10 Travel Books You Should Read
If you don’t want the hassle and expenses of traveling, one option is to read travel books. Who knows, you might be able to find one that will awaken the wanderlust in you. Here are some of the best examples of the genre.
A Walk in the Woods (1998) by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz attempted to explore the Appalachian Trail which covers the area from Mount Katahdin in Maine to the Springer Mountain in Georgia. He described the area’s flora and fauna.
Among the Russians (1983) by Colin Thubron
Colin Thubron spent time in Soviet Union during its last years before its collapse in 1991. The author not only gave an account of its political climate but its rich culture, history and art.
In A Sunburned Country or Down Under (2000) by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson traveled throughout Australia by car and railway. He detailed his adventures in this book to give the reader a n insight into the geography, flora and fauna and the people of Australia.
Into the Wild (1996) by Jon Krakauer
The novel is inspired by the essay of the author on Christopher McCandless’s death. McCandless was said to have left his home to explore the Stampede Trail in Alaska and then died after a hundred days. The author retraced McCandless’s steps.
On the Road (1957) by Jack Kerouac
The book records the author’s travels throughout North America with his friend Neal Cassady. It shows how the Beat Generation inspired America after World War II. The Beat Generation rejected materialism and standard narratives, explored psychedelic drugs and were liberal-minded.
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia (1975) by Paul Theroux
The author Paul Theroux traveled through Europe, Middle East, India and Southeast Asia for four months using the Trans-Siberian Railway. His starting point was at London in 1973.
The Road to Oxiana (1937) by Robert Byron
Oxiana is the region near Afghanistan’s border. The author made the trip to examine the area’s architectural accomplishments. This travelogue details the ten-month journey of Robert Byron and Christopher Sykes.
The Snow Leopard (1978) by Peter Matthiessen
Peter Matthiessen and George Schaller went searching for the elusive snow leopard in the Tibetan Plateau. The snow leopard is an endangered species and is native only in the South and Central Asia’s mountain ranges.
Travels with Charley: In Search of America (1962) by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck traveled the United States with his dog Charley in a camper he called Rocinante. He covered the areas from Long Island to California then to the Deep South.
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy (1996) by Frances Mayes
Frances Mayes wrote the book after her divorce and during the renovation of a house in Cortona. She also included recipes of home-cooked dishes as she is a gourmet cook as well.
