9 Best Books For Travellers And Explorers | Fuel The Traveller Within You

Right now, most of us are sitting at home, reminiscing the wonderful times we got to travel and perhaps even making travel plans for later. A great way to get over the pandemic blues is to feed the wanderlust with books about travel. Hearing about the travel escapades of others is the next best thing to going on travel escapades yourself, isn’t it? That’s why, today we’ve made for you a list of 9 best books for travellers and explorers to fuel the traveller within you.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

The quintessential travel book, this follows the story of a divorced woman who copes with the loss of her identity in marriage with solo travel. As the title suggests, she travels to Italy to eat, India to pray and Bali to love. The experiences she has during this year of travel enrich her life and make her feel full. This book will change your perspective on travelling altogether.

Aleph by Paulo Coelho

Most of Coelho’s books, such as The Alchemist, Zahir and Aleph are stories of journeys, and the lessons learnt during them. Aleph, in particular, follows our protagonist on his journey through Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway. On this journey, he meets Hilal, his lover in a past life and encounters gypsies. This book is partly philosophy, partly a travelogue and partly fiction.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

This classic work of travel fiction chronicles the life and experiences of Jack Kerouac and his friend Neal Cassady as they explore the North American continent. The bohemian lifestyle and energy of youth make it a weirdly inspirational read. And as the cherry on top,  Kerouac’s immense love for both travel and his country shine through in this moving ode to freedom and being alive.

The Geography of Lost Things by Jessica Brody

This contemporary romance with a travel twist is the story of Ali. After her father passes away, she teams up with her ex-boyfriend Nico to go on a long trip in her father’s car. Together, they amass significant objects in order to sell them and earn enough money to buy Ali’s childhood home. In the process, Ali learns that not everything about her father’s life had been as perfect as she assumed. A little romance and a lot of travel – it’s the perfect combination, right?

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

This non-fiction book is a guide for travellers – not about what to explore and how to explore, but about how to tackle practical issues while travelling. Taking time off busy schedules and ensuring financial security in the process, adjusting to life on the road and dealing with issues that crop up while travelling are only some of the topics this book deals with. Supplementing the gnawing passion for travel with resourceful plans of action that will help readers carry it out, this novel is perfect for aspiring world tourists.

Notes on a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Bryson penned this non-fiction travel novel at the end of his two decade long stay in Britain.. In this novel, he has described his eclectic experiences in the country as well as offered an insightful commentary on the social, political and other conditions in it.  He writes it as if he would write his own personal diary, but it simultaneously feels like a tourist guide. What’s more, it is replete with his characteristic humour and satire.

Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

This novel is a philosophical treatise disguised as a journey to Machu Picchu  in Peru in search of a manuscript. This spiritual mystery makes the book all the more enticing. It offers nine insights into life, and also an exploration of a land not many have explored – Peru. And by exploration – I don’t mean just descriptions of the physical landscape but also a deep understanding of Eastern traditions rooted in New Age philosophy.

The Beach by Alex Garland

This travel thriller follows our protagonist Richard, an English backpacker who arrives in Bangkok. At his hostel, he is given a map to a forgotten, forbidden island that seems like heaven on earth – it is full of natural beauty and offers the perfect lifestyle. With his French friends, he takes it upon himself to explore this mysterious island. But the island is not what it promises to be. What ensues is a spine-chilling and surprisingly dark story, one that is absolutely impossible to put down.

Unlikely Destinations by Tony and Maureen Wheeler

Authored by the founders of the publishing company Lonely Planet that produces travel guides for places all over the world, this novel includes their personal story. Hence, it also includes their business history in addition to their autobiography and travelogue. Full of offbeat travel destinations, forgotten roads and even the process of making travel books, this book is both informative and a page turner. If business and travel both interest you, this book is definitely in its way to becoming your favourite.

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