Wanderlust is a difficult feeling to contain. After an exciting weekend of hiking, sunbathing by the beach, road trip, and more, it’s hard not to fall into post-travel depression especially if going back to work means sitting 8+ hours in front of a computer 5 day a week.
If you’re running out of vacation leaves, lack of time and resources to fund another travel adventure, why not turn to books that can transport you and fuel your wanderlust to places unknown. You may not be physically somewhere else but hey, you can go farther with your imagination and for longer.
Turning to travel books may not be a permanent solution, however, it’s a cheap and exciting way to mentally disconnect from the real world and take you on a whole new journey where your imagination works to transport you there. Here are some great reads that should feed your travel itch:
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
A classic fictional book from one of the greatest writers that ever lived. The Sun Also Rises will take you to old Spain and Paris, and bring you all sorts of nostalgia.
The characters of the book go on an aimless adventure full of exploration of the world they live in and the people they’re with. While reading the novel, you’ll picture yourself in Spain roaming along with the characters watching bull racing and ordering drinks in between.
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
Published 70 years ago, Kerouac’s classic On The Road stands the test of time, especially for those souls who yearn to be transported thru writing. The book is based on Kerouac and his friend’s journey across the United States.
The story follows the narrator, Sal, and his musing in life after his heartbreaking divorce. He meets Dean Moriarty, a free-spirited soul. Together, they hit the road and bump into a handful of people along the way. If you’re longing for adventure and the beautiful surprises of uncertainty, this is a classic book to pick up on any day.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Widely known for his fantasy work, The Lord of the Rings, comes his second most-popular work, The Hobbit.
If you’ve already read The Lord of the Rings and looking for a similar tale that will transport you to the fantastical unknown, this is the perfect novel to read. It’s a fantasy genre so your imagination will work twice harder and fantastical made easier and better with Tolkien detailed writing and vivid illustration. The novel follows the story of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his journey in the Middle Earth.
How Not To Travel The World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker by Lauren Juliff
Juliff is a professional travel blogger and full-time globe trotter. In this book, she shares her vast experience in the places she’s traveled and the ups and downs she’s encountered in the process. It inspires people to travel far and long regardless of the obstacles you may face on the road. The book pushes the reader to just pick up their bags and go out of their closed doors and get you pumped for what lies along the way.
The Beach by Alex Garland
Yes, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in a film adaptation of this book. The novel starts with a young man who is in search for an unspoiled island in Thailand together with a group of travelers he meets in his journey to get there. The book presents a lot of different emotions and great writing that will immediately suck you in into Richard’s, the main character, shoes.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Another classic novel on this list, The Alchemist, is and remains to be that travel book people will continue to recommend to travelers and nontravelers alike. It’s the perfect introduction to anyone who has thirst for adventure and motivation to follow their dreams.
To give you a scoop: it’s about a young boy who went on a journey of self-discovery from Spain to Egypt and in the process, met plenty of people that left a mark in his life. The novel inspired millions of people and not only will it open and feed your soul of wanderlust but also leave you with wisdom to carry for a lifetime.
One of the most read books in history and remains a classic tale of travel, adventure and following one’s dreams. The Alchemist takes on a young shepherd boy who went on a quest from Spain to Egypt and along with his journey, meets different people that will leave an impact in his life.
If you don't have time and money to fund another travel trip, take these titles and read them to treat you to another place. It’s a great solution to your post-travel depression.
Any other books you think can cover for your itchy, traveler’s feet? Share it with us. Drop a comment below!
About the author: An adventurer at heart, Chie Suarez aims to finish her travel bucket list before she hits 40. For the meantime, she writes for Holiday Inn Parramatta Accommodation—stay and experience the historical part of Sydney whether for business or leisure.
