The BEST Travel Books To Take Travelling In 2025!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

Right, let’s get into it and run down our best travel books, the ones that inspired our adventures or accompanied us on those lonely evenings on night buses.

Here are our top travel book recommendations from The Broke Backpacker team. 

1) Running With The Moon, Jonny Bealby – Nic

I read “Running with the Moon” at the beginning of my quest to see the world… and again, after spending 5 years on the road. 

Its meaning was just as poignant to me, but the tales that much more real. This book follows the arduous journey Jonny takes circumnavigating Africa on a motorbike after the unexpected death of his fiancee and the ensuing search for the meaning of life afterwards. 

This book encapsulates the spirit and rawness of real off-the-beaten-track adventure travel, where things are tough and don’t always go to plan, but the experiences are that much more intense. It inspired me to ride a motorbike through Vietnam and a car across Australia and New Zealand. 

Nic: Editor & Roaming Renegade

Nic has probably been to more countries than any of the other team members! Nic and their partner – together known as the Roaming Renegades – have been to over 68 countries so far, and the list is still growing.

2) Siddharta, Herman Hesse – Tomás

I first read Siddharta upon a friend’s recommendation – one I take into great consideration.

He described to me in great detail how fitting it was to read it whilst on a long and hard trek, drawing a parallel between his and the main character’s journey.

I am driven by the poetic nature of life, so I’ll take that kind of recommendation any day over an “it’s amazing, you should read it”. I picked it up.

Siddharta is a beautiful account of a young man’s spiritual journey of self-discovery. An odyssey of sorts that mirrors the process many adventurers go through in search of deeper meaning.

I see it as the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of Eastern philosophy and religion. A must-read for anyone into mindfulness and the art of letting go.

For me, it’s all about finding liberation not through extremes but by somehow meeting yourself in the middle, thus finding the answers within.

It’s amazing, you should read it 😉

Tomás: Brand Specialist & Whizz-Kid

Part mindless, part mindful, and all goofball, Tomás believes he has mastered the Art of Chilling. You’ll likely find him in a sunny park, guitar in hand, and boiling hot tea by his side.

3) Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts – Samantha

If you’re looking for the best adventure books, boy am I going to ask you to stop your search right here. Shantaram, the absolutely, insane, epic, partly-true tale of a convict who escapes prison in Australia and finds himself tied up in the underworld of India’s Bombay, is undoubtedly the most gripping book I’ve ever read. And I’m no stranger to reading.

Though not quite an autobiography, the fact that the story is based on real people, places, and events that Roberts actually encountered made it that much more relatable. When I grabbed myself a copy off a used book website, it was 2020, I had recently returned from travelling in India and was in desperate need of some travel escapsim.

Shantaram (which means “Man of God’s Peace”) delivered all that and more. 

I found myself ravenously tearing through the 900+ page novel, often coming back to reality several hours later wondering where the time had gone. It was really the type of adventure tale that made me feel like I WAS back in India. Though unknown to many avid readers, the way the author expertly describes each and every scene makes this more than just a book, but something akin to a movie that comes alive as you read along.

So whether you’re seeking to be moved by a true travel adventure, want some motivation to plan your own trip, or just love a good book – I can assure you it has all that and then some. Plus there’s a sequel just in case 42 chapters weren’t enough for ya 😉 

Samantha: Travel Writer & Adventure Expert

Samantha has been on the road in one way or another since 2017. Hailing from the USA, you’ll most likely find her gobbling up the delights of Asia.

4) Green Lights, Matthew McConaughey – Will

It’s not exactly a travel book but one of the most powerful and inspiring books I’ve ever read or listened to in this case since it’s on Audible and you can listen to it in McConaughey’s own voice – a win for sure.

This book is all about recognising opportunities, taking them, being present, and realising when you need to slow the fuck down. It is funny, beautiful, insightful and honestly contains some of the best advice I’ve ever received… I strongly recommend reading it. 

