By: Sarah Stone
When I’m feeling a bit burnt out or lost, I turn to a really great travel story to get me back on track. Reading tales from wanderers around the world is just the antidote to boredom, and does wonders for creativity and inspiration—if you feel the same way, here are 25 fantastic books from travelers who’ve been all around the globe and have experienced the most incredible adventures.
Enjoy!
Desert Solitaire
By Edward Abbey
An ode to the American Southwest, this memoir paints a picture of the beauty, desolation, and complexity of life in the desert.
The Road to Oxiana
By Robert Byron
Often considered one of the best travel books ever written, this 1930s travelogue recounts Byron’s journey through Iran and Afghanistan.
An Area of Darkness
By V.S. Naipaul
A raw and insightful narrative of Naipaul’s journey through his ancestral homeland of India.
Travels with Charley: In Search of America
By John Steinbeck
Accompanied by his beloved poodle Charley, Steinbeck embarks on a road trip across the United States, offering an intimate look at its landscapes and people.
Arabian Sands
By Wilfred Thesiger
Thesiger’s account of his travels across the Empty Quarter of Arabia is both a story of endurance and a portrayal of a way of life on the brink of change.
The Places In Between
By Rory Stewart
Stewart narrates his walk across Afghanistan in 2002, very shortly after the fall of the Taliban, detailing the kindness and complexity of the people he meets.
Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet
By Xinran
Based on a true story, this book captures the tale of a Chinese woman’s journey through Tibet in search of her lost husband.
River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze
By Peter Hessler
Detailing Hessler’s experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in China, this memoir captures the cultural nuances, personal stories, and the profound changes sweeping through the country.
The Pilgrimage: A Contemporary Quest for Ancient Wisdom
By Paulo Coelho
Before The Alchemist, Coelho wrote about his journey on the Camino de Santiago, a spiritual quest filled with challenges and self-discovery.
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca
By Tahir Shah
Shah’s humorous account of relocating from London to a crumbling palace in Casablanca, navigating cultural differences and local superstitions.
Lost on Planet China
By J. Maarten Troost
A candid portrayal of modern China, Troost dives deep into the chaos, beauty, and contradictions of this vast nation.
The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific
By Paul Theroux
Theroux’s kayak journey through the South Pacific islands offers an introspective look at the cultures and landscapes of this region.
Among the Russians
By Colin Thubron
A vivid account of Thubron’s journey during the latter days of the Soviet Union, capturing the spirit and struggles of its people.
The Cat Who Went to Paris
By Peter Gethers
A delightful tale of Gethers and his Scottish Fold cat, Norton, traveling together exploring life, love, and the magic of staying in the moment and enjoying the simple things.
In Patagonia
By Bruce Chatwin
A captivating account of Chatwin’s journey through Patagonia, capturing the stark beauty of the landscapes and the stories of the people he encounters.
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
By Bill Bryson
Bryson’s humorous account of his attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail, revealing the beauty, challenge, and quirks of America’s wilderness and history.
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia
By Paul Theroux
Travel with Theroux on one of the longest train journeys, from the UK through the Middle East and Asia, as he offers insights into the cultures, landscapes, and human interactions.
Dark Star Safari
By Paul Theroux
Join Theroux as he travels from Cairo to Cape Town, offering a deeply personal and poignant look at modern Africa.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu
By Mark Adams
Adams retraces the steps of Hiram Bingham III, the famed explorer of Machu Picchu, offering a mix of history, personal experience, fun, and the wonder of the Incan city.
The Geography of Bliss
By Eric Weiner
A witty exploration of places around the world, Weiner delves into what makes people happy, blending travel, psychology, and humor.
The Snow Leopard
By Peter Matthiessen
Join Matthiessen in the remote regions of the Himalayas as he searches for the elusive snow leopard and spiritual enrichment, creating a meditative reflection on nature, spirituality, and journey.
Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe
By Bill Bryson
Travel through Europe with Bryson as he revisits places from his youth, offering hilarious observations and heartfelt moments.
Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1,700 Miles of Australian Outback
By Robyn Davidson
Davidson narrates her 1,700-mile trek across the Australian desert with four camels and a dog, delving into the challenges, beauty, and self-discovery of solitude.
Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle
By Dervla Murphy
Embark on a fearless adventure with Murphy as she cycles from Ireland to India, capturing the landscapes, cultures, and the spirit of human connection.
The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas
By Paul Theroux
Hop aboard with Theroux as he journeys from his hometown in Massachusetts all the way to the southern tip of South America—entirely by train. With his signature wit and eye for detail, Theroux captures the pulse of each destination as only he can.
About the Author
As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!
Photo by Link Hoang on Unsplash
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