They say the right book has the capacity to change our lives forever. Their words can not only transport us around the world but they can also lend us another perspective. The right books captivate our imaginations and inspire us to travel
Travel is one of those things that make life worthwhile. And of course, while reading a book can be as gratifying, there’s certainly something thrilling about traveling the world and seeing it with your own eyes.
Below are some books that will inspire the wanderlust in you. Hopefully, these shine a light on the different beautiful corners of the world you have yet to visit. One day, you can explore the places featured in these books yourself.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Perhaps one of the most iconic books (and films) about traveling is Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. This best-selling book takes readers across a journey of love and self-discovery in three countries.
From Italy to India to Bali, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the main character, a newly-divorced woman named Liz. Here, she learns what it means to start over and find herself – even if it is outside her comfort zone.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Fond of unique fashion styles and how the wealthy live? If you are, no one does class, wealth, culture, travel, and deep family traditions better than Kevin Kwan in his books.
Set in modern-day Singapore, this novel is about Nick Young and his girlfriend Rachel Chu as they meet the influential Young clan and navigate a maze of schemes and lies within the family.
As Chu agrees to visit Nick’s family, she is surprised to see the affluent life and the traditions they uphold.
From various Asian locations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, let this novel take you on a crazy peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Complete with designer name dropping and tours around Singapore and Malaysia, this is certainly not one to disappoint.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Telling the story of one Andulasian shepherd in search of treasure, The Alchemist takes you on a journey that’s more than just the destination. A story of following dreams and desires, this famous Paulo Coelho novel takes readers on a quest from Spain to Egypt.
Along the way, the young shepherd boy meets a lot of people and experiences hardships. However, as he continues his travel, he learns to love and go where the road takes him.
If you are a dreamer that has a thirst for travel and adventure, this novel is surely one that will change your life.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Taking you on a series of trips across the United States years after the Second World War, Kerouac travels with his Beat Generation friends and shows the vital moments in history through the protagonist, Sal Paradise.
From New York to San Francisco to dazzling L.A., Kerouac exposes readers to a thrilling story of drugs, poetry, and jazz.
This novel is a great jumping point that not only satisfies travel within America but also serves as the identifiable point where Kerouac magnified his voiced through historic writing.
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris
While not a novel per se, this non-fiction book takes readers through a vivid and meditative undertaking by Harris herself. Here, Harris tackles important questions and discoveries of life as she cycles her way through the Silk Road.
From the stunning ridges and landscape of the Tibetan Plateau to the delectable cheese and egg-filled bread in Georgia, Harris unlocks the boundaries within herself and moves borders to tell the stories of others.
A truly reflective and vivid account of her travel in the legendary Silk Road, Harris shows readers that it takes guts and courage to discover what the universe holds for all of us.
The Bottom Line
If you are ready to immerse yourself in a new world that will change the way you travel in the future, make sure to read these books from cover to cover.
Prepare for a serious case of wanderlust as you flip through these pages. Who knows, you might find yourself planning an itinerary soon enough.
