Just like traveling itself, reading teaches us basic things, helps us see the world from other perspectives, and understand ourselves better. Nowadays, countless books on the market deal with travel and self-discovery. Numerous people tell about their adventures and insights gained through travel. How is one supposed to keep an overview of which books are worth reading? The best way is through the recommendations of others. So, I’ve asked my travel blogger friends about their favorite books about travel and self-discovery, and here’s what they’ve said:
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The best books about travel and self-discovery
1. Tales of a Female Nomad, by Rita Golden Gelman (2001)
Recommended by Julien from Cultures Traveled
Tales of a Female Nomad is an inspiring, true story about a woman on the verge of divorce. She decides to leave her cushy life in Los Angeles to discover the world, and herself. Throughout her travels she connects with people from various cultures, starting by living in a Zapotec village in southern Mexico.
Tales of a Female Nomad is one of my favorite books about travel and self-discovery because of the way the author, Rita Golden Gelman, approaches her journey. It’s 1986. There is no internet. No travel blog to tell her where to go next. Instead, she’s guided by instinct, fueled by trust, and looking for moments of serendipity along the way. It’s through these cultural interactions that she develops the ability to find herself. This is raw travel, based on self-discovery. I would recommend this travel book to anyone, male or female, who is looking for a deeper connection through their travels.
2. The Year of Living Danishly, by Helen Russell (2016)
Recommended by Erika from Erika’s Travelventures
Helen Russell moved to Denmark from London when her husband was offered a position working at the LEGO headquarters. As a writer, she gave herself a new purpose during this move to uncover what exactly it was that made the Danes the “happiest people in the world.” During her year of living Danishly, she uncovers and writes about her hilarious encounters with locals and how she overcomes the obstacles she faces. Most of all, she highlights how aspects of the Danish lifestyle contribute to making Danish people some of the happiest in the world.
The Year of Living Danishly for me was the epitome of timeless books about travel and self-discovery. I recommend it because not only does Helen Russell describe with such humor her misadventures of transitioning into a Danish lifestyle, but she also has amazing insights into looking at the bright side of every hardship, keeping an open mind, and has great tips on what everyone can learn from living their lives a little more Danishly.
3. Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig (1974)
Recommended by Louisa from Epic Book Society
If you’re looking for books about travel and self-discovery, then you’d be hard-pressed to find one more eye-opening than Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle Maintenance. This philosophical novel was written in 1974 by Robert M. Pirsig, who went on to become a highly acclaimed philosopher. It follows a middle-aged man who ventures on a motorcycle trip from Minnesota to California with his son, Chris and their two friends. As they embark on their journey, you learn less about the sites and attractions, and more about his wisdom and thought process along the way.
The philosophical questions the narrator asks (presumably Pirsig, as the narrator is never given a name) are both enlightening and thought-provoking. The way he maintains his bike, as it turns out, is similar to the way he maintains other aspects of his life. Full disclosure, this book is a hefty read and not easy to digest. It’s like a fine wine, it should be savored and taken in slowly, not devoured in a minute. As you read through this book, the wisdom that pours out of the pages will stay with you for a lifetime.
4. Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer (1996)
Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma
“Some people feel like they don’t deserve love. They walk away quietly into empty spaces, trying to close the gaps of the past”
Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild
Into the Wild is one of the best books about travel and self-discovery. The book is a travelogue by Jon Krakauer that tells the life of Chris McCandless, a young man who died in 1992 at the end of his journey. He tells his impressive story in a most inspiring and fascinating way!
While reading, you will dive into the world of a seeker who leaves his old life behind and embarks on a journey. His main concern is freedom, which ultimately leads him to leave modern society behind. He travels across the USA, meets interesting new people, and visits amazing places. But he wants more. At the very end of the journey, he is drawn to Alaska to find his peace in the deepest nature. He hiked alone through Denali National Park, where he eventually found an abandoned bus that became his new camp. He stayed 112 days in the Alaskan wilderness when he met his lonely death.
