A great thing about travelling is that you have all the time to read while you are on the road. Probably, the only time you ever get to read as a traveller. Luckily, there are an astounding number of travel books to match the amount of time available. From travel memoirs and comic novels to classic works of fiction, travel books have all it takes to spark your wanderlust as a globetrotter. Here is a list, in no particular order, of the five best books to read as a traveller.
1. “The Beach” by Alex Garland (This is my removal guy’s favourite book)
Visiting the land of Smiles is a great adventure, but it can become spicier with imagination from “The Beach.” Visit Thailand for the first time, through the experiences of Richard, a backpacker who seeks to find a hidden beach believed to be an exotic paradise. The Beach perfectly paints a picture of Thai disgusting guesthouses, and the streets full of other backpackers like Richard in the quest to find paradise, with caves and beaches undiscovered, and were probably under the reign of drug kingpins.
2. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece, The Alchemist, is one to be devoured. This book tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd boy, and his quest to find treasure in the pyramids. In his search, he discovers riches way different and far more satisfying than he expected. Most travellers, like you, are in search of something in their expeditions, whether it’s exotic cuisines, fascinating archaeology, or a connection with nature’s finest all over the world. However, while you are busy searching for what is outside, you discover a piece of yourself you never knew existed. This is exactly what happened to Santiago in The Alchemist. Despite this book being an oldie, it sure does spark the spirit of adventure and the quest to discover what is out there and what lies deep within us.
3. “Blue Highways: A Journey Into America” by William Least Heat-Moon
Impelled by two devastating losses, his job, and his wife, Least Heat-Moon set out on a road trip across America, sticking to highways marked in blue on his map. He sets out on a voyage of self-discovery. Heat-Moon discovers that the small towns everyone passes en route to big cities have equally as much to offer, in some cases more. According to him, from his experiences, every place is a gem and has much more than meets the eye. Through this book, he paints perfect pictures of unforgettable experiences through average locations.
4. “Dark Star Safari” by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux shares his enthralling experience as he traverses the African continent from Cairo to Cape Town. Here, he paints a vibrant portrait of Africa, his encounter with tourists, locals, and aid workers on his road trip across Africa, and its staggering beauty. He travels by bus, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, canoe, and train and is faced with a couple of dilemmas, all of which make his road trip across Africa worthwhile. If you plan to travel to Africa, this book will get you in the mood for an adventure of a lifetime.
5. “Vagabonding” by Rolf Potts
Closing the list is Vagabonding, a life-changing book for those with a spirit of adventure. Rolf Potts’s work is full of lessons on how to be brave, take some time off life’s routine, and experience the world on different terms over an extended overseas trip. Learn about extended travel, from how to budget while travelling to changing your perception of money. In short, Vagabonding teaches what it takes to build a nomadic life and find peace and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Whether planning your next trip or already en-route to your next destination, any of these top books will give you the best company and ignite the spark you need as a traveller.