If you have the wanderlust gene, check out 20 uplifting books that will help your mind travel to exciting and beautiful new locations — even if you can’t.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
An uplifting story about following your dreams, The Alchemist is one of the most read wanderlust books ever. The book follows the journey of a young shepherd boy from Spain to Egypt.
2. Stamboul Train by Graham Greene
First published in 1932, this thriller takes place aboard the Orient Express as it travels through Europe. If you like murder mysteries, politics and wanderlust, this is the perfect book for you.
3. Istanbul: Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk
Orhan Pamuk was born and still lives in Istanbul. Actually, he still lives in the apartment building he was raised in. Read this for a fascinating and beautiful insight into his life in Istanbul.
4. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
In this magical book, the son of a zookeeper finds himself stranded at sea with a hyena, a tiger, an orangutan and a zebra. This is an interesting introspective look at fantasy and religion — and the truths we tell ourselves.
5. My Documents by Alejandro Zambra
This interesting book is a series of short stories documenting Chilean life during and after Pinochet’s regime. This book is a real page-turner!
6. A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit
This thought-provoking book combines history, travel, philosophy, and memoir together to create an original and unique read.
7. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
The Paris Wife covers the fascinating relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley, as well as the beautiful city of Paris where they reside.
8. The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier
The Scapegoat is an interesting read about an English man and a French aristocrat who switch places after a random meeting in a railway station.
9. Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
In 1960, John Steinbeck decided to go out and rediscover his homeland in a truck, accompanied by only one living thing – his dog, Charley. An enjoyable read that you just can’t put down.
10. Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West
Published in 1942, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon is universally noted as one of the best books written about the former state of Yugoslavia.
11. The Blue Sky by Galsan Tschinag
The Blue Sky is a fascinating read about Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, and how the local natives were forced into the modern world.
12. The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
This book is Paul Theroux’s personal account of his journey through Asia, describing all of the places, sights, and cultures he experienced along his way.
13. Up In the Air by Walter Kirn
Up in the Air is about a “Career Transition Counselor” – a man who’s job is simply to fire people. Witty and perceptive, this book is a must-read. It was so adored and successful it was adapted into a motion picture starring George Clooney.
14. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
In Patagonia is a beautiful book describing a man’s travels to a remote country in search of a strange beast. Filled with incredibly descriptive imagery, this book will make you feel like you are a million miles away.
15. The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois
Winner of the Newberry Medal, this original book follows a professor as he flies to his imaginary island in his hot air balloon.
16. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
Hilarious and smart, Notes from a Small Island follows an American moving back to America after living in Britain. According to poll viewers, this book is a very accurate representation of Britain.
17. Shantaram: A Novel by Gregory David Roberts
This fascinating book follows three people travelling through Bombay and it’s secret society of gangsters, prostitutes, and holy men.
18. Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell
This classic book is a memoir of George Orwell’s experiences in the Spanish Civil War.
19. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Another classic, On The Road, follows a group of friends as they travel together across America during the 1950s and discover their own voices.
20. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
In Ernest Hemingway’s first big novel, a team of expats leave Paris together to watch a bullfight in Spain. What did you think of this list? Share it with your friends who have the wanderlust gene to see what they think!