5. What’s wrong with you? by Ana Bakran (2019)
Recommended by Anda from Travel for a while
The book is the personal story of Ana, a Croatian woman with a dream and a love for freedom. She turned a problem with her business into an opportunity to fulfill that dream. So, she set on a journey to get to Bora Bora unusually, hitch-hiking only. On that journey, she got to see the world, meet different people, and understand their cultures. Even more importantly, she rediscovered herself. We all tend to lose ourselves in our daily routines and obligations and never take the time to connect with ourselves.
What inspired me the most was Ana’s courage to leave everything behind and embark on a solo trip to her destination. It’s a story of transformation and learning. And though Ana’s travel method is a bit extreme, I recommend What’s Wrong With You? to any person who feels lost and needs that push to find a new path or a new perspective on things.
6. Seven Years in Tibet, by Heinrich Harrer (2010)
Recommended by Anukrati from Bulbul On The Wing
A landmark in travel writing, this is the incredible true story of Heinrich Harrer’s escape across the Himalayas to Tibet, set against the backdrop of the Second World War. Heinrich Harrer, one of the greatest mountaineers of his time, was in the Himalayas when war broke out in Europe. He got imprisoned by the Britishers in India. However, he succeeded in escaping from there and fled to Tibet. He eventually settled in Lhasa, the Forbidden City, where he became a friend and tutor to the Dalai Lama. Heinrich Harrer spent seven years gaining a more profound understanding of Tibet and the Tibetans than any Westerner before him.
Seven Years in Tibet is a stunning story of incredible courage and self-reliance. I loved the heart-touching glimpses Harrer gives into the Tibetan culture and people. And I loved Harrer’s stories about life in Tibet, how the Tibetans accepted him, and his friendship with the Dalai Lama. I would highly recommend the book to people looking out for travel inspiration.
7. Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park, by Conor Knighton (2020)
Recommended by Caitlin from Twin Family Travels
The book was published in 2020 but the author’s journey through all of the national parks took place in 2016 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Conor’s incredible year was spurred when his fiancé unexpectedly called off their engagement. He was lost and wasn’t sure what to do next with his life. That year turned out to be a transformative experience.
Conor has a way of weaving the unique parks into a coherent story. Some anecdotes keep the book fun and lighthearted while also being educational. He highlights interesting people who have made a significant impact on the parks, the unique wildlife preserved by the National Parks Service, and the jaw-dropping features that make these places so special. Conor’s journey is relatable even if we aren’t personally traveling around the country. Leave Only Footprints is a story of learning, awakening, and being grateful for what is around you. If you love the outdoors, especially the national parks, you will love this book.
8. Europe Through the Back Door: The Travel Skills Handbook, by Rick Steves (2006)
Recommended by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones
My favorite travel book is Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door: The Travel Skills Handbook. My copy was published in 2006, but Rick Steves continues to update his recommendations and publishes new editions yearly. The author is well known for inspiring readers to have authentic travel experiences. Rick Steves encourages travelers to look beyond the top tourist attractions and to also visit lesser-known (but still amazing) sights. This book is chock-full of great itinerary suggestions that mix major destinations along with off-the-beaten-path locales that allow you to have a more authentic and enjoyable journey.
You’ll also find excellent tips covering everything from public transit to communication to dining. For example, avoid dining in restaurants that are located right next to major tourist attractions. Instead, go a block or two off the main drag to find restaurants that cater to the locals, not to the tourists. You’ll enjoy a better meal, and most likely a cheaper one as well. I would recommend Europe Through the Back Door to anyone who would like to learn how to experience Europe like a local. You’ll be glad you did!
9. An Embarrassment of Mangoes, by Ann Vanderhoof (2005)
Recommended by Lee from Mango Tree Travel
One travel book that always will have a special place on my shelf is An Embarrassment of Mangoes, a 2005 travelogue by Ann Vanderhoof. It’s a book I turn back to whenever I need a push to take a risk or go on an adventure. It inspired not only my love for Caribbean travel but also the name of my family travel website.
