Our recommendations on the best funny travel books
The reality of travel often leads to problems: unexpected schedule changes, painful delays, getting hopelessly lost, eating strange foods and facing unfamiliar cultural situations. Keeping a sense of humor is essential, and it is especially helpful to be able to laugh at oneself. Some of our favorite travel writers have a true gift for finding humor in any situation, making funny travel books an important category of travel literature. Two of the world’s most popular travel writers, Bill Bryson and Paul Theroux, epitomize this type of writing with a dry, intelligent and self-deprecating style. We have read and can recommend almost every travel book ever published by both writers, starting with The Great Railway Bazaar by Theroux and A Walk in the Woods by Bryson. Other lesser known but similarly funny British authors include Redmond O’Hanlon, A.A. Gill and Richard Grant, all known for not taking themselves seriously even in the most extreme and serious situations. Grant’s book Dispatches from Pluto, describing his experience living in rural Mississippi is really worth reading. J. Maarten Troost has a couple very funny travel books starting with The Sex Lives of Cannibals, the story of his move with his girlfriend to a remote tropical island. Here are our recommendations on the funniest travel books.
The Best Funny Travel Books
The Best Funny Travel Books
Trawler, by Redmond O'Hanlon
Imagine being on a fishing boat in the wild, stormy seas off Scotland. That's exactly what you'll experience in Trawler, a thrilling book by Scottish professor Redmond O'Hanlon. He takes you on a wild ride as he joins the crew of a crabbing boat in some of the most dangerous waters around. You'll feel the waves crash, hear the wind howl, and share the excitement of hauling in the catch. But it's not all scary - O'Hanlon's funny stories and the colorful crew members will have you laughing out loud. The way he pokes fun at himself and describes the odd bunch he's sailing with makes this book hard to put down.
The Sex Lives of Cannibals, by J. Maarten Troost
The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost is a very funny travelogue that follows the author's misadventures as he relocates with his wife to a remote Pacific island. Far from the idyllic paradise he envisioned, Troost's new home presents a series of comical challenges and cultural shocks. With self-deprecating humor and keen observation, Troost navigates the quirks of island life, offering readers an entertaining blend of laugh-out-loud moments and insightful reflections on cross-cultural experiences.
I’m a Stranger Here Myself, by Bill Bryson
In I'm a Stranger Here Myself, Bill Bryson turns his keen eye and witty prose to the United States after living in Britain for two decades. This collection of essays chronicles Bryson's humorous and insightful observations as he reacquaints himself with American culture and quirks. From hardware store complexities to peculiar dining habits, Bryson's fresh perspective offers a delightful journey through everyday American life. With his trademark blend of curiosity and self-deprecating humor, Bryson crafts an engaging portrait of a nation that feels both familiar and fascinatingly foreign.
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, by David Sedaris
David Sedaris makes everyday life hilarious. His book Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls is a must-read that will have you laughing out loud. Sedaris takes you on his travels, sharing awkward and absurd moments that somehow feel both unique and relatable. His sharp wit turns mundane situations into comedy gold. Whether he's describing a bizarre encounter at an airport or poking fun at his own quirks, Sedaris's dark humor keeps you hooked. He's not afraid to say what others only think, which makes his stories shocking yet oddly comforting. By the end of the book, you'll feel like you've been on a wild, funny adventure with a witty friend who always has the perfect comeback.
Riding the Iron Rooster, by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux's Riding the Iron Rooster is a captivating journey through 1980s China that showcases why he's considered one of the best travel writers. This train trip across the country is filled with Theroux's trademark wit and keen observations of local people and culture. He seamlessly blends funny, everyday moments with deeper insights about China, creating a perfect mix of entertainment and enlightenment. For anyone who loves travel stories that can make you laugh and think at the same time, this book is a must-read that brings far-off places vividly to life.
Holidays in Hell, by P.J. O'Rourke
Ever wondered what it's like to vacation in the world's most dangerous places? In Holidays in Hell, P.J. O'Rourke takes you on a wild ride through some of the scariest spots on Earth. This hilarious book follows O'Rourke, a daring reporter, as he visits war zones, dictatorships, and disaster areas. From dodging bullets in El Salvador to sneaking around the crumbling Soviet Union, O'Rourke's adventures will make you laugh out loud - and maybe teach you a thing or two about these far-flung places. It's the ultimate anti-travel guide, showing you the world's trouble spots from the safety of your favorite reading chair.
Round Ireland with a Fridge, by Tony Hawks
Round Ireland with a Fridge is an audacious adventure born from a drunken bet gone awry. When a comedian finds himself honor-bound to circumnavigate the Emerald Isle with an unlikely companion—a small refrigerator—what begins as a seemingly absurd publicity stunt evolves into a heartwarming journey. As word of his quirky quest spreads, the people of Ireland rally behind this intrepid traveler, transforming a potential folly into a charming tale of human connection and the indomitable Irish spirit.
