Summary: In this article, I have gathered 20 of the best travel books for adults that transport you to far-off places while offering profound insights and unforgettable stories. Here are the top 3:
- The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
- Blue Highways – A Journey into America by William Least Heat-Moon
- The Places in Between by Rory Stewart
TOP 20: Best Travel Books for Adults
1. The Snow Leopard
- Author: Peter Matthiessen
- About: This book chronicles Matthiessen's 1973 journey into the Himalayas with naturalist George Schaller, aiming to study the Himalayan blue sheep and possibly glimpse the elusive snow leopard. It delves into themes of nature, spirituality, and personal reflection.
- Style of Writing: A blend of travel narrative, natural history, and spiritual memoir.
- Length: Approximately 338 pages.
- Year Written: 1978.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and contemplative, it leaves a lasting impression on readers, encouraging introspection.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; while engaging, it incorporates deep philosophical and spiritual discussions.
- Why Read It: It's a National Book Award-winning classic that offers a unique combination of adventure and spiritual insight.
2. Blue Highways – A Journey into America
- Author: William Least Heat-Moon
- About: After personal setbacks, Heat-Moon embarks on a 13,000-mile journey through America's backroads, exploring small towns and uncovering the nation's diverse cultures and landscapes.
- Style of Writing: Engaging travelogue with rich descriptions and personal anecdotes.
- Length: Approximately 428 pages.
- Year Written: 1982.
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and thought-provoking, it offers a fresh perspective on American life.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with insightful reflections.
- Why Read It: It's a celebrated piece of American travel literature that captures the essence of the country's lesser-known locales.
3. The Places in Between
- Author: Rory Stewart
- About: Stewart recounts his solo walk across Afghanistan in 2002, providing a vivid portrayal of the country's landscapes, cultures, and the challenges he faced.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative combining travel memoir with historical and political insights.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2004.
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and enlightening, it offers a nuanced view of Afghanistan beyond prevalent stereotypes.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; while informative, it's written in an accessible style.
- Why Read It: It provides a unique, ground-level perspective of Afghanistan during a tumultuous period, highlighting the resilience of its people.
4. Lunch in Paris - A Love Story, with Recipes
- Author: Elizabeth Bard
- About: A memoir that combines a love story, cultural exploration, and French cuisine as the author adapts to life in Paris.
- Style of Writing: Warm and conversational, with recipes woven into the narrative.
- Length: Approximately 350 pages.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Lighthearted and uplifting, with moments of depth and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible and entertaining.
- Why Read It: A delightful mix of romance, culture, and food, perfect for Francophiles and foodies.
5. Wanderlust - A Love Affair with Five Continents
- Author: Elisabeth Eaves
- About: Eaves reflects on 15 years of travel across five continents, exploring the complexities of relationships, wanderlust, and personal growth.
- Style of Writing: Introspective and evocative, blending travelogue with personal memoir.
- Length: Approximately 288 pages.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Relatable and thought-provoking, particularly for solo travelers or those grappling with the balance of roots and freedom.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A raw and honest exploration of the joys and struggles of a life driven by wanderlust.
6. Off the Tourist Trail - 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives
- Author: DK Publishing
- About: A travel guide showcasing offbeat destinations and hidden gems around the world.
- Style of Writing: Informative and visual, with stunning photography and concise descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring for adventure-seekers looking to avoid the beaten path.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a perfect coffee table book for travel planning.
- Why Read It: A treasure trove of ideas for unique destinations and experiences.
7. Exotic Escapes - Adventures in the Lesser-Known Destinations
- Author: Rebecca Housley
- About: Chronicles adventures in underexplored destinations like Georgia, Armenia, and Mauritius.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and immersive, focusing on cultural and natural highlights.
- Length: Approximately 280 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Intriguing and educational, sparking curiosity about overlooked parts of the world.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: Great for discovering unique destinations that are off the radar.
8. Discovering Europe - The Lesser-Known Travel Spots
- Author: Phillip Nicholls
- About: Highlights hidden gems and quiet corners of Europe that escape mainstream tourism.
- Style of Writing: Practical and insightful, with a focus on local experiences.
- Length: Approximately 250 pages.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Invigorating for travelers looking for authenticity in Europe.
- Difficulty Level: Easy.
- Why Read It: A practical guide to uncovering Europe’s hidden treasures.
9. Greece Travel Guide - Explore Greece's Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Destinations
- Author: Sally Sojourn Sullivan
- About: A guide to exploring Greece's lesser-known islands, towns, and historical sites.
- Style of Writing: Informative and visually engaging, with cultural and historical context.
- Length: Approximately 300 pages.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Inspirational for those seeking an authentic Greek experience away from the crowds.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; perfect for trip planning.
- Why Read It: A comprehensive guide to uncovering the less commercialized side of Greece.
10. Colorado's Hidden Gems - 115 Lesser-Known Destinations for Tourists and Locals
- Author: Kathryn Kelley
- About: A curated list of Colorado's most beautiful and secluded spots, from hiking trails to historic sites.
- Style of Writing: Practical and descriptive, with actionable travel tips.
