Non-Fiction Books About Travel, by Travellers

There’s something magical about travel books – the kind that transport you from the worn pages of a well-loved paperback to the peaks of the Himalayas, the depths of the Amazon, or the chaotic, spice-scented streets of Marrakech. 

Whether you’re planning your next adventure or living vicariously from your armchair, here are some of the best non-fiction books about travel that will ignite your wanderlust.

Below is my list of 10 non-fiction books about travel. If you click the photos of the books, you will be taken to Amazon, where you can see prices and change the format (paperback, hardback, Kindle, Audiobook, etc.).

1. “A Walk in the Woods” – Bill Bryson

Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail is part travelogue, part comedy, and entirely brilliant. His signature wit transforms encounters with eccentric hikers, gruelling mountain climbs, and bear-related paranoia into an irresistible read. 

A Walk in The Woods is a reminder that sometimes the best travel stories aren’t about reaching the destination but about the characters and chaos along the way.

2. “In Patagonia” – Bruce Chatwin

A masterpiece of travel writing, In Patagonia is as much about storytelling as it is about geography. 

Chatwin’s journey through the rugged, windswept landscapes of Patagonia is interwoven with fascinating histories, myths, and encounters with curious locals. 

The book captures the spirit of exploration in a way that makes you want to pack a bag and disappear into the unknown.

3. “The Geography of Bliss” – Eric Weiner

Weiner, a self-described grump, sets off on a journey to uncover the world’s happiest places, from Bhutan to Iceland. 

Part travelogue, part philosophical exploration, this book is an insightful (and often hilarious) examination of how different cultures define happiness. 

The Geography of Bliss is a great read for anyone who’s ever wondered whether a change of scenery might lead to a change of mindset.

4. “Lands of Lost Borders” – Kate Harris

This poetic memoir, Lands of Lost Borders, recounts Harris’s bicycle journey along the ancient Silk Road. 

Blending adventure with meditations on borders – both physical and metaphorical – her writing is as lyrical as it is thought-provoking. 

If you love beautifully written travel literature that delves into the philosophy of exploration, this is a must-read.

5. “Wild” – Cheryl Strayed

Strayed’s memoir of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone after personal tragedy is raw, emotional, and utterly compelling. 

Wild is a book about healing, independence, and the way nature (and travel) can mend a broken spirit. 

If you’ve ever felt the urge to take off on a solo adventure, this one will speak to you.

6. “Travels with Charley” – John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s road trip across America with his dog, Charley, is a thoughtful, often nostalgic look at a rapidly changing country. 

His observations on small-town life, human nature, and the open road make Travels With Charley a timeless classic. 

Plus, who doesn’t love a travel story with a four-legged companion?

7. “The Art of Travel” – Alain de Botton

Less about specific destinations and more about why we travel, de Botton’s book explores the philosophical side of wanderlust. 

The Art of Travel examines how travel shapes our emotions, perceptions, and expectations. 

A reflective, intellectual read for those who enjoy pondering the deeper meaning of journeys.

8. “Dark Star Safari” – Paul Theroux

Theroux’s overland journey from Cairo to Cape Town is filled with sharp observations, wry humour, and sometimes unflinching critiques of travel itself. 

The author is not afraid to highlight the challenges and contradictions of modern travel, making Dark Star Safari a thought-provoking and gripping read.

9. “Turn Right at Machu Picchu” – Mark Adams

Adams retraces the steps of Hiram Bingham, the explorer credited with “discovering” Machu Picchu. 

Equal parts history, adventure, and misadventure, Turn Right at Machu Picchu is a fascinating look at one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations – and what it really takes to get there.

10. “The Sun Also Rises” – Ernest Hemingway

Yes, it’s a novel, but Hemingway’s semi-autobiographical account of 1920s expat life in Spain and France reads like an evocative travelogue. 

From the jazz clubs of Paris to the bullfighting arenas of Pamplona, The Sun Also Rises captures the romanticism and restlessness of travel in a way few others can.

Final Thoughts on Non-Fiction books about travel. 

The best non-fiction travel books don’t just describe a place; they take you there. They capture the thrill of movement, the quirks of cultural encounters, and the introspective moments that make travel so transformative.

Whether you’re in need of inspiration, escapism, or just a well-told adventure, these books will keep your wanderlust alive – no passport required.

Ways to read these travel books.

If you would like to try reading with Amazon Kindle, Audible or Prime, use the links below for free trials. You could read every book in this list for free using one of these links!