11 Essential Books About Travel Every Writer Should Read
One of our favorite tips to share with our students is before you start pitching to “read, read, and read some more.” Though we usually mean that you should read the magazines and websites you plan to pitch, we also recommend reading a few awe-inspiring, wanderlust-inducing books, too. Not sure where to start? Here are 11 books about travel that every aspiring writer (and heck, even the old pros) should read.
"On the Road" by Jack Kerouac
Published in 1957, "On the Road" is as classic a novel as they come. The story follows Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they travel across the United States, exploring the country and themselves. Kerouac's writing style is stream-of-consciousness, which gives the book a raw and authentic feel. "On the Road" is a must-read for writers who want to capture a true sense of adventure.
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"The Art of Travel" by Alain de Botton
"The Art of Travel" is a philosophical exploration of why we travel and what we hope to gain from it. De Botton examines the reasons why we travel, the expectations we have, and the disappointments we face. He also explores the relationship between travel and creativity. This book is essential for writers who want to understand the deeper meaning of travel and how it can inform their writing.
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"In Patagonia" by Bruce Chatwin
"In Patagonia" is a travelogue that chronicles Chatwin's journey through Patagonia, a region at the southern tip of South America. The book is a mix of history, geography, and personal anecdotes, and it paints a vivid picture of the landscape and the people who live there. Chatwin's prose is poetic and evocative, making "In Patagonia" a must-read for writers who want to learn how to capture the essence of a place in their writing.
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"The Great Railway Bazaar" by Paul Theroux
"The Great Railway Bazaar" is a travelogue that follows Theroux as he travels by train from London to Tokyo and back. Along the way, he meets a variety of people and experiences a range of cultures. The book is a fascinating exploration of the world of train travel, and it provides insights into the cultures and people that Theroux encounters.
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“Wild by Nature” by Sarah Marquis
National Geographic Explorer Sarah Marquis chronicles her solo expedition on foot from Siberia to Australia in this riveting memoir. Over three years and 10,000 miles, Marquis traverses six countries, facing the extremes of nature and the limits of endurance. Her tale is an ode to the wild, unyielding spirit of adventurers and a lesson in resilience and self-reliance.
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"A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
"A Walk in the Woods" is a humorous memoir that chronicles Bryson's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. The book is a mix of personal anecdotes, history, and natural history, and it provides a fascinating look at the trail and the people who hike it. Bryson's writing is witty and engaging, making "A Walk in the Woods" a great choice for writers who want to learn how to write about personal experiences in a way that is both entertaining (ie funny) and informative.
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"The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen
"The Snow Leopard" is a memoir that chronicles Matthiessen's journey through the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. The book is a mix of personal anecdotes, natural history, and Buddhist philosophy. Matthiessen's writing is poetic and evocative, making "The Snow Leopard" a fantastic choice for writers who want to learn how to intertwine nature and spirituality in their work.
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"Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck
"Travels with Charley" is a memoir that chronicles Steinbeck's journey across the United States with his dog, Charley. The book is a mix of history and social commentary. Steinbeck's writing is insightful and thought-provoking, thus making "Travels with Charley" a stellar read for writers who want to learn how to write about personal experiences and social issues.
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"The Motorcycle Diaries" by Ernesto "Che" Guevara
"The Motorcycle Diaries" is a memoir that chronicles Guevara's journey across South America on a motorcycle. The book interweaves his personal tails with political commentary and social criticism through passionate and inspiring writing.
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"Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer
"Into the Wild" is a heartbreaking non-fiction book that chronicles the life and death of Christopher McCandless, a young man who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness and died there. It provides a fascinating look at the life and motivations of McCandless through Krakauer's powerful and moving writing. This book is ideal for those looking to learn how to write about personal experiences and the human condition.
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"Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle" by Dervla Murphy
Born in Ireland in 1931, Dervla Murphy’s passion for cycling led her on an overland journey from Ireland to India. Documented in "Full Tilt", her travels through Europe, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India offer a vivid depiction of the lands and cultures she encounters. Murphy’s gritty determination and the colorful tapestry of experiences she shares make this memoir a treasure trove for those yearning for adventure.