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This wiki is about Book of Travels, a TMORPG by Might & Delight. This encyclopedia is written by fans for fans! 33,332 edits made and 3,693 articles .

The Book of Travels is a unique social roleplaying experience that doesn’t hold your hand. Inspired by genre classics, this is a serene adventure that sets you adrift in a fairytale world... but it’s also an invitation to roleplay without the restraints of linear missions and plotlines. Feel at liberty to travel the free wilds and vivid cities of the Braided Shore peninsula. Wander deep into the layers of this hand-drawn world, stumble upon its hidden places or unravel one of its many mysteries. There is no overarching goal, no real beginning or end, but for mortal characters the stakes can be high.

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• Beginner's Guide
• System requirements
• Game support

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Early Access Game

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Note: This Early Access game is not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

Why Early Access?

Approximately how long will this game be in early access, how is the full version planned to differ from the early access version, what is the current state of the early access version, will the game be priced differently during and after early access, how are you planning on involving the community in your development process, buy book of travels, buy book of travels ost bundle | the tmorpg + soundtrack bundle ().

Includes 2 items: Book of Travels , Book of Travels - Soundtrack

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About This Game

• Authentic roleplaying and individual playstyles Pick one of 20+ Forms in a detailed character creation sheet that focuses on personality and identity rather than stats and classes. The game allows you to play in a style that matches your character and to set your own personal goals. Are you a danger-seeking adventurer, a stoic practitioner of magic binding, or a carefree tea drinking gambler?
• Boundless narrative that won’t hold your hand Your travels will present you with countless randomly occurring events making your story unique and each session different from the last. Peel back the layers of diverse plotlines and discover an immensely deep fairytale world.
• TMO – Tiny Multiplayer Online Other players are few, but your paths will cross – it’s up to you to choose to travel together or go it alone. Find vehicles to reach far flung places or just amble through woods together. The absence of guilds and social structures makes your temporary fellowships unique and memorable.
• A beautiful world of uncertainty An intricate and unique world that draws inspiration from old-world fairytales, Eastern mythologies and early industrial eras. Tons of intricate events chains that unlock items, characters, deep world secrets, and hidden gameplay features and tricks.
• Communicate using symbols Learn to use a unique set of symbols to communicate with other players. Unlock new symbols as you encounter new features and places (e.g. you’ll gain the symbol for “city” only after you’ve visited a city). The limitation in communication lays the foundation for a rich and friendly multiplayer experience.
• Innovative RPG systems Define your character by unlocking and mastering 300+ abilities, magical skills and passive feats that will have a huge impact on your character and open up different experiences of the game. Gain experience in numerous ways: by exploring, being courteous, gathering and trading. Battles can be rewarding, but you will learn more in defeat than in victory.
• The world is a hand painted diorama Experience a unique game view perspective ‘painted’ in a richly detailed artstyle. Click to walk like old school RPGs but in scenes with 3-dimensional depth.
• Committing to the world – together Might and Delight studio is fully committed to making this online world grow and live for a long long time – together with you. Much like a dungeon master we will hint about new mysterious scenarios, but it will be up to you, the players, to let us know what we should explore next. Additionally, we’ll add new levels, constantly making the vast world even bigger, adding new playable characters and of course thousands of storylines and events. Stories will change and evolve and eras of new narratives will follow.

System Requirements

• OS *: Windows 7
• Processor: Intel Core i3, Ryzen 3
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 780, Radeon RX 550
• DirectX: Version 9.0
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: Intel Core i5, Ryzen 5
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA 970 GTX, Radeon RX 580
• OS: Mac OS X Catalina, or newer.
• Processor: Intel Core i3
• Graphics: Radeon Pro 5500M 8GB
• Additional Notes: M Based Processors not supported
• Processor: Intel Core i7
• Graphics: Radeon Pro 5500 XT 8GB
• OS: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS 64-bit or newer
• Sound Card: OpenAL Compatible Sound Card

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A new chapter in your Book of Travels

Your adventure begins here, become part of a fairytale game world, authentic roleplaying and individual playstyles, tmo - tiny multiplayer online, the world is a hand painted diorama, a beautiful world of uncertainty, boundless narrative that won’t hold your hand, communicate using symbols, innovative rpg systems, commiting to the world - together.

• Developer /  Might and Delight
• Genre /  Atmospheric Online RPG
• Players /  Small amount on each server
• Platforms /  PC, Mac, & Linux (Steam)
• Release date /  To be announced

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Book of Travels Review: Is It Worth Playing in 2024?

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

Categories Articles , Book of Travels , Reviews

Book of Travels

• Beautiful Graphics
• Unqiue Gameplay
• Fantastic Soundtrack
• Limited Content
• Developer: Might and Delight
• Release Date: 11 Oct 2021
• Platforms: PC
• For fans of Indie Games, Casual MMOs

Book of Travels was released last year by the Swedish developer Might and Delight. The game sends the players to a magical land called the Braided Shore. Instead of focusing on thrilling action and fast-paced combat , Book of Travels is about relaxing and exploring the world at your own pace.

Book of Travels isn’t an MMORPG but a TMORPG, a term Might & Delight coined themselves, meaning Tiny Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.

While Book of Travels isn’t technically a true MMO, it shares many aspects with the genre that has made MMOs so popular. Book of Travels features an open world for players to explore, and while the Braided Shore isn’t teeming with other players, you’ll meet a few on your adventures.

Book of Travels has drawn inspiration from various sources, not just video games. The Moomins, Studio Ghibli, Baldurs Gate, and artists ranging from A.J. Casson to Waterhouse have all influenced the game in one way or another.

Book of Travels is an early-access game, so while it’s already available to play, there are still a few features and updates planned for the future, before the game is fully released.

The game is broken into periods with early access being “Chapter 0”. Once the game is released “Chapter 1” will begin.

The gameplay in Book of Travels is very different from every other MMO on the market. Rather than focusing on completing quests or grinding for levels, Book of Travels is all about exploration and casual gameplay. You can spend hours wandering the Braided Shore and still find new things to discover and experience.

Might and Delight recommend players play the game with a pen and paper ready to write down hints and clues instead of looking up answers online. Book of Travels is all about the journey, not the destination.

Another unique feature is the chat system which is done entirely by emotes. There is no text chat system in Book of Travels, and instead, players are encouraged to interact with each other using various emotes.

The gameplay in Book of Travels is engrossing and relaxing, but it’s not for everyone. You will have to take everything you know about traditional MMOs and put it away while playing Book of Travels. You have to be able to set your own goals and maybe not even have a goal at all.

Book of Travels has some of the most unique graphics in any MMO. The game is a hand-painted diorama.

Instead of drawing inspiration for the look of the game from other video games, Might and Delight have been inspired by various artists, including Érik Desmazières, Jiri Trnka, Arnold Böcklin, and AJ Casson to name a few. This has resulted in a truly original and breathtaking look to Book of Travels.

The soundtrack for Book of Travels has been composed by Ulf Wahlgren.

The music has been inspired by classic RPGs but also classic music from all over the world and history including Ottoman music and traditional music from Armenia, Greece, Turkey, and Iran.

It is an amazing soundtrack that perfectly complements the graphics and feel of the game.

The population in Book of Travels is very small with only a handful of players concurrently playing on Steam according to Steam Charts. This should not discourage anyone from trying Book of Travels though as the social aspects of the game is very unique, and running into other players is a pretty rare occurrence anyway.

Is Book of Travels Free-to-Play?

Book of Travels is a buy-to-play game that is available on Steam.

Is Book of Travels Pay-to-Win?

No, the point of Book of Travels is not to win but to explore and relax, so there are no elements of pay-to-win.

If you’re looking for an immersive, relaxing MMO to play, Book of Travels might be right for you. With beautiful graphics, a rich soundscape and non-traditional gameplay elements, Book of Travels is a new way to experience an online RPG. However, the game is not for everyone, so be sure to spend some time reading up on Book of Travels before diving in.

Have you played Book of Travels yet? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!

30 Best Travel Books to Inspire The Wanderer in You

Written By: The Planet D

Inspiration

Updated On: January 7, 2024

The best way I know how to spark my wanderlust is to get inspiration from great travel books. My favorite travel books cover everything from a life changing experience to overcoming adversity. They make me laugh out loud and inspire me to explore the world. These books don’t focus on one theme they focus on many. So get your Kindle ready and start downloading today!

Table of Contents

Best Travel Books to Explore the World

In this article, we wanted to share some of the best travel books that made me laugh, made me cry, and inspired me to get out and travel around the world.

Disclosure: If you click the links below and make a purchase from Amazon, we do receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Masked Rider by Neil Peart

Many people know him as a massively talented drummer from  Rush . But what they do not realize is that Neil Peart was not only one of the greatest drummers in the history of music , he was also an avid cyclist. Sadly, Peart died of cancer, but through his music and travelogue and travel books his genius lives on. (yes he has more than )

Masked Rider is an honest and undisguised account of his time cycling in West Africa. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to go on a great adventure. Neil Peart lets us see the man behind the rock star and he makes us realize that superstars are people too. Purchase Masked Rider – Neil Peart on Amazon

2. Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard

If you love dogs, this is one of the best adventure travel books you’ll read to make you smile. Ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard traveled to China with one thing on his mind; to finish on the podium of a 155-mile race through the Gobi desert.

Follow the story of Leonard, whose heart is warmed by the persistence of a stray dog that kept pace through heat and exhaustion for 70 miles. See how Leonard is transformed from a focused veteran to a man that gives up what little food he has in his pack to share with the stray dog that he named, Gobi. Buy Finding Gobi – Dion Leonard on Amazon.com to see what happens next

3. American Shaolin by Matthew Polly

A regular American guy, Matthew Polly recounts his time living, studying, and performing with the Shaolin monks in China. This is one bizarre and hilarious travel memoir about fulfilling your dreams. Follow along as Matthew drops out of Princeton to pursue his ambitions of transforming his scrawny physique into that of a kung fu master.

He tells tales of breaking into the secret world of Shaolin Kung Fu which has strange disciplines like “The Iron Crotch” and other various indestructible body parts. I seriously think this is also one of the funnest travel books to read out there. Check out American Shaolin – Matthew Polly today.

4. Crazy Rich Asians – Kevin Kwan

The movie took the world by storm and it is one of the few travel books that translates to screen beautifully. Peek behind the looking glass of the secretive billionaire families that have more money than Vladimir Putin.

Follow along as Rachel joins her boyfriend in Singapore on a summer holiday only to find out that her humble boyfriend is Asia’s most eligible bachelor and everyone (including his mother) is out to tear them apart.

This is one of the best travel books based in Asia depicting the unique culture of Singaore. Read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan now.

5. White Tiger – Aravind Adiga

White Tiger tells of a dirty and unforgiving India, an India that doesn’t allow people to claw their way out of their Caste. It is now a movie on Netflix. I haven’t watched it yet but if it’s good you can be sure I’ll add it to my favorite travel movies.

This was one of those travel books that neither of us could put down and a book that we feel is a must read for everyone  traveling to India.   Those who have spent their time in an Ashram or driving around the country in an organized tour isolated from the truth won’t like it. But, like one review said, “This is the book that India Tourism doesn’t want you to read.” Get White Tiger by Aravind Adiga on Amazon.

6. The Beach by Alex Garland

Let me set one thing straight, I hated the movie The Beach, but I loved the book by Alex Garland. The Beach captures what travel was like in Thailand way back in the 1990s. (trust me, we were there). This is one of the first travel books we read that really brought us back. toa place we had been to.

The rooms in Thai guesthouses were disgusting, and the streets were filled with backpackers seeking adventure while escaping the world drinking cheap beer. There were still undiscovered coves and beaches that nobody had heard of, and there were probably several drug kingpins running the land.

Visiting Thailand for the first time is still a great adventure and this is a must read anyone going to the land of Smiles for the very first time! The Beach by Alex Garland is available on Amazon.

7. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is the king of writing travel books that make you laugh our loud. Anything by Bill Bryson is a winner, but my personal favorite memoir by Bryson is “In a Sunburned Country”. This was the first book I read by Bryson and it inspired me to read them all! I laughed out loud.

Written at a time when the world was still getting to know Australia, it shows the quirkiness of the island country and makes you want to book a ticket to see it for yourself. If you pick up any book by Bill Bryson, you won’t be sorry but, In a Sunburned Country is our favorite.

Go Around the World with Bill Bryson:

• A Walk in the Woods – Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail spanning the Eastern Coast.
• A Stranger to Myself – Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away
• The Best American Travel Writing
• The Road to Little Dribbling – An American in Britain

8. Dave Barry Does Japan

He may be old school when it comes to mentioning travel books and authors, but Dave Barry is hilarious. It was Dave Barry who sparked my love for travel writing and how powerful, funny, and inspiring it could be.

I never thought I’d become a travel writer, but I loved reading about his escapades around the world. He explains Japanese traditions through humor and experiences at karaoke bars, geisha encounters, kabuki theatre, and confusing comedy clubs. Japan is still very confusing even today so it is worth a read. Check out Dave Barry Does Japan and have a great laugh today.

9. Love Africa by Jeffrey Gettleman

Love Africa tells the story of Jeffry Gettleman the East Africa bureau chief for the New York Times. It begins with his first trip to Africa when he volunteered and fell in love with the continent.

But he kept being called back to the United States to his other love, his girlfriend Courtenay who is a criminal defense lawyer. Follow along as he navigates his career as a journalist, to his love for Africa and his true love relationship with Courtenay. We know how Africa can tug at your heart.

Can you have it all? Read and follow along on this travel memoir through Africa, because we’re not giving it away. Buy Love Africa by Jeffrey Gettleman on Amazon.

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It’s an oldie but a goodie. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is the story of a shepherd boy named Santiago who sells his flock and purchases a ticket to Tangier, where he is robbed and must work at a shop to find his way home.

At the heart of the book lies Santiago who embarks on a quest to find his true purpose in life. As he encounters a series of characters and navigates the challenges of the journey, Santiago learns valuable lessons about faith and perseverance.

“The Alchemist” is a book that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and aspirations. Coelho’s emphasis on listening to one’s heart, embracing the unknown, and overcoming fear resonate deeply, inspiring readers to question their own paths and pursue their personal legends with courage and determination.

He ends up taking a great adventure across the Sahara and after all his adventures, discovers his fortune right back where he started. I read this book before we started traveling full time and it put me in the mood to wander. And to appreciate life.

I think The Alchemist was the catalyst for my dream of becoming a travel writer and taking the leap to explore the world. This book taught me that you don’t need to go far to discover the beauty in life. Buy the Alchemist on Amazon

11. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

This no-holds-barred autobiography of a child soldier, Ishmael Beah, is gripping.  A Long Way Gone tells how an innocent child can be forced into savage warfare in Sierra Leone. It may not belong in your typical travel books listing, but it is something that people should read and know about.

Having lost everything including his family, his home, and his soul, Ishmael tells of his journey to evade the military. For three years he hid in the jungle and half-starved to death. It recounts the fear and despair he felt each day until he was finally captured by the government army.

Hopped up on drugs, he was forced to commit unthinkable acts. This is a story of going to hell and back, living a life of revenge and violence. He was rescued by UNICEF but it was a long and painful rehabilitation. Read A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

12. The Bang Bang Club – Greg Marinovich & Jaoa Silva

Set in Apartheid-Era South Africa, the  Bang Bang Club  is a true account telling the tale of the four photojournalists that dared to enter the townships and document history as it was happening.

It was written by two surviving journalists Greg Marinovich & Jaoa Silva Heartbreaking and shocking, the Bang Bang Club doesn’t hold back when telling of the brutality of that time.

The photographers had to come to terms with their own demons and what they witnessed day in and day out as war correspondence reporters. Their photos made history and set new standards, earning a Pulitzer Prize for two of the photographers. Get Your Copy of The Bang Bang Club – Greg Marinovich & Jaoa Silva

13. The Girl in the Picture – Vietnam

During the Vietnam War, photographer Nick Ut captured the shocking photo of children running from a napalm blast. Kim Phuc was the center of that photograph, with her naked body covered in severe burns. It became known as “the photo of the century” winning the Pulitzer Prize

In her own words, Kim tells her story of what happened to “The Girl in the Picture” Read the fascinating tale as she journeys from Vietnam eventually landing in Canada where she faced many hardships along the way. This book not only showed me what it was like for Phuc, but taught me about communism in Vietnam and what it took to break away. The Girl in the Picture – Vietnam

14. Touching the Void – Joe Simpson

Joe Simpson recalls his harrowing climb of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes back in 1985 with Simon Yates. Disaster struck after their summit when Joe fell into a crevasse and broke his leg (very badly).

