What is the best travel book of all time?
Monday 4 November 2024
By delving into a good book, we can escape reality and get inspired to learn about places we’ve yet to experience. Books are more than words on paper; they open doors to undiscovered worlds and inspire our real adventures.
With its leisurely pace, a cruise holiday offers time to relax, reflect and immerse yourself in a great travel book. Whether lounging on the deck with a page-turner or unwinding in your cabin with a memoir, books are often a key part of the experience.
With an array of different genres and tastes for all personalities, it can be challenging to know where to start – after all, you should never judge a book by its cover! We have done the work for you and ranked the most popular travel books to determine the greatest of all time. Read on to find your next holiday read.
The Best Travel Books of All Time:
1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail - Cheryl Strayed
2. Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback - Robyn Davidson
3. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home - Tembi Locke
4. Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
5. Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure - Monisha Rajesh
7. Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple
9. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
10. Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts
1. The Beach by Alex Garland
Will inspire you with a sense of adventure
“Escape through travel works. Almost from the moment I boarded my flight, life in England became meaningless. Seat-belt signs lit up, problems switched off. Broken armrests took precedence over broken hearts. By the time the plane was airborne I'd forgotten England even existed.”
Ranking joint first in our list, The Beach by Alex Garland follows Richard, a young British backpacker travelling through Thailand, who comes across a hand-drawn map of a secluded beach, rumoured to be a pristine, untouched paradise. To find this hidden utopia, he sets off with two French travellers, Étienne and Françoise. After navigating jungles and dangerous waters, they reach the beach. However, as time goes on, Richard begins to see cracks in the idyllic community living here, revealing rising tensions and darker aspects of human nature beneath the paradise.
First released in 1996, despite being nearly 30 years old, The Beach feels just as realistic today as it did back then. Being found on multiple lists, receiving positive reviews across the board and obtaining an acclaimed film adaptation (ranked 25th in our list of the Best Travel Films of All Time), it’s no wonder this title ranked in a tie for first.
1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Will inspire you through resilience, healing, and embracing personal transformation
“There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it,’ said my mother. 'Put yourself in the way of beauty’.”
Also securing the top spot, this memoir starts with writer and protagonist Cheryl Strayed at a low point, grappling with intense grief from her mother's death, the collapse of her marriage, and self-destructive choices that leave her feeling lost. Seeking to reclaim her life, she impulsively decides to hike the gruelling Pacific Crest Trail, stretching 1,000 miles from California to Washington. Despite her lack of hiking experience, Cheryl embarks on this solo journey, facing physical and emotional challenges, including harsh wilderness conditions, unpredictable weather, and inner turmoil.
This book is sure to take you on an emotional journey and inspire you to embark on your own travels to help you heal. Perfect for those who prefer a real-life story, Wild has received myriad positive reviews and features on multiple existing travel book lists. Its film adaptation, starring Reese Witherspoon, was ranked by us as the 14th best travel film of all time.
Laura, a traveller and book lover at What’s Hot Blog, told us why this book impacted her: “Wild is a brilliant demonstration of both the mental resilience that you can build by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone by travelling somewhere new, and the power of human connection to help you through the darkest of times.”
2. Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1,700 Miles of Australian Outback by Robyn Davidson
Will inspire you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery
“The two important things that I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision.”
Tracks is an inspiring memoir about Robyn Davidson’s journey across the Australian desert, accompanied only by camels and her four-legged companion, Diggerty. This book shows Robyn’s desire for freedom and self-discovery as she faces extreme weather, isolation, and the challenges of the harsh Australian terrain. Along the way, she reflects on her personal growth, offering an inspiring tale of solitude and resilience, inspiring readers of her story to take that step and do something incredible for themselves.
First published in 1980, Tracks remains just as compelling today as when it was first released. Garnering widespread acclaim, it's frequently featured on must-read lists and has inspired a film adaptation and countless readers. Its timeless exploration of self-discovery and adventure makes it a standout in travel literature.
We spoke to Tamason, a traveller and beloved reader at Travelling Book Junkie, who told us about the impact Tracks had on her: “Tracks by Robyn Davidson is one of those timeless reads. It doesn't matter that it was written 30 years ago; the underlying message is still the same: 'Get out of your comfort zone and explore'.
“As a female travelling alone, it is no longer as daunting as it once was, but to traverse a country as big as Australia with only camels for company is an extreme adventure. This is a story of bravery and pushing personal boundaries. It is a tale that encourages you to push past your limits and do something completely different, perhaps something you have always dreamt of but never had the conviction to do before.”
