Everyone is hoping for a little more travel this year and while that isn't happening just yet, there's no reason we can't alley our wanderlust with the words of those who have experienced it before us. They say that books are a window to the soul, a way to live a thousand new lives, and an escape. So, does that hold true for those of us who are still at home waiting to actually see the world? It would appear that the answer is yes and while most of the time we're the ones writing about traveling the world, this time, we're writing about others who have written about traveling the world.
The power of words can do more than just entertain us; words can soothe the soul, make us think, and procure and experience right before our very eyes that we couldn't have otherwise imagined ourselves. That's the power of reading and within the pages of these books are adventures that have actually happened, available to you while the world patiently waits to be explored once again.
ON THE ROAD By Jack Kerouac
On the Road reads like a long, beautiful poem but actually details the accounts of a character named Sal as he literally hits the road to explore all the world has to offer. Possibly one of the greatest accounts of wanderlust, Kerouac paints his main character in such a light that shows the transformative properties that travel can have on a person, mentally and spiritually. The interactions between friends that Sal meets on the road along with the appreciation for the simpler things, such as waking up to a new sunset every day or living life on the edge of a city's nightlife are things that many of us desire, and this novel brings it to realistic fruition.
THE ALCHEMIST By Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist has been hailed as one of the most-read books of modern time and for good reason. This novel goes beyond the classic notion of achieving your dreams and dives into what life actually means, following the journey of a shepherd boy from Spain as he travels to Egypt. Not only does this novel appeal to the wanderlust-loving person in all of us, but it appeals to the heart and soul of the reader, bringing with it one-liners that truly force a person to think and ponder their own life. It's worth the read for its beautiful language and also its purposeful journey.
THE BEACH By Alex Garland
From a backpacker's perspective, The Beach offers personal and honest accounts of what it's like to carry all that you need on your back as you see the world as your own personal oyster. Garland offers unique introspection and a backpacking view that would make anyone wonder if strapping on their biggest pack and hitting the road (or plane runway) is something for them. The realities of the magic surrounding backpacking and the magic itself are two different things, as Garland showcases, in an honest and refreshing take on backpack travel.
VAGABONDING By Rolf Potts
For those who are just getting into travel (or were, pre-pandemic), Vagabonding is a must-read. The book follows the life of Rolf Potts who spend a considerable amount of time traveling the world, including walking across Israel, offering insight and advice to those looking to do the same or something similar. This book addresses almost all areas of travel and offers insight from the mind and life of someone who has done it, from the good to the bad and everything in between.
CRUISING ALTITUDE By Heather Poole
For a bit of levity in a way that makes us all appreciate flight attendants and their work a little bit more, Cruising Altitude is a great, short read. Poole details what it's really like to spend one's life working at, well, cruising altitude, complete with personal anecdotes, well-placed humor, and honesty. It'll make us all think back to our most comfortable plane ride and about thanking the next flight attendant we encounter, whether it's on a plane or just out in the world.
IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY By Bill Bryson
When it comes to travel writing, Bill Bryson is one of the most well-known and iconic authors of a generation. In a Sunburned Country is nothing short of brilliant as his writing takes readers on a journey across the entirety of Australia. This country is a lot bigger, thrilling, and, at times, dangerous than many people realized until they read this novel. With tales of Australia from its most beloved destinations to that lesser-seen by the travelers, this novel is an inspiration and an absolute must-read for anyone considering the land down under.