10 Travel Reads to Inspire Adventures

Travel books are the perfect form of escapism when overseas travel might still seem a little out of reach.  These books will be sure to take you on a journey through the most unique and diverse landscapes the world has to offer, the people and friendships you form along the way and the transformations that occur when you discover new places and cultures. We hope you pick up one of these books and get lost amongst the pages!

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small by Kath Stathers

Containing 1,000 adventures for all ages, this book will inspire you to get out and do the things you’ve only dreamt of doing! From glassblowing in the Czech Republic to swimming with dolphins in New Zealand, this incredible book will take you all over the world to find the most unique places and discover beaches, museums, monuments, islands, restaurants, mountains, and more.

Peak by Roland Smith

This inspiring story follows Peak Marcello, a 14-year-old boy who is on a quest to become the youngest climber to summit Mount Everest. At the start of the novel, he gets in trouble with the police climbing the side of a New York skyscraper but then gets whisked away by his dad who lives in Thailand – and the real adventure begins!

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

This book delves into what it’s like to take time off from your normal life – from six weeks to four months to two years – to discover the world and have the most fulfilling adventure you’ll ever experience! It also provides the information and resources you’ll need to make this dream a reality one day.

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places by National Geographic

The photography in this book is enough to inspire! It features hundreds of places around the world, both natural and man-made, including ancient monoliths, scenic islands, white-sand seashores, and waterfalls and rainforests. It also provides practical travel information at each destination.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

A hilarious yet informative story will make you realize just how big and diverse the continent of Australia is. Bill Bryson takes readers on a rollercoaster ride far beyond the beaten tourist path to discover the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather and the most peculiar and deadly wildlife that call Australia home.

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho

A short yet impactful story about a boy from Andalusia in Spain who travels to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried near the Pyramids. The story follows his journey to find the treasure and along the way you will learn about the importance of listening to your heart and taking risks to follow your dreams.

Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan by Jamie Zeppa

A memoir about Jamie Zeppa who became stagnant at 24 and decides to move to the Buddhist hermit kingdom of Bhutan to teach for two years. She details her experiences and transformations and spiritual journey along the way.

“Zeppa’s description of the terrain is breathtaking; her description of adaptation, growth, and transformation is both comforting and inspirational. This is a story as much about personal triumph as about travel, and about people as well as place.” – Booklist

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

A story about a 13-year-old city boy who was left alone in the Canadian wilderness after his plane crashes and is faced with problems finding food, shelter, and clothing. Using his imagination and courage, he is able to live on the land and survive the wild.

Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Ella Morton, Dylan Thuras

Uncover over 600 hidden wonders of the world. From the bone museums of Italy to the self-mummified monks of Japan, there’s something here for everyone. View city guides covering popular destinations from Berlin and Budapest to London and New York City, and a fold-out map of a dream around-the-world journey. From natural wonders and architectural marvels to cultural events, your bucket list will grow significantly after picking this up.

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

This young adults novel by Australian writer Fiona Wood is about the journey of a group of teens who sign up for a term at an outdoor education camp in the Australian wilderness. It deals with old friendships, new romances, lingering grief, and they must figure out how to best move forward and survive the wild together.


Written by Steph Delaporte, Australia