We may not be able to venture far right now, but travel books take us on journeys around the world.
The easiest way to travel without a plane ticket. Open a book and skip the jet lag.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
“Crazy Rich Asians” is a captivating look at wealth, love, and life in Singapore, as it follows Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American woman, on a trip to meet her boyfriend’s prominent family. The author mentions a lot of real places throughout the book. Some insanely extravagant and some that are more down to earth. One place that stuck out to me were the food markets (yum!) that described rows of vendors with different offerings. Since there are so many food stalls, you can find the best of the best because competition is so tough. It turns out this is a real place called Lau Pa Sat.
Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure by Monisha Rajesh
Constantly dreaming of a train voyage? My bucket list journey is on the iconic Venice Orient Express. This book is the second-best thing. At the start, writer Monisha Rajesh and her fiancé set off on a round-the-world trip, starting with a train that leaves from London and onto breathtaking and iconic routes. They watch 45,000 miles go by from the window.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir every traveller should read, especially if you’re planning a solo trip. Follow along on author Elizabeth Gilbert’s journey as she discovers the world — and herself — while travelling through Italy, India, and Bali. Did you see the movie?
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Another must-read for solo travellers, “Wild” follows the author’s journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, beginning in the Mojave Desert and continuing through California, Oregon, and Washington State, with no prior hiking experience. Read this book if you’re looking for the push you need to get out and explore the country on your own. Found this one on the Reese Witherspoon Book Club list.
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes
Ah, the memoir behind the iconic Diane Lane movie of the same name. Beware: If you read this book about a woman ditching her life and buying a house in Tuscany, you may be tempted to do the same. I fell in love with Italy all over again.
Wild Horses of the Summer Sun by Tory Bilski
Iceland is a hot spot for outdoor and adventure travel. If you’ve been curious about booking a trip, pick up Tory Bilski’s memoir, which follows the author and a group of female travellers bound together by their love of Icelandic horses as they make their way through the northern region of the country.
