Travel books do more than inspire you to get out and see the world; they give readers a sense of passion for travel that goes further than checking off your bucket list or all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
The best travel books open your eyes to a world of authentic travel that most tourists miss out on. The authors who have written about their travels pour their heart and soul into each novel, some are travel memoirs, funny anecdotes, or tales of romance, and some are just pure art.
Dive into this list of the best travel books of all time that are sure to give you an itch to travel if you don't already!
1. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The hippy before hippies, Jack Kerouac wrote his most famous book, On the Road, while he was hitchhiking his way around the United States in 1951. This book gives the readers a peek into the world of the beat generation that often goes unnoticed in the history books.
The beat generation was a movement of young adults in the 1950s that valued Buddhism, jazz, travel, and poetry. They imagined a free society without rules where people could travel around as they please.
On the Road will give you a better understanding of the beat generation and have you dreaming of a world where unrestricted travel is the norm.
Summary
In this classic American novel, Kerouac writes about several of his adventures and misadventures across the United States after World War II. He is often joined by his troubled friends, who are broke and set on living life to the fullest.
Who has time for maps, mortgages, and clocks when the world is waiting to be experienced? By living the beat culture Kerouac and his friends Ginsberg and Burroughs dismiss the "American dream" in search of their own.
Why it's a good read
Not only does this novel show you the best example of the beat generation, but it also teaches you about life beyond hustle culture. It ignites a sense of passion and a desire for unfiltered and raw travel. No all-inclusive resorts or cruises here, just your thumb and a backpack!
Pros
- Classic American novel on many must-read lists
- Very adventurous story
- Characters that are easy to identify with
Cons
- Language can be difficult to read
- The plotline can get a bit lost in translation
Our Rating: 4.6/5
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If you liked On the Road, check out some of Kerouac's other books like Big Sur, The Dharma Bums, and Mexico City Blues.
2. Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer
Into The Wild brings you along on one man's desperate need to escape society, particularly to the Alaskan Wilderness. Chris McCandless decided to give up his cushy life and wealth, abandon his identity, and travel across America, having wild adventures along the way.
Summary
In this novel, Chris McCandless grows tired of living a life of luxury and abandons his worldly possessions to become a true vagabond as he travels across America. During his travels, he paddled down the Colorado River into Mexico and worked in Arizona before abandoning society completely to live in the Alaskan wilderness.
He relates his childhood to all the problems he experienced in life and why travel and freedom were the answer. Chris takes the name Alexander Supertramp and finds a home in an abandoned bus. He spends his day hunting, fishing, relaxing, and hiking around the bus before he meets his unfortunate end.
Why it's a good read
Into The Wild takes a hard look at what we really need to be happy in life and forces the reader to reflect on McCandless's choices and their own. It demonstrates why the typical university graduate/corporate life might not be for everyone and gives light to a new and nomadic way of life. You will find this to be one of the best travel books for young adults.
Pros
- A fun and engaging tale
- It has a movie adaptation
- Perfect for wilderness lovers
Cons
- Sad ending
- The novel is criticized for encouraging reckless wilderness behavior
Our Rating: 4.5/5
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If you liked Into The Wild, you might like some other travel books set in the wild, like A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson or Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.
3. While the Gods Were Sleeping by Elizabeth Enslin
Travel through Nepal following the heart of a young anthropologist, Elizabeth, as she navigates life in her husband's small Nepali village. Facing many life challenges, from marriage to the birth of her child, Elizabeth does this all while navigating a new culture and different customs with no comforts from home.
Summary
An American anthropologist falls madly in love with a student from her university that just so happens to be from a high-class family in a remote village in Nepal. As Elizabeth navigates the struggles of an interracial relationship, she meets her partner's family, gets married, and has her son, all while living in this remote village.
Why it's a good read
This is a great travel book to read while you are out exploring the world. Elizabeth's tough and romantic story will bring you closer to the different cultures and customs you may experience while traveling in another country. Her real-life tale will surely be at the top of your travel memoirs list.
Elizabeth paints a beautiful picture of what travel in Nepal was like in the 1980s and how tough it was back then. It makes you reflect on how easy it is to travel now, with any app at your fingertips. Reading this travel book will make you fall in love with adventure!
Pros
- A real-life story of travel and love
- A beautiful insight into the village life of Nepal
- Great story arch
Cons
- Parts of the text are heavy with anthropology and political content
- Some readers don't like the ending
Our Rating: 4.2/5
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If you enjoyed While The Gods Were Sleeping, you're bound to love If I Live Until Morning by Jean Muenchrath and Yak Girl by Dorje Dolma.
4. Hippie by Paul Coelho
The famous author Paul Coehlo writes a gripping true story about his life and travels in the 1960s. In true hippie fashion, Coelho travels across Europe and Central Asia on a Magic Bus that brings passengers on a long bus ride from Amsterdam to Kathmandu.
Summary
Paul Coelho tells a true tale of his once-in-a-life-time trip on the Magic Bus from Amsterdam to Nepal, where he meets Karla, a young, free-spirited woman. Paul and Karla are both searching for a deeper meaning in life and a sense of purpose.
As they travel through Central Asia, they learn more about themselves and each other. They meet many other travelers like themselves who help them learn and grow as individuals. Eventually, as they reach their destination, Paul and Karla arrive at a decision that will decide the course of both their futures.
Why it's a good read
Hippie is one of the greatest books about travel because it gives a beautiful insight into what travel was like before technology. It is a true re-telling of one man's journey of self-discovery while discovering the world. Traveling in this authentic way never seemed so appealing until you read Hippie.
Pros
- Truly adventurous story
- Good insight into the 60s hippie culture
Cons
- Some readers were displeased with the ending
- Details abstract concepts that arent interesting to all readers
Our Rating: 4.5/5
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If you liked Hippie, you might also enjoy reading The Archer by Paul Coelho and The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea.
5. Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy
Another lovely travel memoir, Full Tilt, details a bicycle journey from Ireland to India taken by a gritty Irish woman in the 1960s. This spirited travel book is sure to entertain its readers!
Summary
Derby Murphy accounts her travels through Europe and Central Asia on a bicycle. She Started from Dunkirk and cycled all the way to New Delhi. She encounters many problems along the way, like stomach flu, sunstroke, and horrible accommodations, but she also has many grand experiences, all while keeping her humorous and upbeat attitude. Full Tilt is by far one of the best travel books of all time.
Why it's a good read
Full Tilt is a fantastic travel book because Dervla's upbeat attitude keeps the reader entertained and enthused as she navigates strange cultures and challenging landscapes. Her tale of bravery and adventure is inspiring for young readers.
Pros
- An entertaining and inspiring read
- Based on a true story
Cons
- Some readers don't like the way the book is structured
- The main character is very pragmatic
Our Rating: 4.4/5
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If you loved Full Tilt, try reading A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park or Beyond The Trees by Adam Shoalts.
Feeling inspired? Plan your next trip with Pilot!
Now that you've read up on some inspirational travelers and had your fill of travel books, pack your suitcases and start planning your next big trip with Pilot!
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