Immerse yourself in the riveting world of journeys, exploration, and globe-trotting adventures with some of the finest books about adventure and travel. From traversing across snowy mountains to exploring mysterious landscapes, these travel literature masterpieces will inspire the adventurer in you.
Discover the extraordinary tales of real-life adventurers and their remarkable journeys across our beautiful planet through our curated selection of books about adventure and travel:
- ‘Into Thin Air’ – This is John Krakauer’s gripping account of surviving the deadly Everest expedition.
- ‘South’ – Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance story presents a fascinating tale of survival and resilience during the Antarctic expedition.
- ‘The Great Railway Bazaar’ – Explore Paul Theroux’s enchanting journey across Asia on one of the longest train routes.
- ‘In Patagonia’ – Bruce Chatwin’s classic is an adventurous exploration into the heart of South America.
- ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’ – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry shares his experiences as an airmail pilot in this mesmerizing read.
- ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ – Ted Simon’s epic motorcycle Odyssey takes you on an exhilarating ride around the world.
Each adventure reveals unique insights into the human spirit and our shared world, appealing to intrepid travelers and avid readers alike.
Embark On A Literary Adventure
No matter if you’re lounging at home or setting off on your own journey, these books can inject a sense of thrill and exploration into your daily life. You’ll experience adventures in all corners of the globe, without even leaving your comfort zone.
These books are not just travel accounts, they delve into the human spirit, exploring our capacity for resilience, courage, and hope amid adversity and challenge.
Each narrative immerses you in a different culture, landscape, and perspective, expanding your understanding of the world and inspiring you to embark on your own adventures.
So pack your literary backpack with these adventure and travel books, and let your mind traverse through these captivating tales of exploration and resilience.
Contents
- Iconic Travel Adventure Books
- ‘Into Thin Air’ – John Krakauer’s Everest
- ‘South’ – Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance
- ‘The Great Railway Bazaar’ – Paul Theroux’s Journey
- Exploring Bruce Chatwin’s ‘In Patagonia’
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’
- ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ – Ted Simon’s Motorcycle Odyssey
- Underappreciated Adventure Travel Books
- Unleashing Wanderlust
Iconic Travel Adventure Books
To sate your wanderlust, I’ve taken the liberty of curating some captivating adventure travel books below. Every piece is a gateway to an unexplored corner of our world.
| Title | Author | Brief Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| In Patagonia | Bruce Chatwin | An exploration into the mysterious allure of Patagonia. |
| The Beach | Alex Garland | A gripping tale about paradise lost in Thailand’s hidden islands. |
| Travels with Charley: In Search of America | John Steinbeck | A heartwarming narrative of a man and his dog rediscovering America. |
| The Places In Between | Rory Stewart | A recounting of an audacious trek across the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan. |
| The Snow Leopard | Peter Matthiessen | An evocative journey into Tibet’s wilderness in search of the elusive snow leopard. |
| A variety of travel books to inspire your inner adventurer. | ||
Each book promises riveting tales that bring far-off lands to life, instilling a renewed sense of curiosity and adventure.
I urge you to delve into these treasures. From the harsh windswept plains of Patagonia in Bruce Chatwin’s “In Patagonia” to the breathtaking vistas of Tibet in Peter Matthiessen’s “The Snow Leopard”.
These books not merely chronicle physical journeys but also the transformations within their respective authors. Unfiltered, raw, and real!
Such is the power of travel – it shapes us, moulds us, and leaves us a little different from before.
So pick up these books, venture to unknown territories, and let their pages transport you to far-flung corners of the world.
‘Into Thin Air’ – John Krakauer’s Everest
John Krakauer’s ‘Into Thin Air’ takes readers on a high-altitude ride. It documents an intrepid journalist’s journey up the world’s tallest mountain.
On May 10, 1996, Krakauer summited Mt. Everest amidst the gripping hold of oxygen depletion. His descent was met with perilous conditions and fatal news about his fellow climbers.
Escalating Tension
‘Into Thin Air’ communicates the palpable tension that arises when climbing Everest.
Krakauer details the deadly rogue storm that engulfs climbers en-route to the summit. The severe weather conditions led to tragic losses and severe frostbite among surviving climbers.
A Commentary on Commercialization
The book also critiques the commercialization of Everest, a theme underpinning Krakauer’s adventure.
Commissioned by ‘Outside’ Magazine, Krakauer became a client of renowned high-altitude guide Rob Hall. Tragically, Hall did not survive the ruthless storm that hit in May 1996.
A Commitment to Clarity
In his compelling storytelling, Krakauer seeks to examine why so many risk their lives for the thrill of ascending Everest.
