7 Books that will Inspire Your Future Travel Plans
The past few months have been filled with uncertainty, confusion and a roller-coaster of emotions as we’ve navigated a global situation like no other. Our skies have been clear - flights cancelled, empty trains have rattled by and bus drivers have absentmindedly continued on their routes, without any passengers.
Travel has been the last and first thing on many of our minds. Not being to go anywhere just yet, us travel lovers have been yearning for that escape from the intensity that comes from staying at home for over 12 weeks.
Personally, I have found solace in reading. Using books as an escape from the day to day stresses of lockdown, and as an inspiration for the future. It’s not a guarantee that travel will ever be the same again, at least any time soon, however we can plan, dream and aspire to visit new places in the future.
From epic descriptions to amusing true stories, these books will keep you entertained and ready to book your next destination as soon as the time is right!
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
An escaped convict, Lin, flees to India using a false passport. Shantaram follows Lin’s adventures in the Bombay underworld as he navigates love, friendships, betrayal, crime, brutality and an adventure like no other.
Shantaram is an exhilarating story that pulls you in every step of the way; a mix between fiction and the author's actual experiences in the 80s. The descriptions of the vibrant and hectic city of Bombay, calm and authentic villages further North and the soft lapping of the waves on the beach in Goa, certainly have had me desperate to visit India.
Sarah Warsaw
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Follow Elizabeth as she explores three corners of the world after a divorce, depression and a serious reassessment of what’s important in her life. An entertaining and informative account of Elizabeth’s adventures in Italy, India and Bali see her confront her depression head on, refocus herself and find out what happiness means to her.
There’s a particular account of “the best pizza in Naples” early on in the book. Elizabeth describes the “soft and chewy” dough, the “sweet tomato sauce that foams up all bubbly and creamy when it melts the fresh buffalo mozzarella” and “the one sprig of basil in the middle …somehow infuses the entire pizza with herbal radiance”. I mean if you’re not researching flights to Naples after the descriptions in this book, there’s definitely something amiss.
Marching Powder by Rusty Young
This fascinating account by Rusty Young tells the story of Thomas McFadden as he survives a sentence in San Pedro prison in La Paz, Bolivia. This prison is not your average penitentiary however, it’s run by the prisoners themselves. A place where money and corruption is ripe and violence is a constant threat in the midst of your day to day life behind bars.
Young’s capture of McFadden’s story was only possible at the time as visitors were illegally able to tour the prison; a popular destination for ‘Dark Tourism’. It’s not safe, or possible now however this story certainly leads to intrigue about Bolivia, so much so I have actually stood outside the prison myself!
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Nick and his new finance Rachel return from New York, to Nick’s home country of Singapore, to “meet the family”. What follows is a raucous ensemble of gossiping and scheming when Nick’s traditional Chinese family finds out Rachel is American-born Chinese. It’s an entertaining yet fascinating insider’s view into the lives of rich Asians, and learning what love, your money, history and family really means.
Singapore holds the perfect cultural mix of Western modernity and the incredible chaos you can find in Asia. Crazy Rich Asians will have you lusting after the luxuries of Singapore. Fancy food & cocktails, incredible views and gorgeous gardens. You’ll be researching the best rooftop bars in Singapore before you’ve even finished the book.
Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh
Monisha recounts her unforgettable adventure navigating 45,000 miles around the world via train with her fiancé. The pair are constantly moving through countries and cultures, starting in London and heading across continents in varying levels of comfort. They strike up new friendships, share food and observe local life through the windows of the train.
If programmes like Race Across the World haven’t whetted your appetite for overland travel yet, then Monisha’s journey will definitely inspire you to do so. As a lover of overland travel myself I totally appreciate the value you can get from these journeys – much better than being stuck in traffic or on a plane!
Any travel book by Bill Bryson
Travel lovers HAVE to read at least one book by Bill Bryson, it’s basically the law. From exploring Europe, Africa and the UK to tales of his times in Australia and of course, home country of America – there’s a story for everyone. Through entertaining and captivating insights into his experiences, Bill’s books will have you adding countries to your bucket list from the moment you finish the first chapter.
Why the Dutch are Different by Ben Coates
Ben Coates calls upon a Dutch girl he once met after he gets stranded in Amsterdam one snowy evening. He meets with her in Rotterdam for dinner and then never ever leaves. In this book, Ben explores everything he needs to know to become a true Brit – turned Dutchie, some things the Dutch probably don’t even know themselves.
From its history and liberal policies to the best Carnival outside of Brazil, this book is the perfect insight into the Netherlands, or is it Holland? For those of us who love the Netherlands (me), this is the perfect way to explore more about the country that loves the colour orange just as much as I do.