Get into the spirit of traveling with a few of these recommended reads.
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal
This emotional tale of two sisters, long buried secrets and a devastating truth. After finding that her sister may not have been killed, Kit travels to New Zealand to reminisce on memories from the past and search for answers around the wellbeing of her sister. This book is about unearthing new truths, regaining relationships and finding new family along the way.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
This best seller was awarded ‘One of the Best Books of the Year’ from NPR and has been featured on numerous famous book club lists. This tells the story of twenty-two year old, Cheryl Strayed who after suffering from the loss of her mother and her marriage, made the impulsive decision to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with no training. This story captures the terrors and pleasures of one woman’s healing journey told through suspense and humor.
Blue Highways: A Journey into America by William Least Heat-Moon
This book recounts the backroad adventures of William Least Heat-Moon as he traveled to Americas least known little towns. You will hear stories of his adventures, discoveries and recollections of the amazing people he encountered along the way. This is a great book to read before you set out on your next road-trip and will encourage you to take a stop in some of the smaller towns along the way.
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. Creating a secret small community, doing idyllic chores everyday – planting, fishing and construction – until this thin slice of civilization crumbles through a series of incidents. It fulfills every travelers dream of finding a beautiful paradise unknown to many.
In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Follows Bill’s hilarious journey through the sunbaked deserts and endless coastlines of Australia as he avoids getting killed by the deadly wildlife. It’s not your typical guidebook to Australia, but is full of fun and interesting facts and is considered a must-read if you plan on traveling there. Bill gives you an unfiltered view of Australia, its quirks, and the people through entertaining storytelling and history.
East of the Sun by Julia Gregson
This international bestseller brilliantly captures the lives of three young women on their way to a new life in India during the 1920s. They are part of the “Fishing Fleet”—the name given to the legions of English women who sail to India each year in search of husbands, and unaware of the life that awaits them. From the parties of the wealthy Bombay socialites to the poverty of Tamarind Street to the sooty streets of London, this is a book that has fantastic storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris
This is the memoir detailing Kate Harris’ year spent cycling along the Silk Road in search of new places off of the beaten trail. Kate details remote places very rarely written about, along with the history and its borders. This story will inspire you to travel to the less known places and embrace the discomfort of new places and circumstances.
Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert
No travel book club is complete without mentioning this classic based on a true story. It is a story of a woman who decides to end her marriage and go on a journey of discovery. Set in three beautiful locations of the world Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Bali (Love). Each part of the journey will inspire you to book a ticket and follow your dreams.
A Moveable Feast (Life Changing Food Adventures Around The World) by Don George
Perfect for the foodie traveler, A Moveable Feast is a compilation of 38 foodie tales from famous chefs, writers and foodies from around the world. These stories highlight the love of food and the power it has to bring people together. These short stories will give you a background of the culture and have you planning your next food travel tour.
The Rings of Saturn by W.G. Sebald
W.G. Sebald recounts a walking tour of the English county of Suffolk. This book provides descriptions of the places and people he encounters with stories that range from the history of herring fishing, to colonialism in the Congo, to the reign of a Chinese empress. This is a reminder to take it slow, seek out stories and encourage you to become a more thoughtful traveler.
Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
This is the story of a travel blogger who overcomes her fears of the ocean to sail across the Pacific Ocean with her new boyfriend. Somewhere along the way she finds herself battling to keep the old boat, the new relationship, and her floundering sanity afloat. Torre describes the beautiful scenery, the people and experiences that will make you want to follow in her footsteps. This hilarious and harrowing memoir isn’t your typical travel love story.
Books about traveling inspire us to visit far off lands and ignite our fire for adventure. This is our list of top reads to inspire you to dream of your next vacation and feed your wanderlust.