We also spoke to Jeroen and Alette from The Book of Wandering, who recommended Tracks: “Reading Tracks, I got inspired to travel deep into the outback of Australia. I imagined myself being a part of those landscapes, alone in touch with nature, seeing, hearing, and feeling what Robyn Davidson describes so well in her book.”
3. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke
Will inspire you to visit the stunning Sicilian countryside
“I had begun to appreciate that in her world, nothing was rushed - love, grief, joy, or a pot on the stove.”
From Scratch is a heartfelt memoir about love, loss, and healing. After the death of her husband, Saro, Tembi returns to his Sicilian hometown with their young daughter. Through her connection with Saro’s family and Sicilian food and cultural traditions, Tembi finds solace and begins to heal. It’s a poignant story about the enduring power of love, family, and finding a sense of home after grief.
Released in 2019, From Scratch instantly captured readers’ hearts. It was adapted into a TV show and received positive reviews. Tembi herself narrates the audiobook, offering a more intimate way to listen to this story. This book will inspire you to go on a Mediterranean cruise by providing a vivid depiction of Sicily's beauty, warmth, and cultural richness.
READ MORE: Which Country’s Cuisine is Most Popular?
4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Will inspire you to travel by highlighting the allure of adventure
“The trip was to be an odyssey in the fullest sense of the word, an epic journey that would change everything.”
This book tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gives up his possessions and savings to live a life of adventure and self-discovery. He travels across the U.S. before heading into the Alaskan wilderness, seeking solitude and freedom. Unfortunately, his journey ends in tragedy. Through McCandless’s story, Krakauer explores themes of adventure, independence, and the dangers of pushing beyond the limits of survival.
Despite its tragic ending, the story is beloved by many. For those who prefer the screen, the Oscar-nominee film adaptation of the same name was ranked the seventh-best travel movie of all time.
5. Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure by Monisha Rajesh
Will inspire you to enjoy the journey
“A strip of red sky lay against a sliver of silver lake as though fire danced on the water. I wanted to capture the moment and keep it alive, touching my head to the glass to bring it closer.”
Monisha recounts her 45,000-mile train journey through diverse countries, from Russia's vast landscapes to Southeast Asia's bustling cities. She shares her experiences, fellow travellers, and the unique charm of train travel. This book inspires travel by celebrating the richness of slow journeys and the deeper connections they foster, emphasising that the joy lies not just in the destination but in the journey itself.
6. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert
Will inspire you to immerse yourself in different cultures
“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it.”
This memoir follows Elizabeth Gilbert’s journey of self-discovery through Italy, India, and Indonesia after a painful divorce. In Italy, she enjoys life’s pleasures; in India, she seeks spiritual growth; and in Indonesia, she finds balance. It inspires readers to embrace travel’s transformative power and the benefits of exploring new cultures.
What’s Hot Blog writer Laura shared her takeaway when we spoke to her: “Eat, Pray, Love is the kind of book that’ll make you reevaluate your life choices - and then immediately book plane tickets to the other side of the world.”
READ MORE: Filming Locations You Can Visit on a Cruise Holiday
7. Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Will inspire you to embrace spontaneity
“We'd pass icebergs floating in the middle of the ocean. They were gigantic, with strange formations carved into them. They were so haunting and majestic you could feel your heart break, but really they're just chunks of ice and they mean nothing.”
This quirky, humorous novel follows eccentric architect Bernadette Fox, who vanishes from her perfect Seattle life, sparking her daughter Bee’s search, leading to an unexpected adventure in Antarctica. The story inspires travel by celebrating spontaneity, unconventional destinations, and the idea that adventure fosters self-discovery, encouraging readers to embrace new experiences.
8. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Will inspire you to embrace the thrill of exploration
“I was surprised, as always, by how easy the act of leaving was, and how good it felt. The world was suddenly rich with possibility.”
Largely autobiographical, On the Road follows Sal Paradise (Kerouac’s alter ego) and Dean Moriarty (based on Neal Cassady) on a road trip across a post-World War II USA. A defining image of the Beat Generation, the book celebrates spontaneity, friendship and the open road. Add this book to your ‘to read’ list if you want to be inspired to embrace the thrill of exploration.
9. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Will inspire you to seek out places that hold stories
“And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.”
The Kite Runner, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan, tells the story of Amir and his relationship with Hassan, the son of his father’s servant. We follow Amir’s life as he leaves Afghanistan for the US and eventually returns home. Although not a traditional travel narrative, the vivid cultural immersion, emotional journey and historical perspective make The Kite Runner an inspiring and popular novel amongst travellers.
10. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Will inspire you to embrace foreign culture
“For this is what we do. Put one foot forward and then the other. Lift our eyes to the snarl and smile of the world once more. Think. Act. Feel. Add our little consequence to the tides of good and evil that flood and drain the world. Drag our shadowed crosses into the hope of another night. Push our brave hearts into the promise of a new day.”
This gripping novel is based on the true story of Gregory David Roberts, an escaped Australian convict who finds refuge in the chaotic streets of Bombay (now Mumbai). Shantaram explores his experiences with the city's slums, criminal underworld, and spiritual journey, as well as the deep friendships and life lessons he gains along the way. It will ignite a desire to explore the complex, diverse, and colourful world beyond your comfort zone.
Honourable Mentions
Are you looking for more recommendations? With plenty of tied spots, numbers 11 to 20 offer 16 more titles to add to your wish list.
11. Papillion (P.S.) by Henri Charriere
12. In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez & Lavado & Old Glory by Jonathan Raban
13. Full Tilt by Dervla Murphy & A Short Walk In The Hindu Kush by Eric Newby
14. Looking for Transwonderland by Noo Saro-Wiwa & Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
15. The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer by Eric Hansen & The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin
16. The Lost City of Z by David Grann
17. In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson & The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
18. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
19. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
20. Endurance by Alfred Lansing & Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
How We Made This List
To crown the best travel books of all time, we combined eight pre-existing lists, including Nomadic Matt, A Little A Drift, The Book of Wandering, Teaspoon of Adventure and Live Wildly, giving us a starting list of 188 unique titles.
We then reviewed whether each book could be found on more than one of our eight starter lists; it's Goodreads, Amazon and Audible rating (if available); whether it’s been adapted for the screen and whether it’s won either the Stanford Travel Book of the Year of Thomas Cook Travel Book Awards.
We then compared the results to generate our list of the top ten travel books of all time. If you’re wondering where your favourite book is, want to view your favourite writer’s ranking or see the full breakdown, view the full ranking and data here.
Why Reading Is Such a Powerful Way to Inspire Wanderlust?
Reading inspires wanderlust by transporting us to new places through vivid descriptions and stories. It lets us experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of far-off destinations, sparking a desire to explore them in real life.
We gain insight into what makes a place so special, whether it's history, people, or landscapes, which further fuels our curiosity and passion to set out on our own adventures.
Riana Ang-Canning from Teaspoon of Adventure, one of the sites we used to compile our rankings, told us why she loves to read: “I've always been a big reader, but books became even more important to me during the pandemic. When travelling wasn't safe, I would lose myself in books and escape on adventures through places like Paris, Seoul, or Cape Town. Travel books are so vivid. They awaken our imagination and transport us to new places.
“Now that it's safe to travel again, I still love to pick up a book to inspire my future travels. Reading books set in a place I plan to travel to always gets me so excited for my next trip. It almost makes the trip last longer, as I feel like I'm already there before I even get on the plane.”
Jerone and Alette from The Book of Wandering, another site that inspired our original list, explained why books inspire their travels: “Reading travel books is such a great way to give depth to your travels. There is really so much more to understand about countries and cultures than you can see on the surface or hopping between Insta-spots. A good travel book makes you understand much better the things, places and people you come across while travelling, enriching your travel experience a thousandfold. Travel books make for better travel memories!”
Tips for Packing the Perfect Travel Book for Your Cruise
If you’re a keen reader looking to get through your reading list on your next cruise, there are some things that can be useful to consider.
· Physical books vs e-readers: although many people prefer physical books, an e-reader can make a huge difference for the well-read traveller. Taking up less space than one physical book, e-readers make carrying a whole library an easy task. And often, you can find titles at a fraction of the price.
· Consider your title: When travelling, why not pick a book that fits your itinerary? For a colder cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, aim for a dramatic book set in a snowy landscape. Aiming for the hotter Caribbean? Then, a lighter romance novel can be a treat.
· Browse our libraries: On board both of our ships, you’ll find libraries stocked with a wealth of books (not just travel books!). If you’re looking for something new or want a dedicated place to sit and read on a sea day, then be sure to stop by.
READ MORE: What NOT to pack for a cruise holiday
We believe that whether you’re on a mini cruise or a longer, no-fly cruise itinerary, a good book is essential. And, with this definitive list of the best travel books, you’ll be sure you’ve got the best.
If you’re looking for more travel articles and guides, be sure to read our blog.
