5 Books to Fuel Your Wanderlust


Nothing is more refreshing than traveling and exploring unknown lands. Traveling teaches us to values ourselves and makes us better human beings.

The more you travel, the more you get to learn and observe. Given the current socio-economic scenario, we are often compelled to think that the world no longer consists of good people. However, when we travel, we get to see and meet a number of great people!

Traveling is often about adventure; so if you’re an adventure junkie, pack your bags and get going. If you are worried about the expenses, do not fret. With the right planning, you can travel around the world without spending a fortune. The only thing you need is motivation.

Here are five books that will keep you motivated to travel the world. Grab them and stay motivated when on the go.

1. Eiger Dreams by Jon Krakauer

If you loved ‘Into the Wild,’ you will love this book too. The ‘Eiger Dreams’ explores the romantic relationship between men and mountains. The author assembles inspiring stories by mountaineers across the world and highlights their hardships and victories.

You will feel amazed when you read about the struggles when trying to scale Alaska’s Devils Thumb. The author also writes about an incident in which thirteen of the world’s most experienced mountaineers get killed when trying to climb the K2 one horrific summer. You never know, you may finally try your hand at rock climbing (at the local rock climbing centre, if not a mountain) after reading this book.

2. Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony Wheeler, Maureen Wheeler

This book is an astonishing travel guide created by the founders of the successful publishing company, Lonely Planet. The authors cater to the new generation of independent, budget-conscious travelers. The ‘Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story’ was published after ‘Across Asia on the Cheap’ and ‘South-East Asia on a Shoestring,’ and it is a blend of autobiography, business history and travel book.

A variety of readers will find this book appealing. Business-minded people can find inspiration from the tales of entrepreneurship, while family-oriented people will love reading the tales of traveling with the Wheelers’ two children, Tashi and Kieran. The Wheelers have a varied set of anecdotes, which they share with the readers of this book. From being cheated by the accountant, hassled by the customs, banned in Malawi, and let down by writers, there are a lot of funny truths you can discover when you read the ‘Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story.’

3. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray and Love is one of the best motivational books which takes you through Elizabeth’s (the author) journey of balancing her chaotic life after her divorce and heartbreak. She decides to travel to Italy (for pleasure), India (for devotion), and Indonesia (for finding a balance between worldly enjoyment and divinity) to find new inspiration. This book is an insightful and funny travel book that has changed countless lives around the world, and inspired and empowered millions of readers to discover the best in them.

After reading this book, you will surely feel the urge to explore the places mentioned in this book, if you haven’t already made a plan.

4. The Lady and The Monk by Pico Iyer

Are you bored of your fast-paced life? Want to slow down and enjoy life? ‘The Lady and The Monk’ is a must-read for you. It is the story of the author, who decides to visit Kyoto and live in a monastery to learn about Zen Buddhism. He also got a chance to explore Kyoto, which is one of the oldest and the loveliest cities in the world.

He meets Sachiko, a pretty and enthusiastic woman in her early 30s. She was a typical Japanese housewife with two children. She was conversant with the tea ceremony, classical Japanese literature, and rock music and Goethe alike. It is through Sachiko that Iyer learns about the conflicts and complexities of modern-day Japan.

When reading this book, you can discover the stark contrast between the old and the new Japan. If you have plans to travel to Japan in the near future, make sure you read this book at least once.

5. Down Under by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is one of the well-known travel writers and each book written by him is a masterpiece. ‘Down Under,’ Bryson narrates a journey through Australia, a place with the friendliest inhabitants, and the hottest and the driest weather. The author takes you through the forgotten coastal cities, tiny mining towns, and forest paths.

It is a journey from the east to the west. The author also talks about box jellyfish, riptides, crocs, spiders, and snakes that he encounters when exploring the massive continent. This book is sure to motivate you to travel to Australia this Christmas.

 

There are numerous books on travel, but the books mentioned above are surely one-of-a-kind. If you are looking for motivation to keep travelling across the world, make sure you read these books. Travel as much as you can. Get to know people, their cultures and enrich your knowledge. Empower yourself and others around you.

 

About the Author

Nicola Reynor is a passionate blogger who loves to blog about fashion, beauty, travel, health, fitness, wedding and lifestyle trends. When in leisure time, she prefers to spend time in traveling with friends and family. Connect with her on Google+ and Twitter.