21 Greatest Books To Inspire Travel
These 21 Great Reads Will Take You Around The World Without The Need For A Plane Ticket.
The very best list of books to inspire travel of all time. A mix of fiction, fact and sometime truths ranked from 21 to 1.
21 MAO’S LAST DANCER (2003), LI CUNXIN
WHERE?
China, USA
Inspirational And Unforgettable True Story
A gripping and inspiring autobiographical portrayal of an extraordinary life. Li describes the struggles of growing up in extreme poverty in communist rural China during the Mao regime.
At the age of 11 Li is plucked from school by delegates from Madam Mao’s ballet school and life is never the same. Li ends up moving to the USA in a cultural exchange where determination, perseverance and perhaps destiny lift LI up the ranks to become one of the leading dancers in the world. The power of dance becomes a conduit for breaking down political differences between East and West.
A beautiful story and tears may well start flowing at some point.
QUOTE
Seize the opportunities life has to offer you. Embrace the changes, and have the courage to travel on roads less travelled, even though what is in front of you could be tough, make it successful. Have determination and courage to kick down the brick walls in front of you, and to go on and achieve bigger success than you ever thought possible.
20 FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1971), HUNTER S THOMPSON
WHERE?
USA – Vegas Baby!
A Savage Journey To The Heart Of The American Dream
A Psychedelic drug crazed thrill ride from Hollywood to Las Vegas. The outrageous Sin City exploits of overindulgence, extreme offensiveness, hotel room trashing; all in pursuit of the American dream. A wildly enjoyable tale or trail of destruction.
QUOTE
Every now and then when your life gets complicated and the weasels start closing in, the only cure is to load up on heinous chemicals and then drive like a bastard from Hollywood to Las Vegas … with the music at top volume and at least a pint of ether.
19 ANGELS AND DEMONS (2000), DAN BROWN
WHERE?
USA, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City
Science Vs Religion
The Illuminati have taken responsibility for killing a world-renowned scientist in Switzerland.
The Pope has unexpectedly died and the College of Cardinals assembles in the Vatican City to elect the new Pope.
An unstoppable bomb ticks down threatening to wipe out the Catholic Church forever.
Professor Robert Langdon is chasing down the terrorist forces, following the trail of clues and ancient symbols, snaking around Rome to unravel the mystery before the Vatican City, the Cardinals and the thousands gathered in St Peters Square are wiped out by a devastating blast.
QUOTE
Our minds sometimes see what our hearts wish were true.
18 PAPILLON(1968), HENRI CHARRIERE
WHERE?
France, Venezuela, French Guinea
A True Story Struggle For Freedom
The oldest book on the list. A treasured classic, a gripping struggle, a determined fight for freedom for the incarcerated ‘Papillon’ or ‘the butterfly’.
Astonishing true story beginning in Paris, spanning half the globe to the penal colonies of South America’s French Guinea.
If you liked the Shawshank Redemption or Escape from Alcatraz, this is of a similar vain.
The Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman 1973 movie does not do the book justice.
QUOTE
Me, they can kill. You, they own.
17 PERSONAL (2015), LEE CHILD
WHERE?
USA, France, England
Book number nineteen in the much acclaimed Jack Reacher series.
Reacher, an ex-military drifter with no fixed address is recruited by the USA government to thwart an assassination attempt on the French president. The action packed adventure takes Reacher to France and the UK where he uses his intellect as well as ample muscle (and a few guns) to take down the bad guys. I have read all the Reacher books and generally finish them within a couple of days of purchase
QUOTE
But we’re all still KGB really. Old wine, new bottles
16 THE HUNTER (2008), TOM WOOD
WHERE?
Over 4 Continents
Meet Victor The Assassin – The New Jason Bourne
Freelance killer Victor is living life off the grid. The body count is piling up while his Swiss accounts are growing until one day a simple hit in Paris goes spectacularly wrong. Victor is on the run for his life after a set up and near escape. Dead bodies are left in his wake as he hunts for and is hunted by deadly assassins across half of the globe. The first book in a brilliant new action thriller series.
QUOTE
If I hadn’t killed them we couldn’t have escaped. It was either them or us.
15 THE POWER OF ONE (1992), BRYCE COURTENAY
WHERE?
