The Classics:
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
A mostly autobiographical novel by Jack Kerouac, On the Road tells the story of Sal Paradise, a young writer looking for adventure and the meaning of life. The novel tells of the trials and tribulations faced by Paradise and his friends as they travel across the United States. The story is told in five parts, highlighting various journeys including road trips with friends, hitchhiking with strangers, and train-hopping across rural America. The novel is said to be one of the best novels in American literature, with Kerouac leading the way in the Beat generation of the 1950's.
Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth thought she had it all: a great job, a loving husband, and an overall great life! But this great life quickly goes down the drain and the author finds herself in a time of depression and despair. After finalizing her divorce, Elizabeth spends the next year traveling the world in search of a better life. She spends four months in Italy enjoying the food of the country (Eat), she searches for her spirituality in India (Pray), and ends the year looking for balance in Bali, but ends up finding Love. The novel is a memoir of the author's real experiences after suffering a difficult divorce.
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Under the Tuscan Sun is the true story of Frances Mayes who impulsively buys, and attempts to renovate, a villa in Italy after a messy divorce. The book is part travel memoir and part cookbook, as Mayes shares her own recipes throughout the novel! The novel documents Hayes' attempt to renovate the house, as well as find purpose, happiness, and even love, along the way.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods tells the true story of Bill Bryson's unsuccessful attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail. Bryson's sense of humor brings out an interesting dialogue with himself, the people he meets on the trail, as well as the trail itself. He tells the story of the history of the Appalachian Trail while urging others to help protect America's wilderness.
Bill Bryson has many popular other travel memoirs including In a Sunburned Country, Notes from a Small Island, A Short History of Nearly Everything, and more!
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
This book is a more philosophical approach as to why people travel, instead of focusing merely on where people travel and the experiences they have. In a series of essays, The Art of Travel discusses the reasons behind traveling, from "finding oneself" to looking for happiness. De Botton argues that traveling teaches people about their own character and values while exposing them to new and exciting landscapes.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
After his college graduation, Christopher McCandless decides not to launch himself into a fulfilling career but instead he chooses to get rid of all of his possessions and embark on a journey into the Alaskan Wilderness. However, McCandless' story does not have a happy ending, as he ends up perishing in the woods. The novel is based on the article "Death of an Innocent," which was published in a local newspaper by Jon Krakauer. Throughout Into the Wild, the author looks back on the life of McCandless prior to his fateful day, and tries to find out exactly what went wrong.
For Women:
The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost
Rachel Friedman had lived her life by the rulebook. So she surprised everyone, even herself, when she booked a solo trip to Ireland on a whim. On her trip she befriends an outgoing Australian girl who helps Friendman discover her passion for adventure. The memoir follows the author's journey across three continents with a newfound friend by her side.
Girls Who Travel by Nicole Trilvas
This hilarious novel tells the story of a girl who had always had a passion for travel and was lusting after her next adventure. Having been stuck in a schedule for longer than she would have liked, she books a gig babysitting in London. However, she quickly discovers you don't necessarily have to travel far to understand where, and who, you are meant to be.
A Thousand New Beginnings by Kristin Addis
A Thousand New Beginnings is the true story of a 26-year-old woman who left her old life behind to travel to Southeast Asia. She had a job, boyfriend, and stable life, but gave it all up to see what else was out there. Over the course of a year, read about the author's experience discovering not only a new country, but herself as well.
Wanderlust by Elisabeth Eaves
Author Elisabeth Eaves started traveling as a sophomore in college, and has not looked back ever since. Wanderlust tells her story of 15 years of traveling the world. Throughout her travels she meets various men and discovered a lot about her tolerance for dating. She debates with herself over the love of her independence and passion for travel, while also finding a life partner. Eaves hopes this book will help other women who are torn between their individual desires and their dream of a family.
Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James
Kyle James and his girlfriend Ashely have just quit their day jobs and bought one-way tickets to Paris. Their goal? To see as much of the world as they possibly could. With everything packed away in their small backpacks, and with their cell phones in hand, the couple delved into a great adventure. In just 114 days, they visited 15 countries and 38 cities. This travel memoir hopes to inspire those who are stuck in that cubicle life to take a risk, and live life to the fullest.
Comments