10 Travel Books That Will Change Your Life

We may not be able to venture out and explore the world right now. But when the travel bug hits you, it hits hard. You can satiate your wanderlust by reading travel books. Take some time out to read and go on a journey across the world. Get lost and inspired by the beautiful words written by the authors. These travel books will inspire you to travel the world.

 

10 Best Travel Books

Here are 10 travel books that will change your life.

 

Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert

One of the most successful travel books of the early 21st century, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, is the book that sparked the rise in solo trips. The story follows Gilbert, a successful woman in her 30s, living a great life. But despite seemingly having it all, she feels empty and unhappy. She decides to make a change and takes a radical choice. She steps out of her comfort zone and goes on a journey to Italy, India, and finally, Bali.

The memoir is a story about leaving everything behind and re-discovering yourself. Gilbert’s book has inspired and changed so many lives. The book captures what can happen when you reclaim your life and live it the way you want. If you ever feel like you need a change in your life, Eat, Pray, Love is the first book you should pick up.

 

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is one of the most-read books in recent history. The story follows a young shepherd boy named Santiago from Andalusia, Spain to Egypt on a journey to find the hidden treasure. His goal is to reach the Pyramids of Egypt, where the treasure lays hidden. On the way, he learns what love is and the meaning of life. 

The book is filled with wonder and inspiration. Santiago’s journey across unknown and distant lands to find the treasure will move you. This book has inspired thousands to travel the world to find themselves and have life-changing experiences. Follow in the footsteps of Santiago and discover your true self in your journey.

 

On The Road, by Jack Kerouac

Considered a timeless travel book, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, follows Sal(Kerouac himself) and his friend Moriarty on a journey across America. The story follows the two characters and their life on the road, meeting new people and partying the night away. 

Kerouac’s own desire to see the world and his thirst for life are strongly reflected in the novel. For him, experiences are the most important thing, and no one deserves to live in one place only. Pick up this book if you have ever dreamed about going on a road trip. This novel will leave you wanting more out of life, just as Kerouac intended.

 

In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson

In a Sunburned Country, is an endlessly entertaining travel book. It’s written by one of the most prolific travel writers of our time Bill Bryson. It chronicles his journey through Australia and his impression of the country’s culture, wildlife, lifestyle, and plant life. Most of the time he is awe of the country, but there are times when he fears his life, especially during his meeting with the strange wildlife of Australia.

Bryson’s description of Australia is funny, effortless, and direct. He shows us a picture of what Australia is all about. Cheerful, humorous people, beautiful sunny beaches, dry, hot weather, and peculiar wildlife. He has an immense love and respect for the country’s beauty, and it clearly shows. In a Sunburned Country is a fantastic book that will inspire you to go to Australia. 

 

Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts

Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding is a must-read for those who love to travel or for those who want to learn how to travel efficiently. It delves into the creativity, discovery, and planning that goes into long-term travel. The book contains a great deal of practical information. You’ll learn how to fund your trip, plan your destination, adjust to life on the road, and handle any difficulty that comes along with traveling.

If you are planning to start a nomadic lifestyle, then this is the book for you. Vagabonding will help you plan a fantastic trip for yourself. After you are done with this book, you’ll be motivated to travel on your own.

 

Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure, by Monisha Rajesh

Around the World in 80 trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure takes the readers on an unforgettable journey across the world. Monisha embarks on an adventure that will take her from London to the vast expanses of Russia, Canada, and beyond. The book is a vivid account of her 7-month voyage, the people she meets, the different experiences she has all the while traveling by train. 

If you’ve ever wanted to travel by train, then this book is perfect for you. Traveling by train makes life go by slower, and you’ll start appreciating the natural beauty of different places. If you want to know more about the world and interact with different people while having a beautiful backdrop, then pick up this book and start planning your train journey. 

 

In Patagonia, by Bruce Chatwin

In Patagonia is a classic travelogue that follows Bruce Chatwin’s journey to Patagonia. A far-flung remote place exudes an air of mystery, in search of a mythical brontosaurus relic. But instead, he finds a lonely haven of European refugees.

This book is the perfect read for all the wanderers who want to explore and travel to an exotic place. Chatwin does a beautiful job of portraying the fascinating region of Patagonia. In recent times, it has become a tradition for the thousands of backpackers and tourists to have a copy of In Patagonia in their hand as they travel through the vast and beautiful land. 

 

Seven Years in Tibet, by Heinrich Harrer

Seven Years in Tibet is an autobiographical novel by Henrich Harrer. It documents his escape from prison, his treacherous journey to Tibet, and his friendship with the 14th Dalai Lama. The book is a classic travelogue which gives us a first-hand insight into what Tibet was like before Chinese occupation. 

Harrer does a beautiful job of capturing the true essence of the Tibetan spirit. A spirt which has long since disappeared. He will transport you to a far-flung and exotic place. You can read the book to experience what Tibet was like and go on a journey along with Harrer as he crosses the Himalayas to Tibet and eventually becomes a friend to the Dali Lama. 

 

Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost

In Lost on Planet China, Troost takes readers on a journey through Beijing and Shanghai to the Gobi Desert and Tibet. The book also delivers a look at the vast and distinct country, which is entirely different from other countries. Troost describes a China most people have never seen, a place that feels like a different planet altogether.

If you ever plan to visit China, then this is the first book you should pick up. Troost will take you on a journey and let you experience a different side of China. The China most of us hear about and the China the Chinese know is completely different. Troost manages to bring the difference to light and gives us a different understanding of a very complex and massive country. 

 

The Motorcycle Diaries, by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries is a memoir about Guevara and his friend Granado as they travel around Latin Ameria in their motorcycle. Their journey takes them from Argentina to the Amazon basin. They encounter many of the social injustices faced by the oppressed people they meet in their travel. He returns from his journey with a new zeal to fight against injustices.

The memoir is an inspiring read for anyone who likes to travel. Guevara’s journey will affect you as it did him. It’ll encourage you to go with an open mind and help you appreciate the beauty of different places and cultures.

 

Now that you know the 10 best travel books, you can pick out the one that appeals to you the most and begin your journey. After all, a little escapism never hurts. Happy reading!