The book offers emotional clarity backed up by unshakeable reporting, making it an impactful eyewitness account.
For a deeper dive into ‘Into Thin Air,’ you can find more information at Boulder Bookstore. This account ranks among history’s great adventure books and promises to captivate readers for generations.
‘South’ – Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance
Who was Sir Ernest Shackleton?
Sir Ernest Shackleton, born February 15, 1874, was an Anglo-Irish explorer passionate about the Antarctic.
He’s famed for his attempts to reach the South Pole, most notably his 1914–16 expedition.
What was his life like before Antarctica?
Shackleton’s journey began in Ireland where he was born and raised.
He later studied at Dulwich College before joining the mercantile marine service in 1890.
In 1901, he became a sublieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve.
What were his experiences in Antarctica?
In 1908, he led the British Antarctic Expedition, coming within 112 miles of the South Pole.
During the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, their ship was crushed by ice, leading to a survival saga retold in his book ‘South’.
What happened after their ship was crushed?
The team lived on ice floes for five months before escaping to Elephant Island. Shackleton later sailed to South Georgia for aid.
Incredibly, despite these harrowing experiences, none of the crew from the ‘Endurance’ died.
What did he do after these expeditions?
Shackleton served in the military during World War I and again during the Russian Civil War.
Post-war, he attempted another Antarctic expedition and authored two books about his experiences.
For further reading on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s life and expeditions, check out this informative source.
‘The Great Railway Bazaar’ – Paul Theroux’s Journey
My love for traveling started early. The process of boarding a train and its rhythmic motion was a source of joy for me.
While in my twenties, I explored Italy by train and found distinct pleasure in the African steam trains, linking places like Blantyre and Lake Nyasa.
My stay in Singapore during the 60s saw me extending my railway adventures to Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, and Indonesia.
The 70s found me in south London where the distinctive sounds, sights, and anonymity of the trains offered an escape from the monotony.
I found solace, clarity, and a platform to reflect and dream about grand railway adventures that would whisk me away to far-flung corners of the world.
- Moving Around London: My frequent short journeys around London offered a breather from my routine life with each journey becoming an opportunity for self-reflection and planning future travels.
- Inspiration from Literature: English travel literature from authors like Ford Madox Ford, Agatha Christie fed my desire for undertaking more railway adventures.
- Postage Stamp Motivation: Watching the destination names on the walls of London’s railway stations motivated me to plan future adventures to these far-off places.
“Overseas Timetable: Railway, Road and Shipping Services Outside Europe,” a comprehensive guide by Thomas Cook was a treasure trove of information. It revealed countless routes that led me towards Istanbul, Ankara, Tehran, and many more places.
The possibility of embarking on such incredible journeys through rail filled me with both excitement and apprehension. As I prepared for what laid ahead, I knew one thing- this journey would change my life.
It was Paul Theroux‘s “The Great Railway Bazaar” that inspired me with its tales of far-flung destinations and set my heart on a path of travel adventures.
Exploring Bruce Chatwin’s ‘In Patagonia’
In December 1974, the ambitious journalist Bruce Chatwin embarked on a journey that would forever change his life, and the landscape of travel writing.
Chatwin found himself drawn to the vast expanse of the plains that seemed to stretch endlessly onwards, down into Patagonia.
Aged 34 at the time, his voyage to the south sparked a transformation from a truant journalist to one of the most stylish and original travel-writers of his generation.
The allure of Patagonia stayed with him long after his visit, creating an overwhelming urge to return. Thus began his adventure into the heart of Patagonia.
- Patagonia’s Intrinsic Allure: Transcending beyond its geography, Patagonia symbolizes our inherent restlessness, eliciting a strong response in one’s imagination.
- The Form of his Writing: Chatwin revived an age-old narrative style – “the hunt for a strange animal in a remote land.”
- A Dual Journey: Chatwin presents readers with two intertwined journeys – one physical, into Patagonia, and one symbolic, exploring restlessness and exile.
- An Exposition on Exile: The narratives chosen vividly illustrate various aspects of wandering and exile – what transpires when we find ourselves stuck.
Suspicions about the authenticity of his work have stirred controversy. Yet, categorizing ‘In Patagonia’ isn’t simple—neither purely travel writing nor historical fiction—it transcends boundaries, much like Patagonia itself.
In anticipation of its publication, Chatwin wanted ‘In Patagonia’ to break free from the confines of conventional travel literature, aiming to encapsulate a deeper message within its pages.