Will: Founder & Chief Adventurer

Both cursed and blessed with a pathological inability to sit still, you can usually find Will either high up on a mountain or deep down in a new project. Will has exceeded his original scope as a decorated adventurer and now finds himself on the journey of online entrepreneurship.

5) The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho – Audy 

The Alchemist remains one of the most influential books on my own travel experiences, I re-read The Alchemist before every solo journey, it’s become a powerful ritual for me. One of the most powerful tools we solo travellers have is intuition—it’s our greatest defence against anything that might come our way.

This book continually reconnects me with that intuition, reminding me to trust in the universe’s guidance. As Paulo Coelho says, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Just like Santiago, the protagonist, I’m reminded that the real treasure isn’t always the destination but the journey and the lessons learned along the way. 

Reading this book before I hit the road again helps calm my anxieties and strengthens my ability to trust both myself and the universe. 

Audy: Mermaid and free-spirited adventurer

Audy can be found atop a mountain of pineapples in a pickup truck, basking naked on secluded beaches and frolicking through the Burning Man desert.

6) On The Road, Jack Kerouac – Aiden

Upon its publication back in 1957, “On The Road” established itself as THE cornerstone of the ‘Beat’ literary revolution that was taking place across the Western world. Breathless, experimental and bursting with exuberance, the travelogue-cum-novel mixed the author’s real-life experiences of dirtbagging across post-war America, with some very careful myth-making. 

In the 60+ years since its release, the novel has inspired countless young and not-so-young people to get up and hit the road. The “story” is almost non-existent. We simply follow the author’s alter-ego and his new best friend as they hustle, hitchhike and (when means afford) drive (very fast) from the East Coast to the West Coast fuelled by youth, jazz, apple pie and amphetamines. But the book’s brilliance is the way it captures the everyday details of travel and the way it weaves in the writer’s inner journey.

After finishing ‘Road’, I read most of Kerouac’s works. To be honest, even though I had to nominate On The Road for this list, my personal favourite is actually Desolation Angels. Written a decade later, we find the author older, fatter, sadder and nurturing a dangerous alcoholism that would soon kill him.

Aiden: Gear Manager & Senior Editor

When not DJing Psytrance, Aiden is an explorer of uncharted countries, under-rated museums, and unsanitary dive bars in need of a good deep clean.

7) Anything Paulo Coelho – Maz

You’ve heard of The Alchemist. One of the best books to read while travelling, one of the best books about travel, and one of the best adventure books. This masterpiece is a philosophical master-your-own-destiny wonder AND a coming-of-age novel anyone can relate to. 

I travelled in Indonesia for the better part of a year, meaning a fair few visa runs. It became a ritual; get to the airport, buy a book I hadn’t yet read and enjoy my day jetting between borders. 

I got through a fair chunk of his collection and in my opinion, they’re the best books to read while travelling. I love his thoughts on the world, people, and relationships, and I think the lessons I’ve learned from his books have been invaluable. They’re punchy, short, beautiful stories and my all-time favourite is The Zahir, the perfect aeroplane book.

8) Untamed, Glennon Doyle – Maz

“The greatest adventure you will embark on is the one back to yourself” This isn’t a quote from Glennon Doyle. BUT, it’s why I’m putting Untamed forward as my pick for one of the best adventure books. In my humble opinion books about travelling the world are great, but if you’re not having a good time, it doesn’t matter where in the world you are. 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle changed my life, it was the first book I’d read that could live in the self-help category. And it definitely did help me, but the story in it was so beautiful, that’s what got me hooked. It’s a crash course in being unapologetically yourself and living that fully. 

Maz: Junior Editor & Soul Searcher

Maria has spent years chasing summers around the globe and now is settling into cyclical living in New Zealand after spending long periods in France and Indonesia.

9) The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday – Harvey

The Daily Stoic never leaves my side, well my Kindle at least. Travelling is full of ups and downs and a constant life outside your comfort zone. Since travelling the Daily Stoic has become my bible, it’s been a grounding practice to read a short, powerful insight that delivers wisdom and a fresh perspective on the unpredictability of life on the road.

