time to the 1960s and join the Merry Pranksters on their psychedelic bus trip across America.
35. "Travels" by Michael Crichton – Discover the adventures and misadventures of the acclaimed author’s travels around the world.

10 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Adventure

36. "The Way of the World" by Nicolas Bouvier – Experience the magic of the Silk Road and the vastness of Central Asia through the eyes of a Swiss traveler.
37. "The Lost City of Z" by David Grann – Join the author’s quest to uncover the secrets of a legendary city in the Amazon and witness the dangers and wonders of the jungle.
38. "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway – Climb to the top of Africa’s highest peak and discover the beauty and brutality of the mountain.
39. "Jupiter’s Travels" by Ted Simon – Follow the author’s epic motorcycle journey around the world and witness the diversity and humanity of different cultures.
40. "The Way of Wanderlust" by Don George – Discover the joys and challenges of being a travel writer and learn from the best in the business.

Travel Through Time and Space with These Books

41. "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells – Journey into the future and witness the evolution and destruction of humanity.
42. "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams – Travel through space and time with an eccentric and hilarious cast of characters.
43. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Travel through the history and mythology of the fictional town of Macondo and witness the rise and fall of a family dynasty.
44. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco – Travel back in time to medieval Italy and join a Franciscan friar on a quest to solve a series of mysterious murders.
45. "The Time Traveler’s Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger – Explore the complexities of love and time as the protagonist travels through different periods of his life.

These Travel Books Will Make You Want to Book a Flight Now!

46. "The Beaches of Maui County" by Angela Tillson – Discover the beauty and diversity of the Hawaiian islands and plan your next tropical getaway.
47. "Tangerine" by Christine Mangan – Explore the exotic and dangerous city of Tangier in the 1950s and unravel the mystery and intrigue that surrounds it.
48. "The Lost Girls" by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, and Amanda Pressner – Join the authors’ year-long journey around the world and witness the transformative power of travel.
49. "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach – Combine your love of travel and sports with this novel set at a fictional college in Wisconsin.
50. "The Odyssey" by Homer – Embark on an epic journey with the legendary hero, Odysseus, and witness the power of storytelling and adventure.

We hope these books have inspired you to travel, whether it’s to a new country, a new culture, or a new time period. Until we can explore the world freely again, let these books take you on a journey and satisfy your wanderlust. Happy reading!