Solo travel often involves long stretches of time spent on planes, trains, or road trips. The right audiobook can be an incredible companion for those hours, especially travel-themed stories. Here’s a curated list of the best travel audiobooks that will inspire and entertain you while you’re on the move.
I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.
Below is my list of travel-related audiobooks.
Each audiobook includes a direct link to Audible, so you can easily access and start listening to your next great adventure (if you haven’t already, sign up to Audible here.)
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir chronicles her 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. After personal tragedy, Strayed embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
The audiobook is a powerful story of endurance and transformation, with Bernadette Dunne’s narration adding depth to Strayed's raw and emotional journey.
If you’re looking for humour and insight into solo travel, A Walk in the Woods is a perfect choice.
Bill Bryson’s entertaining account of hiking the Appalachian Trail is filled with personal anecdotes and historical facts.
Rob McQuay’s lively narration brings Bryson’s witty, self-deprecating tone to life, making it a fun and informative listen for your travels.
The Geography of Bliss takes you on a journey to some of the happiest places in the world, exploring what makes people happy across different cultures.
Eric Weiner’s witty narration adds personality to his global search for happiness.
This audiobook is perfect for solo travellers who want to mix travel with self-discovery and reflection.
One of the most famous travel memoirs, Eat, Pray, Love follows Elizabeth Gilbert as she embarks on a year-long journey of self-discovery through Italy, India, and Indonesia.
Gilbert narrates her own story, making this audiobook deeply personal and engaging, ideal for anyone seeking inspiration or contemplating their own travels.
The Art of Travel is a philosophical exploration of the act of travel, offering insights into how we experience places, people, and the world around us.
Alain de Botton’s thoughtful narration makes this a perfect listen for solo travellers who enjoy reflecting on the deeper meaning of their journeys and the way travel shapes the mind.
While not a traditional travelogue, The Sun Also Rises explores themes of travel, displacement, and the search for meaning.
Follow a group of expatriates as they travel through Europe in the 1920s, particularly in Spain, during the famous Running of the Bulls. William Hurt’s captivating narration brings Hemingway’s iconic writing to life.
Jon Krakauer’s investigation into the life and death of Christopher McCandless, who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness in search of freedom, is a gripping tale of adventure and caution.
The audiobook explores McCandless's desire for a life outside society and his ultimate fate. Philip Franklin’s narration adds suspense and intensity to this haunting story.
A memoir by three women who quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and traveled the world for a year. The Lost Girls is an inspiring tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the transformative power of travel.
The various narrators offer a fresh and energetic feel to this inspiring journey.
Bruce Chatwin’s exploration of Patagonia, a remote region in southern South America, is both a travelogue and a personal quest. His observations and encounters with the people of Patagonia make for an engaging listen, beautifully narrated by Simon Vance.
This audiobook is perfect for those who love stories about distant lands and the cultures that inhabit them.
The Motorcycle Diaries is the memoir of a young Che Guevara’s travels across South America, which deeply influenced his political and social views.
Armando Durán’s narration captures the spirit of Guevara’s journey and the profound impact it had on him.
Ideal for solo travellers seeking a deeply personal and historical account of travel.
These audiobooks offer a variety of perspectives on solo travel, from personal adventures to philosophical musings, and are sure to enrich your travels.
Whether you’re hiking, road-tripping, or flying across the globe, these titles will keep you inspired and entertained on the journey ahead.
FAQs: Best Travel Audiobooks.
Here are some frequently asked questions about audiobooks for solo travellers.
A: Audiobooks are a great way to keep yourself entertained, inspired, and informed while travelling. They’re perfect for long flights, train rides, or road trips, offering an immersive experience and a companion on the road.
A: Audible is a popular audiobook service where you can purchase and listen to audiobooks. You can sign up for a free trial, which gives you one free audiobook, and then choose from thousands of titles.
Once you have an account, you can browse, purchase, and download your travel audiobooks directly to the Audible app, which is available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. You can listen offline, making it a great option for long travels with limited internet access.
A: Many of the books on this list are written by solo travellers and delve into their personal experiences, offering insights, inspiration, and practical advice for your own journey.
A: These audiobooks are available on Amazon Audible. It’s a brilliant platform and, quite frankly, one of the best things I have ever downloaded! I love listening to books when I’m on the go, and my eyes don’t get tired, which is a bonus.
A: Some of these audiobooks are available in multiple languages, but availability will depend on the platform and the specific title. Check your preferred audiobook provider for language options.
A: These audiobooks are perfect for long journeys. Many of them are engaging enough to make the time fly by, whether you’re stuck on a plane or cruising along the open road.
A: Most of the audiobooks listed are suitable for adults and older teens, but some may contain mature themes. Check the audiobook descriptions for content warnings if you’re unsure about suitability.
Related Reading for travel audiobooks.
- The Best Travel and Adventure Books Every Traveller Must Read
- 10 Inspiring Books Written by Solo Female Travellers
- How to Plan Your First Solo Trip
- Tips for Solo Female Travel in Europe
- Why You Should Travel Alone: The Benefits of Solo Travel.
Pinterest pins for best travel audiobooks.
If you have enjoyed reading this post about the best travel audiobooks, feel free to use the images below to pin the post to your Pinterest account, for later reading.
General Travel Resources:
Booking.com is the best site for hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for tours and activities.
Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
See my Travel Resources page for a full list of helpful booking links.
Popular Destinations: London | Edinburgh | Malta | Scotland | Madeira | Cyprus | Italy | Canary Islands
Leave a Reply