Best travel books of all time

Travelogues and travel fiction have always fascinated the bibliophiles of all ages. You can be at all the places, meet all the people, and learn the cultures without even stepping outside. Well that is why books are for, aren't they? To be who you cannot be, to see what you can see and to do what you cannot do. There are numerous travel books which have made impact among the classes. It will be very hard to narrow it down to a list. When your soul is craving for a vacation, when your mind cannot take the monotony anymore but your job doesn't permit you for a leave, here are the books to grab and go for a world tour. Bon voyage!

1. Travels with Charlie

Set in 1960s, this novel is based on John Steinbeck’s journey across USA accompanied by his dog, Charlie, an amicable French poodle. This book bagged Steinbeck a Nobel Prize in Literature as well. This book is a description of the beautiful countryside of America and the people he met on the trip. Right from the beginning readers can feel taken away to the stunning American landscapes of that time. It gives you an account of the change that has happened to America in the last few years.

2. Notes from a small island

Bill Bryson is no doubt one of the finest travel authors of all time. There are numerous other books by the author himself that could have been on the list and it would still be complete. But the reason, this book is here is because of its humour, the nostalgia and the subject- Britain. This is about his last journey to Britain. The unique places, the funny names and his trip around the lesser known Britain is remarkable. Being a classy humorist, Bryson comically brings out an American’s journey to Britain. Another notable work of Bryson includes The Lost Continent, is worth giving a read.

3. On the Road

There has been always a debate on which book is more powerful, The Dharma Buns or On the Road. But arguments aside, “On the Road” if not better, is worth a read for its powerful narration, and the theme. This book makes people fall in love with the road.  There is everything you are like to get in an American road trip, extraordinary people, lovely roads, hitch-hiking, drugs etc. This book will cannot quench your thirst for adventure but rather increase it. Free-spirited writing and the influential and youthful theme is set to take your soul in distant places and make you crave for adventures. This book is not about the destinations, but about the journey. Youthful in nature and powerful in style, this book had started a craze for road trips all around America.

4. The Great Railway Bazaar

Paul Theroux’s The Great Railway Bazaar catches the actual natural pleasures of travelling. The path takes place from London to Asian countries and then from the Trans-Siberian communicates. Taking the actual eccentricity with train travel, situations Theroux discovers himself in, as well as the figures this individual encounters are a humorous portrayal of existence on the road. The book is best enjoyed in a lonely long train travel.

 5. Into the Wild

Set in Alaskan backdrop, this is a story of a youth who left his life to explore the Alaskan backwoods. This book is a realisation of the fact that nature can be Brutal specifically when Alaska is considered. This book is inspiring and heart wrenching at the same time. John Krakauer will transport you to the chilling wilderness of Alaska and show you the real face of nature.