Despite initial struggles, ‘In Patagonia’ bloomed into an overnight sensation. But it wasn’t without its challenges, Chatwin had previously been disheartened by the failure of ‘The Nomadic Alternative’—a project he’d spent several years on, only to have it rejected as sterile and un-publishable.
Taking this experience in stride, he resolved to forge his own path with ‘In Patagonia’, creating a unique literary masterpiece that continues to inspire generations of travel writers and adventurers alike.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’
The treacherous skies create a formidable adversary for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in his riveting ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’. Undeterred, he confronts the challenges head on.
Among the foul weather and unruly mountains, one peak stands out for the author. Salamanca, a perfect cone that overlooks the sea, represents a beacon of hope amidst the storm.
Saint-Exupéry’s plane seems to read his thoughts and mirrors his determination as it fights against the raging gale. The peak of Salamanca only feeds his awe.
“The peak of Salamanca was a giant. I was filled with respect for it.”
The author experiences a brief respite before the gale thrusts him towards the ocean. Despite this, he remains unfazed as he stares down his adversary.
His journey becomes a battle with nature, but the thrill of adventure propels him forward.
What should have been a simple flight morphed into an epic struggle for survival. Yet, every obstacle is met with resilience as he navigates through nature’s wrath.
In this enchanting recount of adventures, Saint-Exupéry allows readers to experience the raw power and beauty of nature from their homes.
‘Jupiter’s Travels’ – Ted Simon’s Motorcycle Odyssey
Embarking on a four-year adventurous trip around the globe between 1973 to 1977, Ted Simon become an emblem in travel literature. His tool of choice? A 500cc Triumph Tiger motorcycle.
His epic journey is meticulously detailed in his book ‘Jupiter’s Travels’, published in 1979. Simon does not only recount his road experiences but also eloquently narrates about the people he met along the way.
The profound impact of Simon’s book extends past motorcycling enthusiasts. Ewan McGregor was reportedly inspired by ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ to kickstart his own set of adventures.
Women, in particular, laud the book for accurately portraying emotions and vulnerabilities. Simon showcased these alongside thrilling experiences, making for a palpable reading experience.
The title ‘Jupiter’s Travels’ stemmed from an interesting encounter at an Indian wedding where Ted was casually called Jupiter. This moniker stuck with him and even became synonymous with his legacy.
Despite his age, the spirit of adventure has never left Ted. Currently residing on a farm in northern California, he enthusiastically continues to write, ride, and explore new places.
He maintains a health-conscious lifestyle, growing his own organic vegetables and still actively attending book signings. It’s clear that the zest for life and exploration is still very much alive within him.
Underappreciated Adventure Travel Books
Exploring the unknown world of adventure travel books, I’ve stumbled upon gems rarely celebrated. These guides not only enhance your journey but ignite a spirit of exploration within you.
Forget your typical traveling companion, these books are an adventurer’s best mate. With their distinctive format, they break the mold of conventional guidebooks.
- Train Travels in Europe: Unveil Europe’s beauty while traversing through scenic landscapes by train. Embark on an extraordinary journey across continents.
- Middle East Phrasebook and Dictionary: Bridge language barriers in your Middle East exploration with this handy phrasebook. Engage with locals and uncover hidden treasures.
- Eastern Europe Guide: Experience Eastern Europe like never before. This detailed guide delves deep into every corner of the continent, from grand cities to lesser-known rural idylls.
Deducting from Lonely Planet’s local experts, it’s time to expand your horizons to obscure destinations such as Argentina, the Baltics, Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt or South Africa. Leaving no stone unturned, these guides reveal secrets only known by locals.
Every month brings forth new releases beyond brand guides and latest editions – think intriguing coffee table companions or captivating children’s titles.
Trending destinations offer a sneak preview into other Lonely Planet travelers’ favorites. From bustling global capitals to serene island escapes – these are the hotspots to keep on your radar.
The Experience Guides allow for customized journeys covering iconic destinations – ideal for trips lasting between 1 and 2 weeks. The Country Guides offer extensive information for comprehensive explorations on longer trips lasting 2+ weeks.
Pocket Guides provide condensed, crucial information for city explorers on short trips, packing in the best local experiences. Unveil your next adventure with the All Guides & eBooks segment, ideal for any trip duration.
Unleashing Wanderlust
Whether you’re an avid globetrotter or a dreamy armchair traveler, these books perfectly encapsulate the thrill of adventure and the joy of exploration. Infused with vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and inspiring journeys, they are sure to stir your wanderlust, transporting you to exotic locales without leaving your comfy armchair. They are your perfect companions for imaginary yet captivating adventures.