South Africa
Powerful Story of Humanity
Spellbinding book of courage in a racially divided 1930’s and 1940’s South Africa. Divisions rule in every class of society from the jailhouse to the walled and gated compounds of the elite. The Power of One is the story of one boy PK’s struggle growing up not really knowing where he fits in. An epic tale of triumph in the face of personal family tragedy, childhood bullying and the incarceration of his German born mentor and friend – the Professor. The medium of boxing breaking through the racially intolerant ceiling and the injustices of life in Africa during World War 2 and apartheid. This captivatingly deep story covers a wide spectrum of thought provoking realities of African existence but most of all it is a story of humanity.
QUOTE
It’s good to be a little frightened. It’s good to respect your opponent. It keeps you sharp. In the fight game, the head rules the heart. But in the end the heart is the boss.
14 SCARECROW (2003), MATTHEW REILLY
WHERE?
Global
It’s The Greatest Bounty Hunt in History
Australian author Matthew Reilly is known for his hugely over-the-top, outrageously unbelievable action packed books. Scarecrow is Reilly’s best book by far and is completely ridiculous escapism yet so easy to read. I hate when a book is described as ‘unputdownable’ but this is exactly what Scarecrow is. Shane ‘Scarecrow’ Schofield is a badass marine, ruthless killing machine on a hit list with a bunch of high profile international commandoes, spies and terrorists. Almost $20 million is the price on his head, as he is hunted around the globe at a break neck pace by deadly mercenaries. Missiles, fighter jets, fast cars, explosions, aircraft carriers blowing up and a sky high body count. Scarecrow may not be Dickens, may not be at all realistic, but boy is it entertaining.
QUOTE
In my experience, the US government only looks after the US government.
13 QUEEN OF PATPONG (2010), TIMOTHY HALLINAN
WHERE?
Thailand
The Loss of Life and Innocence In The Red Light District
Captivating story of a complicated family dealing with threats and demons of the past in loud and fast Bangkok. American travel writer Poke Rafferty is married to former go-go dancer and working girl Rose. Rose reveals in great detail her defect from a simple village life in Northern Thailand to the bright lights of Bangkok, to working in a Patpong girly bar and the eventual sale of her virginity. The story of a not so innocenct past catches up with Rose and threatens to tear her peaceful family life apart. Nominated for an Edgar award, this wonderfully told tale of survival will take you deep inside the Thailand that people only discuss in hushed tones.
QUOTE
It’s still a village, once you know it. It’s just that it’s a really big village.
12 THE BEACH (1996), ALEX GARLAND
WHERE?
Thailand
The Cult Classic Backpacker’s Search For an Island Paradise
From the Khao San Road, the first stop on the backpacking trail in Bangkok to a mythical Thai utopia. A beach paradise legend found on a scratchy map promises a community of select travellers living their dream. The idyllic dream is hard to maintain being unravelled by local mafia, a haunting obsession with the Vietnam War and mounting divisions within the tribe, proving that Eden is unsustainable. A must read, highly relatable story for any traveller…or dreamer.
QUOTE
Trust me, it’s paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is the generation that travels the globe and searches for something we haven’t tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite & never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience— And if it hurts, you know what? It’s probably worth it.
11 BANGKOK DAYS (2009), LAWRENCE OSBORNE
WHERE?
Thailand
A Soujourn in the Capital of Pleasure
Real life account of life ‘on the lam’ in South East Asia. The exotic and crowded city of Bangkok described in detail by Osborne as a city where one can stay ‘in pocket’ for a fraction of that required in the West.
An outstandingly well-written story of escape, rediscovery, rebirth. A thought provoking, unassuming illustration of a western man dumped into a temporary eastern existence. The narrative, a poetically profound chronicle of a lost and lonesome soul searching for a clean start in a city where the seedy underbelly of filth reigns supreme.
QUOTE
It was well suited to a lazy c#%t, and a natural habitat for a man on the lam who had no objective in his day-to-day life but an inquisitive loitering, a selfless promenading for its own sake. A man who has turned into a ruminant, a goat.
10 ZERO HOUR IN PHNOM PENH, CHRISTOPHER G MOORE
WHERE?
