- The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
This book isn’t about an epic adventure the author had. Instead, it explores why we travel. What draws us to explore new places? Why do we feel the need to see the world? From the excitement before a trip to the experience of getting there, being there, and returning home, de Botton dives into the entire travel journey. It’s one of the most thought-provoking travel books I’ve read. His use of language and imagery is so vivid and engaging, making even the simplest ideas about beauty, travel, and daily life feel profound. - Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
This one’s an adventurous tale of Mark Adams retracing the footsteps of archaeologist Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. Adams spends time in Peru, exploring Inca ruins and ancient cities, while following Bingham’s original route. The book is not only educational, but it also ignites a sense of wanderlust. After reading it, I’m definitely planning to visit some of the same places next year. Adams’s story is the best travelogue I’ve read in a while, and I’m excited to “turn right” just like he did. - The Lost City of Z by David Grann
In this gripping book, David Grann tries to uncover the mystery of what happened to Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who disappeared in the Amazon while searching for the mythical Lost City of Z. Grann mixes history, biography, and travelogue, offering insight into Percy’s life and expeditions, as well as exploring the idea that ancient advanced civilizations may have once existed deep in the Amazon. I learned so much about the history and cultures that once thrived there long before the arrival of Westerners. - Marching Powder by Rusty Young & Thomas McFadden
This is the true story of Thomas McFadden, an English drug trafficker who ended up in Bolivia’s notorious San Pedro prison. The book dives into life in one of the world’s most corrupt prisons, where inmates essentially run their own businesses, including making drugs and bribing the authorities. While the writing itself isn’t stellar, the story is absolutely riveting. It’s less about redemption and more about the bizarre life inside the prison, which, incredibly, even became a tourist attraction. - Cockpit Confidential by Patrick Smith
As someone who gets nervous flying, I was eager to read this book by a pilot explaining how airplanes work and what all those strange noises mean. Patrick Smith’s easy-to-read Q&A format made this book a quick read, and it really helped ease my anxiety. It cleared up a lot of the mystery around flying and gave me a better understanding of what life as a pilot is really like. If you’re ever nervous about flying, this book will definitely calm your nerves. - Amsterdam by Russell Shorto
Russell Shorto is one of my favorite writers, and this book about Amsterdam is no exception. After moving to the city with his family, Shorto gives us an in-depth look at Amsterdam’s history, focusing on its colorful residents and unique stories. Even if you’re not usually into history, this book is still an enjoyable read. It’s the best one I’ve found that captures the essence of Amsterdam through the lives of the people who made it what it is today. - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book is a timeless favorite of mine. It follows a young shepherd named Santiago who travels from Spain to Egypt, guided by a dream telling him to find treasure. Along the way, he meets a series of fascinating people and learns to follow his heart. The story is deeply inspiring, with beautiful messages about life, love, and personal growth. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man…Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” - Walking the Amazon: 860 Days. One Step at a Time by Ed Stafford
While not the most polished writing, this book tells the incredible story of Ed Stafford’s trek through the Amazon jungle. He became the first person to walk from the Pacific to the Atlantic, journeying across the vast Amazon from Peru to Brazil. Along the way, he faced extreme dangers, including hunger and isolation. It’s a compelling and life-changing story that’s bound to inspire anyone who loves adventure. - The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Friedman
Rachel Friedman’s memoir is about stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. She starts by describing her sheltered upbringing and decision to spend time in Ireland, where she meets a friend who sparks her passion for travel. The book is funny, well-written, and relatable, capturing the fear and excitement that comes with independence and growth. It’s an uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the urge to break free and explore. - Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir recounts her solo hike along the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail at age 26. She set off in search of herself, grappling with the loss of her mother, the end of her marriage, and her struggles with addiction. The book is deeply moving, and Strayed’s vulnerability and resilience make her journey compelling. Even if you’re not a hiker, you’ll find her story of personal transformation and healing truly inspiring.
HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND AFRICA
TiffanySmith
December 23, 2024
