We sat on the floor and reminisced about some of our favourite reads. Quite a collection had built up over the years. Many of the books were read only once, a few we hadn’t yet gotten around to. Then there were the ones that had been read and re-read countless times, dog-eared with creased spines and faded covers.
Ultimately we decided on keeping the majority of the collection, which now sit in boxes in our parent’s basements. The most worn books are mostly travel related, full of inspiration and the ability to install wanderlust in anyone. Out of those favourites, we’ve picked our absolute best and put together this list for you. If you’re a traveller, have ever dreamed of travel, or simply like the tale of a great journey – any one (or all!) of these books should be on in your collection.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Not only is this one of our favourite travel books, but one of our favourite novels of all time. We’ve revisited this book several times over the years and it never fails to inspire wanderlust every times.
The story follows a young shepherd from the Andalusian region of Spain as he follows an unknown path in search of an unknown treasure; only to discover something much more valuable along the way.
I’ve personally purchased this book close to a dozen times, usually as gifts for friends. This book is on every list for recommended travel reading for a reason. It’s one of the most powerful books we’ve ever read. If you haven’t read it yet. Do it now.
For those interested in: Morocco, Egypt, Spain. Overall inspiration to follow your dreams! For more books like the Alchemist, go to bookslikethisone.com
Shantaram
by Gregory David Roberts
This book first appeared on our radar back while we were travelling through India, appearing regularly in hostels and bookshops. However, it wasn’t until just a couple of years ago that I finally got around to reading it.
I was absolutely fascinated by the way scenes of India were painted with words exactly how I’d remembered seeing them in person. The semi-autobiographical novel follows an escaped Australian convict while he discovers a new life in India and his incredible journey through life in the slums, working for the Bombay mafia, and fighting alongside the Mujahadeen during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
While the near unbelievable story itself is more than worth the read, Roberts’ writing is some of the best I’ve encountered in all the books I’ve ever read.
For those interested: India.
The Snow Leopard
by Peter Matthiessen
Kylee and I first read this book during the first few days of our visit to Nepal, and it laid out a perfect mental visualization of the cultural landscape of the country. The book follows the author as he joins biologist George Schaller to the outer reaches of Nepal, in search of the elusive snow leopard.
While the endeavour itself was one based on science, Matthiessen’s experience was much more existential. Focusing on spiritual exploration, the mystical power of the Himalayas, the roots of Tibetan Buddhism and reflection of his wife’s recent death; The Snow Leopard is both a fascinating journey and a humbling story.
For those interested in: Nepal, Buddhism.
Zen, and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
by Robert M. Pirsig
Who knew that one of the greatest road trip stories ever written was laden with modern philosophy.
Kylee has read this book several times and knows it very well. Myself, I’ve only given it one run, but was fascinated by the clever seaming of casual diary with deep philosophy. Truly one of the greats.
Zen follows the story of a man and his son as they travel across America’s Mid-West in the late 60’s by motorcycle. While the story centres around the journey itself, the author breaks experience down to both classic and romantic values. These values sharing one common element that brings to light one of the most fundamental questions of all: What is Quality?
For those interested in: Road Trips, Philosophy.
The White Tiger
by Aravind Adiga
Another great novel set in India, and one that we both enjoyed during our time in the great country. However, this one is much darker than the others on this list.
Following the narrator, a low-caste villager, on his journey against the odds; the book provides a interesting perspective on class struggle in modern day India.
While at times it can be quite unpleasant to read, it’s an incredible book that paints a vivid picture of a side of India that is often unseen by foreign eyes.
For those interested in: India.
The Beach
by Alex Garland
Long before writing big-screen epics like 28 Days Later, Sunshine, and Ex Machina; Alex Garland wrote the ultimate backpacker novel: The Beach.
Although the Hollywood version adds an element of romance while watering down the general theme, the original novel is much more raw. The story follows Richard, a young English backpacker in Thailand who is searching for something more – something different. By chance, he stumbles upon a map to a hidden beach on a remote island, completely untouched by the Lonely Planet Effect. In many ways, this masterpiece is a modern-day Lord of the Flies, and in my mind, deserves such recognition.
For those interested in: Thailand, Backpacking. As well, those travellers who have become jaded with the often over-marketed backpacker scene.