Out of Sheer Rage, by Geoff Dyer
Out of Sheer Rage is a laugh-out-loud funny book about a writer named Geoff Dyer who tries (and hilariously fails) to write about the famous English poet D.H. Lawrence. Dyer's real goal? To use his "research" as an excuse to travel to all the cool places Lawrence once lived. As he bumbles his way around the world, Dyer turns his frustrations and setbacks into comedy gold. Even when things get a bit gloomy, he finds a way to make you chuckle. His self-mocking style and sharp wit make this book a delightful journey through the ups and downs of a writer's life.
AA Gill is away, by AA Gill
AA Gill was a brilliant Scottish writer who could paint pictures with words. Born with dyslexia, he overcame his reading struggles to become one of the most celebrated critics of his time. Gill made his name writing about food, travel, and popular culture, often with a sharp and controversial edge. His cutting restaurant reviews in The Sunday Times made chefs tremble, while his TV critiques could make or break a show. When it came to travel writing, Gill was in a league of his own. He didn't just describe places - he brought them to life with his sharp eye and even sharper wit. His book AA Gill is Away shows off his talent for travel writing at its best. It's a collection of his adventures across the globe, from the African safari trails to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Whether he's sampling strange foods or meeting colorful characters, Gill's unique voice shines through on every page.
Road Fever, by Tim Cahill
Buckle up for Tim Cahill's Road Fever, a hilarious travelogue that gives new meaning to the idea of a "road trip." Two friends, Cahill and professional long-distance driver Garry Sowerby, race from the southernmost tip of South America to the northernmost point of North America in just 23 days. Their goal? To set a new land speed record in a bright red GMC Sierra pickup truck nicknamed "Baby." Cahill, a master of adventure writing, turns this 15,000-mile journey into a laugh-out-loud story filled with flat tires, border crossings gone wrong, and encounters with colorful locals. From dodging llamas in the Andes to battling mosquitoes in the Yukon, Cahill's sharp eye for the absurd shines through on every page. Road Fever perfectly captures Cahill's talent for mixing humor with a deep love of travel, leaving readers both amused and itching to plan their own wild adventures.
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again, by David Foster Wallace
David Foster Wallace wasn't just an author; he was a literary supernova who blazed across the American cultural landscape. His magnum opus, Infinite Jest, is a masterpiece that redefined the boundaries of contemporary fiction. But for those seeking a gateway into Wallace's brilliant, neurotic mind, we urge you to dive into A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again. This collection showcases Wallace's razor-sharp wit and unparalleled observational skills, particularly in his side-splitting account of a luxury cruise. His essay on this "supposedly fun" experience is a rollercoaster of hilarity and insight that will leave you both laughing out loud and pondering the absurdities of modern life.
By the Seat of My Pants, edited by Don George
If you're looking for a travel writing collection that's sure to have you laughing out loud, then look no further than By the Seat of My Pants, a collection of funny travel stories, as edited by Don George on behalf of Lonely Planet. The book is a light but worthwhile read for those who love to travel. From stories of riding an elephant through India to nearly contracting jungle fever in Zambia, this book carries its readers on a wild ride across time and cultures. Each page brims with unexpected mishaps and hilarious cultural misunderstandings that will not only entertain you but also ignite your passion for exploration and inspire you to embark on your own adventures.
Around the World in Eighty Days, with Michael Palin
In 1987, the BBC embarked on an audacious adventure, bringing Jules Verne's timeless tale Around the World in 80 Days to life. At the helm was none other than beloved British comedian and actor Michael Palin, tasked with retracing the footsteps of Verne's fictional hero Phileas Fogg. Armed with wit, charm, and a ticking clock, Palin circumnavigated the globe, facing modern-day challenges that Verne could scarcely have imagined. This book, penned by Palin himself, offers readers a front-row seat to his exhilarating journey, filled with humor, mishaps, and unexpected discoveries that prove truth can indeed be stranger—and more entertaining—than fiction.
Shopping for Buddhas, by Jeff Greenwald
Shopping for Buddhas is the lighthearted story of Jeff Greenwald’s funny and relatable quest navigating colorful markets and hidden shops to find the perfect Buddha statue while traveling through in Nepal. Through his humorous and relatable adventure, readers are treated to a vivid travelogue that captures the essence of Nepal's sights, sounds, and local customs. This lighthearted narrative serves as both an entertaining read and an insightful guide for those planning to visit this captivating corner of the world.
Westward Ha!, by S.J. Perelman
One of the classics in travel literature is Westward Ha!, the 1948 collection of articles from American humorist S.J. Perelman. Prepare for an onslaught of clichés and unfiltered accounts of the best and worst of his travel adventures. From the journalist-turned-astronaut to the empanada-devouring devil, each story has its own whimsical twist, kept afloat by Perelman's expertly witty narration. The writing is sharp and clever, catching readers off guard with an unpredictable punchline or clever quip seemingly placed around every corner.
Other Recommendations
Also feel free to check out some of the funny travel books listed in our “Best of the Best” section!