It’s not really been the year for travel has it? Covid has been pretty harsh on the entire world, and along with the serious effects on entire countries and economies, our own liberties such as travel have also been curtailed. If you’re the type who likes to get away then it’s probably been a difficult year, but here’s hoping things are improving!
Today, to whet your appetite for future travels, we’re sharing a list of ten travelogue, road trip type books you should read. Some are from classic authors, some more contemporary releases, but they’re all designed to take you on an adventure and inspire future travels.
Notes from a Small Island – Bill Bryson
We chose Notes from a Small Island, but Bryson writes many travelogues, and this journey of the UK by the enchanting raconteur will have you feeling like you’re alongside him, from Loch Ness to London.
Travels with Charley – John Steinbeck
Aged 58, and after many years as an author, John Steinbeck set out and on the road with his standard poodle Charley to discover the America he had been writing about for years, and in this book you can travel with him.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
After several years of bad fortune and personal upheaval, Cheryl Strayed, on a whim set off to walk more than a thousand miles from the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State, alone. This is the story of that adventure
Destination Mecca – Idries Shah
More than a travel book, Destination Mecca is one man’s journey to enlightenment, and you get to follow through Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jerusalem, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where he describes pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina and being a guest of the Saudi Royal Family.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert Pirsig
A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance becomes a personal and philosophical odyssey into fundamental questions on how to live.
The Salt Path – Raynor Winn
When Raynor Winn learned her husband was terminally ill, the pair decided to set off and walk the 630 mile coast path from Somerset to Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall. Here you can join them in this touching and beautiful memoir.
To the Bright Edge of the World – Eowyn Ivey
Set in 1885 The Bright Edge of the World follows the story of Colonel Allen Forrester as he leads a small band of men on an expedition that has been deemed impossible: to venture up the Wolverine River and pierce the vast, untamed Alaska Territory. He records the story for his wife and unborn child a home, and this is one travel adventure you’ll want to be in one.
The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara
Before he became enemy #1 and all round bad guy, Che took part in an epic roadtrip. This book is his account of one man’s journey through a continent and finding his place in it. Whatever you think of Che’s political actions, The Motorcycle Diaries are a travel memoir to be remembered.
30 Days in Scotland – Vanavigation
A whole month touring Scotland in a van, condensed into this 40,000 word travelogue including interactive links to videos, and tips to plan your own once in a lifetime Scottish Roadtrip!
Life of Pi – Yann Martel
Possibly the most epic, and dramatic travel tale around and as you travel with Pi, and his new friend Peter Parker, you’ll find that most good travel stories have the right mix of travel and philosophy, and a tiger of course.
A Bus Will Take You There – Johnny Bock
Probably the one on the list you haven’t heard of, but a personal favourite of mine, A Bus Will Take You There is a personal insight into one man and his splitscreen bus. The adventures are brilliant but as the tagline says “partly about a Bus but mostly about drivers and how they are driven,” A Bus Will Take You There is likely to give you a more inclusive view of the one who looks back when we each stand alone in front of the mirror.
We hope you find some good suggestions there and we’ll be back with more recommendations lists soon. If you want to ensure you never miss any of these, subscribe now.
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