We love adventure travel, but this is an entirely new level. The book stands the test of time as Joe recalls the three days he spent trying to get down the mountain after a near fatal fall and what he had to endure along the say. It was also  made into a movie  in 2003. Touching the Void – Joe Simpson

15. Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is a gripping and harrowing firsthand account of the tragic 1996 Mount Everest disaster. As an acclaimed travel writer and mountaineer, Krakauer brings his expertise and storytelling prowess to this unforgettable true story that resonates with readers long after the final page.

Krakauer’s ability to convey the physical and emotional challenges faced by climbers on the world’s highest peak is unparalleled. I couldn’t put this book down. Krakauer captures the essence of the mountaineering experience, immersing readers in the awe-inspiring beauty and perilous nature of Everest that inspired us to visit Everest Base Camp.

Krakauer candidly reflects on his own role and decisions during the ill-fated expedition, providing a raw and introspective narrative that adds depth and authenticity to the book. His vulnerability and willingness to share the emotional toll of the tragedy make the story even more compelling.

We’ve been to  Mount Everest Base Camp  and it was exciting to read about a place that we’ve been to and retrace steps through Namche Bazaar, the Tengboche Monks, and the Sherpa monuments to those who have fallen. Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

Into the Wild by John Krakauer

We go directly to another John Krakauer. As a travel writer, Krakauer goes beyond mere adventure storytelling and has a knack for delving into the complexities of human nature and Into the Wild certainly does that.

Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer is a captivating and introspective exploration of the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned civilization to embark on a solitary adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. It begins with a typical road trip across the country and then takes a turn.

Through interviews, personal anecdotes, and McCandless’s own writings, Krakauer pieces together the motivations, struggles, and ideals that led him to seek solace and freedom in the untamed wilderness.examining his desire for self-discovery, his rejection of societal norms, and his yearning for a simpler existence. Krakauer offers insights into the allure of the wild and the inner turmoil of a young man searching for meaning and transcendence.

The book delves into the complexities of McCandless’s character, and Krakauer’s skillful storytelling and introspective analysis allow readers to appreciate the complexities of his subject, even if they do not completely align with McCandless’s actions. Read it now.

16. Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux is one of the Greatest modern travel writers of our time. And he has written many classics such as Mosquito Coast and the Great Railway Bazaar, but our favorite travel book by Paul Theroux is Dark Star Safari.

Dave and I started our travel adventures cycling from Cairo to Cape Town and Dark Star Safari takes Theroux overland as he revisits the continent but he was on a road trip (not bicycle). This book took us back to Africa and brought back all the feelings we had – the good, bad, the ugly, and the depressing parts that we forget.

Through his vivid account, sharp wit, and introspective reflections he brings to life the people, places, and complexities he encounters along the way from Cairo to Cap Town. From bustling cities to remote villages, readers are transported to the heart of Africa, experiencing the triumphs, hardships, beauty and every day life that define the continent.

What we like about Dark Star Safar, is how he shows the less glamorous aspects of travel. He confronts the realities of poverty, political instability, and cultural clashes, providing a nuanced and balanced perspective of Africa. Through his encounters with locals, aid workers, and fellow travelers, he unveils the complexities and contradictions that exist within each country and challenges common stereotypes. See our Cairo to Cape Town adventures at It All Began in Egypt: Cycling a Continent

Get Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux on Amazon

17. Wild – From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Adventure travel can be transformational. When taking on a challenge, it is an emotional roller coaster. I’ve definitely been there with negative and productive thoughts and regrets. But as at the end of any grand adventure, the struggle can be healing and you can come out triumphant.

One of the most successful travel books (it always is when turned into a movie right?) focuses on the journey of the author along the Pacific Crest Trail while she navigates the physical and emotional challenges of hiking over a thousand miles in search of healing and self-discovery.

At the heart of the book lies Strayed’s emotional and psychological journey. As she grapples with grief, loss, and personal demons, she confronts her own vulnerabilities and gradually finds strength and resilience. Her candid exploration and raw honesty of her past mistakes, relationships, and the complexities of human nature is both relatable and inspiring.

Follow along as Cheryl Strayed faces her demons and struggles her way along the way. You can purchase Wild – Lost and Found on The Pacific Crest Trail. On Amazon here.

18. A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe

A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe is an anthology that celebrates the spirit of solo female travel. Edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick, and Christina Henry de Tessan, this collection of personal narratives showcases the empowering and transformative experiences of women who have ventured out into the world on their own.

Solo female travelers will love this travel book. The book features a diverse range of stories from women of various backgrounds and destinations, offering a mosaic of perspectives and travel experiences. From exploring bustling cities to traversing remote landscapes, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of cultures, encounters, and adventures.

The anthology captures the essence of travel, going beyond mere descriptions of destinations to delve into the transformative power of exploration. A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe is an empowering and inspirational read for both seasoned travelers and those dreaming of embarking on their first solo adventure.

Get it on Amazon

19. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

1,000 Places to See Before You Die  is the original brainchild of the talented and wonderful Patricia Schultz. If you have a serious case of wanderlust to travel around the world, buy this travel book by Patricia Schultz. This travel book makes for a great gift!

Many travelers are always looking for inspiration and there is an endless supply here. I’ve taken my Sharpie Marker and gone through all the destinations around the globe that she recommends. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is the world’s best selling travel book. I wish I had thought of this idea. If you are a collector of travel books, you need to have this in your library.

20. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert while traveling through India, so it certainly reminds me of my travels there. It is the real life story of Elizabeth Gilbert finding herself after divorce.

I didn’t identify with India (pray) part of the book since I was there at the time, but I could definitely get on board with eating through Italy and finding love in Bali. Many travelers love following in the footsteps of Eat Pray Love and why not? Who doesn’t want to run away from it all, find themselves, fall in love and write a book about it?

21. Grand Adventures by Alastair Humphreys

Grand Adventures is written by National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Alastair Humphreys. We first heard of Alastair while he was cycling around the world and were inspired so much by him, we followed his bike peddles to cycling Africa. This book round up the world’s most grand adventures to inspire you to try your own. (We make an appearance or two from one of our adventures around the globe as well.)

22. Concierge Confidential by Michael Fazio

Concierge Confidential by Michael Fazio gives the inside scoop from behind the scenes of the rich and famous. He was New York’s top concierge and he shares stories and secrets from the madness of catering to the elite. From the ridiculous demands to having to get people in to anywhere possible, it’s an at times hilarious read.

I wouldn’t want his job for the world, but it is fun to take a peek inside the secret life of a concierge. One of the more unconventional travel books since it’s from the perspective of the Concierge getting travelers their every whim, it still transports you to another place.

23. Ontario Escapes by Jim Buyers

Ontario Escapes is written by Veteran journalist and top travel writer in Canada, Jim Byers. He shares his personal experiences and tips for traveling around Ontario Canada.

As a native Ontario resident, I found so many hidden gems in this book offering great Ontario travel tips and ideas. I love Jim’s writing style as he shares practical information with inspiring personal stories and recommendations.

24. Ultimate Journeys for Two by Mike and Anne Howard

Ultimate Journeys for Two was written by our friends Mike and Anne Howards Mike who are currently on the world’s longest honeymoon. And you can find us there too talking about Greenland travel!

This travel book is more of an account of a bunch of couples giving advice and snippits about a place. Its more of a travel reference giving people travel ideas to inspire couples to go out and see the world and have a great adventure. There are ideas for couples to travel on every continent!

25. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day – Matt Kepnes

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Matt Kepnes shares money-saving tips on transportation, food, beverages, accommodation, and airline tickets, it’s the how-to guide for twenty-something budget travelers. Nomadic Matt has parlayed his highly successful travel blog into a best selling travel book on the New York Times’ best sellers list.

While I’m not sure if you really can travel for $50 a day in today’s world, it is still a good reference for budget travel and budget tips and advice.

26. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023

If you are looking for good travel guide books while traveling we recommend Lonely Planet. It is still our go-to travel book to help plan our adventures.

Lonely Planet was once often referenced as “The Bible of Travel.” Dave and I never booked a trip without buying a lonely planet country guide. While travel blogs have taken away a lot of travel guide book revenue, the Lonely Planet is still highly regarded. And you can never Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel series. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 follows the formula of the previous Best in Travel series.

Published annually, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel showcases the top destinations, experiences, and trends around the world, curated by travel experts. What are the top destinations for 2023? You’ll have to purchase it to find out.

Here’s a cool fact, we named The Planet D after The Lonely Planet in 2007. We were so inspired by the Lonely Planet travel books that when trying to think of a name for our travel blog, we simply took off the lonely, and added a “D” Plus, the Lonely Planet is what inspired me to get into travel writing. It was my dream to write for them one day.

Get the Lonely Planet Best of 2023 on Amazon Here

27. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s “Innocents Abroad” takes readers on a delightful through Europe and the Holy Land aboard his voyage in a retired Civil War ship (the USS Quaker City). Why do we love it? Well, this travelogue, first published in 1869, offers a unique perspective on the experiences of American tourists during the mid-19th century.

Twain’s witty and satirical writing style shines throughout the book, making it an enjoyable and entertaining read. While the book is primarily a humorous account of his journey, it also delves into deeper themes and critiques of society. Twain reflects on the idiosyncrasies of human nature, the follies of tourism, and the stark contrasts between cultures.

It is worth noting that Innocents Abroad can be a dense read at times, particularly for readers who are not familiar with the historical context or the locations mentioned. Twain occasionally includes lengthy digressions and references to classical literature, which might require additional effort from the reader to fully appreciate. Get it on Amazon

28. Right Turn at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

Right Turn at Machu Picchu is a travel memoir by Mark Adams that weaves together history, archaeology, and personal discovery as Adams retraces the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III, the explorer who rediscovered the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Blending his own travel experiences and encounters with informative and fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Incas creates an infectious story where readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu.

One of the book’s strengths lies in Adams’ ability to convey the awe-inspiring beauty and mystique of the Peruvian landscape. With a modern travel writing tone, Adams transports readers through the rugged terrain, lush jungles, and awe-inspiring ruins that make up the region surrounding Machu Picchu.

It even provides a wealth of historical and archaeological information, offering a deeper understanding of the site’s significance. See reviews and purchase it on Amazon

29. This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments by McKenzie Long

A new addition to our best travel books article is This Contested Land: by Mckenzie Long delves into the history and complex issues surrounding America’s national monuments. (Shall we talk about Mount Rushmore anyone?)

Long sheds light on America’s national monuments including their creation, significance, and the ongoing debates surrounding their management. Through modern travel writing, Long explores the intertwined narratives of nature conservation, cultural preservation, and the conflicting interests that have shaped these sites.

This Contested Land does not shy away from exploring the controversies and conflicts surrounding national monuments. Long examines the various stakeholders involved, including local communities, indigenous groups, environmentalists, and commercial interests. By presenting multiple perspectives, the book encourages readers to contemplate the intricate balance between preservation, public access, and economic development.

This Contested Land serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in America’s national monuments and the broader debates surrounding land conservation and cultural heritage. Check it out

30. In The Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes

Kim Barnes takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Arabia with her novel, “In The Kingdom of Men.” Set in 1960s Saudi Arabia, Barnes’ paints vivid prose of the desert landscape, transporting readers to a world of contrasts and contradictions in the Middle East. From the vast expanses of sand dunes to the opulent palaces and bustling markets, the setting becomes as much a character as the individuals who navigate its complexities.

The protagonist, Gin McPhee, a young American woman thrown into the unfamiliar Saudi Arabian culture, brings a fresh perspective to the narrative. As she grapples with the oppressive societal norms and her own desires for independence, readers are drawn into her struggle and resilience.

Barnes skillfully explores the clash between tradition and modernity, particularly through the lens of gender dynamics and the stark divide between the Western expatriates and the local Saudi community of the Middle East. She delves into the intricate web of power, politics, and cultural tensions, illuminating the challenges faced by those who seek to bridge these divides. Get it on Amazon

So have these travel books inspired you to go around the globe? What is the best travel adventure you’ve ever read? If you have other travel books to share, leave them in the comments below, we are always looking for good reads.

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65 thoughts on “30 Best Travel Books to Inspire The Wanderer in You”

Doing great job man… Keep it up.

Wonderful list. This is what I was searching for. Thanks for doing the hard research for me.

Awesome list. Thanks for sharing. It’s really very useful.

Thanks for sharing!

These are very interesting books about travel, I had the opportunity to read some of them. very nice

I can’t wait to read more of these books! Reading has always been one way that I keep my wanderlust alive and well.

I was just searching for some good books which can take me into the world of wanderlust. As expected, you are on the internet with your awesome experience. I would love to read all of them. The Alchemist I have done and I am approaching other ones from now onwards. Thanks for sharing this post.

Very useful thing for those who like traveling. Thanks for sharing this with us,

Love those books… thanks for sharing Regards! Thank You!

Michael Palin’s Pole to Pole and Levison Woods Walking the Himalayas!

The only book in this list that I have read (partly) is Eat Pray Love but I also didn’t love it! I was actually in Bali when I started it and it just didn’t grab me, but I’ll definitely be trying out some others on this list! A good book on holiday can do wonders!

I hope to get my hands on Eat, Pray, Love soon. It must be a great read coz it’s on every travel books list.

Wonderful collection. I was in deep search. Thanks a lot to write about these books.

Thanks, Actually I am searching these collection from so many times. Great !!

Thanks for sharing. I was actually not aware about Michael Crichton’s book. Great list of books, I better start reading.

Lot’s of new books for me to add to my list! Thank you! I loved In A Sunburned Country, I consider it one of my favourite travel books and it definitely encouraged me to travel to Australia where I am now!

Thanks, guys some great books there. Think I need to get my hands on Dave does Japan. I am hoping to visit next year.

My all time favourite travel book that I never seen included on any lists is called WorldWalk by Steven Newman. In his early 20s, over a period of 4 years, Steven walked around the world relying on the kindness of strangers. This was the mid-1980s well before the time of internet and mobile phones being common place. His book is inspirational and entertaining and eye-opening all at once. I can’t recommend it enough.

it is very helpful for me like a traveler

An amazing list of books. I watched the film Eat Pray Love (starring Julia Roberts, maybe) but never took the time to read the book. THis list inspired me.

I think one books may be worth adding is Vagabonding.

I just want to say “wow” you have an amazing collection of books.

I was looking for a list like this! I just finished reading a series of books for foodies and Eat Pray Love was one of them. Thanks for sharing yours! Concierge Confidential seems like an interesting read.

thanks for sharing

i have planning to travel 2or3 places.i read this article.it is very helpful it provide great ideas.amazing article thanks for sharing.

Great recommendations! Some of it are already on my list. I just pick some great additions on my list. Thanks!

I think i watched the movie American Shaolin like 20 years ago. I didn’t know it was from a book. Gonna check it for sure. Thanks for great post.

I really love “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer as well as his other book “Into the Wild”, The book and Sean Penn movie are amazing. I also love anything by Bill Bryson with my favorite being “A Walk in the Woods”

For something hot off the press, check out Oblivious; the story of a ride through Africa on a Royal Enfield. Lost teeth, hitchhiking on iron ore trains in the Sahara, romance… Check it out: obliviousthebook.com

Thank you for this! I’ve been into Kerouac lately because I love (and love to hate) his frantic writing style but I needed some other material =)

Hey Awesome List of books, I read eat pray love that is totally awesome and every traveler must read. Now I am going to add The Alchemist and American Shaolin in my bucket list.

Nice post! thanks for sharing.

I was searching for best travel books ad I found this. I have only Paulo Coelho from this list and i am definitely going to get myself a few. Thanks for the wonderful list. Really useful.

This is a great list – most of these I’ve not read so my reading list has just grown! A Long Way Gone is one book, though, that has been on my shelf for years – I’m a bit afraid to read it….

(I don’t admit this too loudly, but I couldn’t stand Eat Pray Love …)

Which is your favorite?? Obviously not Eat Pray Love! lol

The alchemist from the Paulo Coelho is very good book….i´m brazilian and like Paulo Coelho

Whenever I enter a bookstore, I always look for books pertaining travel, whether they are memoirs or a compilation of essays. I also made a post about these books that I have in my shelf. I can spot three of them here in your list. I’m interested in the other books you have cited here and I hope to get my own copies.

