One of the most exciting things in life is traveling and seeing the world, however, reading about travel can almost be just as enjoyable.
There are a variety of books that can offer insight into the world’s different cultures and people, as well as adventures and experiences that can teach valuable lessons. Here are some of the best books to read on travel:
Traveling to every one of the world's 195 nations is a significant accomplishment and a dream that most people could only have. Fortunately, readers of travel books like The Catch Me If You Can by author Jessica Nabongo can experience spectacular global travel firsthand.
The book, which is gorgeously illustrated with many of Nabongo's own images, chronicles her extraordinary adventures in each nation, including horseback riding in Oklahoma, sledding in Norway, swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, and many more such experiences worth reading.
This novel follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd, on his journey to find his treasure. Although he travels extensively, this novel is more spiritual than physical. He is guided and tested as he discovers lessons about life and himself.
This book shows how sometimes you can find the thing you seek most, not in a physical place but within you.
Paul Theroux set out on a four-month rail adventure through Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia in 1973, starting from the United Kingdom.
In The Great Railway Bazaar, he chronicles the numerous amazing occurrences, misadventures, and interactions of his extensive, global journey with vivid detail and insightful insight.
The Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Frontier Mail, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Mandalay Express, and the Trans-Siberian Express are among Asia's legendary trains that serve as the highlight of a journey that takes him from London's Victoria Station to Tokyo Central before returning back to London on the Trans-Siberian.
Image Credit: Nate Johnston on Unsplash
David Grann set out to solve "the biggest exploration mystery of the 20th century" after discovering a secret cache of diaries. What happened to Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who was searching for the Lost City of Z?
Fawcett entered the Amazon in 1925 in search of an ancient civilization, intending to make one of history's most significant discoveries. Then he disappeared. Numerous people have died over the years searching for information about his party and the location he referred to as "The Lost City of Z."
Journalist David Grann masterfully blends together the captivating tales of Fawcett's search for "Z" and his own foray into the perilous forest in this work of literature.
The motivational autobiography of Bear Grylls, who overcomes a broken back to become one of the youngest mountain climbers to reach the summit of Everest.
One of the best novels to read any place you go on the road! It genuinely motivates you to set goals for yourself.
Why is this a must-read? This is his action-packed life's narrative, as told for the first time in his own words.
Rosie, 57, started running around the globe to raise money for her husband, who passed away from cancer. Rosie's remarkable 20,000-mile, five-year solo trek is as engrossing as it is inspiring, including encounters with wolves, a bus, bears, a man with a rifle, and being trapped with severe frostbite.
The story of Rosie's life is a captivating page-turner because of her amazing story. It will inspire optimism, courage, and resolve in you; it will awaken the dormant adventurer inside you; but most importantly, it will persuade you to live life to the fullest and make each day count.
Alain de Botton is a writer and television producer who lives in London and aims to make philosophy relevant to everyday life.
Why do we travel? In his book, he suggests that we do not do it well—we are sadly ignorant of the art of travel. The travel industry is quick to tell us where to go but not how and why.
In this action-packed book, he also cites distinguished fellow travelers such as Baudelaire, Wordsworth, Van Gogh, the biologist Alexander von Humboldt, and the 18th-century eccentric Xavier de Maistre.
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This small collection of writings ought to give you the comfort you require, whether you worry about being let down when you travel, you're looking for a cause to travel, or, perhaps, you're looking for an excuse to remain home.
These books are essential reads for anyone who loves to travel and is looking to learn more about different cultures, perspectives, and angles of travel. Although these books may appear to be vastly different, they have one thing in common, they each offer an incredible insight into the beauty of travel. Through these books, we can extend our knowledge of different places and cultures and learn why it is so essential to make the most of life’s many adventures.
If books aren't your thing, check out our travel blogs for more inspiration on all things travel
Cover Image Credit: freddie marriage on Unsplash
