When it comes to inspiring wanderlust in a travel junkie, there are few things more powerful than an engrossing novel. Whether it be journeys of self-discovery, love, loss or adventure, travel authors have this incredible talent for painting some of the most beautiful spots on the planet through their descriptive tales.
So, with that in mind, join us here at What We Reading as we pull together our 8 top travel books about wanderlust to help you inspire you along your next trip!
A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle (1989)
When it comes to dream wanderlust destinations, the south of France is always near the top of most peoples’ lists. A Year in Provence is a 1989 novel written by Peter Mayle, following his adventures across the historical province in France’s southeast.
From underground truffle dealers, wild weather patterns and the most stunning dining experiences, A Year in Provence is a sharp and witty read that captures all the charm of a Brit abroad. A true classic, the book has had a BBC Radio and television adaptation and has since inspired Christopher Marsh’s 2008 satire novel A Year in Provence.
The Beach – Alex Garland (1996)
Some of the best tales of wanderlust revolve around explorers discovering untouched natural spots of beauty, and that is a theme Alex Garland taps into with 1996’s The Beach.
The Beach is a story of a young man named Richard setting out to find a fabled beach in Thailand untouched by tourists. There, he meets a colourful cast of international students where this tale of romance, adventure, betrayal and a tonne of weed really kicks off. Adapted into a 2000 film starring Leonardo di Caprio, The Beach has been listed on the BBC’s Big Read and is an absolute must-read for anyone trekking around Asia.
Round Ireland with a Fridge – Tony Hawks (1998)
Anyone who has ever enjoyed a couple of half-shandies on a Friday night has made a drunken bet. Few, however, go out of their way to fulfil said bets when the sun comes up the next day.
Tony Hawks obviously didn’t get that particular memo when it came to 1998’s Round Ireland with a Fridge. After making a bet that he can’t navigate around Irelan whilst carrying a fridge, Tony Hawks sets out to win that bet in what is undoubtedly one of the most quirky quests only a handful of jars could ever justify.
Down Under – Bill Bryson (2000)
What travel freak doesn’t love binging a classic Bill Bryson novel? Also known as ‘In a Sunburned Country’, Down Under is a 2000 travelogue detailing Bryson’s travels across Australia by both train and car.
One of the best travel books for those looking to fasten their next trip across Australia consists of three parts that detail the Outback, Boomerang Coast and outer edges. An intimate look at the lives, cultures, history and unique ecosystems that make up the sixth-largest country in the world.
Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts (2003)
From one travel book about wanderlust through the eyes of fact, to one that dances with an unreliable narrator, and still one of the best works of fiction in the genre, Shantaram is a 2003 novel written by Aussie author Gregory David Roberts.
Lauded for its portrayal of Bombay (now Mumbai) in the 1980s, the novel follows a bank robber and heroin addict fleeing Australia escaping from prison and fleeing to India. In an epic tale of redemption, Roberts has claimed that certain events in the book mirror some of the tales from his own life.
Full disclaimer: Shantaram is over 1,000 pages long, meaning it’s not a travel book for the faint of heart!
Worldtrek: A Family Odyssey – Carla Dawn Fisher and Russell Fisher (2007)
Worldtrek: A Family Odyssey might just be the absolute GOAT when it comes to family travel books about wanderlust. Written in 2007 by husband and wife Carla Dawn and Russell Fisher, the novel follows a small Texan family as they embark on a journey all about compassion and self-reliance.
Another detailed travelogue dealing with facts over fiction, Worldtrek follows the family as they travel over 50,000 miles in 376 days with a trip encompassing Ireland, Great Britain, The Czech Republic, Scandinavia, Russia, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, India, Thailand, Japan, China, and Australia.
The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life – Chris Guillebeau (2014)
One of the most inspiring travel books, 2014’s The Happiness of Pursuit is a wanderlust novel written by American author Chris Guillebeau.
In the novel, Guillebeau explores how meaning can be found in a person’s life by undertaking a bold new quest. Already known for being a serial goal-setter, The Happiness of Pursuit sees Guillebeau as he attempts to visit every country in the world by the age of 35. Whilst on his travels, he meets all manner of fellow travellers all set out with the same aim of fulfilling their lives through setting goals.
Of Love & War – Lynsey Addario (2018)
Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario is one of the most distinct and unapologetically emotional professionals of her generation. Of Love & War is her 2018 novel capturing some of the wildest and most beautiful moments from some of the most remote corners of the globe.
With more than two hundred photographs captured from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, Addario explores life under the Taliban, and the hardships fronted by people living in some of the most trying of locales. It’s a different sort of wanderlust for sure, however, this travel book captures a different side of the world so many would like to see locked away.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
