The 10 Best Travel Books

Whether you're curled up on the couch or waiting for your next flight, the pages of a well-written travel book can transport you to exotic destinations, new cultures, and unexplored territories. From classic tales to modern travelogues, these books promise to ignite your imagination and open your mind to the beauty and diversity of our world.

1. "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

   Venture into the untamed wilderness with Jon Krakauer's gripping account of Christopher McCandless's extraordinary journey. "Into the Wild" follows the true story of a young man who abandons his comfortable life to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer's narrative skillfully delves into the motivations behind McCandless's daring adventure, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read for all travel enthusiasts.

   📚 Genre: Biography / Travel Literature

   ⭐ "A heart-rending drama of human yearning." - The New York Times

   ⭐ "A fascinating story of idealism, fantasy, and the dark side of the wilderness experience." - Paul Theroux

   

2. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

   A timeless masterpiece by Paulo Coelho, "The Alchemist," is more than just a travel book; it's a philosophical journey of self-discovery and destiny. Follow Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, as he embarks on a quest to find hidden treasures across the Egyptian desert. This enchanting tale reminds us that the true essence of travel lies in seeking and realizing our dreams.

   📚 Genre: Biography / Travel Literature

   ⭐ "This is a singularly inspirational masterpiece." - The Guardian

   ⭐ "His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people." - The Times

   

3. "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

   Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" has become a modern-day classic, inspiring millions to seek adventure and self-discovery. Embark on a transformative journey with Gilbert as she travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia, indulging in mouthwatering delicacies, finding spiritual enlightenment, and ultimately discovering the love she had been seeking all along.

   📚 Genre: Memoir / Biography

   ⭐ "Gilbert's prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible." - New York Times

   ⭐ "It's what I'm giving all my girl friends." - Julia Roberts

   

4. "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson

   Bill Bryson has long been the master of humorous travel writing. He takes readers on an enthralling journey through Australia in "In a Sunburned Country." With his witty observations and quirky anecdotes, Bryson captures the essence of the Land Down Under and its unique wildlife, captivating readers with his infectious sense of wonder and amusement.

   📚 Genre: Travel literature / Comedy

   ⭐ "Bryson makes you laugh out loud...Down Under is filled with quirky stories." - Sunday Express

   ⭐ "Bryson is the perfect travelling companion... when it comes to travel's peculiars the man still has no peers." - The Times

   
   
   

   "I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains." ? Bill Bryson, In a Sunburned Country





5. "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed

   Embarking on the Pacific Crest Trail alone is no small feat, but Cheryl Strayed's courageous tale in "Wild" showcases the transformative power of travel and nature. Join Strayed as she hikes over a thousand miles through rugged terrain, facing her inner demons and finding redemption along the way. This book will inspire you to embrace challenges and seek personal growth through your travels.

   📚 Genre: Travel literature / Autobiography

   ⭐ "Wild is angry, brave, sad, self-knowing, redemptive, raw, compelling, and brilliantly written, and I think it's destined to be loved by a lot of people, men and women, for a very long time." - Nick Hornby

   ⭐ "Amazing and inspiring." - Nicole Kidman

   

6. "The Great Railway Bazaar" by Paul Theroux

   Paul Theroux's "The Great Railway Bazaar" is a classic travelogue that takes readers on a captivating train journey from Europe to Asia. As Theroux encounters diverse cultures and landscapes, he weaves a compelling narrative that evokes a sense of adventure and wanderlust. All aboard this literary train ride for a truly immersive travel experience.

   📚 Genre: Travel literature / Memoir

   ⭐ "One of the most entertaining books I have read in a long while...Superb comic detail." - Observer

   ⭐ "This is a frank and witty book." - New York Times

   

7. "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts

   Set in the bustling city of Mumbai, "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts is an epic tale of love, loss, and redemption. Follow the protagonist, Lin, as he escapes from an Australian prison and finds himself immersed in the vibrant chaos of India. This gripping novel captures the essence of India's heart and soul, making it an unmissable addition to your travel bookshelf.

   📚 Genre: Novel / Autobiography

   ⭐ "A literary masterpiece ... at once erudite and intimate, reflective and funny... it has the grit and pace of a thriller." - Daily Telegraph

   ⭐ "A publishing phenomenon." - Sunday Times

   
   
   

   "It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tortured." - Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram

   
   

8. "Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck

   John Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley" is a delightful account of the author's road trip across America with his beloved poodle, Charley. Steinbeck's keen observations of the changing landscapes and people he encounters along the way paint a vivid picture of America in the early 1960s. This classic travelogue reminds us of the beauty and diversity of our own backyard.

   📚 Genre: Travel Literature / Biography

   ⭐ "This is a book to be read slowly for its savor, and one which will be quoted and measured by our own experience. It holds...love and...it holds horror. " - The Atlantic

   

9. "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

   Venture back into the wilderness with Jon Krakauer in "Into Thin Air," where he recounts the ill-fated 1996 Mount Everest expedition. This gripping non-fiction narrative explores the challenges, dangers, and human spirit that drive climbers to conquer the world's highest peak. Krakauer's vivid storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat, experiencing the harsh realities of extreme travel.

   📚 Genre: Novel / Non-fiction

   ⭐ "Into Thin Air ranks among the great adventure books of all time." - Wall Street Journal

   ⭐ "This is a great book, among the best ever on mountaineering. Gracefully and efficiently written, carefully researched, and actually lived by its narrator." - Washington Post

   

10. "The Beach" by Alex Garland

    Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of backpacking and adventure with "The Beach" by Alex Garland. Set in the picturesque landscapes of Thailand, this gripping novel follows the journey of a young traveler in search of a hidden, idyllic beach. However, paradise comes with a price, and the story takes a dark turn as the characters grapple with their desires and human nature.

    📕 Genre: Novel / Adventure Fiction

    ⭐ "A furiously magnificent first novel." - Washington Post

    ⭐ "Absorbing, suspensful, a genuine page turner." - New York Times

    

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    Travel books have the power to transport us to far-off lands, immersing us in diverse cultures and adventures. Whether you're seeking inspiration, self-discovery, or simply a thrilling escapade, these top 10 travel books are sure to satisfy your wanderlust. So, pack your imagination, flip through the pages, and embark on these literary journeys that will leave you craving for more real-life explorations and don't forget to be super organised by booking your airport parking, , airport hotels and travel insurance. Holiday Extras are your one-stop shop for everything you need to make your holiday hassle-free!!

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