“While armchair travelers dream of going places, traveling armchairs dream of staying put.”
Dreaming of exploring far-off places without leaving the comfort of your home? Armchair travel books offer the perfect escape, transporting you to breathtaking destinations through vivid storytelling. Whether you long to wander the streets of Paris, hike through the Amazon or experience the magic of Tokyo, the right book can make you feel like you’re truly there. We here at What We Reading have put together a list of the best armchair travel reads, curating novels and memoirs that capture a strong sense of place, immersing you in different cultures, landscapes and adventures. These books that transport you will ignite your wanderlust, whether you’re planning your next trip or simply looking for a way to escape through words. So, get ready to explore – no passport required!
Under The Tuscan Sun: At Home In Italy – Frances Mayes
Our first stop on our list of the best armchair travel books is Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun, an enchanting and lyrical take on the life, traditions and cuisine of Tuscany. The book follows Mayes as she spontaneously buys a crumbling villa in the idyllic countryside. With vivid, sensory-rich prose, Mayes details her journey of renovating the house, navigating the Italian culture and embracing a slower, more fulfilling way of living.
The book is as much about the charm of Tuscany as it is about the personal transformation Mayes experiences. She describes the region’s rolling hills, the sun-soaked vineyards, and rustic villages with a deep appreciation, making readers feel as though they are there walking alongside her. She also shares her love for Italian food, incorporating recipes that celebrate seasonal, fresh ingredients. Beyond the physical renovation of the home, Under the Tuscan Sun is a story about rediscovering joy, embracing change, and finding beauty in the everyday.
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Wild Coast: Travels On South America’s Untamed Edge – John Gimlette
In Wild Coast, John Gimlette embarks on an extraordinary journey through one of the least-explored and most enigmatic regions of the world – the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana). This vivid travelogue blends history, adventure and cultural insight as Gimlette explores dense rainforests, isolated villages, and remnants of colonial pasts, encountering everything from lost cities to former penal colonies.
With sharp wit and a sharp eye for detail, Gimlette brings to life the rugged landscapes and the eclectic mix of people who inhabit them – descendants of runaway slaves, indigenous tribes, and European settlers. His encounters range from gold miners and jungle survivalists to politicians and eccentrics, all of whom add to the region’s mystique. Part history lesson, part thrilling expedition, Wild Coast is a fascinating and funny look at a part of the Americas few ever see, making it the perfect armchair travel read for anyone with a passion for the unknown.
River Town: Two Years On The Yangtze – Peter Hessler
Peter Hessler recounts his experiences as a young American Peace Corps volunteer in the 1990s, teaching English in Fuling, a small city on the banks of China’s Yangtze River, in his acclaimed travel memoir, River Town. Immersing himself in a rapidly changing society, Hessler offers a fascinating and profoundly personal account of life in a town caught between tradition and modernisation.
Through keen observation and engaging storytelling, Hessler brings to life the everyday experiences of his students, colleagues and neighbours, painting a vivid picture of China that is both intimate and insightful. He grapples with cultural differences, political sensitivities, and the complexities of Chinese history, all while forming genuine connections with the people around him. Both a memoir and a meditation on China’s transformation, River Town provides a rare glimpse into a country on the brink of dramatic change.
A Year In Provence – Peter Mayle
A Year in Provence is Peter Mayle’s charming and humorous memoir about his first year living in the picturesque south of France. Leaving the hustle of England behind him, Mayle and his wife settle into a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse in the Luberon region of Provence, keen to lap up the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
With warmth and wit, Mayble charts the joys and challenges of adapting to rural life in France – grappling with eccentric neighbours, navigating the complexities of local customs, and enduring never-ending home renovations. One of the most beloved armchair travel books of all time, he captures the rhythm of Provence through its changing seasons, from summer’s lively village festivals to winter’s unexpected hardships. The book is also a homage to French cuisine, featuring mouthwatering descriptions of markets, long lunches and the region’s world-famous wines.
Turn Right At Machu Picchu: Rediscovering The Lost City One Step At A Time – Mark Adams
In Turn Right at Machu Picchu, journalist Mark Adams sets out on an adventurous quest to retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham, the Yale explorer credited with ‘discovering’ Machu Picchu in 1911. With little hiking experience but a profound curiosity for history, Adams teams up with an eccentric Australian survivalist guide to follow Bingham’s original route through the rugged Peruvian Andes.
Blending travel memoir, history and humour, Adams provides a fascinating lens into the myths and realities surrounding the Incan Empire and its famous lost city. As he navigates treacherous mountain passes, encounters remote Quechua communities and uncovers long-forgotten ruins, he questions Bingham’s legacy and the commercialisation of Machu Picchu. This armchair travel read is more than just a travelogue – it’s an insightful and entertaining guide into one of the great archaeological mysteries that captures the wonder and challenges of exploring the ancient past.