- Length: Approximately 350 pages.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Inspires awe and appreciation for Colorado’s diverse landscapes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; well-suited for travelers of all experience levels.
- Why Read It: A perfect resource for exploring Colorado's off-the-beaten-path treasures.
11. The Geography of Bliss - One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World
- Author: Eric Weiner
- About: Weiner travels to countries known for happiness (and some that aren't) to explore what makes people joyful.
- Style of Writing: Witty, thought-provoking, and engaging.
- Length: Approximately 345 pages.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: Humorous yet deeply reflective, leaving readers pondering their own pursuit of happiness.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible but with philosophical undertones.
- Why Read It: A fresh perspective on happiness across cultures, blending travel with psychology.
12. The Art of Travel
- Author: Alain de Botton
- About: A philosophical exploration of why we travel and how it affects our emotions and perceptions.
- Style of Writing: Thoughtful, reflective, and elegantly written.
- Length: Approximately 272 pages.
- Year Written: 2002
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression by challenging how we think about travel.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appeals to readers who enjoy deeper philosophical discussions.
- Why Read It: A unique take on the psychology and philosophy of travel.
13. The Lost City of Z - A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
- Author: David Grann
- About: The true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett’s quest to find a mythical city in the Amazon.
- Style of Writing: Gripping and suspenseful, blending history and adventure.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Thrilling and haunting, with a strong sense of mystery and human resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging for fans of history and adventure.
- Why Read It: A fascinating look into exploration, obsession, and the unknown.
14. The Great Railway Bazaar - By Train Through Asia
- Author: Paul Theroux
- About: Theroux's classic travelogue of his journey by train through Asia, from Europe to Japan.
- Style of Writing: Observational, witty, and richly detailed.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 1975
- Emotional Impact: Intriguing and evocative, capturing the romance of rail travel.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires attention to cultural and historical nuances.
- Why Read It: A quintessential travel book for train enthusiasts and lovers of immersive storytelling.
15. Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes
- Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
- About: A 12-day journey through the Cévennes mountains in France, with only a donkey as a companion.
- Style of Writing: Humorous, descriptive, and reflective.
- Length: Approximately 176 pages.
- Year Written: 1879
- Emotional Impact: Charming and thought-provoking, offering insights into solitude and simplicity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; 19th-century language may require some adjustment.
- Why Read It: A timeless account of slow travel and connecting with nature.
16. Arabian Sands
- Author: Wilfred Thesiger
- About: Thesiger’s journey through the Empty Quarter of the Arabian Peninsula, exploring Bedouin culture and desert life.
- Style of Writing: Detailed, poetic, and deeply respectful of Bedouin traditions.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: 1959
- Emotional Impact: Evocative and inspiring, it conveys the harsh beauty of desert life.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging; rich descriptions and cultural context may require focus.
- Why Read It: A classic account of a vanishing way of life in one of the world’s most extreme environments.
17. In Patagonia
- Author: Bruce Chatwin
- About: Chatwin’s journey through Patagonia, weaving historical anecdotes, personal reflections, and encounters with locals.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical, fragmented, and highly descriptive.
- Length: Approximately 240 pages.
- Year Written: 1977
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and mysterious, with a sense of adventure and longing.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; non-linear storytelling may challenge some readers.
- Why Read It: A unique and influential travelogue that captures the mystique of Patagonia.
18. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush
- Author: Eric Newby
- About: Newby’s humorous account of his amateur expedition to Afghanistan’s remote mountains.
- Style of Writing: Lighthearted and engaging, with sharp wit and vivid descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 250 pages.
- Year Written: 1958
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and endearing, with a balance of humor and adventure.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible language and pace.
- Why Read It: A charming tale of adventure and perseverance, perfect for fans of underdog stories.
19. The Road to Oxiana
- Author: Robert Byron
- About: Byron’s journey through the Middle East, focusing on the architectural heritage of Iran and Afghanistan.
- Style of Writing: Erudite, witty, and deeply descriptive.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 1937
- Emotional Impact: Captivating and intellectually stimulating, with a strong sense of place.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; dense with historical and architectural references.
- Why Read It: A literary classic and a must-read for those interested in Middle Eastern culture and history.
20. Wild - From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
- Author: Cheryl Strayed
- About: Strayed’s memoir of her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, undertaken as a journey of healing after personal losses.
- Style of Writing: Honest, raw, and deeply personal.
- Length: Approximately 315 pages.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and moving, with moments of humor and heartbreak.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; relatable and engaging for a wide audience.
- Why Read It: A powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of nature.
Conclusion
Travel books are a fantastic way to explore the world without leaving home, sparking a sense of adventure and offering fresh perspectives on diverse cultures. Personally, I think The Snow Leopard is an extraordinary read, blending a spiritual journey with breathtaking descriptions of the Himalayas. Blue Highways – A Journey into America really resonated with me as it beautifully captures the charm and diversity of small-town America. And The Places in Between left a lasting impression with its raw and honest portrayal of Afghanistan’s landscapes and people. These three books, in my opinion, highlight the very best of what travel literature can offer—stories that inspire, move, and stay with you long after you’ve finished them.
