Best Travel Books to Inspire Wanderlust

When the bags aren’t packed and the tickets aren’t purchased, we can still escape on an adventure – all you need is a good travel book. With a good story in hand and a bit of imagination in your head, you can take a wild journey from the comfort of your couch! We’ll cover the best travel books to inspire wanderlust.

No matter where you’re dreaming of traveling, or how you plan on getting there, there’s a book for you! This is part one of a series of travel books to keep the travel bug alive. From funny fictional tales to young adult to historical accounts, we’ll cover it all! This list features 5 books from every continent and 5 of my favorite general travel books!

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Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James

This book stayed on my “to-be-read” list for months before I had the courage to read it. Once we were confined I figured it was safe to read and I’m glad I waited. Kyle and his girlfriend Ashley (Ash) pack up their lives to travel for four months. (I was scared to read it because I was afraid that I’d do the same haha). I love the fresh perspective of honesty and #RealTravel. They don’t rush from place to place checking off lists – sometimes travel includes a hangover the night before, or fighting with your partner- hey, it happens!

Hold the Enlightenment: More Travel, Less Bliss by Tim Cahill

Another book about the real side of travel, this collection of essays will have you saying both “I want to do that” and “oh my, he is crazy!” Either way, putting this collection of essays down would be difficult.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

A classic travel book now and still one of my favorites (as much as I love Julia Roberts, the book is better). The struggle of leaving our comfort zone is one we all have to face when traveling. My favorite quote is “Happiness is the consequence of personal effort.” Reminds me to take chances.

A Moveable Feast: Life-Changing Food Adventures Around the World by a number of authors

Another collection from well-known writers and travelers, this book focuses on one of the best parts of traveling – the food. Food connects us more than our differences. A Moveable Feast celebrates food from all over the world and how it connects & nourishes us.

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman

Kristin was pulled in a few different directions – baby showers and weddings – not to mention her fast-paced job as a sitcom writer. She traveled the world a few weeks a year in order to get the connection she wanted (albeit in some ways I personally wouldn’t – but it makes a good read) with the freedom she needed. A mixture of candid self-reflection, travel tales, and laugh-out-loud storytelling this book is hard to put down.

Out of Africa by Karen Blixen

If a trip to Africa is on your bucket list, I can’t recommend this book enough. The detailed descriptions of African plains and savannah will have you aching to go! The experience of seeing these animals on a safari is one that you’ll never forget.

Long Walk to Freedom: Nelson Mandela

This autobiography is a must read if visiting South Africa! His life and struggles, as well as the struggles of South Africa are truly an inspiration.

Whatever you Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison

This is a collection of both hilarious and terrifying tales of living as a safari guide. The first piece of advice I got from a safari guide? Food runs. So you don’t. Always remember to respect nature when on a safari.

Sahara by Michael Palin

An iconic book about Africa – this changed the way I looked at Africa as a whole. The Sahara always seemed like a far away destination, but the detailed exploration of this region is inspiring! I was only able to visit a small section during my visit to Egypt, so I am aching to go back.

A House in Fez by Suzanna Clark

A couple falls in love with Morocco (who hasn’t, am I right?) and decide to buy a fixer-upper as a second home. Learn about Moroccan architecture, religion, and way of life while enjoying this heartwarming novel.

Empire Antarctica by Gavin Francis

It’s said to be easier to evacuate a casualty from the International Space Station than to bring someone out of the British research station Halley in winter. Gavin Francis spent 14 months isolated in this remote base, living with emperor penguins. His book combines a great narrative with a sensitivity to the natural world.

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Sir Ernest Shackleton is the hero of early Antarctic exploration. The fact that he was able to bring his ENTIRE crew home safely after 18 months in the harshest of conditions. When visiting this continent on modern-day ships, it’s humbling to know what the first explorers did.

Terra Incognita by Sara Wheeler

When people think of Antarctica, they often think of the scientists holed up in cabins covered in snow. Sara gives us an inside look into the scientific research on the continent during her seven months living there. When visiting the bases, it was nice to have this context of the scientists who have lived there before.

Antarctic Peninsula: A Visitor’s Guide by British Antarctic Survey

While the explorers of this continent are impressive – so is the natural history. Antarctica is unlike any other place on the planet. Learning about the plants and animals (yes, including penguins!) can help appreciate the untamed beauty of the continent. Updated recently about the effects of climate change, this is a powerful read.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

This was the first book I read before heading to Japan, and inspired me to stay in Gion when we were in Kyoto. I learned a lot about the Geisha culture (and Japanese history in general). I loved the way the history was presented in the novel.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzi

This book has had a huge impact on me personally, but also helped me learn about the Middle East. Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban for standing up for girls’ education. She tells her courageous journey while educating the reader about events currently happening in the Middle East. There is also a version for kids as well.

The Beach by Alex Garland

Thailand actually closed the beach that is featured in “The Beach” due to overtourism. The book and movie were huge hits (maybe thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio), so it’s still worth a read if you’re dreaming of the island life!