Seven Years in Tibet
by Heinrich Harrer
The captivating story of two Austrian mountaineers who escaped British India during the second world war and fled on foot across the Himalayas.
Not only a story of survival, but of adventure and friendship. Upon arrival on the other side of the highest mountain range on earth, author brilliantly describes the next seven years of his life in the mysterious land of Tibet and eventual befriending of the young Dalai Lama himself.
Beautifully written, this book never fails to conjure up dreams of visiting this once untouched land.
For those interested in: Tibet, Buddhism, Adventure.
Into the Wild
by Jon Krakauer
A journalistic telling of Christopher McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp), and his giant middle finger to society.
Although this is one of those rare occasions where, at least in my opinion, the film adaptation is superior to the paper version; by no means is the book itself flawed.
Coming from a well-to-do family living in Virginia, upon graduation from university, Chris donated most of his money to charity, burned his identification, and left without a word. Travelling across the country, taking odd jobs and living the life of a vagabond, he eventually hitchhikes his way to the remote wilderness of Alaska.
While mistakes are made in this fascinating true story, the journey itself is what matters. How one can simply walk away from a near-guaranteed life of prosperity, for the simple pursuit of adventure, is one of the most awe-inspiring ideas imaginable.
For those interested in: Road Trips, Life Changes, Camping.
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Comments 63
I love this list and how you broke each book in to categories for those interested. I’m going to add a few of these books onto my summer reading list. 😍📚
Author
It took some time to narrow it down to just these ones! I figured categories would help guide those people who, like me, have trouble narrowing their decisions down! Thanks for reading!
well hv read quite a few on the list , some real interesting reads definitely
Author
Yeah, we tried to cover the whole spectrum. Something for everyone.
I’ve read a couple on this list, like The Alchemist, the Beach and Seven Years in Tibet! Kudos for keeping your books when you downsized. I don’t think I could give any of mine up! Books are the best way to “escape” when you need a little vacation.
Author
Yeah, I think we both knew even before packing that we’d ultimately keep the books!
Great suggestions! I haven’t read any of them but will be adding them to my list of books to read 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Author
Thanks! And I hope you get around to reading some, let us know what you think when you do!
Great list, haven’t read any of them yet so I best get reading! Especially like the sound of The Alchesmist and Seven Years in Tibet! Nothing beats getting dug into a good book!
Author
The Alchemist is tough to beat, that’s for sure! As for Seven Years, what makes it stand out even more to me is that it’s a true story. So fascinating!
I’ve bookmarked this page! I’d also recommend William Dalrymple’s City of Djinns for those keen to explore Delhi and A Strange and Sublime Address by Amit Chaudhari if you’re visiting Calcutta.
Author
Good to know! Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll add those to my list for when we return to India!
oh yes some good ones in their, I’m deaf gonna buy one for my next trip
Author
That’s great! Any plans on where you’re heading?
I haven’t read any of these myself but I’ve heard of several of them. Thanks for a list that gives me some ideas for my next book!
Author
Let us know when you get around to reading them!
A good list. Read Shantaram and Alchemist out of this list. Somehow, I love travel photo books more than purely reading. I have more than 200 photo books at my home, with different adventures, documentaries and Nat Geo articles. You should give it a try 🙂 Maybe then you can make a new post.
Some great books on this list, and some that I now need to check out. My only question is: how did you narrow down the list to just a few. LIke me, it sounds like you’re avid readers, so selecting a few must have been difficult.
Author
It wasn’t easy to tighten the list to only these few! It took a little debating, but we figured a ‘best of’ list should only include our absolute favourites.
Mark, it’s an awesome list, I took some guidance from it. Thanks
Author
Thanks, hope you enjoy the books!
You’ve got some of my favourites in there, including Into The Wild. I agree with you about the darker undercurrents of The Beach too, and that’s a great comparison with Lord of the Flies. We had the same problem trying to downsize our travel books, and came to a similar conclusion. We bought a house with a book room. It’s the travel at home space!
Author
“Travel at home space”, I like it! Books were definitely the most difficult thing to deal with. I don’t think I’d ever be able to get rid of them.
Love this list. While I’ve only read two of these, I’ll have to add the rest to my own list! Travelling gives such a great opportunity to catch up on reading. The White Tiger is so much fun to read. Thanks!
