We all need a bit of inspiration in our lives from time to time, especially when it comes to travelling the world. It might be one thing to pick up a brochure at the travel agents, but what about if you want to have a more ‘real’ experience? This is where travel writers come in, so here is a list of the most inspiring fiction and non-fiction books to whet your appetite for adventure:
1. ‘The Beach’, Alex Garland.
If you’ve watched the movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, you will know that this stunning work of fiction takes an unprecedented dark turn. However, in the lead up to this, Garland’s masterpiece is absolutely adept at describing the untamed beauty of Thailand.
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2. ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’, Hunter S. Thompson.
Another book on this list with a very successful film behind it (starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro), if you set aside all of the excessive drug-use you will find a surprisingly detailed account of travelling to Las Vegas and chasing the ‘American Dream’.
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3. ‘Wild’, Cheryl Strayed.
There is nothing more inspiring than a genuine account of someone who has endured hardship in their life and managed to turn it all around. This is exactly the case for Cheryl Strayed, who used a 1,100 mile trek along the stunning-yet-treachorous Pacific Crest Trail to rediscover herself.
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4. Anything by Bill Bryson.
If you’re familiar with travel writing in any capacity, the chances are that you will have heard of Bill Bryson, the hilarious Anglo-American author of over 20 books. He is most famed for his breakthrough work Notes from a Small Island, which was a description of his first visit to the United Kingdom, where he later decided to move.
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5. ‘On the Road’, Jack Kerouac.
If you have any interest in America and the Beat Generation of the 1950s then this book was made for you. Hailed as Kerouac’s finest work, the story (loosely based on Kerouac’s life) follows writer Sal Paradise and his travels around America with hedonistic nonconformist Dean Moriarty.
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6. ‘Travels with Charley’, John Steinbeck.
If it is a detailed account of America and its people in the 1960s that you’re looking for, then look no further than Kerouac’s fellow beatnik, John Steinbeck. Known for his laborious endeavours to bring truth to his writing, Steinbeck undertook a journey with his dog Charley in 1960 in order to get back in touch with the country he thought he was losing.
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7. ‘In Patagonia’, Bruce Chatwin.
It doesn’t get more remote than Patagonia, located at the southernmost point of Argentina and Chile. Only famed travel writer Bruce Chatwin could portray the magic and essence of such an unspoilt country and the remarkable people he meets along the way.
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8. ‘The Art of Travel’, Alain De Botton.
Have you ever wondered about what is drawing you to travel the world and seek new adventures? If so, then Alain De Botton is your guy. Focussing more on the reasons why people travel in the first place, De Botton will subconsciously make sure that you enjoy your trip, wherever it is you’re going!
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9. ‘Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story’, Tony and Maureen Wheeler.
If you’re at all curious about the lives of the people who came up with the most highly-regarded travel guides in the world then look no further. Unlikely Destinations tells the story of Tony and Maureen Wheeler and their unprecedented path to success.
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10. ‘The Alchemist’, Paulo Coelho.
Arguably one of the most inspirational stories on this list, The Alchemist tells the tale of a young shepherd boy who dreams of leaving his vocation to in search of fantastical treasures. With a very strong focus on ‘the journey rather than the destination’ this book has melted the hearts of the masses, selling over two million copies worldwide.
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