8 Books to Fuel Your Wanderlust
Right now is not the time to travel, but it is the time to dream of travel! There are endless travel books out there to inspire your next trip and fuel that wanderlust, here are a few of our favorites.
The Alchemist
A classic in the world of travel books. The Alchemist is a story of an Andalusian shepherd boy who sets out on a grand adventure in search of a worldly treasure. His adventures take him from Spain to the Sahara Desert, learning valuable life and travel lessons along the way.
The Joys of Travel
Thomas Swick, a veteran travel writer, reflects on what all he's learned in his lifetime of traveling. He's believes that there are seven joys of travel: anticipation, movement, break from routine, novelty, discovery, emotional connection, and heightened appreciation of home. In this thoughtful read, he breaks down each travel joy. You'll find yourself relating to each aspect of travel and be day dreaming of your next trip.
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding
A travel memoir but make it funny and a tad bit raunchy. Kristin Newman worked as a sitcom writer (including on That 70's Show and How I Met Your Mother) and her book is funny and easy to read. While all of her friends were off getting married and having babies, she was off traveling to new countries and having a string of romances as she went.
The Beach
The movie may be a bit more popular, but I'm always a believer in the book is better. Set in Thailand, right in the backpacker scene, this book is filled with adventure and excitement. Richard sets off with friends in search of a hidden, untouched by tourism, and overall idyllic beach. The movie was filmed at Maya Bay, in the Phi Phi Islands of Thailand - it caused the beach to become so popular, they have since closed the beach due to pollution from over-tourism.
To Shake the Sleeping Self
Jedidiah Jenkins sets off to cycle from Oregon to Patagonia. An adventure that takes him 16 months, Jenkins spends that time grappling with his sexual identity, his christian upbringing, and his want to break from routine and chase his travel dreams.
The Amazing Story of the Man Who Cycled From India to Europe for Love
The title of this book says it all. It's a feel good story of a man who meets the love of his life in New Dehli, India and overcomes many a hurtle to be reunited with her in the Netherlands. The story starts long before PK ever sets eyes on his love. PK was born an untouchable, the lowest level of the cruel Indian cast system. The story starts with PK as a child, as he slowly realizes his place is society that has been given to him and follows him as he turns into a talented and driven artist.
A Year in Provence
This book will make you want to sell all of your belongings, pack up immediately, and move to a villa in the South of France. Peter Mayle and his wife did just that and in this amusing memoir he recounts the lessons learned in their first year living in the countryside of France.
Neither Here nor There
No list of travel books would be complete without a Bill Bryson read. Neither Here nor There is a travel memoir that follows Bryson as he travels through Europe in 1990 and reflects on his previous travels through the continent in the 70's. Both humorous and informative, this book sparks the travel bug while also providing a bit of history and education as well.
Do you have any travel inspired books that didn't make our list? Let us know in the comments. Happy reading!
