6 travel books to inspire your wanderlust

1. A Walk in the Woods; by Bill Bryson

This is a true story about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Bryson tells of his adventures in a funny lighthearted way while managing to still capture the grueling difficulty and incredible beauty of the trail. As he hikes with his old friend Katz they travel from Georgia to Maine encountering interesting townsfolk, gorgeous scenery, eccentric hikers, and a few animals. Bryson includes interesting information about the history of this scenic trail and an honest perspective on thru-hiking. For the outdoorsman or the wannabe hiker, this book is a great trip through the wilderness of the eastern United States

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This is a fictional story that begins in historic Spain, about a young shepherd named Santiago. Santiago has a dream that there is a treasure waiting for him under the pyramids of Egypt. Naturally, he sells his sheep and sets off on a journey that takes him to Morocco and across the Sahara desert. This story is one that is designed to make readers reflect on their own lives and consider what it is that brings them happiness. Included with the adventure is what can be a life-changing message that shows the journey is more important than the destination.

3. Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo by Eric Hansen

This is a travelogue written by Eric Hansen about his adventure on foot across the island of Borneo. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is split between the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. In the early 80s, Hansen set out on a seven-month 4000-mile trek through dense rainforest and remote villages at times guided by natives and at times walking alone. This book sheds insight on a beautiful remote corner of the world that many people may not often give thought to, and it tells of the culture of the native Penan and other indigenous people living their lives in a world where magic is believed to be real, and the worst thing someone could possibly do is be stingy.

4. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This is another true story about thru-hiking, however, the setting is the Pacific Crest Trail, and the main character is the book's writer Cheryl Strayed. After her mother's death strayed ended her marriage and decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail which stretches from Mexico to Canada. Along the way, the ill-prepared heroine finds herself again through the healing power of nature in an entertaining beautiful story about backpacking.

5. 1000 New Beginnings by Kristin Addis

This is an easy fun read about the author's solo travels backpacking throughout Southeast Asia on a tight budget. If you have ever dreamed of quitting your job and traveling the world this book written almost like a travel journal will feed your desire to see more, understand the world, and have some adventures. Just be careful or you might be buying a plane ticket 50 pages in.

6. 10 years a nomad by Matt Kepnes

This is a memoir written by one of the most successful travel bloggers on the internet about his ten years traveling the world and working remotely. Never have I read such a great depiction of travel that displays the pros and cons and honestly talks about the costs of living a nomadic lifestyle as well as the incredible gain. This book sparks a desire to travel while at the same time giving the reader an appreciation for the home that they have. This book takes you across the globe from Africa to Amsterdam to tiny Thai islands. This book is a must for everyone who has ever dreamed of quitting their job and traveling the world.