Books to Inspire Travel: Your next destination awaits
Today, we're sharing top books that feature travelling. Whether you enjoy nonfiction journeys or real stories about adventures across countries, this list covers a unique variety of books to inspire travel and is based on user feedback and bestseller rankings.
We have also included a list of categories based on must-reads from the point of view of a global perspective and timeless classics. You can see detailed descriptions on Google, Goodreads, or listen to some of these titles on the audiobook apps for iPhone, so you can carry your travel inspiration wherever you go.
Quick Picks: 10 Books That Will Inspire Your Next Adventure
If you Google travel book recommendations, you'll see the same favourites in almost every list. They're easy to find and well-loved for good reason. You've probably seen them around and read a couple or watched movies based on their stories. We've gathered them here for a quick look. After that, we'll get into a broader mix of books with great feedback from readers, but first:
1. 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert: Memoir Genre with Destinations as Italy, India, Indonesia. Why read it: A personal and honest story about figuring out who you are while travelling through some amazing places.
2. 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer: Nonfiction Genre with Destination Alaska, USA. Why read it: It tells the real story of Christopher McCandless. He is a young man who gave up everything to live in the wild in Alaska, full of questions about freedom and what it really means to be alive.
3. 'The Art of Travel' by Alain de Botton: Philosophy with various destinations. Why read it: It's a thoughtful look at why we travel and how paying attention to what's around us can make any trip more meaningful.
4. 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed: Memoir Genre with Destination Pacific Crest Trail, USA. Why read it: Emotional and powerful, perfect for anyone needing a push to face their fears. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12262717-wild
5. 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac: Fiction Genre with Destination USA. Why read it: A classic celebration of freedom, adventure, and the restless spirit.
6. 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson: Memoir with Appalachian Trail, USA Destination. Why read it: A funny and honest look at the ups and downs of hiking one of America's longest trails. You will find that this adventure doesn't have to be perfect to be unforgettable.
7. 'Vagabonding' by Rolf Potts: Travel Genre with Destination Global. Why read it: Basically, it will serve you as a practical and philosophical guide for traveling long-term.
8. 'In Patagonia' by Bruce Chatwin, Nicholas Shakespeare: Travel Genre with Destination Argentina. Why read it: You will fall in love with how the piece perfectly captures the mystery of a remote region. A mix of travel story and legend that brings Patagonia's natural sides to life.
9. 'A Year in Provence' by Peter Mayle: Memoir Genre with Destination France. Why read it: Funny and warm, it's a peek into what life is really like in the French countryside.
10. 'Tracks' by Robyn Davidson: Memoir Nonfiction Genre with Destination Australian Outback. Why read it: You'll like this inspiring solo journey across one of the toughest places. It is a true story of an incredible woman who took a trek across the desert with camels and a dog.
This list includes both fiction and nonfiction to spark inspiration for all types of travellers. If you're unsure whether to pick fiction or nonfiction, think about the kind of stories that grab you most. That way, you can get useful tips or fresh viewpoints to help plan your next adventure.
Travel Reads by Category: Memoirs, Classics, Adventure & More
While social media, especially posts from friends or influencers, inspires some people to travel, actually, books and films based on them have long motivated visits to specific destinations. The travellers’ stories within these works continue to play a major role in influencing the travel plans. We divided the next books by categories and put together this list based on award picks and readers’ favourites.
Category 1: Travel Memoirs That Spark Wanderlust
'Ten Years a Nomad' by Matt Kepnes is just one of those books in our list that inspires people to start travelling. It's helped a lot of readers take that first step beyond their comfort zone. It is actually chosen because it shares honest stories and fresh perspectives on travel experience:
● Genre: Memoir
● Destination: Global
● Why read it: Matt shares honest, on-the-road stories that capture the ups and downs of living out of a backpack and chasing freedom.
Category 2: Classic Travel Novels
'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho is a simple yet powerful story about following your dreams. It's inspired many readers to think differently about their own journeys:
● Genre: Fiction
● Destination: Spain, Egypt
● Why read it: This tale is a timeless reminder that sometimes the real treasure lies in the journey itself.
'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway captures the restless spirit of travellers just after World War I. His clear, sharp writing brings to life a group of friends wandering Europe looking for meaning:
● Genre: Fiction
● Destination: Europe
● Why read it: His words reflect the bittersweet search for purpose and adventure in a changed world.
Category 3: Adventure & Exploration
'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts tells a story of crime and survival deep inside Mumbai's vibrant underworld. It's as much about the city as it is about one man's road:
● Genre: Fiction
● Destination: India
● Why read it: It's an intense ride full of unforgettable characters and emotions.
'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic fantasy adventure, and it is, for sure, the choice that may surprise you. The book follows Bilbo’s journey which is filled with discovery:
● Genre: Fiction and Fantasy
● Destination: Imaginary world
● Why read it: It's the blueprint for epic quests, and it certainly blends humour and cute stories. You can also read 'The Lord of the Rings' by the same author to find even more inspiration.
Category 4: Hidden Gems & New Releases
'Black Ghosts: A Journey Into the Lives of Africans in China' by Noo Saro-Wiwa examines the experiences of African migrants in China. It offers a nuanced understanding of identity and belonging in a globalised world:
● Genre: Travel Writing and Nonfiction
● Destination: China
● Why read it: This compelling exploration sheds light on many challenges and the cultural intersections. It is one of the best travel books of 2025.
'Wander Woman' by Beth Santos is about the women's travel community Wanderful. The author offers a blend of personal, or let’s say, practical advice:
● Genre: Travel Memoir and Self-Empowerment
● Destination: Global
● Why read it: B. Santos gave us empowering insights on solo travel. She addresses common fears, challenges, and misconceptions. So the readers find new tools and confidence.
Interactive Section
You can try a fun quiz or see the interactive maps online to find your next read based on where you want to go. You can also add notes to your schedule table, taking into account that:
● Most books are 250–400 pages, so one or two weeks per book works well.
● Some shorter books, around 150-250 pages, can be read in one week comfortably.
● If you want a lighter schedule, you can spread longer reads (like Wild or Eat, Pray, Love) across 4 weeks.
● Feel free to swap books depending on your mood or travel interests.
So Which Book Should Inspire You?
Have you ever closed a book and immediately started checking Google Maps? That moment when a sentence makes you feel like you're standing somewhere else entirely, and you get that rush like you're heading somewhere new. It is the kind of excitement only travel can give you: those spontaneous moments, the unexpected friendships, or figuring out how to get around places you've never been before.
When you choose a book, just keep in mind that travel is about feeling alive, connected, and completely free from the usual daily habits. It's what real freedom feels like or resonates deeply with many people. The users often describe books about travel as a euphoric experience that transcends routine.
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