Many people still love to travel no matter if the world is changing or not. Whatever level of traveler you are – an experienced explorer or someone who can’t get enough of the world—a good book is always with them. Book is a kind of companion which takes you to faraway places, experiences, and cultures just like a train or a plane.
Read these seven interesting books that have already become travel companions for many travelers or explorers. These books are best in making their trips more interesting and inspiring and making them go on new experiences.
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- On the Road by Jack Kerouac
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
- In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Come, let’s read these literary gems that have attracted travelers all over the world.
1. Into the Wild
Writer: by Jon Krakauer
Prepare to go on an adventure into the unknown with Into the Wild. Christopher McCandless is a young man who leaves his normal life to explore the challenges and beauty of wilderness.
This exciting story is based on the real life of Christopher. Krakauer, the writer of this book, paints a vivid picture of Christopher’s trip across North America. Here he is talking about the people he met, the nature he observed, and his search for himself throughout the journey.
Readers have been brought into a world of adventure and self-reflection as McCandless makes his own way, facing both success and failures.
Highlights:
- Explores the wilderness through the true story of Christopher. He who leaves his normal life behind.
- Shows the beauty and difficulties of North American landscapes through McCandless’s experiences with nature.
- McCandless goes through many ups and downs. He explores the themes of self-exploration and reflection.
2. The Alchemist
Writer: Paulo Coelho
The book Alchemist is an all-time masterpiece that tells a story of fate, journey, and discovering more about yourself. Santiago is a young shepherd who has a goal of pursuing his dreams and therefore goes on a trip that further changes his life.
During journey Santiago meets a lot of different people and has a lot of experience on his search, which takes him through the wonderful regions of Egypt.
Because Santiago learns deep lessons about life, love, and the amazing things he finds along the way, Coelho’s story beautifully captures what it means to follow your heart.
Highlights:
- Shepherd Santiago follows his dreams and changes him in many ways.
- Santiago meets a lot of different people. He has a lot of different adventures in Egypt.
- Deep lessons about pursuing your dreams and finding amazing things along the way are explored.
3. On the Road
Writer: Jack Kerouac
“On the Road” by Jack Kerouac is a famous book. The book takes readers on a crazy trip across America. A young writer named Sal Paradise and his free-spirited friend Dean Moriarty go on a series of road trips across the US (United States).
They look at what liberty, self-discovery, and the pursuit of the American Dream are all about through the ups and downs of their journeys.
Highlights:
- The book shows what it’s like to travel on the spur of the moment, being open to the unknown, and living in the present.
- It looks at the need for freedom and the search for meaning in a world that is always changing.
- It is easy to picture the places and people – Kerouac wrote about the trip.
4. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Writer: Cheryl Strayed
A book by Cheryl Strayed called “Wild” tells the story of her life-changing trip along the Pacific Crest Trail. After going through hard times and losing loved ones, Strayed decides to go on a hike by herself that lasts more than a thousand miles.
Her difficult and sometimes scary events on the trail helped her learn more about herself, get better, and feel stronger.
Highlights:
- A personal story about facing problems and finding oneself along the way.
- The book shows how nature can heal and help people grow.
- Strayed’s strength in the face of hardship motivates readers to take on tasks and find their own inner strength.
5. Eat, Pray, Love
Writer: Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s trip through Italy, India, and Indonesia changed her life. After a hard breakup, Liz goes on a journey to find herself and be happy.
Food is a big part of her life in Italy, where she enjoys the tastes and the joy of living. Then she goes to India to find spiritual growth in an ashram by meditating and thinking about herself.
In the end, Liz finds the right mix between love and independence in Indonesia. This story is an honest look at healing, going on adventures, and making your place in the world.
Highlights:
- Italy: Indulging in the pleasure of food, embracing life’s joy.
- India: Seeking spiritual growth through meditation and self-reflection in an ashram.
- Indonesia: Discovering the balance between love and independence.
6. Travels with Charley in Search of America
Writer: John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck takes his readers on a memorable road trip across America with Charley, his beloved dog. Steinbeck drives across the country in a camper called Rocinante, meeting different people and seeing a wide range of scenery and cultures.
Through his interactions with regular Americans, he thinks about how society and politics changed in the 1960s. This travelog shows what America is really like and how people from coast to coast are connected.
Highlights:
- Cross-country trip in a camper named Rocinante with his dog Charley.
- Meeting different people of America and thinking about how society changed in the 1960s.
- Knowing the people of the country, and its scenery.
7. In a Sunburned Country
Writer: Bill Bryson
With the funny Bill Bryson as your guide, you can go on a crazy trip through Australia. From its dangerous animals to its vast landscapes, Bryson’s funny stories and wise observations paint a vivid picture of Australia’s quirks.
He looks into the history, geography, and society of the country while traveling through cities, deserts, and rainforests. Because Bryson is a great storyteller and genuinely interested in the world, this travel story is both fun and useful to read.
Highlights:
- Seeing unusual things like wild animals that can be dangerous and huge landscapes.
- Learning more about the history, geography and culture of Australia.
- Bryson’s cleverness and funny stories make for a fun and educational read.
Wrapping up
The magic of these books lies not just in their narratives but in their ability to foster a sense of connection with the vast tapestry of humanity, reminding us that while our journeys may differ, the spirit of exploration unites us all.
So, whether you’re planning your next escapade or simply seeking inspiration from the comfort of home, let these books be your guides, whispering tales of distant lands and stirring the traveler within. As you turn the final page, remember that the greatest adventure often begins with the simple act of opening a book.
Happy reading, and may your travels, both literary and physical, be endlessly enriching.
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