Sometimes all it takes to ignite our wanderlust is a good story. If you’re looking for a little travel inspiration, here are five books that will remind you why exploration is one of life’s greatest treasures.
The Alchemist
The story of a young shepherd who journeys from Spain to Egypt in search of treasure is really about a young man who learns that true treasure is found within. It’s been translated into 67 different languages and is beloved all around the world, making it one of the most read books of all time.
The Beach
The novel, and subsequent movie, about a group of backpackers looking for their Promised Land perfectly encapsulates what it means to go off searching for something spectacular only to come face to face with something else. Though terrifyingly gritty in some points, it’s a great example of how travel can lead you to unexpected things.
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World
The Geography of Bliss follows the real adventures of NPR correspondent Eric Weiner as he sets out to find the world’s happiest places. His heartfelt interactions with locals and different cultures while trying to find what makes a happy society is the perfect recreation of what we’re all really experiencing when we travel.
On the Road
No travel book list is complete without On the Road. The classic novel tells the story of Sal along his trip across the States and his desire to see the world. It’s the adventure trip we all hope to take filled with all the characters we secretly want to meet.
The Valley of the Assassins
The Valley of the Assassins is unique in that it explores the real-life travels of a woman named Freya Stark as she travels alone across the Middle East. The dangers and excitement she faces along the way helped to inspire women everywhere to hit the road for their own solo adventures.
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