The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright

This book engulfed me in stark cultural differences between India and the United States. It’s the story of a boy who was orphaned in India then adopted by a family in the United States.

The King in Exile by Sudha Shah

King Thibaw & Queen Supalayat of Burma who were exiled to (British-occupied) India. They furitvely hold onto their Burmese rituals while trying to blend in India. You’ll learn about the places and rituals of Burma.

Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, Inferno – all by Dan Brown

I put all three of these together because if you don’t like Dan Brown’s writing then you have four other choices about Europe. If you do like his writing, then these three mystery/action novels will have you craving a trip to Rome, Paris, and Florence respectively.

The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

The author weaves together real facts and legends with his imagination for a tale about walking the Camino de Santiago. While it won’t help you plan a walk along this route, it is an inspiration!

Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

This captivating book (& now series) made me fall in love with Scotland all over again! Though they take place in Scotland, Paris, Jamaica, and even America – the nomadic life of Jamie and Claire will spark your wanderlust.

The Fish Can Sing by Halldor Laxness

Halldor is one of the most revered authors in Iceland (and he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955). This novel is about an orphan who grew up with an elderly fisherman & some eccentric house guests. It’s a fascinating insight to Icelandic life in the early 20th century.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is one of the few mystery writers I actually like. The backdrop of this spine-chilling book is the Orient Express – starting its journey from Istanbul to present-day Croatia.

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

This novel follows the parallel lives of grandmother and granddaughter as they both try to find love and their place in the Cuba of their time. It’s set in both modern-day Cuba and old Cuba during the revolution. It’s educational without being boring!

My First New York: Early Adventures in the Big City

This book captures New York City in a variety of times – when models, fashion designers, artists, writers, and actors arrive there. Personalities in the book include Liza Minnelli to Danny DeVito.

The Shipping News by Annie Proulx

The story follows Quoyle, a man who leaves his unfaithful wife and takes his two daughters to the beautiful coast of Newfoundland. An internal struggle to find out that love is possible without pain. Her description of Newfoundland will have you booking a trip to Canada in the future.

Anne of Greenwr Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

This classicwr novel features the story of orphan Anne Shirley who arrives at the Green Gables farmhouse. The landscapes described are of Prince Edward Island in Canada and will make you want to visit.

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

Cheryl life’s was falling apart at only 22 – her mother died, her family scattered, and her own marriage was soon destroyed. She impulsively decided to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail without any experience or training. Talk about inspiring you to break out of your comfort zone!

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Mix together some history of a country, anecdotal stories, interesting situations, and a unique sense of humor and you get a page-turner!

Wrong Way Around by Lorna Hendry

Traveling around Australia is on everyone’s bucket list. This family does it in a 4WD and camper trailer with two sons. They navigated through hard times and rugged landscapes – coming out stronger together.

Tracks by Robyn Davidson

This is the ultimate solo female travel novel! Robyn WALKED 1,700 miles across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels. Her focus is on the landscape, the animal companions, and her brushes with disaster.

Adventures in Caravanastan by Greg Bearup

Gap years aren’t just for high school seniors. Gregg and his partner Lisa take a gap year with their 1 year old son. They travel around Australia in a caravan and this book covers the places visited and the people they meet along the way.

The Bone People by Kerri Hulme

This isn’t an easy read, but it is worth it. The depth that Kerri writes is impressive – the internal battle between good and bad is ever present. It also gives you a great look at the Maori (native New Zealand people) culture.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

Trekking to Machu Picchu is on my bucket list and this book is a must-read before visiting. Mark makes the hike but also teaches us about the local people of Peru he meets along the way.

The Lost City of Z by David Zann

This immersive novel will inspire your own expeditions. Percy and his son go missing in the Amazon while looking for the Lost World of Z! Learn about the Amazon jungle while accompanying them on this journey.

The Argentina Reader by Gabriela Nouzeilles & Graciela Montaldo

This is your essential, comprehensive look at the history and culture of Argentina. Different than most books as it’s not a novel, but a collection of songs, articles, scholarly essays, poems and short stories. There are also photos from the National Archives and a list for further reading. This book gives a great look into the complex history of Argentina.

Black Sugar by Miguel Bonnefoy

Set in Venezuela, this story starts with privateer Henry Morgan’s demise and his treasure ending up beneath the rainforest. The country develops above the treasure. A few hundred years later, the Otera family farms sugar cane. Serena, their child, wanders the rainforest cataloging the plants she finds. A stranger comes to their land to seek the treasure once lost. This book has incredible imagery descriptions about the Venezuelan rainforest.

Miss-Adventures: Backpacking Around South America by Amy Baker

This is a light-hearted memoir about traveling around the entire continent. Amy discusses her experiences – the good, the worrying, and the embarrassing! You may find yourself laughing out loud. Each chapter starts with “helpful advice” dished out by people before her travels. She then dissects it and rates it on accuracy.