Key Takeaways
- Part of the tool belt of any traveler is a good book. Long bus, train, or plane rides can get pretty boring and can give you a lot of “dead” time if y
- While traveling, I always enjoy reading books about travel, exotic locations, and living your dreams. It makes me feel good about what I’m doing and k
- Here are some of the best travel-related books that keep us dreaming:
Part of the tool belt of any traveler is a good book. Long bus, train, or plane rides can get pretty boring and can give you a lot of “dead” time if you haven’t mastered the art of the 10-hour blank stare.
While traveling, many enjoy reading books about travel, exotic locations, and living your dreams. It reinforces purpose, sparks wanderlust, and keeps imagination alive—even if you’re not currently on the road. A well-chosen travel book can be just as transformative as the journey itself.
Here are some of the best travel-related books that continue to inspire readers at Route for Less:
1. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
A story about following your dreams, this is one of the most-read books in recent history. It’s sold 65 million copies and has been printed in 150 languages. The narrative follows a young shepherd boy from Spain to Egypt as he pursues his personal legend, embraces intuition, and discovers universal truths along the way. Its timeless message—about listening to your heart and recognizing omens—resonates deeply with long-term travelers seeking meaning beyond the itinerary.
2. On the Road, by Jack Kerouac
Written in 1957, Kerouac’s Beat Generation classic remains a defining travel novel. Through Sal Paradise’s cross-country odyssey—from New York to San Francisco and beyond—the book captures raw restlessness, spontaneous connection, and the search for authenticity in motion. Its stream-of-consciousness prose mirrors the unpredictability of real travel, making it a touchstone for those who value freedom over fixed plans.
3. Unlikely Destinations, by Tony & Maureen Wheeler
This memoir chronicles the founding and evolution of Lonely Planet—the iconic guidebook publisher born from a backpacking trip across Asia in the early 1970s. Tony and Maureen Wheeler recount their grassroots beginnings, publishing challenges, and firsthand encounters across continents. More than a business origin story, it’s a testament to how curiosity, resourcefulness, and passion helped shape modern independent travel.
4. The Beach, by Alex Garland
Beyond its cinematic fame, Garland’s debut novel offers a sharp, immersive critique of backpacker culture. Centered on Richard’s quest for an untouched paradise in Thailand, the story explores idealism, group dynamics, and the unintended consequences of seeking “the perfect place.” Its psychological depth and vivid setting make it essential reading for travelers reflecting on ethics, sustainability, and self-awareness on the road.
5. Oracle Bones, by Peter Hessler
Spanning China’s rapid transformation in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this work blends reportage, history, and personal narrative. Hessler—longtime Beijing resident and former Peace Corps volunteer—offers nuanced portraits of everyday life, linguistic discovery, and cultural complexity. His relationships with individuals across ethnic, generational, and socioeconomic lines reveal China not as a monolith but as a layered, evolving society—making it invaluable for culturally curious travelers.
6. Smile When You’re Lying, by Chuck Thompson
With wit and irreverence, Thompson dissects the contradictions of professional travel writing—exposing clichés, inflated claims, and editorial compromises behind glossy magazine features. Equal parts satire and sober reflection, the book invites readers to question narratives, embrace honesty, and appreciate the messy, uncurated reality of travel. It’s a refreshing antidote to overly polished travel content—and a must-read for critical thinkers.
