Adventures That Jump off the Page: Live out Your Favorite Travel Books

Travel books are one of the most popular literary genres. More than just descriptions of fancy restaurants and historic landmarks, the best travel books succeed in taking readers on a trek through the cultural identity of a destination, transforming their audience as they share in the journey of the story’s protagonist. Savvy globetrotters with a love for literature know that planning their next vacation around their favorite travel books is a great way to explore the world.

And that can be you, too! You’ve already experienced these destinations from the safety of the living room couch. Now you can acquire a deeper connection with those familiar locations as you stroll down their streets, smell the inviting aroma of their restaurants, and join in their vibrant nightlife. Give yourself the gift of a lifetime by planning a vacation around some of your favorite travel-centric books and write your own story as you follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most successful authors.

A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway

Published posthumously in 1964, A Moveable Feast is a memoir recounting Ernest Hemingway’s time in Paris during the 1920s. As a young man in the City of Lights, Hemingway came to embrace the bohemian culture of cafés, art, and urban beauty. If you’re hoping to follow in Hemingway’s footsteps, then head first to the Luxembourg Gardens, where Hemingway and his family often went for walks to escape the confinement of their small apartment. One of the best spots in the city for a quiet picnic, the Luxembourg Gardens is also home to some of Paris’s most famous architecture, including the historic Senate Palace and the Medici Fountain.

No Hemingway-themed visit to Paris can be complete without a stop at one of the cafés the author loved to frequent. By far one of the best cafés to visit for the Hemingway experience is Les Deux Magots on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Charming and offering excellent outdoor seating, Les Deux Magots was one of Hemingway’s favorite spots to sit down and enjoy a dry martini with his friends, some of whom became literary giants in their own right, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Joyce.

Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert brought readers on a journey of self-discovery in 2006’s Eat, Pray, Love, one of the most well-known travel books of the modern era. Gilbert divided her trip into three sections, which represented different objectives on her quest to better herself. The author learned the joy of life in the culinary delights of Italy (Eat) before spending several months learning about her spirituality in India (Pray). Gilbert then sought to understand how to balance the two in Indonesia (Love).

While Gilbert has never revealed the ashram she attended while in India, globetrotters following in her footsteps often head to Pataudi’s Ashram Hari Mandir, the location featured in the book’s 2010 movie adaptation, for a deep dive into their own spirituality. Meanwhile, Gilbert wrote extensively on her visit to Italy, giving particular praise to the cuisine in Bologna and the Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples. The author spent most of her time in Indonesia in Bali, where you can follow her journey too by checking out the city’s many open-air markets and the Pura Luhur Lempuyang Temple.

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho takes readers on a journey from the fields of Andalucía to the pyramids of Egypt. The story follows a young shepherd named Santiago who, after receiving a message in a dream, leaves his home in search of treasure. Those with an interest in following Santiago on his journey should begin their adventure in the hero’s home of Andalucía. The birthplace of flamenco, Andalucía is a mishmash of cultures and different architectural styles. Seville — with its famed palace and cathedral that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites — is home to many prime examples of Gothic architecture.

Moving further south, the city of Córdoba is the perfect reflection of the region’s strong Arabic influence. Continuing on your journey, you will also find much to love in Egypt’s Fayoum Oasis. The location where Santiago meets the novel’s titular alchemist, Fayoum Oasis is one of Egypt’s hidden gems, a natural paradise of waterfalls, lakes, and even an entire valley filled with the fossils of prehistoric whales.

In Patagonia, Bruce Chatwin

First published in 1977, Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia has earned legendary status among backpackers eager to explore South America. Told through a series of 97 essays, In Patagonia is a meditation on the life and culture of the people of the southernmost region of the continent. If you want to partake in some of the same experiences too, you have plenty of destinations to choose from in the sprawling Patagonia region.

One of the most favored spots is Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city the world. Although Ushuaia was a rundown former penal colony in Chatwin’s time, it is now a major tourist destination and home to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Once you’re in Ushuaia, you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Andes Mountains and the region’s exquisite fauna, which include adorable seals and sea lions.

You can continue following Chatwin’s journey by driving down Argentina’s Route 40 to enjoy great views of the surrounding countryside. Along with the joy of cruising down one of the most beautiful highways in the world, visitors traveling down Route 40 have easy access to quaint rural villages, ranches, and even natural wonders like extensive cave networks. Route 40 is also near Los Alerces National Park, a sprawling preserve known for its rare alerce trees.

A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson takes readers on a hike up the Appalachian Trail in his 1998 memoir, A Walk in the Woods, regarded as one of the funniest travel books of all time. Readers quickly learn how daunting a prospect covering the entire trail can be as Bryson tries and fails to complete his trip. Despite the author’s inability to complete his journey, those hoping to try their hand at Bryson’s objective have several places to choose from as they commence their journey on the challenging 2,200-mile trail.

Nature enthusiasts seeking to follow in Bryson’s footsteps usually head to Springer Mountain, Georgia, the southernmost tip of the trail. As they wind through some of the most rugged terrain on the Appalachian Trail, visitors are treated to exceptional views of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the chance to see some of North America’s most beautiful fauna, including deer, wild turkeys, and black bears.

You May Also Like: Explore America on Foot! Top Destinations Along the Appalachian Trail

Wild, Cheryl Strayed

In Wild, Cheryl Strayed invites you to follow her on a 1,100-mile hike up the Pacific Crest Trail. Wild is a tale of self-reflection in the midst of turmoil and was written during an intensely dark period of Strayed’s life as she coped with addiction and the loss of her mother.

To emulate Strayed’s journey, head to the Mojave Desert in California, the place where she began her trek. Regarded as the most difficult portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Mojave is also one of the most scenic parts of the hike. As night falls on the barren desert landscape, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful sunsets on the West Coast and a chance to enjoy unobstructed stargazing.

Hikers inspired by Wild have also been known to visit Bridge of the Gods, a spot on the Oregon-Washington border and the terminus of Strayed’s journey. Readers are in for a treat as they partake in beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge and the nearby Punchbowl Falls.

FAQs:

Q: Are there any organized tours available that follow the paths of these authors?
A: Yes, some travel companies offer guided tours based on famous literary works. Research tour operators specializing in literary-themed trips for more information.

Q: Are there any safety considerations I should keep in mind while traveling to these destinations?
A: Stay informed about current travel advisories and safety precautions for each destination. Take necessary precautions such as securing travel insurance and being aware of your surroundings.

Q: What are some budget-friendly options for planning a trip around these travel books?
A: Consider backpacking, staying in hostels or guesthouses, and using public transportation to save money. Look for budget-friendly dining options and prioritize free or low-cost attractions.

Q: Are there any specific cultural or etiquette norms I should be aware of when visiting these destinations?
A: It’s essential to respect the local customs, traditions, and etiquette of the places you visit. Research cultural norms beforehand, such as appropriate dress codes, greetings, and dining etiquette. Additionally, familiarize yourself with any cultural sensitivities or taboos to ensure a respectful and enjoyable travel experience.

What’s your favorite travel book? Would you plan your next vacation around it? Let us know in our comments section below!