Thailand, Cambodia
Award Winning Crime Fiction Novel Set in the Cambodian Capital
Native New Yorker and now ex-pat Bangkok based private eye Vincent Calvino flies to the Cambodia capital for a not so simple assignment. He soon ends up on a trail of murder, prostitution and corruption trying to uncover a conspiracy as the list of enemies increases every step along the way. Set in post Pol Pot era Phnom Penh with the fall out of mass genocide still hanging like a grey cloud, Calvino is in deep and trying his best to stay alive as he crosses paths with the mafia, corrupt government UN workers and hit men lurking in the shadows. A layered novel which transports the reader to the time when this beautifully complex country is attempting to put the pieces of their broken past back together, while the pieces continue on a perpetual crumble. The writing interwoven with the occasional Shakespearian reference moves the reader and uncovers underlying truths of enlightenment in what is a supposedly fictional narrative. A highly entertaining read that will stay in the forefront of your mind long after the book is closed, finished and has found its place back on the bookshelf.
QUOTE
A country run by the United Nations and populated with survivors from terror and death. Cambodia should first be seen in the rain, thought Calvino. As if the gods cried for what they saw below.
9 KILL SHOT (2012), VINCE FLYNN
WHERE?
France, USA
The Ultimate Global Thriller Novel
The late Vince Flynn is one of the very best authors ever in the thriller writing field. The CIA asset or hitman Mitch Rapp is a killing machine. A modern day James Bond and consummate patriot, Rapp lives in the shadows, eliminating terror threats, upholding international justice and has no ill-feelings with blood on his hands. Rapp is in deep trouble in this early days prequel as he is on the run in France from a botched assassination and doesn’t know who he can trust. Kill Shot is a well written and intellectually balanced book with enough action, sex, exotic locations and bad guys to keep the pages flipping at a ferocious pace.
QUOTE
Greta wanted to ask him why he needed to bring a gun if there was no risk, but she knew it was a stupid question. His whole life was a risk, and she’d been trying to ignore that fact for as long as she’d known him.
8 REQUIEM FOR AN ASSASSIN/THE KILLER ASCENDANT, BARRY EISLER
WHERE?
Bali, Vietnam, Netherlands, USA, Japan
Asian Assassin On A Rescue Mission
John Rain, half Japanese / half American assassin specialising in hits that look like accidental deaths is on a mission to save his kidnapped sniper friend Dox. Another classic from ex-CIA employee author Barry Eisler, an international espionage thriller writing master. In this edition of the hugely popular John Rain series, Rain is given a list of targets he needs to eliminate in order to rescue his hostaged friend. Odds are stacked against Rain as the likable and deeply paranoid killer covers the globe scratching up death after death.
QUOTE
America’s oil addiction is a sickness that’s killing the patient. Christ, Americans would rather send soldiers to war than carpool to work.
7 VULTURE PEAK (2012), JOHN BURDETT
WHERE?
Thailand, Dubai, China, Monaco
The Best South-East Asia Thriller Writer Of The Modern Era
Number five in the Bangkok Series of books featuring Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep of the Royal Thai Police. The weed smoking Thai cop, devout Buddhist and brothel owner crosses many borders on his latest assignment; a sting operation focussing on the international black market trade of human organs – that is when sex; drugs, prostitution, gambling, spirituality and government corruption are not interrupting. The poetic writing style and subtly humorous explanations of Asian cultural differences has never been done better. Takes you from the highest of high society to the seediest of underbellies. Much like Bangkok.
QUOTE
A money driven morality is no morality at all.
6 THE BOURNE IDENTITY (1980), ROBERT LUDLUM
WHERE?
Mediterranean Sea, France, USA, Switzerland
An Absolute Classic Ludlum Spy Thriller Of The Highest Standard
Jason Bourne is shot up and left for dead. Salvaged by fishermen in the Mediterranean Sea with no recollection of what happened or who he is. A deadly pursuit ensues through Europe, as Bourne needs to discover who he is and who is trying to kill him.
QUOTE
I mean, we’re all trying to find out who the hell we are, aren’t we?
5 THE ALCHEMIST (1988), PAUL COELHO
WHERE?