When in their mid-40s, Ann and her husband quit their jobs, mortgaged their house, and set sail through the Caribbean on a 42-foot sailboat. On each island along their route, Ann would seek out the local produce markets, befriend friendly residents, and learn to cook the island specialties. Ann found a real connection with one island in particular – wonderful Grenada, which has one of the best Caribbean produce markets. She describes the island, the market, and the people in colorful detail – so much so that my husband and I decided after reading the book to spend 6 weeks in Grenada before we got married. It was one of the best decisions we ever made.
I recommend this book to anyone who needs the inspiration to slow down and enjoy island time, or to find a way to connect with a new destination. If you love reading about Caribbean islands, you can’t go wrong with this one.
10. The Shooting Star: A Girl, Her Backpack and the World, by Shivya Nath (2018)
Recommended by Abhishek from Misfit Wanderers
The Shooting Star: A Girl, Her Backpack and the World is a travel memoir by Shivya Nath, a top travel blogger from India. The book is about the travel adventure of her life and her journey towards freedom. For a travel enthusiast like me, travel books like these are a true motivation and help us keep the spirit of travel alive.
The stories within the pages of this book will tell you about the struggles she faced during her journey, beautiful world landscapes, and vivid descriptions. It will encourage you to live and work for your dreams. Shivya also runs a travel blog with the same name – The Shooting Star. The book explains how she left her job at 23 and started traveling solo. It tells the story of her voyage from Himalayan villages to the Amazon rain forests and Ethiopia to Guatemala. The anecdotes are filled with happiness, satisfaction, struggle, pain, positivity, passion, and enthusiasm. If you love exploring new places, the book is a boon to you. It’ll inspire you to be strong, follow your dreams, face challenges, and travel the world.
11. The Roads to Sata, by Alan Booth (1985)
Recommended by Jonny from Backpackingman
The Roads to Sata by Alan Booth is one of the best books about Japan you can read to delve into Japanese culture as seen by an ex-pat living in Japan. I spent 3 months traveling all over Japan and The Roads to Sata gave me a great insight into the country than other books I have read.
Its perspective is that it isn’t just about a foreigner visiting for a few months and then writing a book but is based on a British ex-pat who has lived there for years, speaks Japanese, and decides to take a break from everything to explore, and understand more about, the country he has chosen as his home. He does this by walking across Japan, from the furthest north in Hokkaido to the furthest south of Kyushu. Meeting regular Japanese people, many far away from the main touristed areas, you will get a unique insight into Japanese life and customs, as well as stunning descriptions of the scenery across the country and some hilarious encounters that he has.
Although the book is a bit older now, having originally been published in 1985, the observations in it are still relevant today, as I’ve seen from my own experiences and if you are visiting Japan or have a fascination with Japanese life, then I would highly suggest this book above all others.
12. A Gelato a Day – Family Travel Anthology, by Claudia Laroye (2022)
Recommended by Claudia from Claudiatravels
One of my favorite books about travel and self-discovery is the new A Gelato a Day anthology. This collection of family travel tales by 20 well-known writers is about the good, the bad, and the not-so-ugly of traveling with family. The anthology is edited by Claudia Laroye and was published in 2022.
Whether it’s as a child, parent, or adult child traveling with an older parent, the family travel experience can reveal a lot about yourself and the ones you love (or tolerate) best – your kids, parents, siblings, and relatives. The insightful, thoughtful, and funny stories in A Gelato a Day showcase the value, joy, and havoc that can come when family travel happens. These travel stories take place across time and place, from road trips in 1950s middle America to hiking in the mountains of Banff National Park, heading out on a sunrise trek in Sri Lanka, and recalling sibling squabbles on a memorable family trip to Nantucket.
