5 Travel Books to Inspire Your Future Adventures

AD* | Lockdown and the current situation may have left your immediate travel plans a bit up in the air, but there’s nothing stopping you from daydreaming about the places you might visit in the future! Plus, what better way to satisfy your wanderlust than by getting lost in some inspiring travel books from the safety of your home? Try these five books to get you started.

1. Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy

Renowned traveller Dervla Murphy has written many travel books, about destinations as varied as Cameroon, Romania and Cuba. Written in 1965, Full Tilt is one of her most famous books. It tells the astonishing story of Dervla’s solo ride from Ireland to India. This beautiful tale is a must-read for all cycling enthusiasts. It’s rich with history, culture and is truly unique. Dervla's journey was far from a picnic, coming up against everything from wolves to broken ribs! A truly remarkable read.

2. Literary Places by Sarah Baxter

Very far from your average city guide, Sarah Baxter writes about destinations from literature, including My Brilliant Friend and The Catcher in the Rye. In the book, you will get to read about the history of 25 enchanting places around the world. Literary Places discusses how these cities were interwoven with the author’s lives, and why these places are so important to the tales. From the Yorkshire Moors to Paris and Naples, come and journey with the characters to these rich destinations.

3. Road Trip USA by Jamie Jensen

Are you a motoring enthusiast who’s all about car news and open roads? Perhaps your travelling plans usually involve some sort of road trip? To get yourself good and inspired, try reading Road Trip USA by Jamie Jensen. In this book, you’ll find hundreds of potential itineraries for road trips across the USA. The book offers highlights of all the best roadside attractions and diners. There are also plenty of old vintage photographs of America, and driving maps to help you on your way. The best part about the book is discovering the history of the American towns you’ll pass through.

4. Wild Horses of the Summer Sun by Tori Bilski

In this tale, we journey to Iceland, with a memoir by Tori Bilski. Along with her female traveller friends, Tory journeys through the north of Iceland; the book is themed on their joint love of Icelandic horses. The women first meet as strangers, with nothing to relate to one another but their passion for these creatures. In Wild Horses, you’ll find an awe-inspiring tale that leaves you aching for a new adventure.

5. Venice by Jan Morris

Jan Morris’ Venice is highly acclaimed as one of the best books written about this wonderful city. Morris uses irony, humour, and honest prose to paint a vivid picture of Venice. Rich with history, original insight, and vivid storytelling, this book is a must-read for all travel enthusiasts. 

You’ve probably got your bucket list destinations planned, but what’s the harm in adding a few more? When you’re off on your travels it can be a fun idea to keep a journal of your memories. Who knows, you might even end up writing your own travel book someday!

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What's your favourite travel book? Let me know in the comments below!