While novels come in all shapes and forms, the travel genre can inspire adventure, provide a historical background to a far-flung region, and give fascinating insight to new cultures. Below are some top picks for books to develop and cultivate that sense of wanderlust.
Recommendations for Classic Travelogues
A classic travelogue usually consists of travel experiences as narrated by the author, and often intersects with essay writing. Some of the more famous authors include Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, and Eric Newby, each with a ton of books. The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles is another fantastic read about the tales of three young Americans who travel to the post-WWII North African desert in search of themselves and new experiences. If looking for more adventure, Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer provides a chilling account of his journey to climb Mount Everest.
Disguised as Fiction and Classic Literature
Fictional travelogues make up a large proportion of travel literature, although many non-fiction accounts have been made famous. For example, the writings of Marco Polo or Lewis & Clarke. Many “fictional” works are based on factual journeys. The Odyssey by Homer is an epic poem which follows the Greek hero, Odysseus, on his long journey home following the fall of Troy. Arguably, the second novel existing in modern Western literature, it might be the first travel literature piece.
The novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad details the voyage of Marlow, an Englishman, as a ferry-boat captain in Africa. Of course, the novel also explores 19th century imperialism, colonialism and the heart of the slave industry. For a better in-depth understanding, pick up the Norton Critical edition which includes extra articles explaining some of the finer points of the novella. Another fantastic read is Dubliners by James Joyce, a collection of short stories with Dublin itself as a detailed backdrop.
From Paperback to the Big Screen: Made into Movies
If looking for something that you’ve seen on the big screen, look no further than Dan Brown’s blockbuster hit The Da Vinci Code. This mystery-detective fiction novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he investigates a murder in Paris’s Louvre Museum. It is an action-packed page turner.
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes is a memoir of her life-changing experiences of moving to Tuscany and becoming owner of a dilapidated villa. This charmingly sweet novel will have you drooling for the delicious recipes provided.
Children’s Books that Inspire Travel
The travel genre isn’t just limited to adult literature, but can be found between the pages of beloved kid’s classics. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner is a series which tells the story of four orphaned children who create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest. Mark Twain’s beloved classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn allows children to drift down the Mississippi. For younger readers, How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman is a capricious book that explores a geographical grocery shopping journey.
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