Summary: In this article, I have handpicked 20 of the best world travel books to transport you to new destinations. Here are my top 3 picks:
- In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
- Tracks by Robyn Davidson
- Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon
World travel books invite us to explore the world through vivid stories of landscapes, cultures, and adventures. They deepen our understanding of different regions, inspire wanderlust, and show how travel can transform our perspectives. Whether planning a trip or dreaming of distant places, these books spark curiosity and celebrate the magic of exploration.
TOP 20: Best World Travel Books
- In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
- Tracks by Robyn Davidson
- Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon
- Destinations of a Lifetime by National Geographic
- The Travel Book by Lonely Planet
- World Travel by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever
- Journeys of a Lifetime by National Geographic
- The Bucket List by Kath Stathers
- Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
- The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
- Overbooked by Elizabeth Becker
- A Cook's Tour by Anthony Bourdain
- The Old Patagonian Express by Paul Theroux
- Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh
- Walking the Nile by Levison Wood
- The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron
- The Caliph's House by Tahir Shah
- Holy Cow by Sarah Macdonald
- The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau
- Deep South by Paul Theroux
1. In Patagonia
- Author: Bruce Chatwin
- About: A travelogue detailing Chatwin's journey through Patagonia, blending personal anecdotes with historical narratives.
- Style of Writing: Evocative and poetic, with a mix of storytelling and reportage.
- Length: ~55,000 words
- Year Written: 1977
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its vivid descriptions and contemplative tone.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for most readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique perspective on a remote region, intertwining travel with introspection.
2. Tracks
- Author: Robyn Davidson
- About: Davidson's solo trek across 1,700 miles of Australian desert with camels and a dog.
- Style of Writing: Honest and immersive, capturing the challenges and beauty of the journey.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year Written: 1980
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and thought-provoking, highlighting themes of solitude and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging for a wide audience.
- Why Read It: Showcases resilience and the transformative power of solitary travel.
3. Blue Highways
- Author: William Least Heat-Moon
- About: A journey through America's backroads, exploring small towns and the people who inhabit them.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and descriptive, with rich character portrayals.
- Length: ~75,000 words
- Year Written: 1982
- Emotional Impact: Evokes nostalgia and a deeper appreciation for overlooked parts of America.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to most readers.
- Why Read It: Encourages exploration beyond typical tourist paths, revealing the heart of America.
4. Destinations of a Lifetime
- Author: National Geographic
- About: A compilation of 225 of the world's most amazing places, accompanied by stunning photography.
- Style of Writing: Informative and concise, focusing on visual storytelling.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Awe-inspiring, igniting a desire to explore new destinations.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; primarily a visual experience.
- Why Read It: Provides travel inspiration with high-quality images and brief descriptions.
5. The Travel Book
- Author: Lonely Planet
- About: A journey through every country in the world, offering snapshots of each nation's highlights.
- Style of Writing: Brief and factual, complemented by vibrant photographs.
- Length: ~150,000 words
- Year Written: First published in 2004; updated editions available.
- Emotional Impact: Informative and engaging, sparking curiosity about diverse cultures.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; suitable for quick reference or casual reading.
- Why Read It: Offers a comprehensive overview of the world's countries, ideal for travel planning.
6. World Travel
- Author: Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever
- About: A guide to some of Bourdain's favorite destinations, filled with personal insights and practical advice.
- Style of Writing: Conversational and candid, reflecting Bourdain's distinctive voice.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Nostalgic and heartfelt, especially for fans of Bourdain.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; engaging and approachable.
- Why Read It: Provides a personal touch to travel recommendations, capturing Bourdain's adventurous spirit.
7. Journeys of a Lifetime
- Author: National Geographic
- About: Highlights 500 of the world's greatest trips, from scenic drives to trekking routes.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and enticing, paired with stunning visuals.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Inspires a sense of adventure and wanderlust.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; suitable for all readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a diverse range of travel ideas, catering to various interests.
8. The Bucket List
- Author: Kath Stathers
- About: A collection of 1,000 diverse experiences from around the world, ranging from iconic adventures to lesser-known gems.
- Style of Writing: Concise and inspirational, with bite-sized entries and beautiful imagery.
- Length: ~60,000 words
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Motivational and uplifting, encouraging readers to dream big and take action on their travel goals.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible and enjoyable for all readers.
- Why Read It: Perfect for sparking ideas and crafting a personalized list of must-visit destinations and experiences.
9. Turn Right at Machu Picchu
- Author: Mark Adams
- About: Chronicles the author’s journey retracing Hiram Bingham’s path to Machu Picchu, combining adventure and history.
- Style of Writing: Witty and engaging, blending humor with historical insights.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Both entertaining and educational, sparking curiosity about ancient civilizations.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible with a mix of humor and historical detail.
- Why Read It: Combines a modern adventure with a fascinating historical narrative.