Author
Travelling is actually where our love of reading developed. So many less distractions than being in the rat race.
Glad you like the list, thanks for checking it out!
Couldn’t agree more with this book selection! I especially enjoyed White Tiger, and now I’m inspired to read Shantaram. Thanks for sharing!
Author
Yeah, White Tiger is an interesting one for sure! You’ll Love Shantaram!
Just added ALL of these to my Amazon wish list! Always looking for a new book for those long flights!
Author
Glad to hear! Enjoy the reads and your future travels!s
This is a really interesting list. I like the way how you have included fiction like the White Tiger and Shantaram along with the travelogues in the list. I would also add the travelogues by William Dalrymple, especially the City of Djins and VS Naipaul’s Masque of Africa to my personal favorites.
Author
Thanks, I’ll add those to our personal list!
I love the list and absolutely I have to read some of them. Perfectly for the summer days that are coming, to fill the day. Great choices
Author
Thanks, hope you enjoy the books!
So I’ve read 2/8 of these. What a great list. I’m adding all of these to my kindle wish list. Definitely going to try and read The Alchemist next I think.
Author
Thanks for checking it out! Let us know what you think of the Alchemist!
This is a good list. I’ve read some of them – and still look forward to read Shantaram.
I love to read books that are set in the country I’m currently travelling – even if they are fiction, they often enrich my stay and make me understand more of the culture.
Author
For sure, we’ve always try to find a good book on our current destination!
Great list, love the Alchemist and read Shantaram whilst in India!
Author
Great place to read it! Thanks for checking our list!
Great list of books – now I have lots more stuff to add to my Kindle! I really liked “Shantaram”…great recommendation. “The Snow Leopard” was OK, but I really preferred his book “The Tree Where Man Was Born” about his journeys through Africa. Great read, you should check it out!
Author
Great to know! I’ll add it to my reading list, thanks!
Amazing post! Alchemist is also my favorite book and I’m so amazed how many times I re-read this book.
Author
Thanks! We hear that about the Alchemist all the time!
Great list! I’d really like to read the beach. I’ve seen the movie but didn’t even know there was a book about as well 😀
Author
If you like the movie, you must read the book. It’s the same story, just much more real and raw.
We have read two from the list, but now have some more to digest. Thanks for the recommendations!
Author
Thanks for checking out the list! Hope you enjoy the suggestions.
I’m actually in the process of compiling my reading list for the next few months and these are all great suggestions! Thanks so much, they’ll be great travel companions over the next few months 🙂
Author
Enjoy the reads!
This is great! I’m actually in the market for something to read when I go away in a week. Atowle|https://formationvacations.com/
Author
Great! Let us know what you pick!
Shantaram was one of the first books I read for literary wanderlust and prompted me to visit Mumbai so it was a real pleasure to visit Cafe Leopold. And I read The Beach when I visit Ko Phi Phi… reading books that are strong on location is a great way to get under the skin of a place. Great choice of books!!
Author
Yeah! I didn’t read Shantaram until after India unfortunately, but I can’t wait to return having read it. And you’re totally right, reading a book about the location while visiting gives it so much more depth!
I hate Paulo Coehlo, apart from that, great list! Shantaram is sitting here since ages, I will get to it soon, you made ma curious!
Author
Very interesting, this is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone complain about him! Personal preferences are fine with me! As for Shantaram, definitely check it out!
What a list here and surprised to find that I’ve each of these books. An inspiration to continue reading….
Author
Thanks! These are the books I always return to in the times I wasn’t travelling. They kept the feeling alive!
Wow these all look great. You put a lot of work into this list. There are definitely some I want to get.
We love reading these books especially! Have read a couple numerous times, actually. Thanks for checking it out.
What about On the road by Jack Kerouac? Definitely my favorite travel related book
Author
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I neither of us really loved it. I like it, it isn’t bad, but I think I just expected a lot more from the hype it gets.
Maybe I’ll give it another read one of these days and my thoughts will change!
Thanks for the wonderful list bud! I always love a great travel book and have read a couple on your’s and Kylee’s list. I will try ‘The Alchemist’ soon!
We have it, if you would like to borrow it! 🙂