Booklists

15 Books for the Travel Addict in You

top travel related books list
Written by Madhu Bairy

Some travels can be undertaken without budging an inch from your seat. Classics such as Around the World in Eighty Days, The Innocents Aboard and Gulliver’s Travels have done so for centuries. These books from contemporary writings, will take you on a journey to far-away places and satiate the wanderer in you.

THE GREAT RAILWAY BAZAAR BY PAUL THEROUX

A lively account of a continental rail journey – starting at London, and going through Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia – is written with a touch of humor and satire. This makes it an ideal read for any passionate traveler and lover of travel books alike. This book is still regarded as a classic in travel literature.

THE GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO GETTING LOST BY RACHEL FRIEDMAN

A moment’s whim leads to the beginning of a spirited journey to Ireland for Rachel that manifests itself into a year-long journey across three continents. It is also the story of her journey of self-discovery, realizing the passion for adventure and discovery of oneself with a unique bond of friendship over time.

THE ALCHEMIST BY PAULO COELHO

Santiago, a shepherd boy goes on a treasure hunt from his hometown in Spain to Egypt. The classic recounts his journey as he begins to discover the innate treasures of life. It is a heart-warming account of life and the importance of following one’s dreams.

PARIS WAS OURS BY PENELOPE ROWLANDS

This is a wonderful amalgamation of 32 different perspectives of Paris by different writers, experiencing life in the fashion capital in their own ways. This wide range of perceptions and reflections of life, sum up different facets of the one city that every traveler romanticizes.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF BLISS BY ERIC WEINER

In a quest to find the unheralded happy places on earth, Eric Weiner wrote this book – a result of a year’s journey around the world trying to find an answer to the question, “what makes a society and its people happy”. The account is humorous and equally reflective, evoking many questions on the realization of happiness.

VAGABONDING BY ROLF POTTS

This is an unconventional guide to kindle the wanderer spirit in you and discover the joy of self-discovery. Rolf Potts spent ten years on the road, traveling in unheard-of places, in the most unconventional of manners, including walking across an entire country. This book contains valuable insights, interesting quotes, and a lot of practical information that will help you fulfill your innate passion of travelling.

TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY: IN SEARCH OF AMERICA BY JOHN STEINBECK

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and identity, Steinbeck traveled through almost forty states with his French poodle during the 1960s. This travel journal reflects life in the country during the troubled times of social revolt.

NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND BY BILL BRYSON

Bill Bryson decides to return home to the United States, after spending about twenty years in Britain. His reflections through this commentary are both praising and satirical, speaking about his farewell tour around the island that had been his erstwhile home.

1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE BY PATRICIA SCHULTZ

This voluminous guide is a must have for all avid travelers. The book includes all the popular tourist spots from every continent across the world, accompanied by their contact addresses, numbers and the precise reasons to visit them.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE BY ELIZABETH GILBERT

Set amidst three different cultural backdrops of Italy, India and Bali, this is a journey of self-discovery for a woman. The narrative is a reflection of yearning for a fine balance between outer pleasures and inner fulfillment.

THE ART OF TRAVEL BY ALAIN DE BOTTON

The fine descriptions of travelling often makes the entire experience seem memorable. But the reality often is vastly different. The charm and allure of anticipation, detailing and the exotic moments, that are registered in a poetic essence, create a camouflage for the disappointment and disorientation. Alain De Botton explores the how’s and why’s of this aspect of travel through this book.

A SHORT WALK IN THE HINDU KUSH BY ERIC NEWBY

A classic example of mountain adventure by a non-mountaineer, Newby recounts his adventures to the readers only after experiencing the ecstatic and perilous moments ever so closely. This is a wonderful account of the Nuristan Mountains of Afghanistan.

ON THE ROAD BY JACK KEROUAC

With a longing for self-discovery and knowledge, Jack Kerouac chronicles his years of travelling in North America with his friend, Neal Cassady. It is an inspiring work filled with a spirit of kindness and compassion for one’s country and humanity.

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN BY FRANCES MAYES

This is a simple recount of life in Italy in the Tuscan countryside and a descriptive narration of its beauty and simplicity. Being a gourmet cook herself, Frances brings out the varied tastes of Italy through her language and the simple recipes, that are also a part of the book.

A WALK IN THE WOODS BY BILL BRYSON

A wonderful outdoor read (for the real experience!), this book chronicles the exciting experience of hiking in the woods, amidst breathtaking sceneries. The history and ecological study of the green trail is a treat for adventure seekers.

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About the author

Madhu Bairy

I am a resident of Bangalore and a native of Kundapur. A self-confessed book worm, I always found any activity that involved reading and writing interesting apart from my academics. Reading is something that came quite naturally since my schooling days and that continued to grow over the years.
Writing to me is not a hobby, but something that I pursue passionately. A graduate in Textile Technology and a designer by profession, I find writing as an effective medium to convey my thoughts and opinions on anything and everything.

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3 Comments

  • Books are the best companions that never make one feel lonely. And when one has such an incredible and interesting books at hand when traveling, the journey would be a sheer pleasure. For solo travelers, these books can be a fabulous partner.

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