Wanderlust between the pages – 10 Books that made me want to travel

Books are wondrous things. They can take you to places that you have never been. And sometimes they can lead you to plan your own adventure.   

Whether you are reading about the life story of an explorer, a heroine looking for adventure, or being caught up in a descriptive landscape, words and words alone can make you grab your passport and book that ticket. 

Since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. I would imagine myself as the character featured on the pages, especially if the books were set in a faraway land. 

Now as an adult I still love to read but I prefer to read life stories, biographies, and of course travel books. 

Check out my favourite books below that have consumed me with wanderlust over the years. 

1. EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert

Yes. I know that this book is on every list like this. But it truly was a book that consumed me with wanderlust.

I only picked up this book after the movie came out and the book was revived as a best seller. And it was the best thing I ever did. 

Eat, Pray, Love is a narrative about a lady who is trying to recover from despair following her failed marriage. Elizabeth travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia. She starts in Italy in pursuit of worldly pleasures, then to India, and last to Indonesia. These encounters teach her how to overcome her worries and depressions, and how to truly live

My dog eared, coffee-stained copy still sits on my bookshelf and as much as I love books in pristine condition, I love that this book came with me on my own (not as adventurous) self-discovery journey. 

2. WHEN THE LION FEEDS by Wilbur Smith

This is actually a contribution to the list from Rog. As one of the first Wilbur Smith books that he read, Rog found that the way that the author depicts the landscape makes you want to immerse yourself into the storyline, and the setting of the book. 

It’s the narrative of South Africa in the 1890s, during the height of the gold rush. Sean Courtney was born and reared in cow country, and as a child, he accidentally wounded his twin brother Garry. Sean grew to loathe all weakness as a result of causing it. Sean’s steely drive to win, no matter how costly the bet, was dictated by this, as well as his own strength.

It truly is the way that Wilbur Smith brings emotion to his words that makes you feel like you are standing in the story yourself. 

3. DOWN UNDER by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s Down Under: Travels in a Sunburned Country, weaves together all you need to know about Australia. Along with strange facts and amusing stories from locals and fellow travellers. This book will appeal to both people who are considering a trip to Australia and those who have previously been.

While some parts make me cringe, it unearthed a sense of longing for wanting to explore my home and my own backyard. 

4. THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER by Lawrence Anthony

While in Cape Town during our South African honeymoon, I picked up a book in a bookstore. I remember reading the story and seeing the video about elephants who came to the main house of their saviour after he passed away. I was curious to know why there was such a connection. 

Lawrence Anthony, a South African environmentalist, was offered to adopt a herd of “rogue” elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, but he declined. But Anthony was the herd’s last hope of life — dangerous and unpredictable, they’d be murdered if he didn’t take them in. Anthony put his life on the line to form a relationship with the elephants in distress and urge them to stay on his reserve.

Lawrence Anthony wrote several other books, and now his wife has continued with more tales of Thula Thula. Even if you have not been to South Africa, and don’t know how amazing it is, then this book will make you start searching for flights!

5. THE FOLK OF THE FARAWAY TREE by Enid Blyton

Ok. I am not crazy. I am aware that this is a children’s fiction book that doesn’t even feature real places. But oh how I craved to go to those faraway lands when I was a little girl. #wanderlust

An Enchanted Wood awaits Joe, Beth, and Frannie as they move into their new house. And when they come to the Faraway Tree, it’s the start of a series of wonderful adventures! Join them as they explore which new place is at the top of the Faraway Tree with their companions Moonface, Saucepan Man, and Silky the fairy.

It was definitely the first book that made me want to explore places different from my own home. I have loved reliving that feeling when reading it to my own kids. 

6. WHERE TO GO WHEN a part of the Lonely Planet Series

It’s all well and good for Lonely Planet to bring out specific travel guides, but the most dangerous thing they ever did was release books that showed you so many places from around the world.

Where To Go When is a wonderfully designed book that is both practical and inspiring. It is the perfect vacation planner for every month of the year. It provides 30 choices for places that are at their finest throughout each month of the year, whether owing to climate, value or because there is a lot going on.

This is just one of the many books that Lonely Planet has that showcase multiple destinations even some you would have never considered for your next vacation. 

7. MADELINE by Ludwig Belemans

Yep. This loved children’s book is on the list because it made me want to go to Paris.

Madeline is the tiniest and most brazen of the girls. She has no qualms about touching a mouse or approaching a tiger in the zoo. But one night, Madeline wakes up in pain, and the mistress of the house, Madame Clavel, can hear Madeline screaming from her own chamber. 

While the story is not about Paris, as a child the stunning drawings make you wonder if Paris really looks like that and if it is truly that beautiful. 

8. OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO by Dr. Seuss

Another popular favourite for children, this Dr. Seuss classic is a book that prepares adventurous minds for the big wide world. 

This book instructs young readers on what life is like, what they may anticipate as they get older, and how to navigate life with joy, thanks, ambition, and compassion. Things will be lovely at times and challenging at others. You could encounter people who aren’t quite what you expected, or you might come across streets that you don’t think are appropriate for you to go down.

This is the perfect book to read to your kids before they go on their first big trip to ease any nerves they may have. 

9. THE HAIRY BIKERS COOKBOOK by Dave Myers and Si King

The title of the hairy pair’s first cookbook is the same name as the hit cooking tv show. 

Dave Myers and Si King set off on a journey around the world in pursuit of new gastronomic experiences. Dave and Si travel the desert in Namibia, cruise to the Isle of Man, board a caravan in Ireland, and bike through the Transylvanian highlands in Romania in this series.

Pair their cookbooks with the tv series and you get a new outlook on travelling and insight into world cuisines. 

10. AT HOME IN THE WORLD by Thich Nhat Hanh

The descriptive settings of these stories by Thich Nhat Hahn make you want to travel in his footsteps. 

Peace activist and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s compilation of personal and instructional anecdotes is thought-provoking, uplifting, and fun to read. These stories span the author’s life and are collected here for the first time. There are tales from his youth as a neophyte, his years as a young teacher and writer in war-torn Vietnam, and his travels across the globe to teach mindfulness.

As I had already been to Vietnam in 2014, I could vividly picture the countryside and landscapes that were described in these pages. I recommend this book as a travel companion no matter where you go, as it is an easy read that brings peace and joy to your holiday. 

Final Thoughts

A book is something that needs to be included on your packing list, no matter where your next vacation is taking you. Make sure it is something you can really relax with and possibly something that will inspire your next vacation.