Traveling to different and unknown places is an experience which is full of total wonder and curiosity about destination. Sometime it will give you an experience of loneliness and confusion. I have listed here down my favorite list of 49 travel books that will help you develop an understanding how others cope with living in new surroundings while traveling.
1. A Year in Provence
A Year in Provence is the best selling memoir by Peter Mayle. In this witty and warm-hearted account, Peter Mayle shares about what it is like to realize a long-cherished dream and move into a 200-year-old stone farmhouse in the remote country of the Lubéron with his wife and two large dogs. He endures January’s frosty mistral as it comes howling down the Rhône Valley, discovers the secrets of goat racing through the middle of town, and delights in the glorious regional cuisine. A Year in Provence transports us into all the earthy pleasures of Provençal life and lets us live vicariously at a tempo governed by seasons, not by days.
2. In Patagonia
An English travel book by Bruce Chatwin, that you must read. Chatwin, an exhilarating look at a place that still retains the exotic mystery of a far-off, unseen land, Bruce Chatwin’s exquisite account of his journey through Patagonia teems with evocative descriptions, remarkable bits of history, and unforgettable anecdotes. Fueled by an unmistakable lust for life and adventure and a singular gift for storytelling, Chatwin treks through “the uttermost part of the earth”— that stretch of land at the southern tip of South America, where bandits were once made welcome—in search of almost forgotten legends, the descendants of Welsh immigrants, and the log cabin built by Butch Cassidy. An instant classic upon publication in 1977, In Patagonia is a masterpiece that has cast a long shadow upon the literary world.
3. Blue Highways
Hailed as a masterpiece of American travel writing, Blue Highways is an unforgettable journey along our nation’s backroads. William Least Heat-Moon set out with little more than the need to put home behind him and a sense of curiosity about “those little towns that get on the map if they get on at all-only because some cartographer has a blank space to fill: Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; New Freedom, Pennsylvania; New Hope, Tennessee; Why, Arizona; Whynot, Mississippi.”
4. Under the Tuscan Sun
Frances Mayes entered a wondrous new world when she began restoring an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. There were unexpected treasures at every turn: faded frescos beneath the whitewash in her dining room, a vineyard under wildly overgrown brambles in the garden, and, in the nearby hill towns, vibrant markets and delightful people. In Under the Tuscan Sun, she brings the lyrical voice of a poet, the eye of a seasoned traveler, and the discerning palate of a cook and food writer to invite readers to explore the pleasures of Italian life and to feast at her table.
5. Into Thin Air
Written by Jon Krakauer, a bank of clouds was assembling on the not-so-distant horizon, but journalist-mountaineer Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that “suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down.” He was wrong. The storm, which claimed five lives and left countless more–including Krakauer’s–in guilt-ridden disarray, would also provide the impetus for Into Thin Air, Krakauer’s epic account of the May 1996 disaster.
6. The Lost City of Z
A book well -written by American author Mr. David Grann. You will find yourself on a grand mystery reaching back centuries. A sensational disappearance made headlines around the world. It is the story of a quest for truth that leads to death, madness, or disappearance for those who seek to solve it. The Lost City of Z is a blockbuster adventure narrative about what lies beneath the impenetrable jungle canopy of the Amazon.
7. The Places in Between
In January 2002 Rory Stewart walked across Afghanistan-surviving by his wits, his knowledge of Persian dialects and Muslim customs, and the kindness of strangers. By day he passed through mountains covered in nine feet of snow, hamlets burned and emptied by the Taliban, and communities thriving amid the remains of medieval civilizations. By night he slept on villagers’ floors, shared their meals, and listened to their stories of the recent and ancient past.
Along the way, Stewart met heroes and rogues, tribal elders and teenage soldiers, Taliban commanders, and foreign-aid workers. He was also adopted by an unexpected companion-a retired fighting mastiff he named Babur in honor of Afghanistan’s first Mughal emperor, in whose footsteps the pair was following. Through these encounters–by turns touching, confounding, surprising, and funny–Stewart makes tangible the forces of tradition, ideology, and allegiance that shape life in the map’s countless places in between.
8. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is an examination of how we live, a meditation on how to live better set around the narration of a summer motorcycle trip across America’s Northwest, undertaken by a father & his young son.
