Candide by Voltaire
Candide is not only one of the best travel books out there, it might be one of the better travel allegories as well. If you aren’t familiar with the plot, basically, a young optimist, who believes he’s living in “the best of all possible worlds,” gets into a series of misadventures that buffet him from one place to the next and allow him to see just how harsh and cruel the world can be. For travelers to developing countries, this will ring especially true – the experience of traveling into impoverished areas is often like having your little bubbles of naiveté popped. Reading Candide is a similar experience. It’s a short book but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy read. Be prepared for some serious reading when you pick up this book.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is one of the best, and funniest, living travel writers out there, and pretty much any of his travel books could have made this list. A Walk in the Woods is about his return to the United States after living in Britain for most of his adult life, and his attempt to walk the full Appalachian Trail with his old friend, the overweight alcoholic Katz, to reacquaint himself with his homeland. It’s brilliant writing, and it’s especially good for those who think of themselves as outdoorsy, but don’t actually like going outside all that much. This book, however, might just change your mind and you might decide to embark on long, long journey to places far, far away.
Why I love reading and you should too, says a fifth grader
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
If you haven’t read this book, you may be wondering why a little kid’s story is on this list. But The Little Prince is really a children’s adventure book for adults. An allegorical book, The Little Prince will remind you of the different people that you may meet in your travels, but if a little boy can have the strength to travel the universe, you will have the strength to travel the world. This gem of a book is good to take along when you are traveling and also to read over the weekend at home. It will delight you nonetheless. Though this book is good for every traveler, it is especially fitting for those traveling far away and for a long time.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Written in 1957, Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation classic is a timeless travel novel. The story follows his character, Sal, as he leaves New York City and heads west riding the rails, making friends, and partying the night away. The main character’s frustration, desire to see the world, and adventures are themes that will resonate with many. Through his travels, Sal becomes a better, stronger, and more confident person. Proceed with caution though as you may never be able to settle in one place again after reading this book. The reader is transported from New York to Denver to San Francisco and LA. Along the way there’s jazz, poetry and drugs. And there’s Dean Moriarty, whose incredible thirst for life (and women) gives the book its extraordinary momentum.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Shantaram will cause you to fall deeper in love with India than you thought possible. Written in beautiful prose, the love story of Lin and Karla will go down as one of the greatest love stories seen in literature. Take this book along with you as you explore India. You’ll love discovering India by yourself and through the book. Any novel that is narrated by an escaped convict who flees prison in Australia to live in India is at least worth a chance. The narrator arrives in Mumbai carrying a false passport in the name of Lindsay Ford. The story goes on to describe Lin’s life and his insights about India. It is a lengthy read, so be prepared to carry a bulky book though or download the digital version on your tablet.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This popular memoir tells the story of a woman who takes a life-changing journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia. This book offers short chapters that allows for a light-read. You will follow Elizabeth as she sets foot on an adventure to find what she truly wants out of life. Not really for the hardcore, but this book definitely delivers notes of enlightenment and smiles. It will inspire you to buy a one-way ticket for months of adventures and it is a good companion if you already have done that. This is actually a good book to have with you if you are on the road because it acts as a reminder that traveling causes you to grow as a person. Whether it is the food, the cultural experience or the people you meet, traveling affects everyone and Eat, Pray, Love will hammer in that point.
Naked by David Sedaris
Actually any book by David Sedaris will do. He’s that good. But we settled on this one simply because Me Talk Pretty One Day has already been recommended too many times. This is great to take along on a trip, as it is a series of essays that you have the luxury of picking and choosing from. Sedaris is hilarious and taking this book along with you on trips will ensure that you have a fun outing and you don’t even have to read it all in one go, so that makes it an even better book to take while traveling. From the first sentence – I’m thinking of asking the servants to wax my change before placing it in the Chinese tank I keep on my dresser – you’ll be hooked to Naked. Sedaris always has that effect on you.
