Traveling solo is as much a life-changing, inward journey as it is an outward one. To complement this solo venture, you should arm yourself with a couple of carefully selected books which become guides in terms of wisdom, inspiration, and insight into the geography reaching out to the traveling soul. Here are ten such books recommended to inspire your next solo travel:
Traveling: Adventure Seekers
- “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed:
Wild and candid, this adventurous memoir follows Strayed as she makes her way through an 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail—something like her journey of self-discovery and resilience mirroring the battles and triumphs of solo travel. Undoubtedly, Strayed’s honest ruminations about fear, exposure, and the power gathered from nature are excellent travel buddy material.
- “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer:
It’s an engaging story about Christopher McCandless, who renounced civilization to live utterly in isolation in the midst of Alaska’s wilderness. While this book raises questions regarding the allure and danger of such fantastic seclusion, it celebrates more the human spirit that made possible exploration and bonding with nature.
- “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson:
Part humorous, part poignant, the blend of Bryson’s experience to hike the Appalachian Trail is infused with a sense of humor in its observation and a love of nature; hence, it is perfect reading for those seeking an easy and breezy companion while in travel. Any solo traveler willing to make the best of humbling beautiful nature and laugh at the humor of its ugliness.
For the Culture Seeker
- “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho:
He is the allegorical classic that narrates the story of a young shepherd who sets out on his quest to realize his personal legend. Coelho writes beautifully, poetically, and therefore, this book shall always be meaningful for any traveling individual in search of meaning within what they do themselves—meaning related to a dream, so to speak.
- “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts:
This sprawling epic is set amidst the vibrant, chaotic world of Mumbai and weaves a rich tapestry of Indian culture, history, and spirituality. Roberts provides minute detail and has descriptive powers that transport readers to a far-off land from one’s very own, which will turn out to be the best companion in search of new culture and experience.
- “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert:
A memoir detailing a pilgrimage that a woman takes through Italy, India, and Bali in search of balance and fulfillment. It is a comforting read when solo traveling in the quest for connection and personal growth because Gilbert reflects honesty and to the point in her experiences.
For the Introspective Traveler
- “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
This classic tale of a children’s favorite, loved equally by all, bears it through its inner and outer meaning—both depicting the very basic love and friendship towards life. The book thus informs wayfaring strangers with better meaning to their experience through very simple yet powerful inspired messages for comfort.
- “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl:
A touching book on man’s ability to survive bad times, it also holds grand insights on how to find meaning and purpose in life. Frankl’s perceptions on the need for hope and inner strength would bring comfort and inspiration to many solo travelers who are going through a really tough time.
- The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner:
This is a book that gives an interesting perspective on world happiness by providing one with humor and reflection about one’s personal views toward happiness and well-being. The serious traveler will find interest in the witty observations of the cultured experiences and funny stories from their own acquisition. This literature, so well-written, represents perfect entertainment for solo traveling tests undertaken with the aim to understand different cultures and ways of life.
- “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac:
This quintessential novel of the Beat Generation conveys restless exploration and leads in the search for meaning on the open road. The free flow of prose infused with enthusiasm from real-life Kerouac may make every traveler just go out and live by chance or adventure.
More Book Recommendations
- “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy: a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his son journeying through a desolate landscape.
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: a funny old classic on science fiction with a rather weird take on life, the universe, and everything.
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: timeless commenting on race, justice, and the coming of age in the American South.
- “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey is a satire on rebellion and conformity. Nonetheless, the best list of travel literature is always an individual and personal choice based on personal taste and inclination towards travel.