9. Tracks
Robyn Davidson’s opens the memoir of her perilous journey across 1,700 miles of the hostile Australian desert to the sea with only four camels and a dog for the company with the following words: “I experienced that sinking feeling you get when you know you have conned yourself into doing something difficult and there’s no going back.” Enduring sweltering heat, fending off poisonous snakes and lecherous men, chasing her camels when they get skittish and nursing them when they are injured, Davidson emerges as an extraordinarily courageous heroine driven by a love of Australia’s landscape, empathy for its indigenous people, and a willingness to cast away the trappings of her former identity. You will find Tracks as the compelling and candid story of her odyssey of discovery and transformation.
10. The Travels
Marco Polo (1254-1329) has achieved an almost archetypal status as a traveler, and his Travels is one of the first great travel books of Western literature, outside the ancient world. The Travels recounts Polo’s journey to the eastern court of Kublai Khan, the chieftain of the Mongol empire which covered the Asian continent, but which was almost unknown to Polo’s contemporaries.
Encompassing twenty years from 1721, Polo’s account details his travels in the service of the empire, from Beijing to northern India, and ends with the remarkable story of Polo’s return voyage from the Chinese port of Amoy to the Persian Gulf. Alternately factual and fantastic, Polo’s prose at once reveals the medieval imagination’s limits and captures the wonder of subsequent travel writers when faced with the unfamiliar, the exotic, or the unknown.
11. A Time of Gifts
In 1933, at the age of 18, Patrick Leigh Fermor set out on an extraordinary journey by foot – from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople. A Time of Gifts is the first volume in a trilogy recounting the trip and takes the reader with him as far as Hungary. It is a book of compelling glimpses – not only of the events which were curdling Europe at that time, but also of its resplendent domes and monasteries, its great rivers, the sun on the Bavarian snow, the storks and frogs, the hospitable burgomasters who welcomed him, and that world’s grandeur and courtesies.
His powers of recollection have astonishing sweep and verve, and the scope is majestic. First published to enormous acclaim, it confirmed Fermor’s reputation as the greatest living travel writer, and has, together with its sequel Between the Woods and the Water (the third volume is famously yet to be published), been a perennial seller for 25 years.
12. Holy Cow
Holy Cow is Macdonald’s often hilarious chronicle of her adventures in a land of chaos and contradiction, of encounters with Hinduism, Islam and Jainism, Sufis, Sikhs, Parsis, and Christians and a kaleidoscope of yogis, swamis, and Bollywood stars. From spiritual retreats and crumbling nirvanas to war zones and New Delhi nightclubs, it is a journey that only a woman on a mission to save her soul, her love life—and her sanity—can survive.
13. A Time of Gifts
In 1933, at the age of 18, Patrick Leigh Fermor set out on an extraordinary journey by foot – from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople. A Time of Gifts is the first volume in a trilogy recounting the trip and takes the reader with him as far as Hungary. It is a book of compelling glimpses – not only of the events which were curdling Europe at that time, but also of its resplendent domes and monasteries, its great rivers, the sun on the Bavarian snow, the storks and frogs, the hospitable burgomasters who welcomed him, and that world’s grandeur and courtesies. His powers of recollection have astonishing sweep and verve, and the scope is majestic.
First published to enormous acclaim, it confirmed Fermor’s reputation as the greatest living travel writer. With its sequel Between the Woods and the Water which second book in series of three (the third volume is about to publish), been a perennial seller for 25 years.
14. Atlas Obscura
Atlas Obscura revels in the weird, the unexpected, the overlooked, the hidden, and the mysterious. Every page expands our sense of how strange and marvelous the world is. And with its compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, surprising charts, maps for every region of the world, it is a book you can open anywhere.
15. THE ALCHEMIST
The Alchemist is a novel published in 1988 by author Paulo Coelho. It describes the author’s journey to learn the meaning of love and life. It’s an inspirational book for travelers with a big dream.
16. AMERICA IS IN THE HEART
The book is a semi-autobiographical novel by Filipino American Carlos Bulosan. He is famous as Filipino American immigrant Poet, activist and ficiton writer. It depicts the story of his migrant experiences in the so-called ‘Land of plenty’ in the 1930s. The book well describes the American landscape and life as an exile, dislocation, racism, and poverty being inflicted on the people of Filipino Americans.
