A Travel Writer’s Picks:18 Books That Will Inspire Your Next Adventure
Travel interest has returned to people’s minds, with the travel book category experiencing a sales increase of more than 20% in the past year, as indicated by recent Nielsen data. #Bookstagram and #TravelGoals dominate social media platforms, while book clubs actively seek new wanderlust stories. People increasingly turn to memoirs and adventure tales for inspiration.
If you’re planning a trip or settling into your favorite chair at home, the appropriate travel book can instantly transport you worldwide. This recommended reading list features 18 diverse books, including mountain-top memoirs and globe-circling achievements, that will energize your upcoming journey and expand your worldview while possibly shifting your perspective on life.
Call You When I Land by Nikki Vargas
Nikki Vargas’s memoir illustrates how travel can foster self-discovery and resilience while demonstrating its redemptive power. The Colombian-born editor of Unearth Women guides readers through an engaging exploration of romantic relationships and career transitions, including navigating long-distance partnerships.
Her candid approach to independence through exploration stands out as inspiring, alongside her message about embracing adventure in every stage of life.
Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James
Have you ever considered leaving your office job behind to wander across various countries based on impulse? Kyle James and his partner abandoned their office jobs to embark on a 114-day journey through fifteen countries. The authentic diary-like narrative documents their journey across multiple countries, including thrilling moments and unexpected funny incidents when traveling without a detailed itinerary.
This selection will satisfy anyone who longs for impromptu adventures and genuine experiences. The growing trend of millennials taking career breaks to have a “gap year for grownups” makes this book especially relevant.
Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo
Jessica Nabongo earned the title of the first Black woman to visit every nation worldwide, and her travelogue seamlessly marries breathtaking visuals with progressive storytelling.
Through her vivid narratives from every country on earth, Jessica Nabongo combines striking photography with profound reflections on identity and connections while challenging stereotypes. The book honors the spirit of cultural exploration and the bravery of transforming traditional travel stories.
World Travel by Anthony Bourdain & Laurie Woolever
Missed Bourdain? His explorations continue here. Anthony Bourdain’s global perspectives, compiled in this posthumous collection by his longtime collaborator Laurie Woolever, reveal his signature voice through quirky and insightful narratives. His essays cover more than cuisine since he reiterates that travel experiences depend on human connections and the intriguing tales gathered during journeys.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book remains an enduring classic. It details her journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia following her divorce. This book sets the highest benchmark for travel memoirs that explore the intersection of pleasure-seeking and spiritual exploration.
The sales statistics demonstrate how it triggered millions worldwide to leave their familiar environments and seek personal transformation.
A Trip of One’s Own by Kate Wills
The solution to sweaty-palmed reactions to solo travel can be found in Kate Wills’s writing. Her memoir combines brutal honesty with wit to explore the journey of regaining personal space and confidence following heartbreak. Wills guides readers to discover their freedom by weaving tales of famous female adventurers into her work.
For the Love of Europe by Rick Steves
Does your travel spirit thrive on a meticulous itinerary combined with heartfelt experiences? Rick Steves shares his top 100 travel lessons from exploring Europe.
His stories span the hidden gems of the Balkans to France’s enchanting spots while delivering insightful perspectives and practical travel advice that will captivate all levels of travelers.
Do Not Go Gentle. Go to Paris. By Gail Schilling
Who says adventure has an age limit? Gail Schilling remains determined to live her dream of living in Paris when she turns 62. Her funny yet moving narrative demonstrates that anyone can transform their life and rediscover their lost joy, regardless of age.
Her memoir demonstrates how reinvention and stepping out of one’s comfort zone can create extraordinary outcomes. Through her vivid storytelling, Schilling encourages readers to make courageous choices throughout their lives.
The Puma Years by Laura Coleman
Through her memoir, Coleman guides readers through the Bolivian jungle as she volunteers with rescued animals and learns unexpected lessons about purpose, compassion, and the wild within herself. Both animal enthusiasts and eco-adventurers will find value in the vivid settings and profound introspection.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s narrative about her solitary hike on the Pacific Crest Trail following a significant personal tragedy established a model for stories about individual transformation through rugged adventure.
The authentic and raw storytelling captured the attention of readers worldwide. It led to a Hollywood adaptation while also boosting the popularity of long-distance hiking, as evidenced by a 300% increase in PCT trail permits the year following publication.
Pilgrim by Carolyn Gillespie
Gillespie shares her experiences from the Camino de Santiago, which include physical challenges alongside spiritual enlightenment and the discovery of beauty through deliberate travel.
The book captures the interest of people who want to combine their journeys with self-reflection as part of the transformational travel movement.
Black Ghosts: A Journey Into the Lives of Africans in China by Noo Saro-Wiwa
Noo Saro-Wiwa received the 2025 Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year award for her insightful journey into how African communities establish their lives in China. The author explores identity and migration while investigating belonging through extensive research and personal interactions.
On the Shadow Tracks: A journey through occupied Myanmar by Clare Hammond
This brave travel narrative becomes indispensable by uncovering hidden regions of Myanmar through obscure train routes. Hammond offers readers a nuanced exploration of national trauma and resilience, providing understanding and perspective for individuals interested in current events and travel.
Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy
Murphy’s 1965 chronicle of her solo bicycle journey from Ireland to India feels incredibly relevant today because it offers suspenseful storytelling alongside comedic elements and the unpredictable experiences of off-the-grid travel.
Her enduring legacy of strength and cleverness, along with her honest observations, remains a source of inspiration for contemporary female explorers.
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
Through a thoughtful examination of wanderlust, Philosopher de Botton reveals the compelling nature of travel and its ability to reshape our perspectives. This book combines travel storytelling with thoughtful reflection to unite the thrill of moving with the delight of contemplation for the introspective explorer.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
As a modern classic, Jon Krakauer explores the real-life journey of Chris McCandless, who abandoned his comfortable life to embrace an untamed existence in Alaska.
The book generates undeniable influence and provokes discussions about risk-taking and privilege while revealing the ongoing fascination with disconnecting that appeals to travelers and non-travelers.
Solo: What Running Across Mountains Taught Me About Life by Jenny Tough
Jenny Tough’s journey running solo across mountain ranges on six continents is awe-inspiring. Her truthful narrative becomes part of the “adventure athlete” movement by fusing mental health reflection with female empowerment and relentless perseverance as a healing force. Through her tales, readers learn that significant challenges lead to the most substantial personal growth.
In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado shares her emotional narrative about overcoming trauma while recounting her journey to climb Mount Everest. The memoir captures her harrowing journey alongside uplifting moments, revealing how mountains symbolize hope, resilience, and personal transformation.
Vasquez-Lavado uses her powerful storytelling to help readers reflect on their journeys and challenges. The narrative is a powerful tribute to bravery and perseverance, while also demonstrating nature’s healing power.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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