What I love most about the travel stories in the A Gelato a Day anthology is how they illustrate the joy, self-discovery, and memories that can happen when travel experiences take us out of our daily routines, allowing us to see ourselves and each other fresh eyes. Travel is a gift, and the value and memories created by traveling with family are priceless, lasting long after a trip’s end when the suitcases are unpacked, and the laundry folded away.
13. The Places in Between, by Rory Stewart (2004)
Recommended by Erica from Travels with Erica
The Places in Between follows Rory’s journey walking across Afghanistan alone in 2002. Rory writes honestly about his experiences meeting strangers along the way, how they helped him, and the experience of walking through villages that had been devastated by the Taliban. Rory’s journey isn’t always easy, but he manages to walk over 500 miles from western Afghanistan to Kabul.
The Places in Between sheds a different light on Afghanistan, what the country is like, and how the locals live compared to the news. Not only do you get a different perspective of Afghanistan, but you also feel inspired by not just Rory’s journey but the people of Afghanistan when reading the book. The Places in Between is for everybody from travel lovers to history buffs and everything in between. No matter what your interests are, you will be inspired by Rory’s journey and want to embark on your adventure.
14. Travelling with Ghosts, by Shannon Leone Fowler (2017)
Recommended by Melanie from The Professional Traveller
“Travelling and dachshunds are who I am. I’ve traveled professionally and had dachshunds for over 30 years. Covid put a stop to my traveling. When my eldest dachshund died (after earlier losing my Mum to COVID) I was bereft. It was just too much loss to deal with. That’s when I opened Travelling with Ghosts, a travel book written by Shannon Leone Fowler.”
Shannon was a marine biologist. She loved everything about the sea, and she also loved traveling. Then she met the love of her life, Sean. They became engaged and she became pregnant. The future looked amazing. Then Sean died. Instantly. The jellyfish sting was so severe, that his heart stopped immediately. There was no goodbye. At that moment Shannon’s life changed completely. Within a week she had lost her fiancé, her baby, her love of the sea, her future life, and her identity too. Shannon decided to travel. Her journey through 10 countries was difficult, exhausting, and emotional. It was a goodbye to Sean and a search for a new life. For me, this book was a lifeline – the help I needed to try and understand my grief. I read the book in one day, crying most of the time.
I would recommend Travelling with Ghosts to anyone who is a lifelong traveler and to anyone dealing with loss. This book shows the power that traveling has to change us and shape the direction of our lives. It’s also a book about hope.
15. Breaking Trail, by Arlene Blum (2005)
Recommended by Taryn from Happiest Outdoors
One of my favorite books about travel and self-discovery is Breaking Trail by Arlene Blum, published in 2005. This memoir weaves together vignettes from Arlene’s incredible life as one of the world’s most important female mountaineers. It includes sections about her ascents of Denali and Mount Everest as part of the first-ever female teams to summit those peaks, as well as stories about other climbs in the Himalayas and treks in remote parts of Central Asia.
While the tales from her travels are fascinating, I also loved hearing about Arlene’s journey as a female scientist in the 1960s and 70s, navigating a sexist and anti-Semitic academic system. While many mountaineering memoirs written by men focus on conquering a mountain, Breaking Trail is a deeply personal and vulnerable book. She includes flashbacks to her difficult childhood at the beginning of each chapter and isn’t shy about including details about her romantic life (including high-altitude hook-ups!)
Arlene’s book is an important reminder of how far the feminist movement has come and how much more we still need to achieve. I found it inspiring and empowering to read about how Arlene struggled to succeed in mountaineering and academia, triumphing over so much adversity. Breaking Trail is one of my favorite women’s adventure books. You don’t have to be a climber to enjoy it – I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure stories and wants to be inspired to make a change in their world.
16. How to Not Look Like a Tourist: Unlocking Your Hidden Power for Overtourism Solutions, by Alyse – The Invisible Tourist (2021)
Recommended by the author Alyse from The Invisible Tourist
Have you ever wondered how overtourism came to be? By early 2020, tourists were left disappointed by a loss of authenticity at their destination. Locals became resentful toward the massive crowds of visitors. How did it get to this point?
