12 Travel Books To Read When You Miss Traveling

In one of our recent articles on things to do at home while social distancing or being in quarantine during the present COVID-19 situation, we’ve suggested reading books, as reading can not only make you better at language but also can change your life. Now, how about reading a travelbook that can take you on a journey across the world without even leaving your home? No, we are not talking about the travel guide books! These are some of the best travelbooks that either present the account of real travel experiences or evoke most beautiful travel imaginations. Let’s take a look!

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Gulliver’s Travels

When it comes to the earliest travel books, nobody can ever miss mentioning Gulliver’s Travels. Published in 1726, this four-part fun-filled book written by Jonathan Swift is an account of adventurous voyages of Lemuel Gulliver. From the Island of Lilliput to the land of giants and from the Flying Island to the land of Yahoos, everything in Gulliver’s Travels will boost your imagination.

The Travels of Marco Polo

There’s a reason that The Travels of Marco Polo is considered as one of the travel classics and marvels of English Travel Literature of all time. This 13th-century travelbook takes one through the Italian explorer Marco Polo’s journey through Asia, as he narrated to the author Rustichello da Pisa. Worth reading are his travel to the Silk Road and court experiences with Kublai Khan!

The Travels of Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta, one of the favorite characters from history among children, was a 21-year old scholar who left his home to travel to Mecca. However, his traveling venture went on for 30 years introducing him to several adventures on the way. From the attack by bandits to the sinking ship, there is plenty that The Travels of Ibn Battuta offers for a surprise.

Eat, Pray, Love

Written by the American author Elizabeth Gilbert, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ takes one from Italy, India, and finally Indonesia – each representing different aspects of life. While the novel talks about a woman’s quest for the meaning of life, it is filled with larger-than-life experiences. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, it is said, has changed several lives and touched many hearts with its philosophical note.

The Alchemist

One of the most-loved books around the world by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, became the international bestseller overnight. The story of this travelbook begins with a low-key note featuring a shepherd boy named Santiago who travels across the desert only to find the meaning of his recurring dream. 

On the Road

Another wonderful travelbook, On the Road, is a 1957 novel by Jack Kerouac. Set in the post-war period, On the Road became one of the most classic travel books in American counterculture. For those who always liked hitting the road to discover new destinations, On the Road, is an awe-inspiring journey. The autobiographical tone of the travelbook adds more to its charm.

Into the Wild

Released in 1996, Into the Wild is regarded as the Bible for many backpackers, who are looking forward to new experiences. One of the best travel books in modern times, Into the Wild, tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man from a reputed family hitchhiking the Alaskan trails alone. As the story progresses, you discover several turns and twists.

The Adventures of Tintin

Turned into a comic series, The Adventures of Tintin is an all-time-favorite among kids around the world. Sparking the childhood imagination, this travelbook was one of the most famous comics in Europe in the 20th century. If apart from loving to travel, you have an adventurous side, The Adventures of Tintin is just for you!

Blue Highways

Another travelbook with an autobiographical tone, Blue Highways, is written by William Least Heat-Moon. The book, subtitled as ‘a journey into America’, is a 1982 chronicle of the author’s road trip in America. The central theme of this book, as it quotes, is- “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do.”

Vagabonding

For many book readers worldwide, Vagabonding is one of the life-changing experiences. It is based on the belief that no matter what hardship you’re battling with, vagabonding, or taking some time off your monotonous life, you can change your perspectives.

The Great Railway Bazaar

Paul Theroux is one of the most celebrated novelists when it comes to journeys through different countries. The Great Railway Bazaar takes you through one of the incredible journeys from London through Europe, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.

Innocents Abroad

I would like to end this list by mentioning a book by one of the most loved authors of all time- Mark Twain. Innocents Abroad or The New Pilgrim’s Progress is written in the form of travel letters Twain sent to a newspaper describing his voyages to Egypt and Europe. 

With the self-quarantine that many people have adopted due to the present COVID-19 outbreak, we, at redBus, your companion to book online bus tickets in the most convenient way, know that many are missing to travel. Like you, we also hope for the situation to get better so that everyone can accomplish their travel dreams. Until then, read these lovely travel books, stay home, stay safe!