Six Recommended Books to Inspire A Road Trip
There’s something timeless about the call of a road trip—the thrill of setting out with nothing but an open highway, endless skies, and the promise of discovery ahead. America’s vast landscapes, from rugged mountains to sweeping deserts and charming small towns, make it the perfect backdrop for unforgettable journeys. If you’re dreaming up your next road trip, why not take inspiration from the classics? These road trip books capture the wonder, freedom, and soul of traveling across the United States, reminding us why the open road will always be irresistible.
Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck
Published in 1962, this classic travel memoir follows Nobel laureate John Steinbeck as he drives a customized truck camper named Rocinante with his standard poodle Charley across America. Steinbeck sets out to reconnect with the country he felt had lost its way and to rediscover the beauty of America and its people. Through vivid descriptions, poignant observations, and at times humor, the book offers a fascinating insight into the America of its time and of its most celebrated writers.
A Lost Continent: Travels in Small Town America by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is known for his witty writing and insightful observations on travel. In A Lost Continent, he takes readers on a hilarious journey through small-town America as he travels from his hometown in Iowa to his ancestral roots in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Along the way, he meets colorful characters and shares funny and touching anecdotes about his experiences – from exploring a carnival museum to visiting an Elvis Presley-themed diner.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
For many, On the Road is the ultimate road trip novel. Published in 1957, the book is based on Kerouac's own travels across America with his beatnik friends in the 1940s and 1950s. The novel captures the rebellion and freedom of the Beat Generation, as well as the beauty and melancholy of the American landscape. It's a book that has inspired generations of readers to hit the road and embrace the unknown.
Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon
In 1978, William Least Heat-Moon set out on a journey across America on the backroads – the two-lane highways that wind through small towns and forgotten corners of the country. Blue Highways is the story of his journey, as he meets unique characters and explores the quirks of American life. The book is a testament to the beauty of the journey itself – the unexpected encounters, the chance discoveries, and the feeling of being suspended in time.
Road Fever by Tim Cahill
Road Fever is a wild ride that makes your family's cross-country vacation look like a trip to the mailbox. In 1987, Cahill and his partner set out to break the speed record from South America's tip to North America's top, covering 15,000 miles through 14 countries in under 24 days. With a wit as quick as their pace, Cahill narrates their caffeine-fueled adventure, encountering everything from treacherous roads to overzealous border guards. This book serves up a hearty dose of humor, adrenaline, and proof that sometimes the journey is the destination—especially when you're racing through it at breakneck speed.
Deep South by Paul Theroux
Deep South: Four Seasons on Back Roads offers readers an intimate journey through America's oft-misunderstood southern states, as seen through the discerning eyes of one of our favorite travel writers, Paul Theroux. With his trademark blend of keen observation and engaging prose, Theroux ventures beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, delving into the heart of small towns and rural communities. This compelling travelogue paints a nuanced portrait of a region grappling with its complex history, enduring poverty, and rich cultural heritage. Theroux's vivid descriptions and thoughtful encounters with locals bring the Deep South to life, inspiring readers to embark on their own road trip to discover the hidden gems and untold stories of this captivating corner of America.
A road trip isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about the unexpected stops, the small-town diners, and the moments that stay with you long after the drive is over. These road trip books are a reminder that the journey itself can change the way we see the world. Whether you’re gearing up for your next road trip or just looking for a good read, these stories will take you along for the ride. So buckle up, hit play on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the road—you never know what’s waiting just around the corner.