17. TURN RIGHT AT MACHU PICCHU
The book is written by Mark Adam. It’s a complete travelogue based on a trip to Peru. The author is inspired by Archaeologist Hiram Bingham’s original route.
18. BONUS: HOW TO TRAVEL THE WORLD ON 50 DOLLAR A DAY
The book is written by Matt Kepens. It describes the best way to travel the world on a low budget. It tells us the reality of traveling and experiencing his journey with a limited budget and lots of fun. He reveals the secret of tips, tricks to travel around the world.
19. EAT, PRAY, LOVE
The book is written by ELIZABETH GILBERT. It is a travelogue based on a trip to India, Bali, and Italy. The book is influential written in the first decade in the 2000s.
20. THE INNOCENTS ABROAD
The book is written by Mark Twain. It is a journey through Europe to the Holy land. Mark had described the book as hilarious to laugh and understand the conditions of the people in America.
21. VENICE
The book is written by Jan Morris. The book is a masterpiece portraying a city with its history and thick atmosphere. Venice is a city of fantasy, cheek- by – jowl and an anecdotal.
22. FULL TILT: IRELAND TO INDIA WITH A BICYCLE
Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle is a travelogue for every traveler by Dervla Murphy. She had an experienced solo bicycle expedition to Delhi. It’s a detailed account of the author’s journey to other beautiful destinations as Cuba, Laos Romania, and Cameroon.
23. In a Sunburned Country
This book is written by’ BILL BRYSON’. The author has described his exploration of Australia as a continent and the friendliest place with inhabitants. He had compiled his experience with humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity. Bill Bryson had described the Australian hottest, driest weather its peculiar wildlife. During his traveling, he found the people very cheerful and extroverted. The city is clean and safe with constant sunshine. His book is a complete travelogue for a layman to travel across Australia.
24. THE CROSSWAY
The book is a searing account by Guy Stagg. During his journey, he was a non – hiker and non-believer but undertakes the trek as a self-healing. The journey itself encounters different cultures, beliefs, and the trekking from Kent till the Alps.
25. A MOVEABLE FEAST
The book is a compilation of short stories from famous chefs around the world. It gives a glimpse of the culture and induces a serious case of food lust.
26. VEGABONDING: AN UNCOMMON GUIDE TO THE ART OF LONG TERM WORLD TRAVEL
This book is written by Rolf Potts. The book is rich in travel philosophy and motivation for solo travelers. The author is a Godfather of Vagabonding. It contains practical information from saving to planning to finally begin the journey.
27. WILD HORSE OF THE SUMMER SUN
The book is written by Tory Bilski. It’s a memoir on Iceland a hot spot for outdoor and adventure travel. It’s a complete package of fun and adventure.
28. WILD
The Best seller book Wild by Cheryl Strayed is influential for solo travelers hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Mojave Desert, California, and Oregon. It is the best guide for explorers on a solo journey.
29. VACATION LAND
The book is written by John Hodgman. It’s a memoir and a guide for the family to plan a trip during summer vacations.
30. HIDDEN PLACES
The book is written by Sarah Baxter. The book uncovers a selection of hidden spots. The author had well described the undiscovered places in the world which are unreachable by road, adrift in hostile deserts and teetering on mountain tops.
31. LONELY PLANET
The book is written by Sarah Baxter. It is an ultimate trip planner for every month. The book is illustrated with inspiring features with beautiful diagrams depicting climate. It’s overall value for money and family friendliness travelogue.
32. RINGS OF SATURN
The book is written by W. G. Sebald. This book is a travelogue and a memoir by the author. He had described the places and people he encounters with meditation and the philosophy for the travelers. The narrator meanders a few miles down the coast, but his journey in mind feels far greater.
33. GREENERY: JOURNEYS IN SPRINGTIME
Tim Dee in his book “Greenery: Journeys in springtime” describes the spring moves from Africa to Europe. The book tags with the green edges advances from the Sahel, South of the Sahara to Scandinavia between December and June.
34. FODOR’S LONDON 2020
The book is a complete guide to exploring the Tower of London, The Big Ben, or the Queen’s home at Buckingham Palace. The author had given a detailed account of London city for the new traveling mates.
35. The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train through Asia
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux perfectly captures the spontaneous pleasures of travel by train through Asia. The book is a detailed account of the rich observation of the author. It depicts the precious moments and circumstances the author finds himself in and the characters he encounters on the road. The route takes place from London’s Victoria Station to Asia and finally through the Trans – Siberian express.
