Nothing beats the excitement of embarking on your next adventure. After all, going on a trip means enjoying breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisines, and immersing in rich, diverse cultures. Travel is also an opportunity to unwind and take a break from the regular hustle and bustle of your daily life. This is why it’s no surprise that, according to a 2024 Forbes Advisor survey, 40% of Americans plan to travel more this year.
If you’re planning your trip but aren’t sure where to go, there are a ton of things that can inspire you to book that plane ticket and pack your bags for another escapade. From your friends’ Instagram posts to travel reports like our previous one on the spas and beaches of Costa Rica, guides and tips on new destinations are everywhere.
But if you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, memoirs from fellow travelers are the best way to get you pumped for your next travel adventure. Wondering where you should start? Below, we look at the five best travel memoirs to inspire your next trip.
Why should you read travel memoirs, and where can you find them?
Studies show that literature can stimulate tourist motivation, especially since a good travel memoir has tons of firsthand info that can help you plan your next trip and let you know what to expect in your dream destinations. Ebook versions of travel memoirs are your best bet for convenient reading, as they’re easy to download and carry with you on the go. You can find a ton of travel resources and memoirs on Everand, like Peter Nichols’ A Voyage for Madmen and Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island. The site allows you to access thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, as well as filter works to help you find titles specific to your preferred destination. Ebooks are also more affordable compared to buying individual books, and are accessible through a reasonable monthly subscription.
You can also browse your local public library’s ebook collection via Overdrive to help you find the best travel memoirs. Either way, ebooks are a great option for psyching yourself up for a trip and can even be brought with you whether you’re enjoying the resorts of Costa Rica or backpacking through the Andes. That said, here are some great travel memoirs that can inspire your next travel adventure:
5 travel memoirs to inspire your next trip
Call You When I Land by Nikki Vargas
If you consider travel a sweet escape, then Nikki Vargas’ work Call You When I Land might be the perfect read for you. The ebook is packed with inspiring lessons about reclaiming your life, taking a different path, and searching for yourself. From the food stalls of Vietnam to the landscapes of Argentina, Vargas takes readers not only to stunning places but also through the process of dealing with heartbreak and failure. This is the perfect ebook for gaining wisdom and getting inspired to embark on a journey of self-discovery in far-off parts of the world.
America the Beautiful? by Blythe Roberson
American national parks are a popular attraction year-round, with more than 325 million people visiting famous parks last year. If you’re a traveler who would love to visit these national landscapes, then you’ll probably love Blythe Roberson’s best-selling work, where she chronicles her experiences in her cross-country road trip to visit America’s national parks after quitting her day job. America the Beautiful? is filled with lessons (and jokes) on ecotourism, the ethics of national parks, environmental conservation, and climate change that she learned while traveling. Roberson’s ebook is a light and enjoyable read that provides insights into her experiences of abstinence while craving for the comforts of home and whether or not solo traveling is dangerous for women. It’s worth checking out if you plan to go on a solo road trip or visit iconic national parks.
The White Mosque by Sofia Samatar
If you’re a traveler who also loves history, reading The White Mosque by Sofia Samatar might inspire you to plan your next trip around significant, historic locations. In this ebook, Samatar takes readers on a bus tour through Central Asia, tracing the footsteps of Dutch-German Mennonites who traveled the same path in the 19th century, hoping to meet their Messiah. Along the way, Samatar reflects on the history of that grueling journey and explores a Christian sanctuary in the Muslim Khanate of Khiva called Ak Metchet, or the White Mosque. This is a perfect read for history geeks who love to explore preserved landmarks.
Grand Adventures by Alastair Humphreys
Adrenaline junkies who like traveling can take more travel inspiration from Alastair Humphreys’ Grand Adventures. Written by a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, this ebook shines a spotlight on some of the most thrilling adventures you can try worldwide. Aside from that, it also sheds light on realistic aspects of life that can get in the way of traveling, including money, time, and other responsibilities. The ebook version features colorful photos of landscapes – which are more vibrant and vivid onscreen – that can serve as the perfect motivation for readers to book their next adventure. Overall, it’s an exciting read packed with lessons from people who have rich experiences in adventure travel and the perfect ebook companion for an outdoor trip.
Catfish and Mandala by Andrew Pham
Andrew Pham’s memoir Catfish and Mandala chronicles his personal experiences with wit and charm, telling the story of a Vietnamese-American who quit his job, sold all his possessions, and went on a year-long solo bike journey across Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and his homeland, Vietnam. Released 11 years after the book was published, the ebook version showcases a vibrant narrative about a man in search of his cultural identity, packed with sardonic tone and deadpan humor. This story is a great read for adventurous travelers who love to bike and want to visit the hidden gems of Asian countries.
Travel memoirs are full of insights, tips, and narratives that can inspire anyone to go off adventuring through the world. Check out these ebook titles to help you gain travel tips, motivation, and wisdom – all while you’re on the go.
While considering your next adventure to inspire your next trip, you can also check out our July 2024 Travel Recap for real-life travel inspiration and tips from our trips.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