Out Of Africa – Isak Dinesen
Out of Africa is a timeless memoir by Danish author Isak Dinesen, recounting her years spent running a coffee plantation in Kenya during the early twentieth century. Set against the backdrop of East Africa’s stunning landscape, Dinesen reflects on her life in a foreign land, her relationships with the local Kikuyu people, and her deep connection with the wild beauty of the region.
Through lyrical and evocative prose, Dinesen captures the magic and hardships of colonialism, from the isolation and difficulties of managing the plantation to the intimate and often complicated relationship between herself and the land and its people around her. Her reverence for the African landscape and wildlife is evident throughout, as is her nuanced portrayal of both the African and European cultures that intersect in her world. Out of Africa is a rich and profound exploration of love, loss and the complexities of life in a colonial setting. Its elegance makes it a classic in travel literature and a compelling read for anyone captivated by Africa’s allure.
Blue Highways – William Least Heat-Moon
Blue Highways is a captivating travel memoir by William Least Heat-Moon, who embarks on a journey to explore the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path roads of America. After facing personal hardship, Heat-Moon sets out on a solo road trip, travelling across the United States on ‘blue highways’ – the small, forgotten roads marked in blue on maps – looking for solace, discovery, and understanding of the American heartland.
With an observant eye and engaging storytelling, Heat-Moon paints a vivid picture of the country’s small towns, eccentric characters, and hidden gems. From encountering quirky locals to exploring remote landscapes, the book is a tribute to the beauty of America’s overlooked places and the deep stories they hold. Along the way, Heat-Moon meditates on the themes of identity, memory and the passage of time, making Blue Highways one of the best armchair travel books for anyone drawn to the open road and the quiet stories of the people and places we pass by.
In Patagonia – Bruce Chatwin
Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia is a travelogue recounting his journey through the remote and rugged region of Patagonia in southern Argentina and Chile. Combining history, personal adventure, and rich storytelling, Chatwin delves into the region’s dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and intriguing folklore, offering a unique perspective of one of the world’s most isolated corners.
Throughout his journey, Chatwin explores Patagonia’s mysterious past, from its indigenous peoples to the famous explorers and adventurers who once traversed its vast wilderness. He visits legendary sites such as the caves of prehistoric cave paintings and the site where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out, weaving historical elements seamlessly into his own eloquent narrative.
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Lands Of Lost Borders: Out Of Bounds On The Silk Road – Kate Harris
Lands of Lost Borders is a beautifully written memoir by Kate Harris, chronicling her epic journey along the ancient Silk Road, a route that once connected the Eastern and Western worlds through treacherous mountains, deserts and remote landscapes. Fuelled by a deep sense of adventure and a fascination with the history and mystery of the Silk Road, Harris embarks on a bicycle expedition with her friend, taking her through regions in Central Asia, China and beyond.
Throughout the journey, Harris weaves together personal reflections, the history of exploration, and the physical and emotional challenges of cycling through harsh terrains. Her prose is poetic and introspective, capturing not only the landscapes and cultures she encounters but also her own evolving understanding of herself, the world, and the meaning of borders – both physical and metaphorical. Lands of Lost Borders is an armchair travel book brimming with adventure, discovery and exploration.
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Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain And Its Silent Past – Giles Tremlett
Giles Tremlett’s Ghosts of Spain is a compelling and insightful exploration of Spain’s complex and turbulent history, focusing on the lingering effects of the Spanish Civil War and the decades of political repression that followed. Tremlett, a seasoned journalist and historian, delves into the dark chapters of Spain’s past, shedding light on the deep scars left by the war and the authoritarian rule of Francisco Franco.
Through a blend of personal narratives, historical analysis, and interviews with those affected by Spain’s legacy of division and silence, Tremlett paints a detailed portrait of a nation still grappling with its past. He examines the continuing struggle over the memory of the Civil War, the challenges of reconciliation and the ongoing impact of Francoist policies on modern Spain. Ghosts of Spain is an enlightening and thought-provoking examination of a nation’s unresolved history and its personal, social, and political consequences.
The Snow Leopard – Peter Matthiessen
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen is a profound and poetic armchair travel memoir that blends adventure, nature writing and personal reflection. The book recounts Matthiessen’s journey through the remote mountains of Nepal in search of the elusive snow leopard, an expedition he embarks on after the death of his wife. Guided by both his quest to see the rare animal and a deep spiritual yearning, Matthiessen takes readers on a mesmerising journey through the rugged Himalayan landscape.
As he traverses the stunning yet perilous terrain, Matthiessen reflects on themes of life, death and the search for meaning, blending philosophical insights with the raw beauty of nature. His encounters with Tibetan monks, the culture of the region, and the challenges of the journey are intricately woven into the narrative, offering a unique glimpse into both the external and internal landscapes he explores.
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).
