Best Travel and Adventure Books to Inspire Your Wanderlust
As an avid reader, I was always drawn to books that transported me to exotic locations and sparked my imagination. These travel and adventure books had the power to inspire wanderlust and make me yearn to explore the world. Whether fiction or non-fiction, each story offered a unique perspective on the transformative power of travel.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best books about travel that have fueled my passion for exploration. From classic tales of adventure to modern narratives of self-discovery, these stories will ignite your desire to embark on your own journey.
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I Married The Klondike – Laura Beatrice Berton
This memoir recounts the life of a 29-year-old kindergarten teacher from Toronto who moves to a mining town in the Yukon in 1907. Expecting a rough town, Laura discovers the decadent Paris of the North, Dawson City. The book beautifully depicts the harsh yet captivating life of a remote mining town, inspiring readers to explore the Yukon’s rugged landscapes and rich history.
Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
Published in 1719, this classic adventure travel book tells the story of an Englishman shipwrecked on a deserted island for 28 years. Crusoe’s survival story and his reflections on solitude and homecoming resonate with the traveller’s longing for discovery and adventure, making it one of the best books about travel and resilience.
The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
This tale of betrayal, love and revenge takes readers on an epic journey across France, Italy, Greece and Turkey. Dumas’ gripping narrative tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor wrongfully imprisoned on his wedding day. Dantès spends years in the grim Château d’If, where he meets a fellow prisoner who educates him and reveals the location of a hidden treasure. Upon escaping, Dantès retrieves the treasure and reinvents himself as the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo.
Dumas’ vivid descriptions transport readers to these destinations, making The Count of Monte Cristo a top pick among fiction books about travel. The book inspires travel through its evocative portrayal of these locales and the sense of adventure that permeates the story.
The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s thriller is a whirlwind tour across Europe, filled with conspiracy theories and hidden symbols. The book’s detailed references to landmarks like the Louvre and Rosslyn Chapel inspire readers to follow in the footsteps of the protagonist, Robert Langdon, and explore these historic sites themselves.
It will definitely inspire travel in anyone wanting to follow in the footsteps of Robert Langdon, Brown’s infallible hero. The book is largely fiction, with certain historical elements interwoven into the narrative that will spark your imagination.
The King’s Deception – Steve Berry
Steve Berry is easily one of my favourite writers. His books are an entertaining blend of history, intrigue and modern-day adventure. The King’s Deception doesn’t disappoint. Berry’s modern-day adventure features ex-secret agent Cotton Malone unravelling mysteries in London. Cotton must deal with bad guys while navigating the treacherous game of not knowing who he can trust. Meanwhile, he must rescue his kidnapped son and another boy entrusted to his care. This book blends history, intrigue, and travel, making it one of the best travel and adventure books that will have you yearning to explore London’s historical sites.
I love this book because it takes you on a tour of London of today and the past. It explores the actual historical events and plays up some theories that lasted through the years. What is true and what is made up will definitely make you search for answers. Berry also incorporates a lot of historical facts that he blends creatively into a fictional narrative.
The Odyssey – Homer
This ancient Greek epic follows the Greek hero Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Lost at sea for ten years, Odysseus encounters a series of mythical foes, including the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the enchantress Circe. His long journey takes him to various islands and regions around the Mediterranean, each filled with its own challenges and wonders.
The adventures and mythical encounters along the Mediterranean, described with Homer’s poetic brilliance, paint a captivating picture of the ancient world, making it one of the best travel and adventure books.
The Romanov Prophecy – Steve Berry
What happened to the Russian royal family is no secret. In 1918, the Bolsheviks brutally murdered Nicholas, the last tsar of Russia, along with his wife and five children. It was a dark period in the country’s history, filled with upheaval and disenchantment. Over the years, many claimed to be the miraculously surviving children of the tsar. However, no evidence exists that anyone from the family managed to live to tell the tale.
This thrilling narrative imagines a modern-day search for the lost Romanov heirs, taking readers on a suspenseful journey through Russia and the US. The plot is simple. Modern-day Russian people want to bring back the monarchy. A search for the closest relative of the tsar ensues, but nothing is as it seems. Berry’s blend of historical fiction and adventure makes this a compelling read that will inspire travel to Russia.
The Six Sacred Stones – Matthew Reilly
Reilly’s action-packed novel follows Jack West and his team as they race to prevent the world’s destruction by finding six ancient stones scattered across the globe. As the stones are conveniently scattered around the world, it’s never a smooth ride, and there is lots at stake. This adventure travel book takes readers from Egypt to Stonehenge to China, sparking a desire to explore these iconic locations.
Matthew Reilly has written several books featuring Jack West and his team. I have read a number of them, and I have enjoyed them immensely. You are definitely left wondering about the secrets ancient monuments hide. Who knows? You might even want to check them out yourself.