I am so happy to read this blog about 21 travel book. it is so much interesting and helpful for every person of the world who travel form one place to another. Canada is consider most visited place in the world. So Hamilton Airport Limo service is well known for Ground transportation medium to or from airport.

This is a great list… there’s also a lot of great poetry (Heights of Machu Picchu- Neruda) and Siddhartha by Herman Hesse really had me thinking Southeast Asia big time! Great post, guys!

I love to read travel books. This is a very resourceful list. I have read some of the books from this list. Very inspiring post. Loved it:)

This post has defiantly inspired me to get reading! please take the time to check out my travel blog: earthsmagicalplaces.com

All of these traveling books look amazing, especially if you’re on a long journey or waiting for your ride and need to kill time! Thank you for sharing these.

Awesome list, thanks for sharing with us

Many read and many added to the list. I’m neither a fan of books that paint a pretty picture of a country nor of the ones that put down a country altogether. But I still read them because there is no such thing as bad book 😉 We all learn a thing or two from a book anyway 🙂

I’m ashamed to admit that, of these, I’ve only read The Alchemist – although White Tiger is sitting waiting patiently on my bookshelf.

I do like to read books about / set in places I’m going to travel to, though. One of the best examples was before I went to Kansas last summer, I read all of the Little House on the Prairie books, and it actually really opened up the history of the area for me, and helped me to understand the formation of the state, and why it looks & is the way it is.

I’m currently reading Alain de Botton’s The Art of Travel, and it’s really making me think about how I write about my own travels, and how I tie together my travel blogging with my other writing (poetry & fiction).

All of Bill Bryson’s travel books make me want to just get off the couch and just go (and record my travels with dry wit and sarcasm), but aside from Bryson’s Road to Little Dribbling, I think my other favorite travel read of the last year was Mo Willems’ You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day. Not only does one cartoon a day actually create a bizarrely interesting read, but it makes you start noticing the little moments that make your day. I also enjoyed Storybook Travels by Colleen Dunn Bates and Susan La Tempa. It’s a great book for parents traveling with children!

Awesome list, I will definitely be picking up a few of those, and read some of them again. Thank you Dave and Deb 🙂

Ha! I loved The Beach, the movie! Haven’t read the book but maybe I’ll put it on my list. 🙂 I did stopped reading Eat, Pray, Love in the India chapter but I went back to read it a second time and I’m glad I did. Her book, Big Magic, is really great for aspiring creatives so I would recommend that. 🙂

Interesting. I should maybe read Eat Pray Love again. The India chapter might be better for me since I’m no longer in India. Being removed from the location might put her writing into a different perspective

Great recommendations! I can’t wait to check a few of these titles out!

Kate | http://www.petiteadventures.org/

I’m saving this post in Bloglovin’ for as a future shopping reference, haha. I’ve gone through all my books and need more reading material. Thanks so much for sharing! I own and have already read Nomadic Matt’s book. It was super helpful!

Oh lordy my stack of books that I want to read is already sizable but I can see I’m going to add a few more to it….you have some great recommendations here. 🙂 .-= Trisha´s last blog .. PR-Blogger Relations Manifesto =-.

I agree – I loved White Tiger and couldn’t put it down. I read about five or six of the “must reads” that were popular for India travelers at the time and White Tiger and Shantaram were tops!

I have to read Shantaram. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before writing this post. That is what I love about posts like this, you can learn so much from other people.

White Tiger by Aravind Adiga is really cool and also Travels by Michael Crichton…great list D&D! .-= agentcikay´s last blog ..Hokkien Mee and its Cult status =-.

Thanks. I am glad that someone else has read travels. When we tell people that Michael Chricton had a travel book they think we are mistaken. But it is very good.

Hahaha, I am laughing because the two books I can’t stand about India are The White Tiger and Shantaram — and both are mentioned here, in your post and in the comments. I have read a lot of books about India and I think there are far better books, more balanced, more insightful, more honest. I find these two blow a lot of hot air.

I think there is a kind of reactionary response to the “shining” India of economists or the “magical” India of travel writers and spiritual seekers. In fact, India — like life — is all of these things. Magical, poor, spiritual, dirty, friendly, nerve-wracking. A lot depends on your perspective, attitude and perception.

I have said before that India is like the cave that Yoda sends Luke into. When Luke asks, “What will I find there?” Yoda answers, “Only what you bring in with you.”

Mariellen .-= Mariellen Ward´s last blog ..Photo of the Week- Naga Sadhu =-.

Well, we will agree to disagree on this subject. We enjoyed many parts of India and made friends with many wonderful people, but a book that talks about the negatives of any country is important. That is how change is made. The poor need a voice and White Tiger gives them one in a very entertaining way to let people know their side of the story. I would love to know the books that are more balanced and insightful, it would be great if you could list a couple of recommendations and I will check them out. And your Star Wars quote (while very profound) has nothing to do with the book and the point we are making. White Tiger is about the people that are living in India, not about what a tourist is supposed to get out of their spiritual journey to India. Thanks for your comment Mariellen, I know that you love India and this recommendation isn’t meant to offend people that do, it is just a book that we felt hit the nail on the head of a lot of what we saw and read in the papers while we were there.

I’m glad you replied to this Dave, the post made me feel stupid and ignorant when I first read it, but then I thought about it more and my point still stands – I read the book and it made me want to go to India. I will stand with the agreement to disagree – Shantaram is a work of fiction, which is a story with hints of lives and attitudes in India, but through extreme views. It’s like saying you’d never go to Virginia because of Patricia Cornwell’s books. If I wanted earnest travel writing with a true anthropological view, I’d have gone to the travel writing or the history section. Perhaps it’s even more impressive that a work of fiction can open your mind to a country. I get a better view of what it’s really like from Indian friends, but I’m also a literature fan and have many influences in my travel life.

I’m currently struggling through Open Veins of Latin America, which is a socio-historic view of the region, before travelling out to Costa Rica later this year. It’s very worthy and I would really like to understand more of the politics, history and culture before I go but I’m highly unlikely to finish it as history presented in fact is rarely inspirational and certainly more difficult to absorb. My partner bought me Costa Rica: A Traveller’s Literary Companion, which is a series of local, translated short stories and folklore. I’ve whizzed through it because it was enjoyable and accessible – far more inspiring than the worthier tome that will give me a ‘better’ view.

Sorry to rant – apparently I feel quite strongly about this!

Thanks for the comment and don’t be sorry at all. That is what we love about blogging, it encourages discussion. I think that your point is bang on. Books of extremes can make me want to go the a country even more. The Bang Bang Club is very unforgiving and yet, I think that it inspires people to go to South Africa. I read it while I was there and loved it even though it didn’t portray the country is a perfect light. I guess, a lot of the books we mentioned don’t paint a pretty picture of any country, but they all have inspired us to explore them more. And you are right, this is a book of fiction and it is impressive that a book can open your mind to a country and evoke such strong feelings on either side of the coin. That makes for great writing I think, when people feel passionate about it either way…absolutely loving it, or genuinely hating it.

Shantaram is also a very inspiring picture of India. Bittersweet, laugh out loud, exciting book. I’d never wanted to visit before reading this, now it’s definitely on my list.

Laura, I will definitely have to check out Shantaram thanks for the recommendation.

Oops, I replied to Trisha on the wrong post, that is supposed to be on Celebrities that inspire travel post. Taking it off now, but didn’t want you to think that I was a crazy person and going off on a tangent regarding celebrities:) Sorry Laura.

I must say it did confuse me!

Haha, sorry about that. If you didn’t reply back, I would have never known and we would have had an odd message on our books post about celebrities. 🙂

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World Travel: An Irreverent Guide Hardcover – Illustrated, April 20, 2021

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A guide to some of the world’s most fascinating places, as seen and experienced by writer, television host, and relentlessly curious traveler Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain saw more of the world than nearly anyone. His travels took him from the hidden pockets of his hometown of New York to a tribal longhouse in Borneo, from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Paris, and Shanghai to Tanzania’s utter beauty and the stunning desert solitude of Oman’s Empty Quarter—and many places beyond.

In  World Travel , a life of experience is collected into an entertaining, practical, fun and frank travel guide that gives readers an introduction to some of his favorite places—in his own words. Featuring essential advice on how to get there, what to eat, where to stay and, in some cases, what to avoid,  World Travel  provides essential context that will help readers further appreciate the reasons why Bourdain found a place enchanting and memorable.

Supplementing Bourdain’s words are a handful of essays by friends, colleagues, and family that tell even deeper stories about a place, including sardonic accounts of traveling with Bourdain by his brother, Christopher; a guide to Chicago’s best cheap eats by legendary music producer Steve Albini, and more. Additionally, each chapter includes illustrations by Wesley Allsbrook.

For veteran travelers, armchair enthusiasts, and those in between,  World Travel  offers a chance to experience the world like Anthony Bourdain.

• Print length 480 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Ecco
• Publication date April 20, 2021
• Dimensions 6 x 1.45 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 0062802798
• ISBN-13 978-0062802798
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"There will never be anyone quite like Anthony Bourdain. But  World Travel  offers readers the potential to travel the world as he did." — Fortune

“Bourdain’s final book gives readers insider knowledge of his favorite global locales…. Fans of ‘Parts Unknown’ will want to add this to their spring reading lists.”  — CNN

“This book takes you on a journey around the world through the eyes of famously curious culinarian Anthony Bourdain. From Spain to Argentina to Tanzania and beyond, Bourdain saw more of the world than most of us, and this book offers the chance to see — and taste — much of it right along with him.” — Chicago Tribune

“[R]ead cover to cover, country by country, it is an enduring embodiment of Anthony Bourdain’s love for the whole world and a reminder of how to stack our priorities the next time we’re able to follow in his footsteps.” — The New York Times

“It’s the World According to Tony—a browsable compendium of his matchless commentary on worthy destinations in 43 countries.”  — People

“Charming…. Irresistible…. An exhilarating and worthwhile choice for those planning an actual trip and for stay-at-home travelers.” — Library Journal  (starred review)

"This gloriously messy miscellany of off-kilter observations and lightning-in-a-bottle insights will make one want to read, eat, and experience the world the way Bourdain did. Bourdain’s fans will devour this." — Publishers Weekly

"An exhilarating whirlwind tour.... Anyone who loved and misses Bourdain will want this book." — Kirkus Reviews

“A collection of remembrances mixed in with a global travel guide, this collection of city-by-city tips and restaurant suggestions uses Anthony Bourdain's own words alongside Laurie Woolever's, making this a one-of-a-kind book honoring a one-of-a-kind soul.” — Good Morning America

“The late television host had dreams of creating a guidebook for all his favorite cities across the world, and his longtime assistant and collaborator took the notes from their singular brainstorming session and turned that dream into a reality." — EW.COM

“[F]eels like an adventure, a delightful surprise as you turn the page from Vienna (Austria) to Bhutan.” — Bloomberg News

About the Author

Anthony Bourdain  was the author of the novels  Bone in the Throat  and  Gone Bamboo , the memoir  A Cook’s Tour , and the  New York Times  bestsellers  Kitchen Confidential ,  Medium Raw,  and  Appetites . His work appeared in the  New York Times  and  The New Yorker . He was the host of the popular television shows  No Reservations  and  Parts Unknown.  Bourdain died in June 2018.

Laurie Woolever  is a writer and editor. She spent nearly a decade assisting Anthony Bourdain, with whom she coauthored the cookbook  Appetites  in 2016 and  World Travel  in 2021. She’s written about food and travel for the  New York Times ,  GQ ,  Food & Wine ,  Lucky Peach ,  Saveur ,  Dissent ,  Roads & Kingdoms , and others, and has worked as an editor at  Art Culinaire  and  Wine Spectator . She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography . 

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ecco; Illustrated edition (April 20, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062802798
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062802798
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.98 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.45 x 9 inches
• #14 in Travelogues & Travel Essays
• #14 in Travel Writing Reference
• #20 in Culinary Biographies & Memoirs

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About the authors

Anthony bourdain.

Anthony Bourdain was the author of the novels Bone in the Throat and Gone Bamboo, the memoir A Cook’s Tour, and the New York Times bestsellers Kitchen Confidential, Medium Raw, Appetites and World Travel. His work appeared in the New York Times and the New Yorker. He was the host of the popular television shows No Reservations and Parts Unknown. Bourdain died in June 2018.

Laurie Woolever

I’m a writer and editor, and for nearly a decade, worked as the lieutenant to the late Anthony Bourdain. I’ve written for the New York Times, Vogue, GQ, Food & Wine, Lucky Peach (RIP), Saveur, Dissent, Roads & Kingdoms, and more.

I’ve been a private cook, nanny, caterer, writer, busgirl, recipe tester, farm hand, public speaker, video store clerk, and an editor at Art Culinaire and Wine Spectator. In 2016, HarperCollins published Appetites: A Cookbook, which I co-authored with Anthony Bourdain; our second collaboration, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, published in April 2021. Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography, will publish in October 2021.

I co-host a food-focused podcast, Carbface for Radio, with Chris Thornton. I live and work in New York City.

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15 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust

The end of the year is just that time for favorites lists – and I’ve written about the best travel books many times over! I love talking about travel books. Why? Because part of the tool belt of any traveler is a good book. Long bus, train, or plane rides can get pretty boring and can give you a lot of “dead” time if you haven’t mastered the art of the 10-hour blank stare. Additionally, reading travel books helps you learn about the destinations you are visiting. The more you know about a place, the more you can understand a place.

I am a voracious reader and even used to have a book club on this website where I shared all the books I read. Today is another one of those days where I share some of the books I’ve read recently! If you’re looking for some great reads, here are my current list of the best travel books to inspire you to travel to far-off lands:  

1. The Alchemist , by Paulo Coelho

2. Love With a Chance of Drowning , by Torre DeRoche

3. The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca  by Tahir Shah

4. On the Road , by Jack Kerouac

5. Looking for Transwonderland , by Noo Saro-Wiwa

6. The Lost City of Z , by David Grann

7. The Beach , by Alex Garland

8. Vagabonding , by Rolf Potts

9. In A Sunburned Country , by Bill Bryson

10. Dispatches from Pluto , by Richard Grant

11. Turn Right at Machu Picchu , by Mark Adams

12. A Year of Living Danishly , by Helen Russell

13. The Art of Travel , by Alain de Botton

14. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home , by Tembi Locke

BONUS: Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home , by me!

Books about travel inspire us to go visit far-off lands and imagine us doing incredible things. Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country inspired me to visit Australia! I hope these travel books inspire you to travel the world and feed your wanderlust. If you have any suggestions that I can add to this best travel books list, leave them in the comments.

If you’d like to see some of the other books I’ve recommended (or are currently reading), check out this page I created on Amazon that lists them all!

