“Travel is flight and pursuit in equal parts.”
Are you craving adventure but staying closer to home? The best travel memoirs for armchair travellers can whisk you to far-flung destinations, offering the thrill of exploration from the comfort of your sofa. These non-fiction travel stories are perfect for anyone looking to experience the world through the eyes of inspiring adventurers and wanderlust-driven authors. Whether it’s trekking through uncharted wilderness, savouring local cuisines in hectic cities or navigating life-altering journeys, these are the books that bring the magic of travel to life. Perfect for both seasoned globetrotters and dreamers alike, travel memoirs provide a unique perspective on cultures, landscapes and human resilience. From must-read, memoirs of exploration to stories brimming with wanderlust, join us at What We Reading for our favourite reads for armchair travellers!
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia – Paul Theroux
Kicking off our list of the best travel memoirs is Paul Theroux’s The Great Railway Bazaar. Beginning in London, the book recounts Theroux’s four-month journey across Asia and Europe by train and follows the acclaimed novelist as he traverses iconic railways such as the Orient Express, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur and the Trans-Siberian Express. His journey takes him through a rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes, from the bustling bazaars of Turkey and the deserts of Iran to the spiritual chaos of India and the lush jungles of Southeast Asia.
Through vivid descriptions and insightful anecdotes, Theroux paints a portrait of the people he encounters along the way – fellow passengers, railway workers, and locals – each adding depth to the narrative. The book blends Theroux’s distinctively dry wit, history and a keen eye for human behaviour, making it an immersive exploration of both the physical and cultural terrains he crosses. This memoir is as much about the romance of railways as it is about the changing world in the 1970s, offering a richly detailed and intimate look at life along the tracks.
River Town: Two Years On The Yangtze – Peter Hessler
Peter Hessler chronicles his time as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Fuling, a small city in China’s Sichuan province in his poignant and insightful travel memoir, River Town. Set during the mid-1990s, Hessler’s account offers a unique perspective on a rapidly changing China, blending personal experiences with rich cultural observations. Living on the banks of the Yangtze River, Hessler immerses himself in the daily lives of the people in this remote town.
From his interactions with students and colleagues to his take on traditions, festivals and cuisine, he captures a place steeped in history but still on the cusp of remarkable change wonderfully. He meditates on the complexities of cultural exchange, the lingering effects of China’s past, and the profound transformations occurring in the city at the time. Through the beauty and challenges of life in Fuling, this travel memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding China’s culture, history and the human stories behind its global rise.
Turn Right At Machu Picchu: Rediscovering The Lost City One Step At A Time – Mark Adams
Turn Right at Machu Picchu is an engaging and humorous travel memoir that retraces the steps of Hiram Bingham, the explorer who introduced the world to Machu Picchu in 1911. Blending history, adventure and personal anecdotes, Adams sets out on his own journey across Peru, following Bingham’s path to uncover the mysteries of the ancient Incan civilisation. With the help of an eccentric but knowledgeable guide and a team of local porters, Adams tackles the Andes and its wealth of rugged trails and remote ruins.
Along the way, he delves into the fascinating history of the Incas, exploring the myths surrounding Machu Picchu’s purpose and Bingham’s controversial role in its discovery. Part travelogue and part historical investigation, Turn Right at Machu Picchu is an insightful and entertaining read that brings the culture of Peru and one of the world’s greatest wonders to life. Perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers and armchair travellers alike, this memoir offers a fresh perspective on a timeless destination.
Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles Of Australian Outback – Robyn Davidson
Setting out from Alice Springs in 1977, Robyn Davidson charts her remarkable solo journey across 1,700 miles of the Australian desert with only her dog and four camels for company in the remarkable travel memoir, Tracks. Through Davidson’s evocative prose, we see the stark beauty of the Australian outback, from its harsh, unforgiving environment to its moments of surreal tranquillity.
Throughout her journey, Davidson grapples with loneliness, physical exhaustion and the evolving relationship she has with the land, and its people, namely the native Aboriginal communities she meets. Tracks is more than a travel memoir – it’s an exploration of connection and what it means to step beyond the boundaries of the familiar.
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Lands Of Lost Borders: Out Of Bounds On The Silk Road – Kate Harris
As a young woman drawn to the boundaries of the known world, Lands of Lost Borders follows Kate Harris as she embarks with her childhood friend to cycle through some of the most remote and rugged landscapes on the planet. From Turkey to Tibet, through deserts, mountains and borderlands, the pair push their physical and mental limits in their efforts to explore places that defy convention and spark curiosity.