Each page brings a new, daily piece of wisdom from the private diaries of Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s great emperors and world-famous philosophers like Epictetus and Seneca. All are broken down into short, digestible chunks that you can apply to everyday life. The Daily Stoic arms you with practical tools for self-development, teaching you perspective, perseverance and patience.

It helps you to slow down, zoom out and focus on what you can control. With one-page reads that can spark thought-provoking conversations, and profound journal prompts and have a lasting impact, I highly recommend it as one of the best travel books ever.

Harvey: Junior Editor & Double Protein Champion

Harvey always had a burning desire to see the world. So much so that one day he booked a one way ticket for £6 to Madrid on his lunch break… and he hasn’t stopped since.

10) The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle – Dani

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has travelled before when I say that it is often difficult to be present when on the move. Your mind is often racing a hundred miles an hour thinking of all the exciting things you’ve done or have coming up. 

Bringing your mind back to the present moment, practising gratitude and living in the now is what Eckhart Tolle’s book is all about. This man is a master at zooming out of his “thinking mind” and into the present moment. This book has been a lifeline when I’m feeling lost on the road. 

11) The Seven Sisters Series, Lucinda Riley

Ok, you got me. This isn’t just one book but eight substantial novels – so bear with me.

The “Seven Sisters” series by Lucinda Riley is a perfect blend of historical fiction and solo travel adventure (and of course, a touch of romance sprinkled in there too). Each novel follows an adopted sister as she travels to her homeland, uncovering family history and exploring her country of origin.

The series takes the reader on a captivating journey through bucket-list destinations including Geneva, Norway, London, Australia, Spain, Kenya, the US, New Zealand, and beyond. Lucinda Riley did an AMAZING job at vividly capturing each of these places and immersing the reader in their cultures and landscapes. 

There was something magical about these books that made me want to travel to all of these places and beyond. To throw myself out of my comfort zone and travel solo; to talk to local people, dive into their history and expand my horizons beyond my home country. 

While the series is primarily fiction and appeals to a female audience, it remains my all-time favourite book series 🙂 

Dani: Junior Editor & Oceanic Explorer

Our resident kiwi, Dani, has a burning passion for hunting down the best sunrise spots and soaking in the views from the tops of mountains.

12) Maybe in Another Life, Taylor Jenkins Reid – Taya

The usual motions of a 20-something wanting to live a hundred lives resonate with me a fair bit. What if I chose to stay home and grind out a career? Or moved to Australia? Or went off-grid to some bum-fuck-nowhere? With these alternative lives dangled in front of me via social media—often featuring my own friends—it’s tough to know if life on the road was the right choice.

Though not a classic, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Maybe in Another Life was the first time I sensed a shift in perspective on this seemingly futile mentality. The novel explores two alternate timelines of Hannah’s life based on her choices.

The fate versus free will debate isn’t new, but what I found most poignant was the idea that no matter the direction our lives take, we can always find joy in our circumstances. My choice to travel is entirely my own, and learning to embrace joy in whatever comes my way is a lesson best learned early. Easily digestible and a solid travel read.

Taya: Junior Editor & World Explorer

Born with a travel bug, Taya inherited her wanderlust from parents who spent their pre-kid years gallivanting across the globe, never settling in the UK for long.

13) Travel the World on $10/day, Will Hatton

This list wouldn’t be complete without the original Broke Backpacker bible – our pride and joy!

Travel the World on $10/day is written by the OG Broke Backpacker, Will Hatton, and encompasses all the tools and little secrets one needs to wander around the world on a tight budget.

Travelling isn’t just for the rich, just as long as you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort for a whole new kind of meaning in your adventures.

It’s practical, it’s useful, it’s playful and it’s goofy. There is so much to unpack in this book.

MORE! MORE! Not enough!

Ok, let’s wrap this one off with a few other quick reading suggestions 🙂

Born to Run By Christopher McDougall 

A tale of a mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, who live hidden in canyons and are reputed to be the best long-distance runners in the world. McDougall combines personal narrative with scientific research to argue that humans are naturally designed to run, but modern shoes and lifestyle have hindered this ability. 