You can also find them listed in our Bookshop store, which helps support locally-owned bookstores. If you’re in the US, click here to check out my Bookshop store!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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10 of the best travel books

We may not be able to venture far right now, but these travel books, from classics to comic travelogues, take us on journeys around the world Share your favourites in the comments below

Venice by Jan Morris

Recent reports suggest the now-quiet canals of Venice are at their clearest for 60 years, with swans spotted in recent days. The city, of course, has always had a touch of fantasy about it. “Venice is a cheek-by-jowl, back-of-the-hand, under-the-counter, higgledy-piggledy, anecdotal city,” writes Jan Morris in this 1960 masterpiece . “She is rich in piquant wrinkled things, like an assortment of bric-a-brac in the house of a wayward connoisseur, or parasites on an oyster-shell.” The book pens a portrait of a city thick with atmosphere and stuffed with history, conjuring an intoxicating sense of place with Morris’s trademark wit and wisdom. Faber

Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City by Guy de Lisle

Canadian cartoonist Guy de Lisle is no standard travel writer – and his books are far from standard travelogues. Using simple, unfussy, comic-strip illustrations, he recounts his first-hand experiences of living in some of the world’s knottiest destinations, from Myanmar to North Korea. The result is a series of graphic memoirs that brilliantly juggle the subtleties and oddities of being a stranger in a strange town. Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City is the product of a year-long stay in the region and, over the course of more than 300 pages, tries to make sense of somewhere rarely less than complex. Jonathan Cape

Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy

Few travel writers of any era compare to Dervla Murphy. Now in her late 80s, she’s been responsible for dozens of travel books , dwelling on destinations as varied as Cuba, Laos, Romania and Cameroon. Her 1965 debut remains her best known work, and tells the account of an astonishing solo bicycle expedition to Delhi. “Within a few weeks my journey had degenerated from a happy-go-lucky cycle trek to a grim struggle for progress by any means,” she writes, before encountering wolves, broken ribs and heat exhaustion. She also packs a .25 pistol, and has more than one cause to use it. Eland

The Crossway by Guy Stagg

This searingly honest account of an on-foot, 10-month journey from Canterbury to Jerusalem found its way onto more than one awards shortlist following its publication in 2018, and for good reason. Guy Stagg, a self-proclaimed non-believer and non-hiker, undertakes the trek as a form of self-healing, following years of coping with depressive thoughts that “stung and reeled”. If the pretext is downbeat, the journey itself is an odyssey, encountering memorable characters and a rippled patchwork of different cultures and beliefs. Almost unbelievably, he sets off from Kent in the dead of winter, requiring a crossing of the Alps in snow. And he writes like a dream. Picador

Stranger on a Train: Daydreaming and Smoking around America with Interruptions by Jenny Diski

After spending three weeks crossing the Atlantic on a cargo ship (“at night, the rabble of stars demanded to be watched”), Jenny Diski travels around the perimeter of the USA by rail . The joy of the book lies as much in her portrayal of characters she encounters en route as the immersive detail of the country she’s passing through. Or, as she writes, “it is much more as if America is passing through you, what you are, what you’ve known”. Part-memoir, and written around 20 years ago, Stranger On A Train captures an America that still feels familiar – albeit with cigarettes in place of smartphones. Virag

French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France by Tim Moore

Few writers since Bill Bryson have nailed the comic travelogue as well as Tim Moore. Dogged in pursuit of an adventure, he’s pedalled the former Iron Curtain on an East German shopping bike, walked the Camino de Santiago with a donkey and, most recently, crossed the USA in a breakdown-prone Model T Ford. He’s also properly, consistently funny, as evidenced in 2001’s French Revolutions , which sees him attempt to cycle the entire course of the Tour de France. The acknowledgement in the title pages (“The Tour de France press office, without whom none of this would have been difficult”) sets the tone for a hugely entertaining read. Yellow Jersey

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon: A Journey Through Yugoslavia by Rebecca West

Readers get evangelical about this vast book, originally published in two volumes, which ostensibly describes Rebecca West’s travels through what was then Yugoslavia in 1937 . It is, however, far more than just a keen-eyed journal. Gathering up centuries of history and blending them with her own often piercing observations, West uses the book to paint a deep and intricate picture of a region on the brink of the second world war. The New York Times has called it a “masterpiece of history and travel”, while Time magazine would later describe West as “indisputably the world’s number one woman writer”. Canongate

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town by Paul Theroux

“All news out of Africa is bad. It made me want to go there…” So run the opening words of Paul Theroux’s 2002 classic, Dark Star Safari . Written more than two decades after his first long-distance travelogues, and some four decades after living in Africa as a young teacher, the book follows Theroux on a compelling, north-to-south journey down the continent. The narrative doesn’t shy away from harsh judgements – in Kenya “tourists yawned at the animals and the animals yawned back”, while aid workers also come in for some barbed criticism – but the people and landscapes he encounters are portrayed so vividly you can almost feel the equatorial heat from the pages. Penguin

Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure by Monisha Rajesh

Monisha Rajesh has form when it comes to rail travel. This globe-straddling journey is the follow-up to 2010’s well received Around India In 80 Trains , and sees her undertake a 45,000-mile (72,000km) journey through Europe, Asia and North America. Her gift for detail means characters, as well as places, are brought to life. And from a high-altitude ride into Tibet to a trans-Canadian epic – not to mention a homecoming trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express – the book does a fine job of affirming the things, large and small, that make rail travel such an absorbing way of seeing the world. Bloomsbury

A Short Walk In The Hindu Kush Eric Newby

“CAN YOU TRAVEL NURISTAN JUNE?” With this 1956 telegram – sent by disillusioned London fashion executive Eric Newby to a diplomat friend – begins an engrossing, at times comical, mountaineering journey into Afghanistan. The pair lack anything like the requisite climbing experience, but undergo a brief training period in Wales before travelling to the unforgiving peaks of Asia, with the aim of conquering the 5,800-metre Mir Samir. Newby’s prose is sharp and lively throughout , drawing the reader into remote villages and the “spiky and barren-looking” Hindu Kush, where hardships (and a chance hillside encounter with steely adventurer Wilfred Thesiger, who sneers at their air-beds) await. HarperCollins

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45 of the Best Travel Books That Inspire Wanderlust

I love reading a great book especially if it takes place somewhere that I dream of traveling to . I am always looking for the best travel books that inspire wanderlust so I asked my fellow travel bloggers to name their favorite inspirational books about travel.

Whether looking for books that inspire you to travel or the best books to read while traveling, here are 45 of the best travel books every traveler needs to have on their reading list.

Best Travel Books

The ultimate travel book is the nomad’s bible. I’m talking about On the Road by Jack Kerouac. This book is fast-paced (some might say rambling) but no other piece of travel literature so evokes the spirit of adventure and excitement that travel brings. It is especially descriptive and inspiring with regards to the quintessential American road trip . Follow Sal Paradise and his kooky, often drug-addled friends in a cross-country quest for something deep, spiritual, and unforgettable.

There are few pieces of modern travel literature that has captivated readers around the world in quite the same way as Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. The part-truth, part-fiction novel tells the story of an Australian convict named Lin who escapes prison and ends up in Bombay, India. His journey is both poetic and chaotic as he learns about his new environment and surrounding culture while living in the slums. Roberts’ writing is breathtaking, and his descriptive and elegant style transports the reader directly into the heart of bustling Indian society.

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

When it comes to book that will make you want to pack your bags and chase your dreams, you really won’t find anything better than Paulo Coelho’s legendary tale found in “The Alchemist”.  It’s a quick and easy read (less than 200 pages), but it’s chalk full of inspirational travel quotes , life lessons, and thought provoking questions.  It was recommended to me by a friend, and once I finished it — I was only mad at myself for not reading it sooner.  It may be one of the most famous travel books out there, and it’s for good reason.  If you haven’t read this one yet, than don’t wait any longer!  It’s truly something special!

We are inundated with advice on where to travel to, but we hear little of why and how we should go, even though the art of travel seems naturally to sustain a number of questions neither so simple nor so trivial…” writes Alain De Botton in ‘The Art of Travel’ . The book is neither a guide book nor an account of experience in far away places. Rather it is journal about how our thoughts and our very being is affected by the ‘not so simple’ act of travel. The book definitely creates a craving to leave everything and travel to far off places. But what it does better is being a companion who that helps you put in words exactly what you felt while travelling.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail  by Cheryl Strayed

If there is one ‘wild’ travel book you should read this year, it’s Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. While the travel movie starring Reese Witherspoon is good, the book goes a mountain canyon beyond. Cheryl Strayed’s gritty portrayal of herself as a broken woman seeking redemption through nature and physical challenge is both a nail-biting travel adventure and a literary masterstroke. The way she entwines her inner journey with the harsh awe-inspiring landscape is, to my mind, inspiring. You won’t just find yourself rooting for her through every snowy pass and rocky trail, you’ll want to get out there and do it yourself.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Gabor Kovacs, Surfing the Planet

Into the Wild is probably one of the best motivational books for those who want to travel with the objective of finding themselves. In Jon Krakauer’s book we can read about Christopher McCandless’ real story, who after his university graduation decided to get rid of all his material possessions and set out on a great adventure completely alone. McCandless was found dead in Alaska and this book tells us his tragic adventure based on his diary and the author’s investigations. Into the Wild teaches us a lot about life and makes us reflect on what we really want from it. Despite the tragic end, I enjoyed reading every bit of this adventure, which made me desire to live something like that.

The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

Claudia Tavani, My Adventures Across the World

The Pilgrimage tells the story of Paulo as he walks his way to Santiago in what is both a journey and a self-discovery experience. To this date, it is still one of the books that most inspired me to travel, not only to discover new, beautiful places but also to better understand myself.  While traveling became a way of life for me – as a result of a long trip across Central and South America in which I had plenty of time to think and figure out what I wanted to do with my life – it actually took me much longer to eventually walk the Camino de Santiago. I walked the Camino del Norte (the Northern route) to Santiago de Compostela last summer and, needless to say, it was an incredible, enlightening experience.

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino

Allison, Eternal Arrival

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino is a masterpiece, somewhere between poetry and fiction. The narrator, a young Marco Polo, entertains Kublai Khan with stories of intriguing cities, each more impossible sounding than the next. As the book goes on, it becomes more and more fantastical, leaving you wondering whether or not any of these cities exist at all — or whether they’re all one city described in various ways from the vivid imagination of a young traveler. Calvino’s lush prose makes this question almost irrelevant, and after reading this short but sweet novella you’ll be left wanderlusting for all these impossibly beautiful cities. To be able to describe a city the way Calvino does these “invisible cities” is a lifelong pursuit.

A Fortune Teller Told Me by Tiziano Terzani

Barbara Wagner, Jet-Settera

Tiziano Terzani’s A Fortune Teller Told Me is a book about an Italian journalist who travels across Asia and consults some of the most famous fortune-tellers of Asia along the journey. He consulted shamans, soothsayers and sorcerers during his travels. One of the fortune tellers in Hong Kong told him that he should not get on a plane for a year, because the plane would crash, so he ended up traveling across Asia taking trains, boats, cars. The book describes his journey across Burma, Thailand , Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore , and Malaysia over land.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Samantha, There She Goes Again

This incredibly complex book takes place over the decades, with the two main threads taking place during the sixties in southern Italy and present day Hollywood. The whole book is rife with nods to the entertainment industry, both in the height of its glamourous days to a sarcastic view of its current reality-ridden state. Walter is great at invoking the various settings, and this is best seen in his descriptions of southern Italy. It’s so beautiful, so nostalgic, you want to book your ticket to Positano as soon as you’re done reading!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

They say most good books are based on a true story, and Eat, Pray, Love is exactly that and one each person can identify with.

It is a story of a woman who decides to end her marriage and go on a journey of discovery around the world and food for her soul. Set in three beautiful locations of the world Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Bali (Love). We follow Elizabeth on her travels while she eats bowls of pasta and gelato which leave one instantly hungry and craving all the things she goes searching for in this book. Each part of the journey literally inspires one to book a ticket and go do their own Eat, Pray, Love trip. India a land of miracles and temples gives us a glimpse of the arranged marriage ceremonies while in Bali one learns to open their heart and love again.

The book not only inspires one to travel but also to follow their dreams. Life is too short not to eat that gelato or fall in love with a tall dark stranger.

Verushka Ramasami, Spice Goddess Blog

The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara

Himanshu, Everything Candid

The Motor Cycle Diaries written by Che Guevara is a cult book and thus a must read for every travel loving soul. It has all the elements to ignite wander thirst within you and put you in a whirlwind of thoughts that will make you travel. It’s a frank account of an inquisitive traveler who experiences the amusing world and that changes himself forever.

This book is a travel journal written by revolutionary hero Che Guevara when he was 23 years old and decided to travel the world with his friend Alberto riding their old motorcycle they christened “the Mighty One”. During their 9 months of travel on battered road of Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela to do their medical residency and serve at leprosy colonies of Latin America. His narration of his experiences are free-spirited and original to the core just like his shaping-up rebellion nature.

This book has all the elements that define a perfect road trip and make you realize how you can explore your true self by traveling across geographies and meeting different people. This journey, thus, transformed Che and by the end of journey it was clear what would be his destiny. This high-spirited book is an impactful read and an inspiring tale of a great legend in the making. A truly iconic book by a larger than life icon from last century.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

Nisha Jha, Lemonicks

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson has to be my book which inspires wanderlust. If you are into hiking or love outdoors, this book is for you. The author Bill Bryson tries to take the Appalachian Trail stretching from Georgia and has a hilarious take on it. The book is written in a humorous style, with more serious discussions and curiosity relating to the trail.

The book teaches us about our co-travelers and how it could be, in some cases, a daunting experience. The goals, outlook could be different. At times, you need to discard many things which are really not needed. He has wonderfully described the natural beauty of majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes.

The Places Inbetween by Rory Stewart

Alice, Teacake Travels

There’s nothing I love more than going to countries people tell you you shouldn’t go to. There are a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions out there about what a country is really like, how the people are and your level of safety once you’re there. Understandably, some countries are more dangerous than others but I feel we shouldn’t leave them alone and books like The Places Inbetween keep my wanderlust for these countries pulsing. Rory Stewart’s amazing account of his walk across Afghanistan in 2002 following the US invasion is a unique insight into this fascinating country and I love how personal it is. Like all good stories, it’s the local people that really make it.

In Xanadu – A Quest by William Dalrymple

Maria, Maria Abroad

In Xanadu – A Quest  is a personal travel memoir of William Dalrymple’s journey along Marco Polo’s footsteps from Jerusalem to Xanadu, the summer palace of Kubla Khan. As an avid traveler, Dalrymple spends his summer break from Cambridge to take an overland journey from Jerusalem to Aleppo, to Eastern Turkey, across Iran and Pakistan, and finally through China until his final destination – Xanadu. Along the way he shares his encounters with locals and other travelers, funny stories, bureaucratic hurdles and historic insights on the places he visits.

Can We Live Here?: Finding a Home in Paradise by Sarah Alderson

Jolene and Andrzej Ejmont, Wanderlust Storytellers

‘’In 2009, Sarah and John Alderson quit their full-time jobs in London and headed off, with Alula, their three-year-old daughter, on a global adventure to find a new home.’’

It is easy to connect with Sarah as you read her witty novel about what it is like to give up your job and to chase adventure in life!  Her story is honest and real; one can’t help but feel inspired to chase a similar lifestyle! But mostly to simply be brave enough to follow your dreams! Destinations you will read about include: London, India, Australia, USA , Bali and more!

Rohan Cahill-Fleury, Travels of a Bookpacker

The story of a man determined to visit all the countries in the former Soviet Union. Some are popular tourist destinations e.g.  Czech Republic but he also travels to some more ‘off the beaten track’ locations such as Kyrgyzstan and Moldova.

It provides interesting account of local life in these countries as well as the practicalities and issues traveling there as a tourist. There is some simple, easy to follow history of each country explained as well as interesting anecdotes. You’ll find yourself adding countries to your travel list you’d never considered before!

A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History’s Greatest Traveler by Jason Roberts

This biography follows the life of James Holman, a British guy who went blind during the course of his life but wasn’t discouraged by it and travelled the world anyway. Known in the 19th century as the “Blind Traveller”, he hopped on sailing boats across the oceans, crossed Siberia until he overstayed his welcome, and got invited to explore South America . His books were both despised and celebrated by his contemporaries. Unfortunately, many works have not survived to this day – hence the man’s obscurity. This budget-minded, nifty and unstoppable fellow is one to read about. After picking up your jaw, you’ll likely travel with a changed perspective.

Iris, Mind of a Hitchhiker

The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé

Inma,  A World to Travel

As a very visual person , the first books I read – if you want to call them that – were indeed comics. I would literally read one or two daily as the local library was a few steps away from my home and – newsflash! – travel ones were my favorite of them all. The Adventures of Tintin by Belgian cartoonist Hergé was a comic series that took me to Egypt, Congo, Tibet and even the Moon before I turned 8. Such great memories!

Around the World in 50 Years: My Adventure to Every Country on Earth by Albert Poddel

Megan and Mike from  Mapping Megan  and  Waking Up Wild

This is an inspiring story of an ordinary guy who visited every country on Earth. He survived riots, revolutions, civil wars, trigger-happy child soldiers, robbers, pickpockets, corrupt cops, voodoo priests and Cape buffalo. He went around, under, or through every kind of earthquake, cyclone, tsunami, volcanic eruption, snowstorm, and sandstorm that nature threw at him. He ate everything from old camel meat, rats, dung beetles and the brain of a live monkey.  And he overcame attacks by crocodiles, hippos, anacondas and several girlfriends who insisted he stop this nonsense and marry them.

