When you can’t travel, it’s time to do the next best thing—a bit of armchair traveling! Grab a cozy blanket and one of these books and get ready to transport yourself to somewhere new. (As a nice bonus, some of these books have also been adapted to movies—even more travel-inspired entertainment for your quarantine!)
Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert
Ok, start with the basics—Eat, Pray, Love is one of the most popular modern travel books! Not only has it been made into a movie (also great quarantine entertainment), but it’s sparked tons of solo trips. If you need some inspiration or entertainment, look no further and follow Elizabeth Gilbert to Italy, India and Bali. See if it doesn’t make you want to plan your own trip ASAP!
In A Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is one of the most famous travel writers and his witty and humorous books will show you why. Not only will you feel like you’re right there with him, but you’ll be laughing the whole way. A Sunburned Country will take you across Australia while you discover some of the weird, wonderful and amazing places Australia has to offer. Since you can’t go to the Land Down Under right now, this is the next best thing.
The Year of Living Danishly, Helen Russell
Denmark is consistently ranked one of the happiest places in the world, but what makes Danes so happy? That’s what Londoner Helen Russell set out to discover when she moves there for a year—and chronicles it in The Year of Living Danishly. Join her on her quest to discover what makes Denmark awesome (and not so awesome) and what we all can learn from living a bit more Danishly.
A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle
Denmark not your style? Travel to Provence, France for a year and discover how a quaint town in the French countryside spends each season. From a quiet spring with good food, to Tour de France preparations to tourist season and Christmas preparations—short of moving to France, this is a great way to experience the French lifestyle! A Year in Provence is a perfect weekend read to transport you into another world.
Wild, Cheryl Strayed
Ever wanted to just drop everything and head out to get some fresh air for months on end (maybe you’re feeling that way, um… right now?). Join Cheryl Strayed on a months-long trek through the Pacific Crest Trail. Setting off without much training, she battles lost shoes, lack of supplies and long, hot days on the trail. Whether you’re looking for motivation for a future backpacking trip or just for your morning trek to the fridge, you’ll find plenty of company in Wild. (P.S. This also has a movie adaptation!)
Far and Away, Andrew Solomon
Looking for something that’ll keep you reading for a while? At over 600 pages long, this is no quick beach read. This collection of travel essays from the award-winning journalist Andrew Solomon will bring you into the culture and stories from more than 25 different countries, from Russia to Brazil to Antarctica. It’s a great way to learn some of the history and culture of these amazing places before traveling there yourself!
The Great Railway Bazaar, Paul Theroux
Often considered a modern classic when it comes to travel narratives, The Great Railway Bazaar will have you traveling across some of the most famous trains in Asia. Ride on the Orient Express, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Trans-Siberian Express and more. Hop abroad and travel across Asia to experience something new during the lockdown.
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
Ok, so if quarantine has really gotten to you and you’re ready to travel for months after this is over—you can find all the info you need in this guide right here. Get the inside scoop on how to work or volunteer abroad, save up for long-term travel, decide where to go, solve travel problems and more. Whether you’re planning a six-week trip to Europe, a gap year or just want some practical travel tips for your next vacation, there’s lots of expert advice in Vagabonding.
All that travel reading got you ready to plan your next trip? Start eyeing some of these cheap flights for your first post-quarantine vacay.
