Because there’s more out there than just Eat, Pray, Love and Rick Steves.
Disclaimer: I love Eat, Pray, Love. And if you haven’t read it, you should; I’ve read it 4 times. And Rick Steves is totally awesome. But let’s think outside of the box here and talk about some books you may not have heard of.
If you like Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, try…
1. The Best American Travel Writing by Elizabeth Gilbert
Undoubtably the best way to improve your writing is to increase your reading. This collection of stories and passages from various authors in their 2013 travel expeditions was compiled by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, to help give you a taste of how travel writing should be. Multiple speakers in these essays will take you through various adventures around the world and show you how to effectively create imagery and tell a story in your writing. Planning on journaling or blogging on your trip? Read this first.
If you like Wild by Cheryl Strayed, try…
2. Tracks by Robyn Davidson
Aah, who doesn’t love a compelling story about a strong-willed girl on a solo expedition? This book follows a woman trekking through Australia (a total dream of mine, and a reality for Go Global team member Carolyn!). Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, even recommended this book herself, deeming it “an unforgettably powerful book.” This book is sure to inspire you to be the toughest and most competent version of yourself.
If you like Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, try…
3. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
A story about realizing dreams, A Year in Provence is sure to have you reflecting on your own travel dreams and what it would take to accomplish them. Not to mention, I love a good story about a place that is slightly off-the-wall, (i.e. Provence instead of Paris). If you could pick up and move anywhere in the world, or if you had to, where would it be and how would you do it? This book will open your mind to those possibilities.
If you like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, try…
4. The Golden Tulip by Rosalind Laker
John Green’s readers are familiar with his incorporation of travel into just about all of his stories. Did you get the urge to visit Amsterdam after The Fault in Our Stars? Read another story set in this city, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for Green’s travel tidbits and your own travel expeditions in general. This can apply to all kinds of stories from other authors, too: Harry Potter fan? Pick up another fiction story set in the UK! Fictional stories about places we want to visit can be just as inspiring as non-fiction stories.
If you like Robinson Crusoe, try…
5. Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
Set in the South Pacific, Wreckage follows the tale of a castaway like so many classic stories such as Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island. Let your mind wander in this modern-day shipwreck, indulging in the mysterious blue waters and channeling your inner survivor. I always encourage books that are built upon classics.
If you like A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway, try…
6. Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway
Especially recommended for those who love literature, Death in the Afternoon uses the craft of beautiful language to depict Spain the way that A Moveable Feast depicts France. Most likely, if you’ve read one Hemingway book, you’ll read another, and you’ll have a favorite. Familiarizing yourself with classic travel writing like Hemingway, who colorfully demonstrates his love for art and culture around the world, is a great way to develop style. This is super helpful to those of you who are interested in blogging or journaling about your trip or taking on the challenge of reading other classic novels in the future.
Have travel books that you love? Comment on this post and share them with us! The art of reading and writing is truly a gift because it allows us to relive travel experiences over and over again. So pick a book from this list and spend that plane ride to your Go Global destination diving into an inspirational story!
-Anna and the Go Global team