The 5 Best Travel Books to Read

There is nothing like a travel book to get you in the mood to set sail and see the world. There are hundreds, if not thousands of travel books in a variety of genres from the conventional travel guides to those a little more niche, (or is that weird?) to tempt you. Here are just 5 travel books you may wish to read, but remember this is my choice and you may have other tastes.

The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. Is this a travel book or a hugely satirical novel? In my opinion, despite its age, this is one of the classic travel books. This book started out a series of articles Twain wrote for a San Francisco Newspaper in 1910/1911. The book covers a wonderful journey through Europe and the Middle East with some wonderful satirical observances of people, culture and countries.

Epic Drives of the World, Lonely Planet. A list of travel books would not be complete without something from Lonely Planet and Epic Drives of the World is a must read. Filled with amazing photographs from real travellers this book takes you on a number of road trips around the world with everything from Australia to Zambia covered. This is truly a book that will set your heart pounding to get behind the wheel and just drive and enjoy.

Ascent, by Chris Bonington. For the more adventurous Ascent, by Chris Bonington is a fascinating must read travel book. It more than just a superb travel guide, if you want to call it that, of mountains and places to climb. The book tells the epic tales of Chris Bonington’s many climbs many adventures from near death to amazing people and places discovered. Climbing and travelling since the 1950s this a book that is not just inspiring but a wonderful read.

Australia: The Ultimate Australia Travel Guide By A Traveller For A Traveller.  This is one of the best and most accurate Australian travel books you will find. With some amazing photographs, plenty of detail and nice touch that explains some of the history of the country. For anyone planning a trip to Australia this book will help plan the perfect vacation. Australia: The Ultimate Australia Travel Guide By A Traveller For A Traveller just also happens to be a really nice read.

A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson. Of course this list has to have something from Bill Bryson and A Walk in the Woods just happens to be one of the best. For anyone who has walked or intends to walk Appalachian Trail this book is a must read. In typical Bryson style it tells the story of his unsuccessful walk through some of the best natural places on the planet. If you are a nature lover and you only ever own one travel book this is the one for you. 

These are just 5 travel books that are among the best. Yes they may seem a little quirky and not your average travel book, but travel itself should be fun and of course a little quirky. It is the quirks of your journey that make your adventure what it is and these books may just inspire you.
Matt Newnham