Reading books is a creative way to transport yourself to your dream destination without having to leave your seat.
Books are also especially helpful for planning and preparing for your next trip providing you with sufficient knowledge and context of a country or region’s cuisine, culture, and history.
Fortunately, books are becoming increasingly accessible with the popularity of electronic book formats. According to the Pew Research Center, 30% of adults in the United States have read an e-book within the 12-month study period, most likely driven by the convenience and portability of digital copies.
Compared to traditional print books, e-books are also more cost-effective, thus being suitable for travelers who want to learn more about the world but prefer to be budget-conscious.
So, instead of buying individual books to look for travel inspiration, you can explore Everand’s digital library, which includes travel ebooks on top tourist destinations across Asia, Europe, and other regions.
With Everand’s digital subscription plan, you have unlimited access to travel ideas, maps, and guidebooks by renowned authors like Richard Grant — all with offline reading features to inspire you anytime, anywhere.
Without further ado, here are must-read travel ebooks to spark the wanderlust in you and guide your future solo adventures, no matter which type of traveler you are.
How To Be Alone by Nicole Antoinette
Any solo traveler would benefit from reading How To Be Alone: an 800-mile hike on the Arizona Trail, but it’s especially meaningful if you’re also interested in outdoor adventures like backpacking.
In this book, 32-year-old Nicole Antoinette recounts how she cultivated self-belief, resilience, and determination to survive a solo hike of the rugged Arizona Trail.
After reading this equally cathartic and adventurous memoir, you’ll be motivated to also push yourself beyond your comfort zone to become a better version of yourself.
On Freedom Road by David Goodrich
Meanwhile, travelers who focus their journeys on learning more about the rich history of their chosen destinations can draw inspiration from David Goodrich’s On Freedom Road: Bicycle Explorations and Reckonings on the Underground Railroad.
Part historical nonfiction and part personal journal, this book documents the history of slavery that Goodrich had to reckon with while following Harriet Tubman’s route on his bicycle. It also details how the climate scientist and author grapples with the privilege of his identity along his odyssey.
A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain has always been lauded for his compelling and sensitive documentation of diverse cuisines, thus serving as a role model for solo travelers who want to appreciate the stories behind local dishes.
True enough, instead of taking you on a conventional culinary tour, A Cook’s Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal offers a refreshing look at the gastronomy of far-flung places in Saigon, Cambodia, and rural Mexico.
Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson
Lastly, American writer Bill Bryson retraces his steps across Europe in 1990, offering unique and hilarious observations along his search for self-discovery and enlightenment from Hammerfest to Istanbul.
This humorous travelogue will be relatable to travelers who don’t mind the spontaneity of the people and places they encounter while on vacation.
If you enjoyed this collection of book recommendations centered on travel adventures, make sure to check out a previous post of backpacking quotes that will surely remind you of the joy of taking the road less traveled.