Our recommendations on the best travel novels
One of our favorite categories of travel reads is the travel novel. The definition of a travel novel can be relatively broad, but the most common form is a fictional book where a location setting is an essential part of the story. Travel novels can provide the best inspiration for places to visit someday while historical fiction is an easy and enjoyable way to learn about the spirit of a place and time, bringing an authentic and engaging perspective that not even the best guidebooks can. A travel novel in our definition can also include the story of a life-changing journey, planned or unplanned. And sometimes, a travel novel can simply be an entertaining thing to enjoy while traveling. A meaningful journey often requires patience, with long flights and train rides, unexpected delays, and long open blocks of free time. A good book on a good trip is essential, a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the realities of daily pressures and to escape the allure of the screen. It is no surprise that most people who love travel also love to read. Our selection of the books listed here may not be all be fairly classified as travel literature, but these are all travel reads we love. Here are our recommendations on the best travel novels.
The Best Travel Novels
The Best Travel Novels
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
This international bestseller has touched the hearts of millions, weaving a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one's personal legend. Follow the humble shepherd boy Santiago as he embarks on an epic quest across sun-scorched deserts and bustling marketplaces, guided by omens and unlikely mentors. With each step, Santiago unravels the secrets of the universe, teaching readers that the greatest treasures often lie within. The Alchemist isn't just a novel—it's a transformative experience that will inspire you to listen to your heart, embrace the unknown, and dare to chase your wildest dreams.
The Sheltering Sky, by Paul Bowles
Paul Bowles' masterpiece The Sheltering Sky follows three Americans adrift in post-war North Africa, their journey a reflection of their inner turmoil. As they traverse the stark, mesmerizing landscape, Bowles weaves a tale that is both intimate and expansive. The novel's power lies in its ability to immerse readers in the characters' psychological struggles while vividly evoking the harsh beauty of the Sahara. Bowles' writing, at once lyrical and unflinching, creates a narrative that resonates long after the final page. This story will leave you spellbound with its rich portrayal of the human experience and its visceral connection to the world around us.
Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts
One of our absolute top travel novel recommendations is Shantaram. This wild ride follows Lin, an Australian criminal who breaks out of jail and vanishes into the crowded streets of 1980s Bombay. As he builds a new life from scratch in the city's sprawling slums, you'll be right there with him, feeling the oppressive heat and smelling the rich spices. You'll hold your breath as Lin navigates the dangerous underworld, befriends a wise and charming guide named Prabaker, falls for the mysterious Karla, and even becomes a amateur doctor for his adopted community. From the moment you crack open this 900-page epic, you'll be hooked by Gregory David Roberts' vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters. This rollercoaster of a story, inspired by the author's own experiences, will have you racing through the pages, your heart pounding with every twist and turn.
The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises plunges readers into the roaring 1920s, following war-scarred American expatriates through Paris cafés and Pamplona's dusty streets. At its core is Jake Barnes, a journalist rendered impotent by war, hopelessly in love with the alluring Lady Brett Ashley. As the group descends upon the frenzied San Fermín festival, Hemingway's lean prose crackles with tension, vividly portraying bullfights, drunken revelry, and smoldering passions. This groundbreaking novel not only defined the Lost Generation but revolutionized 20th-century literature with its raw emotion and deceptively simple style.
The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Traveler's Wife weaves a spellbinding tale of love that defies the very fabric of time, featuring Henry, a librarian afflicted with Chrono-Displacement Disorder, and Clare, his steadfast wife. As Henry is involuntarily hurled across the epochs of his existence, Clare becomes his anchor in a turbulent sea of time. This captivating saga, tinged with wonder and melancholy, explores whether love can truly conquer all in a world where time is fluid, inviting readers to ponder the extraordinary depths of human connection.
The Martian, by Andy Weir
Imagine being stranded on a desolate, alien world, millions of miles from home. This is the gripping premise of The Martian, a thrilling tale of survival against astronomical odds. Follow astronaut Mark Watney's ingenious struggle to stay alive on the unforgiving Martian landscape, while back on Earth, a global effort to rescue him unfolds in a race against time. While the film adaptation captivated audiences worldwide, the original novel offers an even more immersive and detailed account of this extraordinary adventure, showcasing human resilience, scientific ingenuity, and the unbreakable spirit of exploration.
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck's masterpiece, The Grapes of Wrath, burst onto the literary scene in 1939, capturing the raw desperation of a nation in turmoil. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the harrowing journey of the Joad family, uprooted from their Oklahoma farm and forced to trek across a dust-choked America in search of survival. As they chase the elusive promise of plenty in California's fertile valleys, Steinbeck weaves a tapestry of human resilience, righteous anger, and heart-wrenching sacrifice. More than just a tale of one family's struggle, The Grapes of Wrath stands as a searing indictment of social injustice and a haunting portrait of the Great Depression's forgotten victims - the migrant workers whose sweat and blood fed a nation that had turned its back on them.
The Beach, by Alex Garland
Dive into the intoxicating world of The Beach, Alex Garland's debut novel that catapulted him to literary stardom. This gripping tale follows a young, adventurous backpacker who stumbles upon a hidden Eden in the crystal-clear waters of Thailand. But paradise isn't what it seems. As our protagonist joins a community of fellow travelers seeking utopia, he uncovers dark secrets that threaten to shatter their fragile paradise. Garland masterfully weaves a story of hope, disillusionment, and the dangerous allure of escapism, leaving readers questioning the very nature of paradise itself.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach
Soaring beyond the ordinary, Jonathan Livingston Seagull challenges the very essence of what it means to be a bird in Richard Bach's captivating 1970 novella. This feathered protagonist dares to dream beyond the mundane pursuits of his flock, yearning to push the boundaries of flight itself. Shunned by his narrow-minded community for his audacious aspirations, Jonathan's unwavering spirit propels him through adversity and into the realm of the extraordinary. As he climbs ever higher, both literally and metaphorically, readers are swept along on a transformative journey that transcends the physical world and touches the very soul of existence.
