11 Travel Novels That Will Make You Feel Like You're Adventuring Too
Add These Travel Novels to Your Reading List ASAP
For a travel addict, there is nothing worse than being between trips. Scrolling through your Instagram, looking at the amazing places everyone else is seeing. Looking longingly at your list of places to see before you die, wishing you were off on another adventure already.
Thankfully, reading a travel novel is one of the best ways to replicate the feelings you experience when you travel — because you are being transported on adventures right along with the main character. Although nothing is the same as being there in person, the following travel adventure books will satiate your yearning for adventure at least while you are absorbed in their stories.
We can’t help the fact that you’ll probably be even more antsy to hop aboard a plane or jump in your car as soon as you put them down!
Although travel is inherently personal, all of these stories show that travel is the best teacher, especially when it comes to the self.
“Life of Pi,” Yann Martel
“Life of Pi” is an extraordinary tale of a young boy who survives a shipwreck, with the help of a tiger from his family’s zoo. It’s a fantastical tale about personal faith and the relativity of truth.
Although, in a sense, Pi is not traveling by choice, his ordeal allows him to cement his faith in God by observing that the journey is what’s important, not the destination.
“On the Road,” Jack Kerouac
The definitive novel of the hip “beat” generation of the 1950s, “On the Road” chronicles author Jack Kerouac’s free-spirited travels with his friend, Neal Cassady, although both receive pseudonyms in the book.
Written like a series of journal entries, the novel is one of self-discovery and friendship through travel. An essential read while road-tripping or on a college gap-year.
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“Chocolat,” Joanne Harris
Lovers of chocolate and magic will enjoy Joanne Harris’ novel, “Chocolat,” a story about the impact a single individual can have. When Vianne, a single mother, and her daughter, Anouk, arrive in a small French village to open a chocolaterie during Lent, tensions run high between them and the local priest.
This book is sure to make you long for the French countryside and their unrivaled chocolate, pastries and amour.
“Outlander,” Diana Gabaldon
Claire Beauchamp, a World War II nurse on her honeymoon in Scotland, accidentally travels back in time through a circle of ancient stones. Separated from her husband, she finds herself in 1743, amid the war between the Scots and the British of which she becomes an integral part.
This is a historical sci-fi romance that will leave you swooning for a red-headed clansman to sweep you off your feet and into the Scottish Highlands.
“The Hobbit,” J.R.R. Tolkien
Although technically a children’s novel, “The Hobbit” is an inspiring classic that reads well no matter what your age. Young Bilbo Baggins is swept up in a quest to regain a group of dwarves’ treasure from a treacherous dragon.
Along the way he encounters many trials and tribulations, but proves his worth when he helps the dwarves gain back their treasure and their historic home in the Lonely Mountain. Full of action and adventure, “The Hobbit” will have you dreaming of far-off places whether fantastical or real.
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“Into the Wild,” Jon Krakauer
“Into the Wild” is the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who rejected society in search of himself, eventually ending up in the Alaskan wilderness where he perished.
Although it has a sad ending, Christopher’s youthful idealism and spirit of adventure provide inspiration for travelers at a crossroad, looking to embrace their own spontaneity and lust for life. This is one of the best novels about travel for those who love getting outdoors and immersing themselves in nature.
“Robinson Crusoe,” Daniel Defoe
A fictional autobiography about a castaway’s adventures on a desert island, “Robinson Crusoe” was “The Life Aquatic” with Steve Zissou of the 1700s. Crusoe encounters pirates and cannibals on the island where he lives for almost 30 years before being rescued.
It’s the perfect read for a trip to the Caribbean or Southeast Asia, where you can be thankful your island visit isn’t full of man-eating tribes and violent criminals.
“Around the World in Eighty Days,” Jules Verne
“Around the World in Eighty Days” is the classic French novel about a rich Englishman, Phileas Fogg, who attempts to travel around the world in 80 days by train to win a bet. Like many a contemporary travel story, along the way he encounters obstacles and delays, which nearly make him lose the bet.
“Eighty Days” gives new meaning to “the best laid plans of mice and men go awry,” especially in regard to train travel in Asia.
Traveling off the beaten track can take you to the best places to find richer, more authentic experiences, and explore more meaningful travel.
“Where Angels Fear to Tread,” E.M. Forster
If messy love triangles set against the backdrop of romantic Tuscany sounds like perfection to you, “Where Angels Fear to Tread” will be right up your alley.
Although inherently tragic in nature, the story brings to life the allure of European cities and the impulsive nature of love affairs abroad. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll book a ticket to Italy with a glass of wine in hand.
“The Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho
Part travel novel, part philosophical self-help book, “The Alchemist” is one of the biggest best-sellers in history. A young boy with a prophetic dream travels to Egypt to find his “treasure” in the great pyramids.
Along the way, various characters teach him about his personal legend, which is essentially one’s destiny or passion. A great read during your own soul-searching trip that will help realign you with the universe.
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“Murder on the Orient Express,” Agatha Christie
Although certainly a darker theme than the others on this list, a good mystery is essential for long rides via bus, plane or train. “Murder on the Orient Express” is one of Agatha Christie’s top whodunnits.
A passenger is found stabbed to death in his compartment, with the door locked from inside. But beware, if you read it on a train, don’t be surprised if you become suspicious of everyone around you, snooping for clues just like Hercule Poirot.