This is a remarkable and meaningful tale of quiet courage, dogged persistence, undying determination, and an uncanny ability to escape from one perilous situation after another and return with some of the most memorable, frightening and hilarious adventure stories you have ever read.

The World by hitchhiking: 5 years at the University of Life by Ludovic Hubler

After business school, Ludovic decided to get on the road to get a Life PhD. His hitchhiking tour of the world ended up lasting for 5 years during which he also experimented with boat-hitching and  ice-breaker hitching  – A story full of beautiful life lessons in kindness and inspirational meetings, including one with the Dalaï-lama.

Covering 59 countries around the world and people of all background, this book inspires wanderlust not only to seek new landscapes but new connections and understanding of life. It is a book that makes you want to meet all mankind. But be careful, after reading it you will have a strong urge to pack a bag and lift your thumb!

Claire,  ZigZag On Earth Travel Blog

Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach

Penny Sadler,  Adventures of a Carry-on

Without Reservations, by Alice Steinbach, is THE book that I credit with giving me a chronic case of wanderlust. Perhaps because I suspect she and I are close in age, I could relate to her observations of the people she met in her travels, and her self observations. Her writing is so sensual, I always felt I was right there with her — in Paris, Italy and England. This paragraph is beautifully descriptive it made me want to go and have my own adventures.

“Last night on the way home from a concert at Sainte-Chapelle, I stopped on the Pont Royal to watch the moon struggle through a cloudy night sky.

From the bridge my eyes followed the lights of a tourist boat as it moved like a glowworm across the water.  Here in Paris, I have no agenda; here I can fall into step with whatever rhythm presents itself. I had forgotten how wonderful it is to stand on a bridge and catch the scent of rain in the air. I had forgotten how much I need to be a part of water, wind, sky.”

Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche

Liz, Lizzie Meets World

Even if you’re not a fan of chick lit, you’ll love Torre DeRoche’s “Love with a Chance of Drowning.” It’s a love story wrapped in adventure, delivered with a healthy dose of humor and innuendos. DeRoche takes you through the gorgeous remote islands of the Pacific while riding on a leaky boat, as she shares her greatest fears and how she conquers them. This book will have you laughing and crying (cry-laughing even) and dreaming of palm trees and blue seas.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlo Ruiz Zafón

Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s most acclaimed novel, The Shadows of the Wind, is a magnificent book about a young boy whose life revolved around Barcelona where he eventually found himself in a tangle of mystery and drama. I can’t tell much because you have to read it actually to feel what I’m talking about.

So, how did this particular book inspired me to travel? It made me intrigued about Barcelona. So intrigued that I invited myself to join my friends who already planned their trip to the mystery city – they had to change plans to fit me in, but they were a real sport about it. Also, my visit to Barcelona ignited my passion for travel and also it is the place where I swore I’ll make it a goal to enjoy whatever our pretty wild world can offer us.

Evan, Pretty Wild World

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

In an era today where we mostly go to work for around 9 hours a day, and spend another few hours preparing for work, and even commuting to/from it, Tim Ferris gives us a chance to open our mindset that we can actually have a 4 hour work week instead of a 40 hour one. Four hours a week to work anywhere we want. Sounds too good to be true? It really isn’t. By working remotely, creating businesses and putting systems in place, you, as a business owner/worker, can actually do whatever you want. Most people who want to travel full time but are just wondering how to fund their travels can definitely pick up this book to become inspired, and eventually become a full time nomad.

Ruby,  A Journey We Love

Delaying The Real World by Colleen Kinder

I read this book by Colleen Kinder towards the end of my college career. This book was immensely responsible for a change in my beliefs of how life worked after graduation. Delaying The Real World is “a twentysomething’s guide to seeking adventure.” Within its pages, you will find hundreds of suggestions for things you could do around the world, other than heading straight into a cubicle. Suggestions include wanderlust-inspiring options such as teaching English abroad, working on a cruise ship, building homes in villages, or leading tour groups. There are also tons of helpful websites and inspiring anecdotes from real people living out adventurous lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone bitten by the travel bug, and looking for a way to make life an adventure.

Brianna,  Archives of Adventure

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

In 2013, my boyfriend and I planned to quit our jobs and go for a RTW trip for a year. We were reading dozens of travel guides, found some travel blogs and hosted lots of people from different countries via Couchsurfing community so we could learn about their lands and traditions.

And then we discovered the Vagabonding. Without any exaggeration, the book changed our lives. It gave us not only necessary courage to leave our comfortable life in Germany and set off for an adventure, but it also proved that long-term travel is a lifestyle. A fascinating lifestyle!

Rolf Potts will guide you, he will warn you, he’ll give you plenty of practical advice, and he’ll definitely inspire you to hit the road.

Ivana Greslikova & Gianni Bianchini, Nomad is Beautiful

It’s Only the Himalayas: And Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker by S. Bedford

One of the most recent books that inspired wanderlust was “It’s Only the Himalayas: And Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker”. This laugh-out-loud travel memoir by Sue Bedford chronicles her year long adventures and misadventures with her best friend.

In her book, Sue details her close encounters with a lion, epic fails and triumphs trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with her dad, and her steamy romances in Asia. Since I’ve never backpacked across the world, this book gave me a lot of insight on both the challenges and amazing experiences to have on this type of journey.

This book also inspired me to travel with my mom. Since reading this book, we’ve traveled to Bermuda, Italy and Switzerland together. As Sue describes in the “It’s Only the Himalayas” author interview, traveling with your parents builds on your friendship and strengthens your bond.

Danielle,  The Thought Card

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

A book that completely captured my imagination and wandering spirit and inspired me to explore regions of the earth I never thought I would surf in was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The tale of adventure and discovery helped inspire me to go surfing in places like Iceland, Africa and numerous small islands in the Pacific. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea goes into the underwater exploration of almost every region of the globe it describes an underwater world that is almost impossible to comprehend yet drove my imagination wild. From navigating under ice in the Antarctica to fending off natives off the islands of Papua New Guinea and exploring the Corals of the Red Sea it is a tale of travel and adventure that has transcended centuries and stays relevant today.

Dane,  Holidayfromwhere

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Heart of Darkness might sound like an odd choice when naming books that inspire wanderlust, but for me it did just that. It reminded me of the raw, real, tough travel that backpackers make through developing countries, getting right into the middle of the unknown and making their own pathway through. In the book the subjects are travelling by boat through the jungles of Congo, and the further down stream they get the higher the sense of danger. Things just keep getting weirder and weirder and you begin to feel as if they are descending into a madness. The book is dirty and gritty, but so eloquently written that it transports you deep into the heart of Congo and sits you right next to the authors alter ego – Marlow.

Crystal, Castaway With Crystal

Around India in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh

Less a travel guide than an odyssey of self-discovery, Around India in 80 Trains is the account of a British woman of Indian origin who returns to travel the country she left as a child.

In a largely unplanned journey she visits the four corners of India’s train network by taking as many different trains as possible, from the crush of Mumbai’s commuter trains to a truly special hospital carriage.

While Monisha doesn’t have the easiest of journeys, the sheer variety of the places she sees and the effervescent people she meets puts India near the top of my travel list.  I’ll definitely be taking the train when I visit.  And if a spiritual awakening is thrown in too, so much the better.

Emily, from Kids and Compass

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure is a hilarious memoir about a journalist’s unanticipated return to India; the country she hated and vowed never to visit again.

The book follows Sarah as she tries to settle into a new life in Delhi and documents all the culture shock and frustrations that go with it. Having already visited India , I found myself laughing out loud because I could completely relate to her story.

Sarah does a great job of bringing all the smells, colours, sounds and chaos of India straight to the hands of the reader, while also thoughtfully and light-heartedly explaining the many faiths and religions that embody the country.

This book makes the eccentricities of India seem so endearing that you’ll want to book your flight and experience them for yourself!

Nicole. Wee Gypsy Girl

The Beach by Alex Garland

The Beach is a story of American and European backpackers who found a paradise in an island in Thailand. The island features an untouched beach and lagoon. It is part of a huge marine park, making it inaccessible to tourists. There they lived in a secret small community, doing idyllic chores everyday – planting, fishing and construction – until this thin slice of civilization crumbles through a series of incidents. The Beach is written in 1996 but remains a classic. It fulfills the wish of every modern backpacker: getting out of the race for an authentic experience and finding a beautiful, unspoilt paradise that’s in no danger of turning into a typical commercialized tourist attraction.

Katherine,  Tara Lets Anywhere

The Promise of Iceland by Kari Gislason

Long before I traveled to Iceland, it was a destination which fascinated me for its unknownness and unusualness. I read everything I could, but my favourite was a memoir by half-Australian, half-Icelandic author Kari Gislason , called The Promise of Iceland. Gislason was born in Reykjavik but left at age ten; he returned in his late twenties to track down his father and his regular explorations of many significant parts of Iceland convinced me that it was a place I absolutely had to visit. The book is the perfect mix of intriguing story and sightseeing, and will definitely get you booking an Iceland trip as soon as possible.

Amanda, Not a Ballerina

The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna

The book that sparked my interest about Finland is The Year of the Hare written by Arto Paasilinna, one of the most famous Finnish novels. It’s the story of a frustrated journalist who hits a hare with his car, then decides to rescue it and moves to the countryside together with the hare. It inspired me because it’s a fun story, and it talks about the love that Finnish people have for their nature. Visit Helsinki in winter  and you’ll see what I mean – Finns like to enjoy nature even when it’s -30 outside!

Margherita Ragg, The Crowded Planet

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

For anyone who has read The Millennium Trilogy, which includes The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, you would be aware it is a crime book that is rather dark, which then opens the question, why would this book inspire wanderlust? Well for me, the book obviously did but for a slightly strange and odd reason. As an Aussie, snow is foreign and rare to us down in the sunburnt country. Reading this book, however, opened my mind to the beauty of snow and what I could experience. Since then I have been attracted to the cold and the cool white fluffy stuff. I have fallen in love with it so much I will be embarking on a trip to Antarctica.

Lauren,  The Traveller’s Guide By #ljojlo

A Year in Provence  by Peter Mayle

Amy, A Traveling Broad

Whether you’ve been to France or not, you’ll be drawn into this best-selling memoir by Peter Mayle. In it, he regales readers with tales of his year he lived in a 200 year old stone farmhouse in southeastern France with his wife and dogs. His wit and humor make the book an easy and enjoyable read. His vivid descriptions of people, places and things makes it easy for readers to see things through his eyes. His stories include his first experience with “le mistral” (a violent, cold northwesterly wind); his initial resistance to French customs such as kissing hello; and his interactions with a local construction crew. “A Year in Provence” offers readers a glimpse of life in this beautiful region of France, making you want to buy a ticket when you’re done.

My Life in France by Julia Child

This will not inspire you to take the road and travel but it will definitely make you curious about how the French eat, cook, sleep and cook. It really is true — France is a country that will teach you how to cook. When Julia arrived in France, she didn’t know anything about cooking (nor spoke a single French word) and I kind of resemble to that experience. I did a culinary trip in South America for 3.5 years and when I came back home, my mother was surprised that I already know how to fry an egg properly. Believe me, I never learned to cook back home because my grandmother and mother are pretty good at it. My siblings and I didn’t bother learning at all.

That trip also made me very fluent in Spanish — something I never thought I will be capable of. In Julia’s book, it is highlighted that when you are surrounded by a certain culture for a long time, you will definitely know how to adapt and adjust to its setting. I think this is one of the best reasons to travel and to keep traveling.

Trisha,  PS I’m On My Way

Shopping for Buddhas: An Adventure in Nepal by Jeff Greenwald

Lance and Laura Longwell, Travel Addicts

Over 25 years ago, I discovered the Jeff Greenwald book, Shopping for Buddhas:  An Adventure in Nepal.  I would soon be moving to Nepal for a study abroad program and was riveted by the story of shopping for the perfect Buddha statue.  Less than a year later, I would find myself in Nepal exploring the back alleys of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur in the early days of the civil war .

The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen

Peter Matthiessen was a CIA agent and a co-founder of the literary magazine The Paris Review. He was also a student of Zen Buddhism, which he explores in this classic travel book. In 1973 Matthiessen trekked in the remote mountains of Nepal with a field biologist friend, who was there to study the Himalayan blue sheep. During this trek they hoped to see the rare snow leopard. He writes about the harsh physical challenges of the trip, and on life and death, and practicing Buddhism. Even though they travel through such challenging conditions, this book really made me want to go to Nepal .

James Clark, Nomadic Notes

Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai

One of our favourite books that inspired wanderlust, specifically for Sri Lanka, was “Funny Boy”, written by Shyam Selvadurai. It is almost an autobiographical story about a young Tamil gay boy growing up in 1980s Sri Lanka during the civil war era, struggling to come to grips with his homosexuality in a very religious and traditional family and society.

It’s a really good insight into what it was like in the country during these awful civil war years. In addition for LGBT travellers, it is particularly insightful to read, mainly because since the 1980s, the country has not changed at all with regards to LGBT rights. It’s still illegal to be gay in Sri Lanka and many of the issues faced by Arjy are still the case today.

Stefan and Sebastien, Nomadic Boys

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The book is set in Afghanistan and talks about an unlikely friendship between a wealthy Pashtun kid, Amir and his servant Hassan and their relationship growing up. The book traverses through the past and present with Amir making a decision to travel back to his homeland from the United States, his current adopted home to save the life of his friend’s son. The story is fascinating, not just for its strong characterization but also for the vivid portrayal of life growing up in this vastly unexplored country. The country has been in the news for all the wrong reasons but this book makes sure every reader is transported back to the beautiful country it was before the conflict tore it apart and made it what it is in now – a picture of warzone ruin. It remains one of our favorite books and incites wanderlust for the simple reason, the beauty we take for granted today, might not be available to see tomorrow.

Rishabh Shah, Gypsy Couple

The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah

This travel book is about culture, traditions and challenges faced by an Afghan person who convinced his wife to escape the stable life in UK and shift with the whole family to unpredictable Morocco. The main hero buys one of the posh old houses “Dar Khalifa” in Casablanca. As the house was missing residents for many years it started slowly falling into pieces. The hero decides to return the glory and the prosperity to the house. To achieve this goal he needs to confront local peculiarities of lifestyle and working culture. Tahir Shah describes different sides of Morocco: its colors, feelings, history and, of course, superstitions.

Natalia, mytriphack

A House in Fez by Suzanna Clarke

Tamason,  Travelling Book Junkie

Have you ever fell in love with a country so much that you imagine one day moving there?  This is exactly what happened to Suzanna and her husband. During a trip to Morocco they fell in love with the African country enough to purchase a property and rather than just using it as a holiday home, they decided to immerse themselves completely into the Moroccan way of life.

Without being able to speak Arabic, they move to the city of Fez, a city not necessarily known for its touristic pull, purchase a tired riad in need of serious renovation and spend a year transforming it into a beautiful home.

This is a story about courage and conviction,  Suzanna and her husband don’t linger on the consequences of such a move, they simply follow their hearts.

Wanderlust is all about following your heart and making decisions that will enrich your life for the better whilst exploring a different part of the world and for me this is a book that highlights just that.  It also led to us jumping on a plane to explore Fez for ourselves, highlighting that it is a book that inspires wanderlust in others as well.

Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux

Mar, Once in a Lifetime Journey

Dark Star Safari by Paul Thereoux is my all-time most favourite travel book. Brilliantly sarcastic and no-bullshit, Theroux recounts the adventures and misadventures of his overland trip from Cairo to Cape Town 30 years after he spent time as a teacher in Malawi. This book was the most beautiful way for me to remember all the places I worked in Africa and it was also slightly sad to realize that, for some of them, those 30 years Theroux talks about were actually detrimental to their development. Dark Star Safari is a poignant and honest view of the continent from the point of view of an outsider. Theroux has no qualms in being to the point and very honest, sometimes bordering insulting, when describing the people and places. There are no taboos in his vocabulary and no holy cows he tells it how it is.

If you are still looking for more travel inspiration, here are  other travel books for the book lover on your list. What are your picks for the best travel books to inspire wanderlust?

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

25 comments.

This is a great list of travel books and I have read few of them like kite runner, alchemist etc. Others I am going to grab soon.

LOADS of great books in there 🙂 🙂

This is a great list of travel books, have definitely added a few of these to my list!

Such inspiring reads! I’ve only read a couple but excited to download more to my Kindle. Cue the wanderlust!

