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If there’s something I’m passionate about (other than traveling) it’s a good book.
A good book entertains, inspires, makes you travel in space and time, and, most importantly, gives you a new perspective on the world, others, and yourself.
A good book will teach you something and make the perfect lazy Sunday or travel companion.
And here are nothing less than my favorite 10 books about travel and self-discovery, to inspire your wanderlust and soul-searching.
In a hurry? Click here for my favorite book on travel and soul-searching!
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10 books about travel and self-discovery:
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
After her mother’s death and her divorce, Strayed decides to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon, to Washington State, alone, and with no previous training or experience.
In this bestselling memoir, she writes about this challenging solo journey through grief and survival.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir about how Gilbert discovered she didn’t want to live the American dream – a husband, kids, and a house in the suburbs – and decided to travel the world in search of her true self.
In Eat, Pray, Love, she eats her way through Italy, prays in an ashram in India, and finds love and balance in Bali.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The book tells the story of Santiago, a Spanish shepherd boy who travels to Egypt in search of a treasure, and what he learns along the way about love and life.
The Alchemist sold more than two million copies worldwide. I got it from a friend some years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite books. In fact, I think I need to reread it soon.
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The Beach by Alex Garland
The book tells the story of Richard, a young westerner traveling through Southeast Asia.
On his first night in Bangkok, Richard hears about the Beach, an idyllic lagoon where tourists are forbidden and, according to the legend, a selected international few live in a communal Eden.
Even if you’ve seen the movie, this book is totally worth reading.
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer
When World War II began in 1939, Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter were held prisoners in India by the British but managed to escape to Tibet.
In Lhasa, they start learning about the Tibetan way of life, and Harrer becomes one of the tutors and a close friend of the 14th Dalai Lama, at the time still a boy.
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
This inspiring and beautifully written book tells the story of a young Indian man who leaves his family and luxurious life behind to go on a pilgrimage throughout the country.
During his long soul-searching journey, he tries everything, from a contemplative life to sex and lust, until he finds his own path. If you have to choose only one book to read from this list, make it this one!
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Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
It tells the story of two main characters that are connected somehow: Kafka Tamura, a teenage boy who runs away from home to escape a prophecy, and Nakata, an older man who never recovered from a strange accident and now dedicates his life to finding lost cats.
A magical novel about freedom, fate, and self-sufficiency that I highly recommend reading.
The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel
I kept reading it until the last page because it’s brilliant.
The book takes the reader on a road trip through Portugal while telling the story of three journeys separated in time, but all of them with something in common: love and loss.
The Enlightenment of Nina Findlay by Andrea Gillies
The Enlightenment of Nina Findlay, by Andrea Gillies, tells the story of a woman caught in a love triangle with two Italian brothers.
After her divorce, she escapes to a small Greek island to do some soul-searching. But an accident puts her in the hospital, where she revisits her life story.
Euphoria by Lily King
A New York Times bestseller and winner of several prizes and distinctions, Euphoria is based on the life of revolutionary anthropologist Margaret Mead.
The book tells the story of three anthropologists working along New Guinea’s Sepik River and caught in a passionate love triangle.
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So there you have it: a list of 10 inspiring travel books and soul-searching books for your next vacation or to read at home.
What are your favorite books about travel and self-discovery? Share in the comments section below.
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Steve Blum says
Hi Vanda,
Browsing your list during my Covid homestay looking for my next read. I love Siddhartha and I read 7 Years in Tibet and I think I’ll read the murakami book next
You might enjoy what I just finished, Highway of Diamonds: an international travel adventure by J. Jaye Gold. I got hooked by the adventure story and came to really appreciate the subtle life lessons woven throughout. Thank you for sharing your recommendations.
All the best to you,
Steve
Maria says
So many great books listed here, I’m sure these would make great gifts for all of us who haven’t gotten to travel this year. Nice post and thanks for sharing 🙂
Bassam says
zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance
Baia says
I am always on the lookout for nice travel books. I have read some of those, but will definitely add the rest to my list. Thanks for sharing
Maria Angelova says
I’d add “203 Travel Challenges” – it’s not a personal story but rather a guide to creating your own adventure and adding more thrill to even the most banal trip.
Vanda says
Thank you! Sounds interesting. I’ll make sure to read it soon 🙂