For many travelers, a favorite old book in a backpack is something like a mascot for happiness or a nice reminder of home. No less useful will be the new one — it can not only add new colors to the journey but also become the main partner and assistant for the traveler. The main thing is to choose the right reading.
Must-read books for avid travelers
We have chosen books that cover different parts of the world and are written in different styles. We didn’t include “Eat. Pray. Love” because… well, because give it a rest! Hope that this list will inspire you to learn about more places and maybe even visit them!
On the road, Jack Kerouac
Let’s start our list with fiction. Without exaggeration, the novel of the American rebel Jack Kerouac since the first edition has managed to inspire many desperate travelers. Initially, the story of the adventurous journey of Dean Moriarty and Sala Paradise did not delight literary critics, but it was able to become a real bible for a generation of hipsters and hippies. Screened in 2012, it survived its second birth and firmly established itself in the lists of the best works of the century from Time, Observer, and the BBC, and therefore deservedly considered a must-read for avid travelers. Places in the book: USA (Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans), Mexico
Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story, Maureen, and Tony Wheeler
All or almost all independent travelers head about the Lonely Planet series. This publishing house is considered one of the most authoritative and popular. Its creators, Maureen and Tony Wheeler are the authors of this unique book — a bizarre synthesis of an autobiography and a traveler’s desktop book. Most of it is a somewhat boring description of the couple’s travels to famous and not very touristy places and the gradual transformation of their lives into international business.
Places in the book: The way from Europe to Asia, India, Australia
Beach, Alex Garland
Another work of art on the list is a bestseller by British author Alex Garland. The book tells the story of young backpackers trying to find a hidden Thai island, which they hope could become a paradise on earth. However, the story turns slightly differently when on the island of their dreams, they find an arranged commune of the same visiting Europeans. Additional popularity this work received after the film adaptation of 2000 with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. Places in the book: Thailand (Gulf of Siam, Bangkok)
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
Throw a backpack on your shoulders and go anywhere in the world, or even go around the world in one fell swoop — and all this at a minimal cost. Experiencing all the intricacies of long independent travels, Rolf Potts published a book that proves the feasibility of such an idea. From the book, you will learn how to correctly calculate the travel budget, get used to life on the road, determine goals and routes, as well as enjoy each day. Places in the book: mostly countries of Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam)
Around the world with Clarkson: Features of the national ride, Jeremy Clarkson
For many years, Jeremy Clarkson appeared on TV in a program called Top Gear — the world’s most popular car show. Jeremy is famous for his unique, candid manner of storytelling and ability to make ironic comments. He does not betray his main talent in the literary field. Perhaps that is why his book can become almost indispensable in the arsenal of traveling motorists. Places in the book: Iceland, Italy, Cuba, UAE, Monaco
Six Months Off, Hope Dlugocima, James Scott, David Sharp
And this is a small guide for those who want to start the life of a free traveler without going bankrupt and without losing a permanent job. In the guide, the author even took care of such little things as preparing friends and relatives for your departure, as well as maintaining family ties at a distance. The author offers to take a long break and finally go on the journey of your dreams. Places in the book: Nepal, Northern Ireland, Southern Africa (Northern Transvaal), Wales (Brecon Beacons)
Everyone is attracted by distant lands, turbulent seas, and majestic mountains. And that’s why we have selected books that will help you plunge into the whirlpool of travel, even without leaving home. In them, travelers talk about their adventures and how to radically change their quiet lives and go on a trip around the world.
How to write a quality report on a book about travel
We won’t tell you how to write a book report step by step – we are sure there are lots of examples and guides in your textbooks and other course materials. Here, we want to give you some extra tips on how to address this assignment. First of all, writing a quality book report or an essay, no matter the topic, is a time-consuming assignment. If you don’t have enough time, it is better to address a custom writing service with professional academic writers, such as SmartWritingService, from the very beginning and dedicate what time you have left till the deadline to other, not so urgent and complex tasks. If you have enough time to complete this assignment on your own, make sure you plan on reading a book two times and allocate some time to editing and proofreading.
Writing about a travel book is always on the verge of describing again something that is already described. Travel writing has become a trend, and there are dozens of books about almost any destination. You need to understand the peculiarities of a particular work and highlight them in your report. Make sure you don’t judge the writer’s attitude to visited places — just the way they describe their experience. Avoid too emotional remarks; they never look good in academic papers even if the topic is somewhat light. Think whether the book motivated you to get to know more about the countries described in it, their people, culture, economy, and history.