Lovely compilation indeed. Given my passion for books and travel, I found this post really enjoyable. Before travel, books were the vehicles that I traveled the world on the wings of imagination. The books are great and each unique in its own way, My pick of the lot are, Shantaram and The Motorcycle Diaries.

Extensive list. I’ve read Eat, Pray, Love. And I’m reading the Alchemist. I’m on my way! Lol

Wow! What a fantastic compilation of books. There are so many gems that I’m adding to my reading list!

That’s a great list to fill up the evenings for the whole year 🙂 I love books about travel especially with a cultural twist))) Thank you for putting this post!

Ah wow, absolute go-to reading list here 🙂 I can see a fair few I need to get hold of 🙂

What a great list! So happy to see my favorite novel of all time on there: The Shadow of the Wind. I have read 12 of these books… which means you ahve given me a LOT of great reading ahead. Thank you.

Wow, epic list of travel books! I’ll have to refer back to this one when I’m looking for my next book. I love books, both fiction and non-fiction, that take you on a journey to new places and stirs that wanderlust to travel somewhere new!

I’d add Alastair Humphries’ “Microadventures” and “203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Discover Your Inner Self” – both are inspiring in a way that makes you act and improve yourself while having fun on the road.

Thanks for the suggestions! I’m putting them on my reading list.

At the risk of being spammy (sorry!), try my novel set in Greece: “Girl Gone Greek” – you might like it. Check out the Amazon reviews first (on COM and CO dot UK) and see if you like the sound of it. Enjoy!

Hi Rebecca, I lived in Greece a few years when I was younger so this book sounds really interesting. Adding it to my reading list!

These are definitely the absolute classics for travel!

I recommend An Embarrassment of Mangoes. Sailing and cooking in the Caribbean. Will have to check out some of your recommendations!

That’s a great list, found so many of my favourites in here including Alain de Botton’s Art of Travel that I dared to criticise in an article – he is my favourite contemporary philosopher but on the travel topic I reckon he could do a lot better 😉 Thanks for sharing, will download a couple about nomadic families to cheer myself up from fever and chest infection. Greetings from London!

So Darcee & I are heading to Morocco this year so I was looking for some great books to dive into the world of the area. I have never even heard of A House in Fez or The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca! We are hoping to head to Casablanca so I may start with The Caliph’s House! Thanks for this list. Many of the books are already on my list! Love Jack Kerouac!

wow, it`s huge! Noted. about ”Shantaram”

Very good performance but what a long story! Full of tragedy violence drugs and sadnesses. Makes you realize how people live in the rest of the world! Fighting for everything just to survive! An intimate look at life in India!

Thanks for this list! I’ll be checking out several of these titles. The interesting part about this blog post is the highlights about each book and how each book may be relevant. Great post.

So many of my trips have been inspired by reading novels! Last year, I took a January teaching job in Hawaii, after reading Honolulu and other fiction set on Oahu. I’m most interested in the fortune-teller book, I wonder if that will be my next trip…

Looks like some awesome reads to me. Anything by Paula Coelho absolutely rocks. Ryan

Great post/list and book review. I am placing Beautiful Ruins and a Walk in the Woods on my list.

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10 Great Books About Traveling The World

Travel inspiration comes in many ways but reading travel-related books is one of the easiest ways to rekindle wanderlust.

Travelers need inspiration sometimes and one of the best ways to get inspiration for traveling the world is by reading a book based on travel. As the love for a lifestyle of adventures continues to rise around the world , so many of these travel-related books have been released ranging from fictional to real-life tales of professional travelers. Create some time, grab a coffee, pick up one of these travel books, and prepare to experience serious wanderlust.

10 Life’s A Trip (Char Auckland)

Life is indeed a trip and Char Auckland in this book presents her experiences overcoming the feeling of hopelessness, stepping out of her comfort zone, and embarking on a life-changing adventure around the world. The book aims to help the readers break free from the shackles of an unfulfilling life and create a life of freedom and happiness.

9 A Journey To The Center Of The Earth (Jules Verne)

A Journey to the Center of the Earth is an adventure and science fiction novel that tells the story of a scientist who embarks on a journey of discovery to an Icelandic volcano with his nephew and an Icelandic guide. The journey was inspired by the scientist’s belief in the existence of volcanic tubes that lead to the center of the earth. Although the journey is based on science fiction, it does help to stimulate the imagination of the readers to think about what it’s like to journey to the center of the earth .

Related: Ever Wanted To See The Inside Of A Volcano? This Iceland Volcano Tour Is Making That A Reality

8 Vacationland (John Hodgman)

Vacationland presents a hilarious story of the real-life experiences of author - John Hodgman. Besides revealing the evolutionary purpose of the mustache and the obvious fact that he happens to be transitioning into an older white male, the story details his journey from Massachusetts to Maine and all the interesting experiences he encountered during this journey.

Related: Maine Is For Hikers: Hike The State's Most Beautiful Spots

7 Vagabonding (Rolf Potts)

Long-term travel is a real thing and Vagabonding reveals an interesting way to make this a possibility. The book suggests taking a long time out of one’s life to focus fully on traveling the world and living independently. Everything from travel inspiration to a detailed guide on how to plan and finance the long-term travel lifestyle is included in this interesting read.

6 Around The World In 80 Days (Jules Verne)

Around the world in 80 days is one of Jules Verne’s several adventure-packed fantasy novels written in the late 1800s. This book details the story of Phileas Fogg - a wealthy Englishman who went on a mission with his French valet - Passepartout to circle the world in 80 days for a wager of £20,000. The bet had been initiated by Phileas Fogg in the Reform Club after he read a story in the Daily Telegraph about a new railroad in India that made it possible for one to travel the world in 80 days. The journey begins in London and goes through several countries around the world including - Egypt, India, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States.

5 The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)

The Alchemist is a best-selling adventure-packed novel that tells the story of a shepherd boy who left his hometown in Spain on a quest to discover an exotic treasure in Egypt. The story, which is inspiring and uniquely entertaining, continues to touch the hearts of readers all over the world, revealing the importance of following one’s heart and pursuing one’s dreams.

Related: Explained: Egypt's Old, Middle & New Kingdoms

4 The 4-Hour Work Week (Timothy Ferriss)

The 4-hour workweek challenges the status-quo of living a 9-5 lifestyle and having to wait till retirement before being able to travel. It presents a better alternative - escaping the 9-5 lifestyle, traveling to tropical islands at will, and spending the evenings at beaches staring at beautiful sunsets. From practical tips on how to eliminate 50% of one’s work, to lifestyle design for luxurious living, there is so much to learn about escaping the rat race in this self-help book.

3 1000 Places To See Before You Die (Patricia Schultz)

1000 places to see before you die is a must-read for all travelers and aspiring travelers alike. It is more like a manual one should have to get ideas of new interesting places to visit around the world. Just like its name, the thoroughly-researched book contains a list of a thousand destinations on all continents one must see from remote islands to historic houses, wildlife preserves, museums, sacred ruins, and so much more.

2 How To Travel The World For $50 A Day (Matt Kepnes)

Budget travel is not a thing that comes to the mind of many travelers but except one is not scared of going broke in a foreign country, budget travel is an important thing to consider when traveling the world. The title captures what one should expect in this book written by Matt Kepnes - the founder of Nomadic Matt . It is a combination of tips and tricks that budget travel-inclined travelers can implement to save extra money while still enjoying wonderful travel experiences.

1 In A Sunburned Country (Bill Bryson)

Australia is an amazing country and Bill Bryson happens to have a lot to say about this country that doubles as a continent. In a Sunburned Country details his experiences of the country which consists of some of the most pleasurable things in the world as well as some of the most dangerous. The book is a factual guide and a detailed description of this region, its people, its extreme weather, its dangerous animals, and more interesting things that can only be found there.

Reader's Digest

15 Travel Books That Will Inspire You to See the World

Posted: September 5, 2023 | Last updated: September 5, 2023

The travel books that will transport you to a happy place

In a perfect world, we'd all get to take an epic vacation whenever we felt like it. But in the real world of hectic jobs, nonstop child care and other adulting responsibilities, jet-setting falls lower on the priority list. Sigh. This is exactly why travel books are so magical.

Soaking in the sights and smells of a new locale is dreamy, and travel books help us live vicariously through someone else's experience. From armchair-adventure memoirs to escapist beach reads , great travel books temporarily transport us whenever we can squeeze in time for another chapter—on the commuter bus, over a lunch break or in the bathtub.

Wondering what the best books are to grab if you're craving adventure or tropical vibes? We've rounded up 15 of the best travel books to suit this exact purpose. They will whisk you away, as will titles from new and favorite authors .

Psst ... once you're through with these, satisfy your Emily Henry fix, get tips for reading all the Elin Hilderbrand books in order and find out where to find books like The Summer I Turned Pretty .

Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

When you pine for an outdoorsy vacation

The unlikely thru-hiker by derick lugo.

Setting: The Appalachian Trail (from Georgia to Maine)

It doesn't require a passport or a plane ticket, but the Appalachian Trail is a big change of scenery. It's also not for the faint of heart. In Derick Lugo's 2019 debut memoir , The Unlikely Thru-Hiker , he describes his long walk in the woods in vivid detail—and with heartwarming humor.

Before his foray into one of America's great wildernesses, Lugo had never gone camping. He had never really hiked either. And that's what makes this travel book such a perfect, immersive escape. Discover the iconic trek through a beginner's eyes, and don't be surprised if his tale inspires you to hit your own trails this summer.

If you want to live in France

A year in provence by peter mayle.

Setting: Provence, Southern France

Perhaps one of the most beloved travel books since its 2010 debut, A Year in Provence delivers what it promises: a welcome escape to sunny, lavender-filled, Mediterranean-hugging southern France. There, steeped in the daily wonders of Provençal life, author Peter Mayle describes his experience of moving into a 200-year-old French farmhouse in a small village. This witty, easy summer read is a book that even Julia Child would have approved of.

Looking for your next great book? Read four of today’s bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one with  Reader’s Digest Select Editions . And be sure to follow the  Select Editions page on Facebook !

If you're dying to visit India

The widows of malabar hill by sujata massey.

Setting: Bombay, India

Welcome to India! It doesn't take a memoir or travelogue to make an immersive travel book. Sujata Massey's imaginative mystery series set in 1920s Bombay will make you feel like you've stepped back in time to witness India in the final chapters of the British Raj. In the first installment, The Widows of Malabar Hill (2018), female lawyer extraordinaire Perveen Mistry fights back against crimes against women. Massey's perspective gives readers behind-the-scenes glimpses of daily life for women in both Muslim and Hindu households.

When you're wistful for a Roman holiday

Four seasons in rome by anthony doerr.

Setting: Rome, Italy

Anthony Doerr's 2007 Four Seasons in Rome will whisk you away to Italy's ancient capital in an instant. During his sojourn at a writing studio in Rome, Doerr drank deeply from Rome's culture, food and daily life. He plumbed the depths of the city's history and spent days traipsing up and down its countless alleys and streets. He visited temples and attended a vigil for Pope John Paul II. He befriended his neighborhood storekeepers and bakers. He immersed himself this way for an entire year, then wrote one of the best books all about it so you could experience it too.

If you want to hike the Himalayas

High by erika fatland.

Setting: The Himalayas (Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal and China)

Not everyone is up for remote lands with peaks and plateaus at dizzyingly high altitudes. Thanks to Erika Fatland's High , your mind can go where your body doesn't. Her well-researched and recorded travels through the Himalayas unveil a patchwork of subcultures, languages and religions. This travel book is a virtual getaway to cloud-piercing towns shrouded in thin, cold air and intriguing encounters with Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and shamanic faiths—all part and parcel of the lives of the Himalayan highlanders.

When an Aussie adventure isn't in the budget

In a sunburned country by bill bryson.

Setting: Australia

Bill Bryson has written stacks of nonfiction books , but his droll, sharply observant travelogue through Australia is perhaps his most vivid. The so-called Land of Oz roars to life in Bryson's descriptions of traveling through its wild array of landscapes—bustling urban centers, scalding-hot mining country, scorching barren desert and wild, roiling coastlines. In a Sunburned Country (2000) is chock-full of exciting tidbits about the history and culture Down Under, as well as sidesplitting and terrifying encounters with locals and wildlife. Sure, he wrote a legendary Appalachian Trail memoir too— A Walk in the Woods —but we've already got that destination covered for you.

If you dream of exploring Egypt

Palace walk by naguib mahfouz.

Setting: Cairo, Egypt

Nobel Prize–winning author Naguib Mahfouz's 2011 start to his Cairo Trilogy, Palace Walk , places readers in the middle of 20th-century Egypt. They're swept into the drama of a middle-class family with struggles and tensions that mirror the greater turbulence of Egypt under the thumb of British rule. The father, al-Sayyid Ahmad Abd al-Jawad, rules his house with an iron fist. A vivid exploration of complex Cairo, plus reflections on how each family member deals with the controlling household and government, makes this a moving historical fiction work that is also one of the great travel books about northern Africa.

When you're craving an Italian escape

One italian summer by rebecca serle.

Setting: Positano, Italy

It's no secret that Rebecca Serle's 2022 captivating read, One Italian Summer , is dripping with European charm. Pair this book with an Aperol spritz or Italian soda for full effect. Part mother-daughter book , part fantasy book (with a bit of romance sprinkled in), the story takes place at the Hotel Poseidon, perched on Italy's Amalfi coast. A woman grieving her mother arrives at the door with a head full of questions. Is she happy? Does she even love her husband? What's the meaning of life? As the summer unfolds, the magic of Positano—and knowledge about her mother's past life—transforms her forever.

If you long for a peaceful Japanese getaway

Autumn light by pico iyer.

Setting: Japan

At first glance, a book called Autumn Light doesn't seem like the right fit for any summertime reading you may have planned. But the season you read this book doesn't matter a bit. There's so much going on below the surface, especially if you're craving the tranquility of a trip to Japan. Pico Iyer's 2019 memoir describes his return to Japan to attend to and process a loved one's death. He steps back into ordinary Japanese life and gently, graciously invites his readers along. You'll find yourself reflecting on age, life, death and the poetry of daily rituals. It's a quiet book but also a beautiful, transportive mental journey to somewhere far away.

When you can't decide where you want to go

Shape of a boy by kate wickers.

Setting: The world (including Mexico, Jordan, Borneo, Sri Lanka and more)

Sometimes a travel book, like travel itself, is more about the journey than the destination. That's the case with Shape of a Boy , the 2022 memoir by British travel journalist Kate Wickers. Reading this book is like jet-setting with a  trusted friend —with her three boys and husband along for good measure. Each chapter starts off with a new location on their round-the-world trip, describing their experiences and the lessons they learned there. It's a delightful smattering of stories sure to spark wanderlust for just about anywhere in the world.

If you want to spend summer in the Loire Valley

A perfect vintage by chelsea fagan.

Setting: Loire Valley, central France

Chelsea Fagan's first novel, A Perfect Vintage , debuts on June 6, just days before the summer solstice. Fagan lives in France, which gives her a leg up on delectable descriptions of French food and the sun-soaked land of France's Loire Valley. The perfect setting aside, the book details a summer in the life of Lea Mortimer, a successful 30-something woman who's too busy and independent to worry about relationships or starting a family.

She's been summoned by work to France to help transform an old French estate into a perfect boutique hotel. All's well until Lea begins to develop feelings for the considerably younger son of her new boss. It's a deliciously self-aware, beautifully set story of a modern woman struggling to have it all: money, deep friendships ... and maybe even love.

If you want a whirlwind trip around the globe

Wanderlust by elle everhart.

Setting: All over the world

Picture this: You're stuck in the office for the summer, plotting your next move up the corporate ladder. On a whim, you call in to the local radio station when they're running a once-in-a-lifetime travel sweepstake. And you win. The trouble is that you're sent packing with someone else, and he happens to be a guy you met at a bar just once. That's how Dylan and her almost-fling, Jack, travel together through Marrakech, Tokyo, Sydney and more. Elle Everhart's July 2023 debut novel, Wanderlust , is a perfect summer read—plenty of sexy enemies-to-lovers tension and enough immersive travel descriptions to feel like you got a whirlwind vacation too.

If you'd love a rugged adventure across Asia

Lands of lost borders: a journey on the silk road by kate harris.