36. THE ART OF TRAVEL
The Art of Travel is a book by Alian de Botton which serves as a guide for travelers to take an honest and philosophical look during their journey. The author had described the beautiful moments of grandeur and every little element of the journey.
37. BEST OF EUROPE
Best of Europe by Rick Steves is like a travel guide book for solo travelers as a great help. It covers the destinations of Europe with all sights, eating, and vivid colored pictures to travel. It’s a complete guide book.
38. 100 HIKES OF A LIFETIME: THE WORLD’S ULTIMATE SCENIC TRAILS
100 Hikes of a lifetime by Kate Siber is a book that covers beautiful National Geographic photography. It also provides practical wildlife spotting tips with a complete guide for the hikers and sightseers. It describes the places like California Sierra High Route, to multi-day excursions like Mt.Meru in Tanzania.
39. THE GEOGRAPHY BLISS
The book is a memoir by Eric Wenier. The book offers an appealing way to cope with the din of modern life and look at the world from a different perspective. It describes the world’s best place to be in New York. It’s a memoir for a traveler and a guide.
40. A YEAR IN THE FRANCE WORLD
The book is written by Frances Mayes. The author had her solo journey and describes her personnel anecdotes, architecture, and history, landscape with cultural and social traditions of various places she had explored. It’s a guide and a memoir for the readers and travelers.
41. ARCTIC SOLITAIRE
The book by Paul Souders is a memoir detailing a series of solo travelers.It’s a guide and self-experienced account of the author through Arctic waters. It describes the adventure with a pleasure trip for travelers.
42. LAND OF LOST BORDERS: A JOURNEY ON THE SILK ROAD
Land of Lost Borders is a book by Kate Harris in which the author portrays her solo journey on a bicycle along the Silk Road. The book describes the beautiful journey of the Tibetan Plateau and the landscape of Georgia. It’s a guide and compilation of an adventurous journey by the author.
43. LAND OF THE DAWN – LIT MOUNTAINS
The book Land of the Dawn by Antonia Bolingbroke –Kent is a complete travelogue that captures the landscape, history, and the people in the isolated mountainous state. The book is an inspiration to many travelers planning on a solo journey.
44. THE IMMEASURABLE WORLD: JOURNEYS IN DESERT PLACES
William Atkins in his book describes his journey to eight of the world’s great deserts and St. Antony in Egypt’s eastern desert. It is a guide to the solo travelers filled with adventure and pleasure during the journey.
45. TEN YEARS A NOMAD: A TRAVELER’S JOURNEY HOME
The book is a memoir by Matthew Kepnes. In this book the author describes his journey around the world and experience of planning, setting off, the lows, and the lessons he learned from his friends. The book is influential for solo travelers.
46. MY LIFE IN FRANCE
The book is a captivating story of the author Julia Child’s. The book describes her love for French food. It’s a memoir with beautiful pictures of France and its world-famous Eiffel Tower. The book is a guide for travelers to visit France and its mesmerizing beauty.
47. AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TRAINS: A 45,000-mile Adventure
The book is a rail travel journey of writer Monisha Rajesh. The book is a globe-straddling trip from high altitude ride into Tibet to Trans – Canadian. The author had described large and small things that make travel an absorbing way to visit around the world.
48. A SHORT WALK IN THE HINDU KUSH
Eric Newby in his book describes the beautiful landscape of Hindu Kush. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush is compilation of the author’s journey of adventure and fun. It’s a guide for travelers with lust as a mountaineer and a climber.
49. City of Djinns
Sparkling with irrepressible wit, City of Djinns peels back the layers of Delhi’s centuries-old history, revealing an extraordinary array of characters along with the way-from eunuchs to descendants of great Moguls. With refreshingly open-minded curiosity, William Dalrymple explores the seven “dead” cities of Delhi as well as the eighth city today’s Delhi. Underlying his quest is the legend of the djinns, fire-formed spirits that are said to assure the city’s Phoenix-like regeneration no matter how many times it is destroyed. Entertaining, fascinating, and informative, the City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure.
To be honest, I still find these books very interesting and when I read these books I feel like I am traveling with the author. I am sure that after reading these books your attitude toward travel will never be the same again.
