A good book can transport you to distant lands, or be the perfect companion while you’re relaxing on a sun-kissed beach. Whether you’re seeking inspiration from home or a thrilling escape while on holiday, there’s a book for every mood.
6 travel books to spark your wanderlust
Craving travel inspiration? These non-fiction books ignite your sense of adventure, taking you to some of the most fascinating places on Earth, and compelling you to pack your bags and explore the world.
1. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson
Setting: Appalachian Trail, USA
This classic travel memoir sees Bill Bryson attempting to hike the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world. His journey brims with wit, mishaps, and breathtaking descriptions of the American wilderness. Bryson’s sharp humour and engaging storytelling will inspire you to discover the great outdoors for yourself. And with our activities travel insurance, you can Go without the doubt.
2. “The Motorcycle Diaries” by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara
Setting: South America
Before he became a revolutionary, Che Guevara was a young medical student embarking on a motorcycle journey across South America. The Motorcycle Diaries chronicles his adventures through Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, offering readers an insight into his transformation as he witnesses the inequality and struggles of the continent’s people.
The book is as much about personal growth as it is about travel; a must-read for those who seek travel experiences that also provoke deep reflection.
3. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Setting: Italy, India, Indonesia
In this memoir, Elizabeth Gilbert takes readers on her year-long journey to find balance and meaning after a difficult divorce. She travels to Italy to experience pleasure, India to seek spiritual fulfilment, and Bali for balance. Eat, Pray, Love is not just a travelogue but a journey of personal discovery, making it perfect for those looking for both external and internal adventure.
4. “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner
Setting: Iceland, Bhutan, Moldova, and beyond
In The Geography of Bliss, Eric Weiner embarks on a quest to find the world’s happiest places. From Iceland’s frozen beauty to the serenity of Bhutan, this book takes you on a journey across several countries, each with its own unique take on happiness. Weiner’s sharp, funny observations will lead you to reflect on the meaning of happiness and perhaps inspire a visit to some of these lesser-explored destinations.
5. “Tracks” by Robyn Davidson
Setting: Australian Outback
Robyn Davidson’s memoir Tracks is an incredible story of her 1,700-mile solo trek across the Australian desert, accompanied only by four camels and her dog. Battling extreme conditions, isolation, and self-doubt, Davidson’s account is raw, inspirational, and empowering. Her vivid descriptions of the vast Australian outback will make you yearn for wide-open spaces and the freedom of the road.
6. “In an Antique Land” by Amitav Ghosh
Setting: Egypt and India
Amitav Ghosh’s In an Antique Land blends travel writing with history, taking readers between modern-day Egypt and medieval India. Through his exploration of a 12th-century Jewish merchant’s letters, Ghosh delves into ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges. The book offers a rich portrait of life in both countries, making it a fascinating read for history buffs and travel enthusiasts alike.
6 gripping holiday reads to keep you hooked
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or on a long-haul flight, these gripping books will keep you entertained throughout your holiday. Featuring both new releases and timeless classics, they’re perfect for those moments when you want to get lost in a story.
1. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
Setting: Ancient Greece
Madeline Miller’s Circe is a retelling of the life of the mythical enchantress from Homer’s Odyssey. Set in ancient Greece, the novel explores Circe’s journey from a misunderstood goddess to a powerful, independent woman. With lush prose and captivating storytelling, Circe is a spellbinding read for those looking to immerse themselves in a different time and place.
2. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Setting: Barcelona, Spain
Set in post-war Spain, The Shadow of the Wind is a literary thriller about a young boy who discovers a mysterious book in a forgotten library. As he delves deeper into the book’s origins, he uncovers dark secrets and a story of love, revenge, and intrigue. Zafón’s atmospheric descriptions of Barcelona’s winding streets will transport you straight to the city, making this novel an unputdownable read.
3. “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts
Setting: India
If you’re looking for a sweeping epic, Shantaram offers an unforgettable journey through the underworld of Bombay. Based on the author’s real-life experiences as an escaped convict, the novel combines romance, adventure, and philosophical musings on life. The vibrant and chaotic streets of Bombay come alive in this novel, making it an exhilarating read for armchair travellers.
4. “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith
Setting: Italy
For lovers of psychological thrillers, Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley is a masterclass in suspense. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Italy, the novel follows Tom Ripley, a charming but deeply troubled young man, as he becomes entangled in deceit and murder. Highsmith’s tightly woven plot will keep you on edge from beginning to end – perfect for a beachside thriller.
5. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
Setting: North Carolina, USA
Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing is part mystery, part coming-of-age story. Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, it follows Kya, a young girl abandoned by her family, as she grows up in isolation. The richly described setting and gripping plot make it an absorbing read, ideal for when you want to lose yourself in another world.
6. “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Setting: Mexico
For those craving something dark and eerie, Mexican Gothic is a Gothic horror novel set in the remote Mexican countryside. The story follows Noemí, a glamorous socialite who is sent to rescue her cousin from a crumbling mansion with sinister secrets. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this is the perfect atmospheric read for a holiday escape into the mysterious.
Whether you’re looking to be inspired by real-life adventures or get lost in a page-turning novel, these books offer something for every traveller, evoking emotions as they transport you from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the haunting beauty of the Australian Outback.
So, next time you’re packing for a trip, don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for one – or more – of these incredible books.
Safe travels, and happy reading.