Spain, Northern Africa, Egypt
An Inspirational Journey Full Of Touching Lessons For Your Life
Santiago is a young shepherd living a quiet Spanish existence tending to his flock of sheep. He feels there is more to his life and sets off on an unmapped trail towards distant lands and self-discovery. The life-changing journey is one of spirituality, hope and destiny, galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own.
One of the most popular books of all time with over 150 million readers.
QUOTE
The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself… no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.
4 CITY OF GOD (1997), PAULO LINS
WHERE?
Brazil
15 Miles From Paradise…One Man Will Do Anything To Tell The World Everything
The fascinating and often dangerous story of life inside the slums (favelas) of Rio. A brilliant story of life, love, drugs and crime. Brutally shocking in the best way possible. Transports you deep into the favelas daily struggles and all out gang warfare between samba sessions, soccer and the beautiful Brazilian beaches.
QUOTE
Fight and you’ll never survive…Run and you’ll never escape
3 I AM PILGRIM (2014), TERRY HAYES
WHERE?
Global – USA, Russia, Middle East, Europe
International Spy Thriller Spanning the Globe
My favorite book of the last few years. Over 600 pages of brilliance. A riveting read centring on retired super-spy with no name, living in relative anonymity, codename ‘Pilgrim’. Pilgrim is the quintessential hero, recruited to assist in solving what is described as ‘the perfect crime,’ a gruesome hotel murder in New York. It spirals out of control from there where I am Pilgrim ties all the classic spy thriller elements of international espionage, assassins, terrorism and religious extremists. Intricately woven together amongst exotic locales. The Turkish coastal town of Bodrum features prominently as does the Middle East, Europe and the USA. A rewarding read of the finest calibre.
QUOTE
In war, the first casualty is truth.
2 MARCHING POWDER (2004), RUSTY YOUNG
WHERE?
Bolivia
True story of Friendship, Cocaine, and South America’s Strangest Jail
Compelling true story based inside the low security walls of San Pedro Prison, Laz Paz – Bolivia.
Thomas McFadden, a British Drug mule convicted of cocaine trafficking at the airport in La Paz acts as a makeshift tour guide for backpackers visiting the jail. Guards are bribed and tours are remarkably run, opening up the otherwise secured gates for a new type of tourism. On one of these tours a young Australian named Rusty Young meets McFadden. They form an unlikely friendship and the fascinating story that is Marching Powder is penned.
QUOTE
My prison cell is the safest place in the world to take cocaine,’ he assured me, laughing to himself. ‘I won’t get busted, man. I can have the police fired if they give me in any trouble’.
1 SHANTARAM (2003), GREGORY DAVID ROBERTS
A Very Worthy Number One
WHERE?
India, Afghanistan, Australia
SHANTARAM has divided literati circles since the very first review. Fashionable at times, unfashionable at others, most love it, some hate it. Big, powerful and seductive, a sometimes struggle – 920 page masterpiece.
The poetic writing touched me like no other book I have ever read. The type of book you search your whole life for and measure all others against. The story of Roberts is difficult to sum up in a paragraph, therefore I will not delve too deep and just leave you with the link and a couple of telling quotes from the best travel novel of all time.
QUOTES
Fate gives all of us three teachers, three friends, three enemies, and three great loves in our lives. But these twelve are always disguised, and we can never know which one is which until we’ve loved them, left them, or fought them.
I was a revolutionary who lost his ideals in heroin, a philosopher who lost his integrity in crime, and a poet who lost his soul in a maximum security prison. When I escaped from that prison, over the front wall, between two gun towers, I became my country’s most wanted man. Luck ran with me and flew with me to India, where I joined the Bombay mafia. I worked as a gunrunner, a smuggler, and a counterfeiter. I was chained on three continents, beaten, stabbed and starved. I went to war. I ran into the enemy guns. And I survived.
There it is, my 21 greatest books to inspire travel.
I have personally read each & every book from cover to cover.
I endeavor to put together the best travel book listing on the internet. Suggestions are most welcomed. Bring on the feedback.
These are my personal favorites, the books I like to read, what I consider the greatest books to inspire travel and therefore they lean more towards the male genre. Eat Pray Love was a deliberate omission…I haven’t read it; however I have seen the movie – insert rolling eyes reaction here.
Speaking of movies, if you can’t be bothered reading, good news; plenty of the books have been made into movies.