10. The Great Railway Bazaar
- Author: Paul Theroux
- About: A classic travelogue about Theroux’s journey across Asia by train.
- Style of Writing: Observational and richly detailed, with a touch of dry humor.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year Written: 1975
- Emotional Impact: Immersive and thought-provoking, showcasing the joy of slow travel.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; ideal for readers who enjoy detailed descriptions.
- Why Read It: Offers an intimate look at the cultures and landscapes of Asia through train travel.
11. Overbooked
- Author: Elizabeth Becker
- About: An in-depth look at the global tourism industry, exploring its economic, cultural, and environmental impacts.
- Style of Writing: Analytical and investigative, with a journalistic approach.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Eye-opening and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reconsider travel ethics.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appeals to those interested in the business and sustainability of tourism.
- Why Read It: Provides a critical perspective on the effects of tourism worldwide.
12. A Cook’s Tour
- Author: Anthony Bourdain
- About: A journey to discover the perfect meal, spanning multiple countries and culinary traditions.
- Style of Writing: Personal and conversational, filled with Bourdain’s characteristic wit.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year Written: 2001
- Emotional Impact: Delightful and heartfelt, blending humor with poignant reflections.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; highly engaging and approachable.
- Why Read It: Perfect for food lovers and those curious about the connection between cuisine and culture.
13. The Old Patagonian Express
- Author: Paul Theroux
- About: A train journey from Boston to Patagonia, showcasing landscapes and encounters along the way.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and descriptive, with a focus on personal observations.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year Written: 1979
- Emotional Impact: Nostalgic and evocative, celebrating the art of travel.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging for fans of travel narratives.
- Why Read It: A compelling look at both the journey and the destinations.
14. Around the World in 80 Trains
- Author: Monisha Rajesh
- About: A journey around the globe on 80 trains, exploring cultures and connections along the way.
- Style of Writing: Warm and conversational, blending personal stories with cultural insights.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Inspires wanderlust and appreciation for the human connections formed through travel.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; an enjoyable read for all audiences.
- Why Read It: Combines the romance of train travel with a global perspective.
15. Walking the Nile
- Author: Levison Wood
- About: A journey on foot along the Nile River, exploring Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Style of Writing: Adventurous and immersive, with vivid descriptions of challenges and triumphs.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and adventurous, highlighting resilience and determination.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; ideal for readers who enjoy adventure narratives.
- Why Read It: Captures the essence of an epic journey through one of the world’s most fascinating regions.
16. The Road to Oxiana
- Author: Robert Byron
- About: A travel diary documenting Byron’s journey through the Middle East to Afghanistan.
- Style of Writing: Witty and erudite, blending historical and architectural observations.
- Length: ~75,000 words
- Year Written: 1937
- Emotional Impact: Intellectual and inspiring, leaving readers with a sense of awe for the ancient world.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; rich in detail and references.
- Why Read It: A classic of travel literature, praised for its insight and wit.
17. The Caliph’s House
- Author: Tahir Shah
- About: Shah’s humorous and heartfelt account of moving his family to a crumbling house in Casablanca.
- Style of Writing: Entertaining and vivid, with a blend of humor and cultural insights.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Warm and uplifting, offering a deeper appreciation of Moroccan culture.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; an enjoyable read for all audiences.
- Why Read It: A charming and insightful look at adapting to a new culture.
18. Holy Cow
- Author: Sarah Macdonald
- About: The author’s humorous journey of self-discovery and exploration in India.
- Style of Writing: Lighthearted and personal, with a focus on cultural observations.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year Written: 2002
- Emotional Impact: Funny and relatable, with moments of introspection.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible and engaging.
- Why Read It: A witty take on the challenges and rewards of cultural immersion.
19. The Art of Pilgrimage
- Author: Phil Cousineau
- About: A guide to making travel a sacred and meaningful experience.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and philosophical, blending advice with storytelling.
- Length: ~70,000 words
- Year Written: 1998
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and profound, encouraging a deeper connection to travel.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; ideal for thoughtful readers.
- Why Read It: Transforms travel into a spiritual and reflective journey.
20. Deep South
- Author: Paul Theroux
- About: A road trip through the American South, exploring its culture, history, and people.
- Style of Writing: Observational and thought-provoking, with a focus on social commentary.
- Length: ~95,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Eye-opening and evocative, highlighting the complexities of the region.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suited for readers interested in cultural exploration.
- Why Read It: Offers an intimate look at a richly diverse and often misunderstood part of America.
Conclusion
World travel books are a wonderful way to explore the world, spark curiosity, and inspire unforgettable adventures. For me, Destinations of a Lifetime, The Travel Book, and World Travel are truly standouts. With their stunning visuals, fascinating insights, and personal stories, they feel like a passport to discovery. I think they’re perfect for both seasoned travelers and those who love to dream about distant places. Whether you’re planning your next journey or simply exploring from the comfort of home, these books remind us just how beautiful and diverse our world really is.
