Are you an avid traveler who loves to explore and discover new places? Then this list of travel memoirs is just the thing for you! Here, you will find tales of wanderlust and adventure, as told by some of the world’s brightest minds. From exploring the depths of the Amazon jungle to sleeping in remote yurts in Mongolia, these 10 travel memoirs will make you feel as though you’re right there in the action. So, grab a copy and prepare to embark on an exciting journey that’s sure to ignite your wanderlust.
1. Exploring the Globe Through Travel Literature
Travel literature is the perfect way to explore the globe from the comfort of your own home. From the stories of world adventurers and globe-trotters to the firsthand accounts of ordinary citizens, reading about a foreign country can often provide us with more insight than even the most comprehensive guidebook.
Take a journey with explorers like Isabella Bird or Alexander Von Humboldt, who were some of the first non-native authors to piece together vivid depictions of unknown lands. Their accounts often depicted unusual lifestyles and cultures, providing readers with an invaluable look into a world few had the privilege of seeing.
The journals and memoirs of writers like Ernest Hemingway or Paul Theroux have since provided us with unique travel stories filled with drama, romance, and humor. These travel authors dare to take risks and explore difficult terrain, but always delight their readers with vivid descriptions and sound advice.
For a dose of modern-day travel literature, Turning Home by NancyBlake offers an inspiring travelogue of exploration, cultural insight, and self-discovery. With a collection of master storytelling, this work takes readers on an intimate journey to India and provides insight on the power of travel.
- Isabella Bird
- Alexander Von Humboldt
- Ernest Hemingway
- Paul Theroux
- NancyBlake Street
Whether it’s through first-hand accounts or stories of literary adventurers, travel literature is an invaluable resource for discovering distant lands without ever leaving your house. Where to next?
2. Crafting an Escape with the Best Travel Memoirs
When it comes to escape, what better way to find an escape from it all than in a good travel memoir. Reading of different cultures and ways of life allows us to forget our current troubles, while also inspiring us to continue exploring the world in distant futures.
Brew your own cup of joe in the depths of your own home, sit back and let one of the below books transport you away:
- On the Road, Jack Kerouac
A classic tale of Kerouac’s travels in the United States, On the Road captures the strongest of excitements, of freedom, of youth, and of friendship; among a society unfamiliar to what we may be currently accustomed to. - Wild, Cheryl Strayed
Prepare yourself to relate to one of the toughest personal stories of overcoming fears and personal follies, all while facing one of the most demanding terrains: the Pacific Crest Trail.
Wild will have you in awe with how personal and honest it is while inspiring you to let go of fears and doubts. - Down Under, Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson’s wit and humor of journeying down under is a beloved classic all around the globe. From Delhi to Australia, Bryson regales us with his adventures, allows us to experience cultures we may not have witnessed, and above all, let’s us laugh at ourselves and the world around us.
So sit back with a cuppa, break out of this monotonous life and find yourself on the best topics there is: exploring the world!
3. Inspiring Journeys Around the World
- Estonia & Finland: Explore the picturesque forests of Estonia and Finland, where you’ll find animals rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Interact with the unique cultures and take a journey to their remote villages, soaking in the charm and warmth of kind-hearted locals. Marvel at the spectacular vistas as you traverse across the natural beauty of the landscape.
- Madagascar: Escape the hustle and bustle of city-life and immerse yourself in the wilds of Madagascar. Adventure through the tropical rainforest in search of the resident wildlife, from indri lemurs to fossa cats. Get to know the local tribes and uncover the secrets of the island.
- India: Follow the mystical Ganges River through India, an area alive with colour and life. From the beautiful capital city of New Delhi to ancient holy sites, vibrant cities full of street food, and homegrown treasures like spices and artisanal goods, India has something to offer every traveler.
- Brazil: From vibrant street art to exotic beaches, discover the culture and energy of Brazil up close. Party the night away in the nightclubs of Salvador or marvel at Christ the Redeemer in Rio. Navigate the Amazon rainforest while interacting with the local communities.
Experience a journey full of surprises, exotic moments, and incredible natural beauty as you explore some of the world’s most inspiring places.
Kicking things off is Estonia and Finland, two countries situated in the Nordic region. Here, you’ll be surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty. You can soak in the charm of the locals and witness a unique culture rarely experienced anywhere else. From here, hop on a plane to Madagascar for an unforgettable journey. Encounter the island’s rare wildlife, witness incredible nature, and learn about the fascinating cultures of its inhabitants.
For a completely different setting, visit India. Take a stroll along the banks of the Ganges River, discovering the country’s vibrant capital city and uncovering its incredible secrets. From ancient holy sites to shopping for spices and other delights, India has a wealth of wonders to surprise you with.
Finally, make your way down to Brazil for another wonderful experience. Escape the fast-paced city life and head off to seek out the grandeur of Christ the Redeemer, dance the night away in Salvador’s clubs, and explore the Amazon Rainforest.
Wherever you go, the are sure to captivate you. So get out there, explore, and reward yourself with an unforgettable experience!
4. Get Lost in the Magic of These 10 Travel Memoirs
Traveling often allows us to explore new realms and cultures, meeting people from divergent backgrounds, encountering remarkable stories, and experiencing things we never thought possible. Reading these inspiring tales in the form of travel memoirs is the perfect way to relive these adventures. Here, we’ve compiled 10 of the best travel memoirs that you won’t be able to put down:
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
- No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy by Jim Lorraine
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Beach by Alex Garland
- The Lost Girl by D.H. Lawrence
- Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
- Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
- The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
- The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
From the wild, unexplored terrains of Alaska to the serene beaches of Thailand, each of these 10 travel memoirs capture the essence of travelling and the positive changes it brings along. Such journeys often bring a paradigm shift in our perspectives, extending beyond the realms of modernity to the depths of ancient spiritual values.
Through these travel memoirs, it’s almost as if we’re journeying alongside the protagonists, going through the same struggles and joys as them and emerging with a refreshed take on life. So, get yourself a Cosy blanket, dim the lights, and embark on a soul-searching adventure filled with magical discoveries and life-altering experiences.
We can all appreciate a good travel memoir, so if you’re looking for a new adventure to embark on, why not explore Wanderlust on the Pages? Pick up one of these wonderful tales of global exploration and let the journey transport you to some of the most interesting places in the world – without ever leaving your chair. Bon voyage!