Setting: Turkey to China, with plenty of stops in between

Modern explorer Kate Harris is a pro at wrangling remote, edge-of-the-world destinations into riveting armchair travel reading. In other words, this travel book might inspire and awe you even if it doesn't compel you to plan your own harebrained 10-month bike trip across Asia. The lush descriptions of her natural surroundings and sometimes bemusing, sometimes touching encounters with ordinary people along the way make Lands of Lost Borders come to life in full force.

If you're having Caribbean dreams

Where the rhythm takes you by sarah dass.

Setting: Tobago

Island life doesn't get much more romantic than this. Sarah Dass's 2021 novel is technically a young adult book , but Where the Rhythm Takes You offers tropical escapism for readers of all ages. Reyna's family owns Plumeria, a beachside resort in Tobago. It's a perfect paradise for guests, but ever since her best friend and first love left the island, Reyna dreams of escaping into the real world too. Only now that she's poised for departure, her flame is back—this time as a Grammy-nominated superstar. What will he think of his sheltered island friend now? Will his presence be enough to make her stay a little longer? Crack this spine on a hot summer day to fully soak up the distinct island vibes.

When a Greek vacation is all you think about

The second chance hotel by sierra godfrey.

Setting: The fictional Greek island of Astori

After getting fired from her corporate job and skipping out on her best friend's wedding, Amelia Lang needs a major life do-over. She's well aware of it, but she didn't expect it to come in the form of inheriting a hotel on a small Greek island. She also didn't expect to be physically attracted to one of the guests. The Second Chance Hotel (September 2023) is a lighthearted romance at heart. It's also a great travel book, thanks to its incredible descriptions of Greek island living, from the sun-ripened olives to the delicious gulps of sea air.

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Why giant sequoias, redwoods are thriving in the United Kingdom

The number of trees in this region actually dwarfs the amount in california.

Keith Dunlap , Digital Content Team, Graham Media Group

Those who love walking woods full of giant sequoias should book a flight to... the United Kingdom?

Believe it or not, yes. Or at the very least, it has now become a viable alternative to those who love to visit the giant trees in Northern California.

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Currently, there are roughly 500,000 sequoias and redwoods in the United Kingdom, which dwarfs the 80,000 that are in California, according to Atlas Obscura .

The collection of trees hasn’t been amassed by natural germination like the forest in California due to a colder climate and much lower elevations.

But the sequoias and redwoods — which aren’t invasive — have still managed to grow and survive after being introduced and planted in the 1800s throughout the northern part of the region.

A Scottish merchant named Patrick Matthew got seeds mailed to him in a letter from his son John, and started planting.

The trees have grown and thrived due to the U.K.’s wetter and cooler climate, which might not be good for germination, but better enhances growth.

The amount of the trees in the U.K. brings to the forefront of whether sequoias and redwoods can be introduced to other parts of the world where they aren’t native.

The ones in California are the only naturally occurring trees in the world.

“You need to think about the implications of that for native species, particularly if you are going to do this for more than just ornamental reasons,” Mathias Disney, a professor in the Department of Geography at University College London, said in the Atlas Obscura article. “You need to consider the impact of possible pathogens, fungi, all those issues. But it’s less of an issue if they aren’t reproducing as there’s no risk of invasive spread.”

Regardless, those who love sequoia and redwood trees don’t have to only head to California to see them, as evidenced by the amount in the U.K. right now.

Graham Media Group 2024

About the Author

Keith dunlap.

Keith is a member of Graham Media Group's Digital Content Team, which produces content for all the company's news websites.

The Best Books of 2021

This Year's Must-Reads

The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2021

With many of our wings still clipped by Covid-19 this year, we needed to travel vicariously through these adventurous reads

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

To put it mildly, the year 2021 has been an interesting one in terms of travel, thanks to the pandemic. While many countries are reopening their borders and inviting visitors back with open arms, others remain completely locked down to foreigners. Many travelers have seen this as a sign to keep their vacations closer to home, favoring road trips over intercontinental flights and cruises, while others prepare for long-awaited excursions they were forced to cancel due to Covid-19. 

Fortunately, one thing that the pandemic hasn’t changed is the ability to escape and experience new places through a book. Here are ten travel book releases from 2021 that are getting us excited about getting out on the open road again. 

Winter Pasture: One Woman’s Journey with China’s Kazakh Herders , by Li Juan

After many years of running a convenience store with her mother in China’s Altai Mountains, author Li Juan decided she wanted to experience the country’s rough and rugged landscape for herself and joined a family of Kazakh herders to help them with the challenging task of moving their livestock from one grazing area to another. Faced with minus-20-degree temperatures and a herd of 30 camels, 500 sheep and more than 100 cattle, Li experiences what herding life is like firsthand and chronicles it in her memoir, Winter Pasture , translated to English for the first time. In describing the inspiration for her book, she writes in an excerpt, “At first, my ambitions were grand. I wanted to spend the winter in a destination that was at least 250 miles away, which would mean over a dozen days by horseback, so that I could get a taste of the hardest, most unforgiving aspects of nomadic life.” Li had trepidations about traveling on horseback and withstanding the harsh elements though, eventually opting to spend just three days with the herders. Slate writes, “People can figure out how to survive under the most punishing circumstances, and learning about how these people do it—how they have done it for centuries—makes Winter Pasture an unlikely but inspiring getaway read for the late pandemic.”  

Winter Pasture: One Woman's Journey with China's Kazakh Herders

Winner of the People's Literature Award, Winter Pasture has been a bestselling book in China for several years. Li Juan has been widely lauded in the international literary community for her unique contribution to the narrative non-fiction genre. Winter Pasture is her crowning achievement, shattering the boundaries between nature writing and personal memoir.

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge , by Jimmy Chin

Chances are good that you’ve seen Jimmy Chin’s work. Not only have his adventure photographs appeared in National Geographic , but his film Free Solo , which follows professional rock climber Alex Honnold’s gripping attempt to free climb Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, won an Oscar for best documentary in 2019. Now the photographer-director-mountaineer is adding another hyphenate to his name as book author with the December 7 release of There and Back: Photographs from the Edge . Capturing some of Chin’s greatest (and most death-defying) adventures, from skiing Mount Everest to crisscrossing Tibet’s high-altitude Chang Tang region without a support crew, the book contains more than 200 striking photographs shot on all seven continents. Chin’s imagery is coupled with profiles of some of the world’s most exceptional athletes and adventurers, including Honnold and ski-mountaineer Kit DesLauriers. Fellow photographer Paul Nicklen has this to say about Chin’s work: “Jimmy’s photography takes you on a journey to places few have ever visited. No one else is capable of capturing such beauty while hanging by a thread from a towering rock face or skiing down the legendary slopes of Mount Everest. It is a pleasure to finally have all his most iconic images in one volume. I can't wait for you to get lost in the poetry he has unearthed at the most extreme corners of our planet.”  

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge

The Academy Award–winning director of Free Solo and National Geographic photographer presents the first collection of his iconic adventure photography, featuring some of the greatest moments of the most accomplished climbers and outdoor athletes in the world, and including more than 200 extraordinary photographs.

An Indian Among Los Indígenas: A Native Travel Memoir, by Ursula Pike

A member of the Karuk Tribe from Northern California, Ursula Pike joined the Peace Corps in her mid-20s in hopes of building relationships with indigenous groups far from home. As she writes in her debut book, An Indian Among Los Indígenas , it wasn't lost on her, though, that when she arrived in La Paz, Bolivia, to start her volunteer term, she “followed in the footsteps of Western colonizers and missionaries who had also claimed they were there to help.” Pike's travel memoir grapples with the lasting repercussions she witnesses of colonization across South America, providing an honest, straightforward and non-white-washed perspective. “Acutely aware of the legacy of colonialism on her own people, Pike examines her own potential complicity with frankness and wit,” writes Ms. Magazine . 

An Indian Among Los Indígenas: A Native Travel Memoir

An Indian among los Indígenas upends a canon of travel memoirs that has historically been dominated by white writers. It is a sharp, honest, and unnerving examination of the shadows that colonial history casts over even the most well-intentioned attempts at cross-cultural aid.

The Bears Ears: A Human History of America’s Most Endangered Wilderness , by David Roberts

Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah has been a hotly contested region over the last few years. In December 2017, former president Donald Trump signed legislation that decreased the monument’s size by 85 percent in an effort to put the land on the auction block for future development as a drilling and mining site—one of the largest reductions of protected land by a president in history—only for the Biden administration to restore the territory to its original form this October. Now that the environmental battle has ended, author David Roberts takes readers on a trek through this rugged 1.35-million-acre expanse, which he calls “his favorite place on earth.” In The Bears Ears , Roberts combines archival research with his own personal adventures exploring some of the monument’s more than 100,000 archeological sites , which comprise nearly 14,000 years’ worth of human history. “Most tribes feel that North America is still theirs, that it’s been stolen from them by the government, by white people,” Mark Maryboy, a retired Navajo politician and activist, told Roberts for an opinion piece he wrote for The New York Times in February. “We still worship in those lands. The Bears Ears is our church, our cathedral.”   

The Bears Ears: A Human History of America's Most Endangered Wilderness

A personal and historical exploration of the Bears Ears country and the fight to save a national monument.

Windswept: Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women , by Annabel Abbs

In her new book, English author Annabel Abbs adds weight to the famous quote , “Well behaved women rarely make history”—originally uttered by Harvard professor Laurel Thatcher Ulrich and often misattributed to Eleanor Roosevelt. Following along the paths of notable artists, authors, musicians and scholars, she embarks on an inspirational journey with the many women throughout history who refused to conform to gender norms and instead left behind their conventional homemaking roles to enter spheres historically populated by men. Abbs, who describes her own childhood experiences of growing up carless and relying on her own two feet to get around, “walks” alongside artist Georgia O'Keeffe in the secluded desert of New Mexico, English author Daphne Du Maurier and the River Rhone, and French writer and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir amidst the wild forests and mountains of France. Throughout Windswept , Abbs poses this simple yet thought-provoking question: “How does a woman change once she becomes windswept?”

Windswept: Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women

Annabel Abbs follows in the footsteps of women who boldly reclaimed wild landscapes for themselves, including Georgia O’Keeffe in the empty plains of Texas and New Mexico, Nan Shepherd in the mountains of Scotland, Gwen John following the French River Garonne, Daphne du Maurier along the River Rhône, and Simone de Beauvoir―who walked as much as twenty-five miles a day in a dress and espadrilles―through the mountains and forests of France.

Postcards from the Baja California Border: Portraying Townscape and Place, 1900s-1950s , by Daniel D. Arreola

For many people, including Daniel D. Arreola, popping a postcard in the mail to friends and loved ones back home is a necessary part of traveling. In Postcards from the Baja California Border, the cultural and historical geographer looks at the history of some of the Mexican border’s many communities, particularly Tijuana, Mexicali, Tecate and Algodones, training his focus specifically on the first half of the 20th century. The book is the final installment of a four-part series that includes postcards from the Río Bravo, Sonora and Chihuahua. “In each of these excursions the goal has been the same: to understand how a popular media form, the postcard, is a window into the historical and geographical past of Mexican border communities that were tourist destinations from the 1900s through the 1950s,” Arreola writes in the book’s introduction. Many of the postcards are from Arreola’s personal collection while others are from archives. By spotlighting dozens of colorful postcards, Arreola shows what the borderlands look like from the perspective of visitors and provides a time capsule of the many cabarets, curios shops and other popular tourist haunts that have all but disappeared over time.  

Postcards from the Baja California Border: Portraying Townscape and Place, 1900s–1950s

Postcards have a magical pull. They allow us to see the past through charming relics that allow us to travel back in time. Daniel D. Arreola’s Postcards from the Baja California Border offers a window into the historical and geographical past of storied Mexican border communities.

Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am , by Julia Cooke

Pan American World Airways, or simply Pan Am, is arguably one of the most recognizable and iconic international carriers in the world, leaving an impressionable mark on the airline industry long after it filed for bankruptcy in 1991. In her tell-all book Come Fly the World , author Julia Cooke brings the allure of traveling by air back to life, sharing the experiences of flight attendants (then called stewardesses) who worked for the airline between 1966 and 1975. Not only does Cooke highlight some of the ridiculous standards put forth by the airline for its employees, like requiring flight attendants to be between 5′3" and 5′9", 105 and 140 pounds, and under 26 years of age, but also their role during the Vietnam War, including providing assistance during Operation Babylift, which saw the mass evacuation of some 2,000 orphaned children in April 1975, during the fall of Saigon, who were later adopted by new parents throughout America. In a review of the book, author Kate Bolick ( Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own ) writes, “Viewing the untold story of jet-age stewardesses through a modern feminist lens, Cooke brings vividly to life a contradictory profession, one that, for all its limitations, offered many women a chance for true liberation.”

Come Fly The World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am

Glamour, danger, liberation: in a Mad Men –era of commercial flight, Pan Am World Airways attracted the kind of young woman who wanted out, and wanted up.

Around the World in 80 Books , by David Damrosch

As a professor of literature at Harvard University, David Damrosch knows a thing or two about books that have shaped the field of literature and also touched people’s lives. For Around the World in 80 Books , he pulls from his comprehensive knowledge of the written word and his personal library of texts to create an analysis of 80 books that offer readers a strong sense of place. From Charles Dickens ( Great Expectations ) and Eileen Chang ( Love in a Fallen City ) to Chinua Achebe ( Things Fall Apart ) and Marcel Proust ( In Search of Lost Time ), Damrosch draws together a diverse array of talented authors from all walks of life. They are both widely and lesser known, but all have one key thing in common: Their writing has the ability to transport readers to places near and far without ever needing to leave home.   

Around the World in 80 Books

A transporting and illuminating voyage around the globe, through classic and modern literary works that are in conversation with one another and with the world around them.

Islands of Abandonment , by Cal Flyn

During the early pandemic and subsequent lockdown, it became strikingly apparent how quickly nature takes over once human interference subsides. Air quality improved in cities around the world, and birds flocked to urban areas they normally would avoid. In Islands of Abandonment , investigative journalist and nature writer Cal Flyn takes things one step further by visiting places around the world abandoned by humans over time, whether it be due to war or famine, including the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that serves as a buffer between North and South Korea, and Chernobyl , the site of a deadly nuclear disaster that remains risky to human health nearly 40 years later. The book, which was a finalist for the Wainwright Prize , awarded to works that “include a celebration of nature and our natural environment or a warning of the dangers to it across the globe,” acknowledges the negative impacts humans have had on Earth, while making a strong case for humans’ collective ability to help rehabilitate the planet for future generations.  

Islands of Abandonment: Nature Rebounding in the Post-Human Landscape

A beautiful, lyrical exploration of the places where nature is flourishing in our absence

Freedom , by Sebastian Junger

Over the course of a year, Sebastian Junger, the New York Times bestselling author of Tribe , and three of his friends—a conflict photographer and two military veterans—challenged themselves to leave behind the creature comforts they were used to for the everyday struggles that come with life on the road. Using the railroad lines coursing up and down the East Coast as their guide, they set out on a mission to experience what life is like without the safety net provided by conventional food and shelter. They spent their weeks living in the elements, sleeping under overpasses, escaping railroad police and scrambling to cobble together each day’s meals. Freedom places the group’s experiment in independence into context with historical accounts of labor strikes, resistance movements and life on the open frontier, ultimately shedding new light on the meaning of community and freedom. “Junger contemplates the intersection of autonomy and coterie at a time when the word itself, while holding so much meaning, is so often misunderstood,” writes Sarah Sicard in a review for the Military Times .

Throughout history, humans have been driven by the quest for two cherished ideals: community and freedom. The two don’t coexist easily. We value individuality and self-reliance, yet are utterly dependent on community for our most basic needs. In this intricately crafted and thought-provoking book, Sebastian Junger examines the tension that lies at the heart of what it means to be human.

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A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.

Jennifer Nalewicki | | READ MORE

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Brooklyn-based journalist. Her articles have been published in The New York Times , Scientific American , Popular Mechanics , United Hemispheres and more. You can find more of her work at her website .

Michael Flatley was warned no to embarrass Irish dance in 1994 "Riverdance" performance

Thirty years on, the lord of the dance reveals that he was asked not to embarrass the irish dancing community during his eurovision song contest performance. .

Now, undoubtedly the most famous Irish dancer in the world, Michael Flatley has revealed that he was warned not to embarrass the Irish dance community by moving his arms.

