5 Favorite Travel Books, Vol. I

I absolutely love to read.  For me, there's no better way for me to escape my daily routine than by immersing myself in another person's tale & the lives of the characters.  By far, my favorite genre is travelogues.  Not only do I get lost in the story but I also get to satisfy my wanderlust when I'm stuck at home.  There's never a shortage of travelogues on my bedside table or Amazon wishlist.  I thought I'd let you guys in on a few of my faves.  If you can't get enough of travel tales, pick up a few of these.

1) Life on Foot: A Walk Across America

I'm constantly amazed at stories where the author has dropped everything to tackle something outrageous like walking across America.  These tales completely fascinate me & leave me wondering why I've never encountered someone on these cross country journeys.  I guess not many people plot their trip through central Alabama.  Either way... I think we can all associate with the post-grad feeling of "What now?"  The book's author, Nate Damm, is no different & this book details what led him to drop everything & hit the open road- all while pushing a baby carriage.  Yep, baby carriage.  This is a great tale about overcoming difficulties, finding yourself, & fascinating characters.  

*Note: Prime members can borrow this for free on your Kindle- yay!

2) A Walk Across America

Speaking of walks across America... This is most likely the first travelogue I ever read many, many moons ago.  It is also one of the few books that I have read more than once.  It's safe to say this is the book that really developed my love for travel essays.  Peter Jenkins writes an incredible story that will keep you turning page after page.  He's no stranger to travel tales as he's written quite a few but this is definitely my favorite.  In the 1970's he also hit the road to walk across America.  As with many of these cross country trek type stories, it recounts the lessons learned & the hardships endured.  For me though, this one is the hands down winner of the group.

3) Into the Wild

Chances are you are more likely to have seen the movie than read the book (isn't that often the case?).  But do yourself a favor & pick up this book.  I originally read this in college shortly after seeing the film.  In true form, the movie strayed from the book & romanticized Christopher McCandless's legacy.  Jon Krakauer does an excellent job developing the story all while maintaining a more objective look at this tortured soul's legend.  No matter which version you prefer, McCandless's vagabonding ways make for another great story.  The search for his personal Walden hits on deeper levels & Krakauer's writing (as always) is spot on.  

4) Under the Tuscan Sun

I'm sure there are several of you out there rolling your eyes at this decision but hear me out...  I have seen the movie countless times & partially blame it on my Italian obsession.  Forget the love story- give me the rolling Tuscan hills, narrow alleyways of local villages, & the culinary masterpiece that is Italian cooking!  I found the book on my parents' bookshelf while visiting one day & decided I'd give it a go.  I'm currently a little more than halfway through the book & let me just say- I was completely surprised that aside from the title & the basis of renovating a Tuscan villa, there aren't many similarities.  The plot line is vastly different from the movie so if you think "Why do I need to read it when I've already seen the film?"- read it.  The way Frances Mayes describes the food will have you salivating instantly.  She has such an incredible way with words & descriptions that you feel as though you've stepped inside the pages & are cooking alongside her.  I can't wait to see what the second half brings!

5) Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

Unintentionally, three of these five are movies!  While this isn't necessarily a book about travel per se, it is about Savannah.  (*cue Steve Carrell's "There's been a muuuurda in Savannaaaa")  If you haven't made it to this charming & spectacularly beautiful southern town- make it a priority.  I read this book before our first visit & I'm so glad I did.  It really helped me develop a better appreciation for the town.  Plus, who doesn't love a good murder mystery?  John Berendt describes a hauntingly beautiful town dressed in Spanish moss & dirty secrets.  I'd also recommend the movie as it sticks pretty closely with the book & Kevin Spacey really makes the film.

Hopefully you'll find a few new favorites here.  There is definitely no shortage of travel essays so if you have a favorite, leave it below so I can check it out.  I'm always on the hunt for a great literary getaway.