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Imagine a cozy hobbit-hole where our unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, lives in blissful comfort. But wait! Fate comes knocking, and before he knows it, Bilbo is whisked away on a wild and whimsical journey. Picture this: a grumpy wizard, a band of boisterous dwarves, and one very reluctant hobbit setting off to face a fire-breathing dragon! Along the way, Bilbo encounters mystical elves, discovers a peculiar ring with extraordinary powers, and learns that sometimes the greatest adventures happen when you least expect them. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" isn't just a bedtime story for the little ones – it's a rollicking tale that will awaken the adventurer in readers of all ages.
What is the What, by Dave Eggers
"What is the What" plunges readers into the harrowing odyssey of Valentino Achak Deng, one of Sudan's "Lost Boys." Dave Eggers masterfully weaves fact and fiction, crafting a narrative that pulses with raw emotion. This gripping tale follows Valentino's perilous journey from war-torn Sudan to America, exploring resilience, identity, and the human spirit. Eggers' prose shimmers with empathy, inviting readers to witness the world through Valentino's eyes. More than just a story, this novel serves as a powerful testament to the strength of those forced to rebuild their lives in foreign lands, challenging readers to reflect on their own place in our complex world.
Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden
"Memoirs of a Geisha" is a captivating fictional narrative that transports readers to the enigmatic realm of Kyoto's geisha culture. This masterfully crafted tale follows the journey of Chiyo Sakomoto, a young woman whose life unfolds against the backdrop of pre- and post-World War II Japan. Author Arthur Golden weaves an intricate tapestry of tradition, art, and human resilience, offering readers a window into a secretive and often misunderstood society. Drawing inspiration from the experiences of one of the era's most renowned geishas, Golden's work blurs the lines between fact and fiction, creating a rich, immersive experience that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
The Prince of Tides, by Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy's bestselling novel "The Prince of Tides" is a captivating exploration of family dynamics set against the lush backdrop of South Carolina's Low Country. This acclaimed work weaves a tapestry of raw emotion, complex relationships, and the enduring influence of place. Conroy's vivid prose brings the coastal landscape to life, elevating it beyond mere setting to become an integral part of the narrative. Through his masterful storytelling, readers are immersed in an authentic American saga that resonates with both heart-wrenching drama and lyrical beauty.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is a delightfully absurd science fiction novel by British author Douglas Adams. Adapted from his 1978 BBC radio series, it launched a cultural phenomenon in 1979. This first book begins a series playfully called a "trilogy in five parts" (later six), showcasing Adams' irreverent humor. It follows Arthur Dent's cosmic misadventures, blending comedy with philosophical musings. Adams' unique style has captivated readers for decades, establishing the book as a beloved sci-fi classic.
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel
Life of Pi is a simply brilliant fictional novel published in 2001 about a 16-year-old Indian kid who is adrift and lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a small lifeboat, accompanied by some zoo animals including a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Piscene (“Pi”) Molitor Patel is a curious kid who thinks deeply about religion at an early age, deciding to embrace Christianity, Hindu, and Islam all at once, and that spirituality affects his experience while lost at sea. It is a symbolically rich story about survival and the ambiguity of truth with an amazing conclusion at the end.
Our Recommendations on Historical Fiction Books
〰️
Our Recommendations on Historical Fiction Books 〰️
The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
Ken Follet’s The Pillars of the Earth brings readers on an epic journey, weaving a tapestry of suspense, historical detail, and unforgettable characters. As the spires of a majestic cathedral reach for the heavens, political intrigue, forbidden love, and the struggle for power unfold in a narrative so gripping you'll lose track of time. Follett's magnum opus has captivated millions worldwide, earning its place as a modern classic. Prepare to be swept away by this literary cathedral – a testament to human perseverance and the enduring power of storytelling.
The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a powerful and inspiring novel that takes readers on a journey through the triumphs and hardships of two sisters living during the horrors of Nazi-occupied France during World War II. With unforgettable characters and gripping prose, it transports you to a world where ordinary people become extraordinary heroes. The story is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by the resilience and courage of humanity, even in the darkest of times.
Hawaii, by James Michener
James Michener, a 20th-century literary giant, has captivated millions with his sweeping sagas spanning centuries and continents. His novel Hawaii exemplifies this style, weaving human drama into the islands' geological and cultural evolution. From the archipelago's fiery birth to the arrival of diverse peoples, Michener's meticulously researched narrative brings Hawaii's history to life. Blending fiction with historical fact, he created a panoramic view that enthralled readers worldwide, cementing his status as a master chronicler of place and time.
London, by Edward Rutherfurd
Edward Rutherfurd is also known for historical fiction, with similarly epic novels covering very long periods of time. His first novel, Sarum (1987), covered a ten-thousand-year time span set in the area around Stonehenge and Salisbury, England, where he is from. His other popular works include London, two books covering the history of Ireland, and several other New York Times best-selling similar novels on Russia, Paris, and New York.
Pompeii, by Robert Harris
Pompeii by Robert Harris is a fascinating fictional account of the few days before the tragic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that killed thousands in 79 AD. The story revolves around the engineer Attilus who first senses a crisis with the enormous aqueduct that supports the area, amidst the mysterious rumblings coming from the mountain. This is simply a remarkable story set in one of the world’s most influential civilizations, the Roman Empire.
Unlock worlds with the gift of travel reads. See our recommendations on books that provide the perfect window to inspiration and adventure for friends and family. Click here for some gift ideas!