The Story of My Life – Giacomo Casanova
Casanova’s memoirs offer a fascinating glimpse into the 18th-century European courts and the intimate lives of the people of the time. Known for his charm and numerous romantic escapades, Casanova travelled extensively across Europe, engaging in various adventures and intrigues.
Casanova’s detailed accounts of his travels vividly portray life in the 18th century, including the fashion, etiquette and social norms of the time. His memoirs are a historical document that brings to life the cities he visited. This makes The Story of My Life one of the best books to inspire travel to historic European cities, allowing readers to walk in the footsteps of one of history’s most enigmatic figures.
The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas
Dumas’ classic tale of young D’Artagnan and his adventures with the Musketeers in 17th-century France is filled with intrigue, chivalry and romance. The story begins with D’Artagnan leaving his home in Gascony to join the elite Musketeers of the Guard in Paris. Along the way, he befriends Athos, Porthos and Aramis, and together, they embark on a series of thrilling adventures involving duels, political intrigue, and secret missions.
The Three Musketeers takes readers through the elegant streets of Paris, the lush French countryside, and even the coastal fortresses and the royal court. It is one of the best travel and adventure books, sparking a love for French history and culture.
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
This allegorical novel follows a young shepherd named Santiago on his journey across the Egyptian desert, searching for a hidden treasure. Along the way, Santiago meets various characters who teach him profound life lessons. The Alchemist is celebrated for its spiritual wisdom and motivational insights, making it one of the best travel and adventure books. It encourages readers to pursue their personal dreams and inspires travel by highlighting the importance of the journey itself.
Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
This non-fiction account details the journey of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his possessions and savings to travel into the Alaskan wilderness. McCandless’s quest for self-discovery and freedom highlights the allure of adventure and the dangers of unpreparedness. Krakauer’s narrative is a powerful exploration of the human spirit’s desire for exploration, making it one of the best books about travel and the challenges of surviving in nature.
Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir chronicles her year-long journey through Italy, India and Indonesia following a difficult divorce. Divided into three sections, the book explores her indulgence in Italian cuisine, spiritual pursuit in India, and search for balance in Bali. This modern classic is one of the best travel and adventure books for those seeking personal growth and transformation through travel. Gilbert’s vivid descriptions of the cultures and landscapes she encounters will inspire travel and self-discovery.
On the Road – Jack Kerouac
This iconic novel of the Beat Generation captures the spirit of adventure and freedom found in cross-country road trips. Through the eyes of Sal Paradise, Kerouac narrates a series of journeys across the US in the late 1940s. The novel’s spontaneous and unrestrained narrative style embodies the essence of adventure travel books. It inspires travel by celebrating the thrill of the open road and the diverse experiences found along the way.
The Beach – Alex Garland
Set in Thailand, this thrilling adventure novel follows backpacker Richard as he discovers an idyllic, hidden beach community. What begins as a paradise soon reveals darker, more dangerous undercurrents. Garland’s gripping narrative explores themes of utopia and disillusionment, making it one of the best books about travel and searching for perfect destinations. The vivid setting descriptions will inspire travel to Southeast Asia while also questioning the impact of tourism on pristine locations.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
Strayed’s memoir recounts her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail following a series of personal tragedies. Overcoming physical and emotional challenges, Strayed’s journey is a testament to the healing power of nature and adventure. Wild is one of the best travel and adventure books for those looking to be inspired by tales of personal growth through travel. Strayed’s raw and honest storytelling will resonate with anyone seeking redemption and self-discovery in the great outdoors.
In a Sunburned Country – Bill Bryson
Bryson’s humorous and insightful travelogue of his journey through Australia provides an entertaining and informative look at the country’s unique culture and landscapes. From the bustling cities to the vast outback, Bryson’s adventures highlight the quirks and wonders of Australia. This book is among the best travel books for its blend of humour and factual information, making readers laugh while also inspiring travel to the land down under.
The Motorcycle Diaries – Ernesto Che Guevara
This memoir recounts Ernesto Che Guevara’s early travels through South America on a motorcycle. Guevara’s reflections on the social injustices and cultural richness he encounters are powerful and transformative. The Motorcycle Diaries is one of the best travel and adventure books for understanding how travel can shape one’s worldview. Guevara’s vivid descriptions of South America’s landscapes and peoples inspire travel and a deeper appreciation for the continent’s diversity.
A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson
In this classic travel memoir, Bryson recounts his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with his friend Stephen Katz. Blending humour with detailed observations of nature, Bryson’s narrative is both entertaining and enlightening. A Walk in the Woods is one of the best books about travel and the American wilderness. Bryson’s engaging storytelling inspires travel and adventure, encouraging readers to explore the beauty and challenges of long-distance hiking.
Final thoughts on travel and adventure books
Whether you’re looking for the best travel books to fuel your wanderlust or fiction travel books that transport you to distant lands, these titles will inspire travel and adventure. Each book offers a unique perspective on different parts of the world, blending historical facts, fictional narratives, and compelling characters to ignite your imagination and sense of discovery. Happy reading and happy travels!