On April 30, 1994, Michael Flatley and Jean Butler made history by performing "Riverdance" at the Eurovision Song Contest. Speaking to the BBC on "Riverdance's" 30th anniversary, Flatley admitted he was warned not to embarrass the Irish dance community on the night. 

Flatley told the BBC "Right before I went on stage, they came to me beside the stage and said 'Please… we're getting calls from all the dance teachers.

"‘Please don’t wave your arms around, you’re going to make us look ridiculous in front of the world, so can we just ask you this time, whatever happens, can you keep your arms down?’ And I said no."

That evening's "Riverdance" performance changed the landscape of Irish dance around the world. Flatley said the reception was more than he could have imagined. 

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He told the BBC, "We nailed it, my dream. For years I was working on construction sites and digging foundations in Chicago. During those freezing cold winters, I was creating those steps, in my dance style, in my mind that whole time. That’s what got me through the hard, laborious work."

Flatley had worked as a builder in the US. After the 1994 Eurovision, he went on to sell out arena tours with "Riverdance". He also created his own show "Lord of the Dance". 

He said all of this good fortune followed a difficult start in life. 

"I got bullied at school terribly, so I know what young lads go through and it’s trying, it’s mentally difficult. It’s stressful to have to walk into school and hope somebody doesn’t say something negative to you."

He added that he hopes his career will make it easier for other young boys who want to dance. 

Flatley said, "If you look at our dancers now in Lord of the Dance, the men are so powerfully built, they’ve taken it to a whole new level."

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10 Most impactful travel technology companies in 2024

1. travelperk.

• Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
• Other office locations: London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Miami
• Number of employees: 1,200
• Funding: Raised a total of US $513 million

Ready to revolutionize your business travel management? Simply book a demo and we'll show you how.

2. getyourguide.

• Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
• Other office locations: 18 global offices, including Vienna, Bangkok, New York  City, Dubai, and more
• Number of employees: 700+
• Funding: Raised a total of US $878 million over 11 rounds

3. Tripadvisor

• Headquarters: Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
• Other office locations: 18 global offices, including New York City, London, Milan, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, and more 
• Number of employees: 2,845
• Funding: Raised a total of US $303.3 million over 5 rounds

4. Booking.com

• Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Other office locations: Manchester, Tel Aviv, Singapore, New York, Shanghai
• Number of employees: 23,600

5. Hotel Engine

• Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
• Other office locations: Glendale, Colorado
• Number of employees: 500+
• Funding: Raised a total of US $81 million over 2 rounds

6. Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight)

• Headquarters: London, UK
• Other office locations: Singapore, Ghent, Berlin, London, Dallas, Denver, Sydney
• Funding: Raised a total of US $115 million over 6 rounds
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States of America
• Other office locations: Los Angeles, New York City, Berlin, Paris, and more
• Number of employees: 6,907
• Funding: Raised a total of US $6.4 billion over 30 rounds

8. Blablacar

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Other office locations: Madrid, Warsaw, Kyiv, São Paulo
• Number of employees: 600
• Funding: Raised a total of US $565 million over 11 rounds

9. Timeshifter

• Headquarters: Water Mill, New York, USA
• Other office locations: Southampton, New York, USA
• Number of employees: 11-20
• Funding: Raised a total of US $4.9 million over 3 rounds
• Other office locations: Prague, Beijing, London, New York
• Number of employees: 300
• Funding: Raised a total of US $480 million over 8 rounds

Travel tech makes booking travel easy

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Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
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Money latest: McDonald's to start selling bigger burgers - as it makes very rare changes to classic items

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Wednesday 1 May 2024 20:00, UK

• Bitcoin suffers nightmare month - and it's just got worse
• Key dates for Spotify customers, energy bills, free childcare and interest rates in May
• Wait for interest rate cut leads to surprise dip in house price growth
• McDonald's to start selling a bigger burger

Essential reads

• You're probably washing and storing your clothes wrong. Here's what you should do instead
• Turns out supermarket boss was right about self-checkouts
• State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'
• One of UK's top chefs reveals best Cheap Eats in Norfolk - and cling film tip for amazing veg
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Ask a question or make a comment

Are you struggling because of high interest rates? Sky News is keen to hear from people who are due to refix their mortgages this year or are on a variable rate or tracker mortgage or trying to get on the housing ladder. 

Email us your stories at  [email protected]  - or WhatsApp us  here .

The Fed has issued its latest policy statement, announcing it will keep interest rates at the same level. 

It did note inflation has eased over the past year, and it is still leaning towards eventual reductions in borrowing costs. 

However it pointed out recent disappointing inflation readings, suggesting moves towards more balance in the economy had stalled. 

If you're wondering why we're telling you this, it's because there is a link between the Fed's interest rate and the Bank of England's base rate. 

The interplay between the two can affect the value of the pound and currency alternatives such a gold.

Market expectations for the UK base rate are often heavily influenced by what's going on in the US. 

Untreated sewage was released into designated shellfish waters for 192,000 hours last year, new research has found.

The hours of sewage dumping were spread across 23,000 separate incidents.

Some fishing waters in Cornwall were forced to close last year after high levels of e.coli were found in oysters and mussels, and norovirus can also be transported via human waste.

Read the full story here ...

Shares in luxury carmaker Aston Martin have plummeted as much as 14% today after it announced bigger than expected losses. 

Aston Martin revealed adjusted pre-tax losses of £111m for the first three months of the year, compared with £57m a year earlier. 

Analysts had expected a loss of £93m. 

The losses were due to higher finance costs and the timings of its car launches.

B&Q is introducing plastic plant pot recycling stations at more than 100 of its stores across the UK. 

Customers will be able to drop off their unwanted pots in store so they can be recycled and turned into new planters. 

B&Q's 100% recycled plastic Blacksmith Planters will be available in stores for £4. 

UK supermarkets could soon see a "healthier" version of white bread, according to scientists.

A team of researchers at Aberystwyth University will be studying the milling and blending process for white flour.

Peas, beans and oats could be added to wheat flour to boost its nutritional value.

The research project has been funded by Innovate UK, the UK's national innovation agency.

Parents taking their kids to Taylor Swift concerts this summer might be worried their lack of knowledge will leave them feeling a bit left out.

But what if we told you you could be a mastermind?

That's the promise of a new college course ahead of the biggest pop star in the world hitting the UK in June.

The 7 May course, which is run by the  Glasgow Cylde College and is free, will give members of the public a jam-packed session that will leave them ready for the singer's upcoming  Eras Tour.

Those who enrol in a one-off college masterclass will learn about the pop star's music, set lists, crowd chants and even her "evolving wardrobe and hairstyles".

A statement on the college website reads: "Ahead of her hugely anticipated arrival, Glasgow Clyde College is offering a one time-only masterclass aimed at preparing parents and plus ones of Taylor superfans, providing the full Love Story on all things Eras Tour to help them have the best night of their lives.

"From set lists and crowd chants to need-to-know information on each Era, the masterclass, which is being delivered by a Taylor Swift expert, will give people a whistle-stop lesson that'll leave them ready for the gig."

You can book your Swiftie masterclass here .

The cocoa market is in a particularly turbulent period, with the price of the ingredient falling to its lowest level in a month. 

It comes after prices reached their highest peaks in more than four decades earlier in the year, making it reportedly more expensive than copper. 

Traders had been betting on an acute supply shortage driven by poor harvests in West Africa. 

However, the rally made it more expensive to maintain positions and prompted traders to pull out of the market - leaving the product vulnerable to big price swings. 

The price has now fallen by 16% since the end of last week, offering some relief to chocolate makers/eaters.

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales, according to Bloomberg. 

The mega-sized burger is reportedly designed to attract customers who want more filling patties. 

It will be introduced in certain markets first to test its appeal. 

McDonald's unveiled plans in December that bosses hope will boost growth by focusing on core menu items. 

The chain has seen sluggish sales, partly due to its perceived support of Israel in Middle East and Muslim-majority markets. 

McDonald's has denied taking any position in the ongoing conflict and said it is not responsible for the actions of its franchisees.

So far, it has launched an ad campaign highlighting what it says are improvements to its Big Mac, quarter pounder with cheese and double cheeseburger.

This is apparently the first time in the company's 84-year history that it has made changes to its classic burgers.

By Emily Mee , Money team

Discovering a hole in your favourite pair of jeans or a rip in your well-worn cosy jumper is certainly irritating - but it doesn't mean those items are destined for the bin. 

In fact, ethical fashion campaigners say that's the last place your items should be going. There is usually plenty you can do to repair them - or even to avoid damage in the first place. That way, you can keep your best-loved pieces in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Katrina Caspelich, from fair fashion campaign Remake, takes the Money blog through what you can do...

Store your clothes better

Clean them before storing them: Always ensure that clothes are clean before storing them. Launder or dry clean them according to the care instructions on the label. Stains and dirt can attract insects and cause fabric deterioration over time.

Use breathable storage containers: Opt for breathable storage containers such as cotton canvas bags or boxes instead of plastic bins. This allows air circulation and prevents moisture build up, which can lead to mould and mildew.

Avoid direct sunlight: Store clothes in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colours to fade and weaken fabric fibres over time.

Hang clothes properly: Invest in quality hangers that provide adequate support to garments. Use padded or wooden hangers for delicate items like suits, dresses and knits. Avoid using wire hangers, as they can cause garments to lose their shape. Don't hang wet clothes on hangers - they can stretch.

Use garment bags: For long-term storage of formal wear or seasonal clothing, consider using garment bags to protect items from dust, insects, and moisture.

Rotate clothing: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally to prevent garments from being stored for too long without use. This helps to prevent fabric deterioration and ensures that all pieces are worn regularly.

Avoid overcrowding: Avoid cramming clothes into storage containers or closets. Overcrowding can cause wrinkles, stretching and distortion of fabric fibres. Leave some space between garments to allow for air circulation.

Store leather items properly: Leather garments should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use padded hangers to maintain their shape and avoid folding, as creases can become permanent.

Does how you wash clothes make a difference?

What exactly makes a gentle wash gentle? For delicate fabrics, you should always use cool to lukewarm water. (Hot water isn't needed unless you are concerned about bacteria and diseases like COVID-19). 

Pro tip: Be wary of wringing out your wet clothes. It can seriously alter the shape of your garments.

Other options

Wash your stuff less. The only clothes that should always be washed after one wear are underwear and sweaty clothes. Most garments worn regularly should be okay to wear two to three times before washing. Unless your denim has a bad habit of stretching out, experts say you should wash them after three or four wears so they age better. You can also throw them in the freezer to kill bacteria.

Spot clean your clothes. To clean a spot, start by removing any excess spillage and blot away as much moisture as possible with a paper towel or hand towel. NO RUBBING. Use some stain remover or gentle detergent on just the stained spot. Let it air dry or use cool air to speed up the process.

Air dry. Hang your clothes outside, Italian style. For heavier items that could stretch when hanging, lay them out flat on a surface to dry.

When should you dry clean?

Read the care tags! Don't be so quick to adhere to every garment's dry clean only tag - there's lots of chemicals involved that lurk on dry-cleaned wool, cotton and polyester. Plus, lots of brands put those tags on when they lack confidence in our ability to properly and gently wash our clothes.

If it is made of wool, linen, silk, cotton or cashmere - which is likely a majority of your closet - these fabrications can handle gentle hand washes so long as you pre-treat and single wash anything with stains, as well as wash items in groups determined by fabrication and colour.

If you aren't 100% sure what exactly a garment is made of, you can always test a little spot under the sink water to see if you get a ton of colour bleeding, warping or shrinkage before going all in.

If your garment has any fancy embellishments, flocking or beads attached by glue then you should probably take it to the cleaners if it's not just in need of a little spot clean.

Pro tip: When you find yourself at the dry cleaners, you can try asking for alternatives like a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, which uses pressurized CO2 mixed with other gentle cleaning liquids as opposed to perc.  Another option is requesting a wet cleaning method , a wash that resembles a normal washing machine but utilises special soaps and conditioners for an extra gentle wash.

How do you know when a broken item is repairable, or when it's no longer usable?

It's important to always assess the extent of the damage. Small tears, missing buttons, loose hems or minor stains are usually repairable with basic sewing skills or by taking them to a tailor. 

Considering the condition of the fabric is also important. For example, if the fabric is in good shape apart from the damaged area, it may be worth repairing. 

However, if the fabric is severely worn out or faded in multiple places, it may not be worth repairing. Also, some types of damage such as large holes, extensive fraying or irreparable stains may render the garment unusable or not cost-effective to repair. 

Finally, it's important to consider the sentimental value of the item. If the piece holds sentimental value or is a high-quality piece, you may just want to hold on to it and invest in repairs.

If the item is no longer usable, you could upcycle or repurpose it. Get creative and turn the item into something new. Some ideas include turning old jeans into shorts, using fabric scraps for quilting or crafts, or transforming a worn-out tee into a cleaning rag. 

Donation is another option. If the clothing item is still in decent condition despite the damage, consider donating it to a local charity or thrift store as some organisations accept damaged clothing for recycling or repurposing.

Finally, look for textile recycling programmes in your area. Many communities have textile recycling centres or programmes that accept old clothing, even if it's damaged, to be recycled into new textiles or other products.

How about shoes?

Like clothing, extending the wear of your shoes requires proper care and maintenance. Some ideas include rotating your shoes between different pairs of shoes every day to allow each pair to air out and recover their shape between wears. 

Clean your shoes regularly to remove dust, dirt and stains. 

It's also a good idea to apply waterproofing spray to protect your shoes from water, stains, snow and other environmental damage. Like clothing, it's important to attend to any signs of damage or wear as soon as possible, replacing worn-out soles, repairing loose stitching, and fixing damaged heels to prevent further deterioration. Definitely consider taking your shoes to a professional cobbler for these regular repairs! 

By Connor Sephton , news reporter

Bitcoin has suffered its biggest monthly loss since June 2022 - amid signs that market euphoria is starting to cool.

The world's biggest cryptocurrency saw its price plunge by almost 15% in April.

Even though we're just 12 hours into a brand-new month, Bitcoin is continuing to fall further.

This digital asset is often valued in dollars rather than pounds - and certain price points tend to have psychological significance for traders.

Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin had successfully managed to avoid a big fall under $60,000 (about £48,000).

But all of that changed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

After the $60,000 threshold crumbled, a sharp drop to $57,000 soon followed.

So... with Bitcoin down 7% over the past 24 hours, what happens next?

Well - traders are now engaged in what can best be described as an arm wrestle.

If Bitcoin manages to hold stable around $57,000, its value may start to recover.

But if selling pressure grows as American investors start to wake up and see what's happened, further declines are to be expected.

Bitcoin has now fallen by 22% since hitting an all-time high of $73,750 in March - which technically puts this cryptocurrency in a bear market.

However, avid enthusiasts will insist this is nothing more than a healthy correction, and Bitcoin's longer-term prospects are good.

One thing is clear: this is a volatile asset, and investors should only put in whatever they can afford to lose.

In what seems to be becoming a daily occurrence, four more lenders have announced mortgage rate rises.

Halifax, BM Solutions and Virgin are all doing so for the second time in around a week. They're joined by Nottingham Building Society.

Halifax are increasing rates on purchase products by up to 0.2%; BM Solutions by up to 0.24%. These begin tomorrow.

Virgin increased rates on products between 0.08% and 0.2% yesterday evening, while Nottingham has lifted rates this morning by up to 0.25%.

Mortgage rates have spiked in the last two weeks as financial markets have moved from pricing in a base rate cut in June to thinking it will come in August. Expectations of three cuts this year are now two.

The backdrop is sticky inflation in the US - and concern the global and domestic battle against rising prices isn't over yet.

Skipton had actually announced some decreases - but any optimism from this proved momentary.

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice, told Newspage: "The atmosphere in the mortgage market is rather grim, with major players like Halifax, BM Solutions, Virgin and Nottingham Building Society repeatedly raising their fixed rates.

"This pattern of frequent rate hikes, sometimes occurring multiple times within a week, is casting a shadow over market sentiment. 

"The anticipated 'spring bounce' is nowhere in sight; instead, we're witnessing a continuation of mortgage woes. 

"Higher rates are expected to dampen buyer enthusiasm and potentially delay any positive momentum. 

"As for when borrowers can expect relief, it hinges on broader economic stabilisation. For now, the outlook remains cautious and subdued."

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