How to Not Look Like a Tourist: Unlocking Your Hidden Power for Overtourism Solutions takes a deep dive into the lesser-known problems caused by overtourism, explores how they came to be and provides strategies for how tourists can enrich their journeys whilst visiting the destinations they love without contributing to overtourism issues. A win-win for everyone! When learning about the underlying trends that caused overtourism to occur, you will be inspired to examine your travel style and find areas that have room for improvement. You’ll also learn why some choices that seem harmless on the surface can have detrimental impacts on locals and their communities. The actionable steps in the final part of the book explain how to drive positive change, detailing strategies, and tips to help preserve the unique identity and culture of a destination that makes it desirable to visit in the first place.
I would recommend this book to tourists who are mindful of traveling more sustainably but aren’t quite sure where to start. It’s also for anyone who is hoping to learn how to amplify the positive aspects of tourism to enrich their experiences and leave a positive impact. Then, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to “be invisible” and have the most enjoyable trips possible!
17. Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything, by Elizabeth Gilbert (2007)
Recommended by Laura from Travelers Universe
Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything by Elizabeth Gilbert was published in 2007 and since then it has become a beacon of hope for women around the globe. In a world where we are often prompted to choose only half of the lifestyle we desire and deserve; this book proves that you can have everything you’ve ever dreamed of if only you dare to break a few molds.
The book follows Elizabeth’s journey from the US to Rome to India to Bali. It’s a candid story as she doesn’t shy away from being vulnerable with all the ups and downs of the journey as she’s dealing with her inner demons. Elizabeth Gilbert is a great storyteller, and she manages to bring to life places halfway across the globe. After reading her book I got inspired to trace her footsteps and went to see some of the things to do in Bali she mentions. A great read!
18. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed (2012)
Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail might just be one of the ultimate books about travel and self-discovery. Published in 2012, the memoir recalls the true story of American author Cheryl Strayed’s quest to hike the Pacific Coast Trail solo. It featured on the New York Times Best Seller list, and in 2014, it was adapted into a popular film about self-discovery starring Reece Witherspoon.
The book follows Strayed’s journey on the long-distance thru-hike from the Mojave Desert to Washington State, interspersing beautifully evocative descriptions of the American great outdoors with personal reflections and observations. With each step, the author grapples with various issues and demons in her life: death, divorce, and a struggle with drug addiction. Strayed achieves her goal of pushing her body to its physical limit and pushing through the mental anguish and grief that’s been holding her back.
The thing I love most about this book is the author’s raw honesty. She invites the reader to walk alongside her, not to follow in her footsteps. The concept of taking a spontaneous journey for self-healing is incredibly inspiring – especially considering that Cheryl Strayed herself had very little hiking experience before embarking on the 1,100-mile track. Wild is full of pithy, uplifting quotes such as: “How wild it was, to let it be.” I would recommend it to any woman who is contemplating a solo journey or looking for a way to challenge herself.
19. A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe, Edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick, and Christina Henry de Tessan (2001)
Recommended by Leslie from Backpackers Thailand
The book presents a collection of stories by women who revel in the unbridled independence that comes with traveling solo. There were so many moments in this book that gave me goosebumps. The truth is some of the stories blew my mind to the core! They were so thrilled that I couldn’t help but read them out loud to my girlfriends. In my opinion, this is a great book for anyone who likes to travel alone and is looking for some inspiration. You’ll want to add a few spots to your travel to-do list.
A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe speaks about the good and bad sides of solo travel, journeys of self-discovery, conscious exploration, loneliness, and transformative freedom. First published in 2001, the book is timeless, and I do not doubt that readers will come across plenty of practical tips that capture their interest. Since every story is a separate chapter, you can read the book at your own pace and in small portions. It will inspire you to dream a little more and go outside of your comfort zone for a good adventure.
20. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho (1988)
Recommended by Daniel from Layer Culture
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho was first published in 1988. It is a novel about a young Spanish shepherd who one day realizes he has a longing for adventure and a desire to travel the world in search of worldly treasure. Along the journey, the shepherd quickly begins to learn some new lessons about life. These lessons become essential wisdom and practical life lessons that transfer to the reader. For example, I learned that after years of travel experiences, you can find beauty, and in many cases, hidden treasures in the same place you come from. Learning how to look back and appreciate what we learn on our travels can help us live better lives at home.
This book is for anyone who wishes to go on an adventure but is unsure why they should go. It’s one of the books about travel and self-discovery that will eventually inspire you to listen to your heart and follow your dreams.
21. My Life in France, by Julia Child (2006)
Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise
As a chef and a Francophile, I adore the book My Life in France, by Julia Child, published in 2006. But you certainly don’t need to be a cook of any kind or love France, or even French food to appreciate this memoir. Julia tells her story with the same humor and candor that won Americans’ hearts on her TV show The French Chef.
For anyone thinking about moving to another country without knowing the language, Julia did just that. She also wasn’t much of a cook at that time and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu when she was in her late 30s. For anyone struggling with how long it takes to achieve success, Julia took 9 years to complete her first cookbook. And she was 50 when she landed her first TV show. While this memoir is inspiring in so many ways, it also feels like a travelogue at times. It’s a joy to wind your way through Provence with Julia and know where and what she ate. She worked on the book with Alex Prud’homme who finished and published the book after she died in 2004.
22. Kedarnath: The Girl Who Braved the Himalayan Tsunami, by Vidyut Rautela (2019)
Recommended by the author Vidyut from Triplyzer.com
The book narrates the story of a young woman who must find her estranged brother and return him to their ailing father. Imagine, someone who never stepped outside the comfort of the luxurious surroundings had to go across the globe to the place where Stuart was last seen. Her quest lands her in the lap of the Himalayas, and when she is trapped in the worst of the natural disasters it quickly becomes a fight for survival.
Kedarnath: The Girl Who Braved the Himalayan Tsunami takes you on a journey of courage and wit that will make a difference between life and death. As she travels through the unforgiving terrain, she must face the primal fears that always hold her back. She mustn’t break down and must battle her demons, summoning all her inner strength. She would band with the group of strangers and not only fend for herself but help others too. And all through the ordeal, she must keep looking for Stuart for he might be there gasping for life. An experience that could be a scar for life or could become the source powering her aplomb.
You would love how she comes out of her cocooned existence, putting aside her notions and embracing the world as it is. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration to overcome personal hardships, through courage and belief in self. Since the book is set in the Himalayas, you will get a glimpse into the beautiful landscape and the culture of the locals.
23. To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No Regret, by Jedidiah Jenkins (2018)
Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No Regret is a memoir, written by Jedidiah Jenkins in 2018, chronicling his bicycle trip, thousands and thousands of miles, from the Oregon Coast to the very tip of Patagonia.
Upon his thirtieth birthday, Jenkins realized he had unwittingly been shuffled into the “normal” life we’re all supposed to strive for a good and stable job, comfortable home, and consistent routine. Yearning to examine his life- and what he wanted it to look like moving forward, Jenkins set off, with no prior cycling experience, for the next 16 months, falling in love with cities like Mexico City and Cusco along the way. Of course, the trip brought about lots of other self-reflection, like grappling with his sexual identity amidst being raised in a conservative Christian household and figuring out what it means to be a self-sufficient and successful adult.
I relate a lot to Jedidiah’s thoughts in the book: we’re both attorneys by day with wandering hearts longing to see the world. I aspire to one day take a step back from my corporate position, just like Jedidiah, and go on an epic adventure, hopefully discovering things about myself along the way. If you’ve ever thought about taking a sabbatical from a corporate job to see the world or are just interested in exploring Latin and South America, this book will be right up your alley!
Do you have any other favorite books about travel and self-discovery you would like to share? Let me know in the comments down below 🙂
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