Travel is a passion that can inspire and consume you when you are working a regular job or are staying and living in one place, but there are certain books that simply take that passion and stoke it into blazing enthusiasm for exploring. Whether you are looking for something that will provide inspiration for a new destination, or writing that will make you determined to pick up that backpack and get back on the road, books can be great food for thought.


Different people will naturally have different tastes and will be inspired by different types of literature, but here are seven books that will give you itchy feet and get you raring to hit the road. 

 

The Beach, Alex Garland

This book is one that works on several different levels, offering thoughts on how to look for a beautiful piece of paradise in a world where remote and unspoilt areas are becoming few and far between. Travelers will also recognize the issues that come with tourism developing in a new destination, which then can havea small hand in its destruction, but ultimately, the book inspires through its portraits of the amazing landscapes and scenery that can be found in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.

 

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

Stories about exploring and following dreams naturally find an audience among those who yearn to travel, and this book is one that has inspired many people to leave the mundane and to chase their dream. The story is simple, and follows a Spanish goatherd with dreams of seeking his fortune in Egypt, and the adventure brings many lessons and inspirations that are just as valid for today's travelers as they are for young Santiago.

 

Around The World In Eighty Days, Jules Verne

The tale of Phileas Fogg is one that has been read for over a century, and while the French writer explored many different epic journeys, this jaunt around the world in order to win a wager is definitely one of his greatest works. A variety of situations that are encountered by Fogg and his loyal assistant Passpertout mimic the real variety that comes with international travel, and it is a great inspiration to those looking to travel.

 

The Snow Leopard, Peter Matthiessen

For those people who yearn to be among the high peaks of the Himalayas, this amazing book combines a passion and enthusiasm for the region with some of the wonderful lessons that Matthiessen learned during his trip into the region. A thoughtful look at Buddhism and more meaningful thoughts combine with the practical quest to find the elusive snow leopard to help make this an interesting and magical book.

 

On The Road, Jack Kerouac

Kerouac is one of the legends of the beat generation, and there are a number of his books that could be listed to inspire travel, but On The Road is the one that makes the final cut for this list. This semi autobiographical tale shares some of the road trips that Kerouac and his friends enjoyed, and it is more than enough to set the fire in you to get in the car and drive too.

 

In Patagonia, Bruce Chatwin

Written by a man who was inspired to leave a comfortable home in the UK to explore Patagonia, this is a book that takes in a lot of different towns, cities and sights in the region. Chatwin's route is a little winding and dictated by what he wants to visit next rather than a fixed schedule, and as well as reveling in the wonderful scenery and surroundings, the characters that he introduces and the culture of the region are the real stars of this book.

 

Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig

Religion and travel have long gone hand in hand, from the pilgrims of centuries ago through to the modern explorer, and this book is one that looks at Zen Buddhism through the prism of a motorcycle trip taken by the lead character and his son. Philosophy plays an important role in the book, and the overall package is one that is thought provoking and riveting, and it is well worth the time it takes to read the book.