Through a journey to learn from the Tarahumara, McDougall uncovers insights into running techniques, minimalist footwear, and the joy of movement. The book is a fascinating mix of adventure, anthropology, and an ode to the human potential for endurance.

A Long Petal of the Sea By Isabel Allende

Backdropped by the ongoing unrest of the Spanish Civil War, A Long Petal of the Sea offers a tale of love in the face of hardship, a complex cast of characters interwoven into the plot, and the daily struggle to survive. Allende explores themes of exile, resilience, love, and identity across generations. 

The novel beautifully weaves personal and political struggles, illustrating how history can shape and transform lives. This was one of my absolute favourite reads and an awesome bit of travel reading – another gem by Isabel Allende!

The Lost City of Z By David Grann

This is THE book you want to read if you are headed into the Amazon. The book tells the tale of an eccentric British explorer, Percy Fawcett, who spent his life leading expeditions into the Amazon in search of the legendary lost City of Z.

The book recounts his life, his encounters with un-contacted tribes and his final expedition, from which he did not return. Grann also embarks on his own journey into the Amazon to uncover what really happened, making the narrative a parallel story of obsession and discovery. 

Blood River By Tim Butcher

When Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa in 2000 he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H.M. Stanley’s famous expedition – but travelling alone. Despite warnings that his plan was ‘suicidal’, Butcher set out for the Congo’s eastern border with just a rucksack and a few thousand dollars hidden in his boots.

Making his way in an assortment of vessels including a motorbike and a dugout canoe, helped along by a cast of characters from UN aid workers to a campaigning pygmy, he followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian adventurers. This is an epic book for anyone, but it’s especially one of the best books to read while travelling alone.

Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India By William Dalrymple

A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet – then spends the rest of his life trying to atone for the violence by hand-printing the best prayer flags in India. A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve herself to death.

Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple is one of the best writers when it comes to offering an insight into Indian culture and I highly recommend reading everything he has written.

Absurdistan By Gary Shteyngart

This darkly comedic novel follows Misha Vainberg, a wealthy, obese Russian expatriate who finds himself stranded in a fictional post-Soviet nation called Absurdistan. He negotiates dating rituals in Moscow, shares a house with a charismatic mercenary in Kabul and takes up smoking at gunpoint in Kosovo.

The novel is a chaotic, irreverent ride through a world teetering on the edge of lunacy. It lampoons both American and Russian societies while offering an offbeat critique of modern identity and exile.

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know By Sir Ranulph Fiennes

One of the first books I ever read about expedition-ing, I was inspired to start travelling and to get involved in trekking, climbing and rafting. Ranulph Fiennes has travelled to the most dangerous and inaccessible places on earth, almost died countless times, lost nearly half his fingers to frostbite, raised millions of pounds for charity and been awarded a polar medal and an OBE. 

He has been an elite soldier, an athlete, a mountaineer, an explorer, a bestselling author and nearly replaced Sean Connery as James Bond. In his autobiography, he describes how he led expeditions all over the world and became the first person to travel to both poles on land.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, not everything has to plan when travelling – which many of these books will show you. Thank the lord almighty, we have travel insurance to save our ass when this happens. Taking out good travel insurance is essential before you travel anywhere.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to work! Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

These are the top questions that The Broke Backpacker team get asks when it comes to the best travel books, so we thought we’d collate them in one place for you :))

Okay, so I don’t know about you, but even just writing about these EPIC travel reads made us want to go out on a sick adventure with a few in tow. There’s nothing like getting immersed in a literary journey to get inspiration flowing. 

You really can’t go wrong with any of the best travel books – whether they focus on hiking in the wilderness, budget backpacking for $10/day, or becoming a key figure in India’s underworld, you’re in for a sweet escapism treat. 

If we missed one of your favourite vagabond stories, do let us know. We’re always on the hunt for more to add to this list to get lost in!

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