Are you having a short break from traveling and wondering what to read books about traveling in the comfort of your couch? Perhaps you’re looking for some inspiration for your next journey? Or you’re about to hit the road right now and want to have a book that would keep you company during the flights, trains rides and warm afternoons on a gorgeous beach? Either way, this list of 7 books about traveling will come in handy. All of them tell stories of travelers, dreamers, and wanderers. Wonderfully inspiring and bewitching, they’re a feast for your fantasy.
- A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Written by a famous travel writer Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods is a classic in its category. The book describes Bryson’s journey along the mystically beautiful Appalachian Trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. It’s informative and humorous at the same time. While reading, you’ll be introduced to the trail’s fascinating history, its ecology, and sociology, to the plants, animals, and humans whose lives are connected with it. Whether you’re going to walk the route or just want to find out more about it, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail is a perfect book, to begin.
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail Cheryl Strayed
In the wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail the author describes her long hike along the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail. It’s not only a story about the geographic kind of journey, but also self-discovery and development. After a series of tragic events that happened to her and years of destructive confusion that followed them, Cheryl Strayed decides to travel to find new ways of living. This beautiful and heart-warming story was recently adapted (directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, starring Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl).
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The movie Into the Wild based on Krakauer’s book became a favorite of many travelers all around the world. While the film’s more known, the book itself deserves attention too. It tells a story of Christopher McCandless, a young wanderer on his way through the Alaskan wilderness. McCandless leaves everything behind him, the family, friends, and possessions. He tries to get off the beaten track and manages to do so, but the isolation turns out to be more harsh and painful than he was able to predict. Fantastic but tragic, Into the Wild reminds of the life’s most important values.
- A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
In his autobiographical novel, Peter Mayle speaks about the first year spent in Provence. Together with his wife, the author moves to an old farm-house located in the remote region of Lubéron. He tells both about the negative and positive experiences, describes the locals, culture, events and presents the readers with a beautiful, authentic view of Provence. The book became a best-seller and was also turned into a popular radio show.
- Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts
Are you thinking of beginning a long-term journey? This book is for you then. Rolf Potts, an experienced traveler, gives all sorts of tips for the wannabe globetrotters. You can find out how to finance and plan your travels, how to find volunteering opportunities and jobs overseas, how to handle the awkward moments and get back to so-called “normal life” after returning home. Practical and motivating, it’s a must-read for all beginners.
- The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
In The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia, Paul Theroux describes his four-month continental tour. He travels from London to the Middle East, reaches the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, to eventually return to Europe – all of that by trains. A real gem for train-lovers, the travelogue contains information about Asia’s top trail routes. The book’s atmospheric and captivating, just as traveling by trains.
- In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
Patagonia remains one of the world’s most mysterious regions. This mystery can’t (and shouldn’t) be fully uncovered, by Bruce Chatwin’s work gives a perfect glimpse of Patagonia’s unique charm. With the detailed descriptions and great anecdotes, In Patagonia is a fascinating piece of literature about an exciting place on Earth. After reading the book you’ll know more about Patagonia’s unique character and history, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be satisfied – it leaves you with the lust for adventure and makes you feel like to continue explorations on your own.
- A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby
Well-written, witty and grasping, that’s Eric Newby’s A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush. With a particular English sense of humor, the author tells a story of his adventurous journey to in the Nuristan Mountains in Afghanistan. After a brief training in mountaineering, he takes a crazy trip through Turkey and Persia and finally reaches Nūristān. Besides of sharing humorous anecdotes and little hardships of the walk, Eric Newby describes a history of the visited region and its natural beauty.
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