The book weaves together vivid descriptions of the journey with reflections on history, science and humanity’s enduring fascination with exploration. Harris delves into her lifelong dreams of adventure, shaped by legendary explorers and scientists, whilst grappling with questions about what borders – both physical and metaphorical – mean for human connection. One of the best travel memoirs for adventures and armchair travellers, Lands of Lost Borders is rich in insight and poetic prose and remains a testament to the power of wanderlust, resilience and curiosity.
Travels With Charley: In Search Of America – John Steinbeck
In Travels with Charley, novelist John Steinbeck embarks on a road trip across the United States in 1960, joined only by his poodle, Charley. Seeking to reconnect with the country he had written about for years, Steinbeck sets out in a specifically outfitted truck dubbed ‘Rocinante’, visiting small towns, bustling cities and remote landscapes to unearth the true essence of America.
Through Steinbeck’s keen observations and sharp commentary, the book offers a glimpse into the diversity of American life, from the heartlands of the South to the vibrant Northeast. Steinbeck and Charley meet a colourful cast of characters, reflecting on issues like race, politics and the American dream while uncovering the nation’s deep contradictions and complexities. Lyrical and thoughtful, Travels with Charley is not just an engaging travel memoir but also a poignant reflection on the changing landscape of a nation during a pivotal moment in its history.
The Salt Path – Raynor Winn
Mere days after losing their home and discovering a terminal illness between them, Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, set out on a 630-mile trek with little money and no fixed plans along England’s South West Coast Path. The journey soon becomes both their physical journey and a metaphor for survival, resilience and hope as they grapple with a life-defining crisis.
Win’s writing is deeply emotional, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges they faced, from the physical demands of the walk to the emotional toll of their circumstances. Along the way, the couple find solace in the landscape’s beauty and the strangers’ kindness. The Salt Path is a powerful memoir about the strength of the human spirit, the healing power of nature and the importance of hope in the face of challenges. It is undoubtedly one of the best go-tos for anyone interested in the transformative power of travel and the deep connection between humans and the natural world.
West With The Night – Beryl Markham
Beryl Markham’s West with the Night is a captivating memoir that recounts her extraordinary life as a pioneering aviator, horse trainer and adventurer in early twentieth-century Kenya. Known for being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic from east to west solo, Markham’s narrative chronicles her thrilling and often hazardous experiences in both the skies and the African wilderness.
In the memoir, Markham vividly presents her upbringing in Kenya, her adventures with horses as well as her profound connection to the land and people of East Africa. With eloquent prose, she recounts her achievements in aviation, her relationship with the natural world and the personal barriers she overcame as a woman making waves in a male-dominated world.
Under The Tuscan Sun: At Home In Italy – Frances Mayes
After a transformative trip to Italy, Frances Mayes falls in love with an abandoned villa in Tuscany named Bramasole and sets out on a journey to breathe new life into it. Along the way, she navigates the challenges of renovation, the discovery of new traditions and the joy of embracing a new way of life in the idyllic Italian countryside.
Through rich, descriptive prose, Mayes paints a vivid picture of Tuscan living – its food, wine, scenery and people. The memoir is brimming with moments of self-discovery, quiet reflection and deep connection to the area. Mayes also explores the friendships she forms, her growing love for the region and her ongoing adaptation to a slower, more mindful way of living. Ultimately, Under the Tuscan Sun is more than just one of the best travel memoirs about living in Italy, it is a celebration of finding a home, peace and fulfilment in the simple pleasures of life.
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A Short Walk In The Hindu Kush – Eric Newby
In A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, Eric Newby recounts his adventurous and often hilarious journey through one of the most isolated regions in the world. In 1956, Newby, a novice mountaineer, sets out with his friend, Hugh Carless, to trek through Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountain range. What starts out as a relatively straightforward expedition quickly becomes a test of endurance, cultural immersion and a deep dive into the unknown.
Newby’s travel memoir is a delightful blend of wit, self-deprecation and keen observations of the people and landscapes he encounters. As he describes their challenging climb, encounters with the locals and the beauty of the Afghan mountains, the story captures both the dangers and rewards that come with venturing into uncharted territory. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush is also a story of Newby’s relationship with his companion, their surprising experiences with local hospitality and the many lessons they learn along the way.
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).
