Books That Inspire Wanderlust: Travel Reads to Spark Your Next Adventure
Some adventures begin with a plane ticket, but others begin with a book. A beautifully written travel story can transport you across continents, spark curiosity about unfamiliar cultures, and inspire destinations you didn’t even know you were dreaming of.
As a travel advisor, I’m always looking for stories that fuel my imagination and remind me why travel is so transformative. These books capture the magic of exploration, the meaning of belonging, and the joy of discovering new places. These books are perfect for anyone craving inspiration for their next adventure (or their next cozy reading session).
There’s something magical about a travel-inspired book. Long before flights are booked or itineraries are mapped out, a great story can spark curiosity, stir emotion, and plant the seed for your next adventure. Whether it’s a memoir, a cultural exploration, or a culinary journey, these books transport you across continents and often inward as well.
Here are some of my favorite reads that inspire wanderlust and a deeper connection to the world.
The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down – Andrew McCarthy
This reflective memoir follows actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy as he navigates what it means to belong. Rather than focusing only on exotic destinations, McCarthy explores the emotional journey of travel—how movement, relationships, and home intersect. It’s a thoughtful read for anyone who loves travel but also craves rootedness.
Why it inspires wanderlust: It reminds us that travel isn’t just about distance but instead it’s about personal growth and finding meaning in new places.
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World – Eric Weiner
With humor and insight, Weiner travels the globe in search of happiness, from Iceland to Bhutan. This book blends psychology, culture, and travel writing into an entertaining exploration of what makes different societies thrive.
Why it inspires wanderlust: It makes you want to experience cultures firsthand and see how happiness looks around the world.
I Could Live Here: A Travel Memoir of Home and Belonging – Ellen Barone
In this heartfelt memoir, Ellen Barone reflects on years of travel, temporary homes, and the search for belonging. Through essays and observations, she explores what it means to feel connected to a place, even when you’re just passing through. It’s thoughtful, introspective, and perfect for anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a destination.
Why it inspires wanderlust: It captures that dreamy moment when you think, “I could live here,” and makes you crave slow, immersive travel.
Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes – Elizabeth Bard
Part memoir, part cookbook, this charming story follows Bard’s move to Paris and her journey through love, culture, and French cuisine. The included recipes make it feel like a travel experience you can recreate at home.
Why it inspires wanderlust: It romanticizes everyday life abroad, wandering markets, learning a new language, and building a life in another country.
On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome, with Love and Pasta – Jen Lin-Liu
A deliciously fun travelogue that connects two of the world’s most beloved cuisines: Chinese noodles and Italian pasta. Lin-Liu travels across Asia and Europe exploring food, culture, and identity through the lens of noodles.
Why it inspires wanderlust: Food is one of the best ways to experience culture, and this book will have you planning culinary adventures around the globe.
Let Books Guide Your Next Journey
These five books prove that travel inspiration can come from anywhere; an actor’s introspective journey, a humorous quest for happiness, reflections on belonging, a Parisian love story, or a noodle-filled global adventure.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch or daydreaming about your next destination, let these stories spark new ideas and remind you why travel is so powerful. Sometimes, the first step of a journey isn’t a flight, it’s turning the page.
If one of these books inspires a destination on your bucket list, I’d love to help you design a trip that brings it to life.
