Travel is full of unexpected moments – some delightful, others disastrous, and many just plain funny. Whether it’s a misadventure with public transport, an overambitious hiking plan gone wrong, or an unexpected cultural misunderstanding, these funny travel books capture the humour of being out of your comfort zone.
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If you enjoy a good laugh while indulging your wanderlust, here are some of the best funny travel books to read.
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. “Innocents Abroad” by Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s satirical account of his travels through Europe and the Holy Land remains one of the funniest travel books ever written.
With his trademark wit, he pokes fun at both the tourists and the places they visit, making for a timeless and sharp-eyed read.
Innocents Abroad is also available in an annotated and illustrated version. The audible version is a separate listing on Amazon.
2. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail is filled with misadventures, encounters with eccentric hikers, and hilarious reflections on the absurdity of outdoor life.
A Walk in the Woods is a must-read for anyone who has ever considered a long-distance hike (or wisely decided against one).
3. “The Caliph’s House” by Tahir Shah
Tahir Shah’s move from London to Casablanca to restore a crumbling mansion is equal parts adventure, frustration, and humour.
Between superstitious locals, unreliable workers, and unexpected chaos, The Caliph’s House is a witty and fascinating account of cross-cultural living.
4. “Do Not Pass Go” by Tim Moore
What happens when you explore London using the Monopoly board as your guide?
Tim Moore takes readers on a journey through the real-life locations of the famous board game. Do Not Pass Go blends history, personal anecdotes, and plenty of dry humour.
5. “Don’t Go There” by Adam Fletcher
If you’ve ever wondered about the world’s worst travel destinations, Adam Fletcher has done the legwork for you.
Don’t Go There explores bizarre, uncomfortable, and outright terrible places, all with a humorous and self-deprecating style that makes even the worst experiences entertaining.
6. “Round Ireland with a Fridge” by Tony Hawks
A drunken bet leads Tony Hawks to hitchhike around Ireland with a fridge. The result? A bizarre, heartwarming, and frequently hilarious journey filled with eccentric encounters and unexpected hospitality.
7. “Neither Here Nor There” by Bill Bryson
Bryson’s travels through Europe are as amusing as they are insightful.
From awkward encounters to cultural observations, Neither Here Nor There is a humorous take on what it’s like to explore the continent as an outsider.
8. “Hitching Rides with Buddha” by Will Ferguson
In an attempt to follow the cherry blossom season across Japan, Will Ferguson hitchhikes from the southern islands to the northern tip of the country. His sharp wit and insightful observations make for a hilarious and touching travelogue.
Hitching Rides with Buddha seems quite rare, so you may find it more expensive than other books on Amazon.
9. “Driving Over Lemons” by Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart, a former Genesis drummer, moves to a remote part of Spain and learns to navigate rural life with plenty of mishaps and humour. His tales of adjusting to a new lifestyle are both lighthearted and engaging.
Driving Over Lemons is the first book in a trilogy. The other two books are A Parrot in the Pepper Tree and The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society.
10. “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner
In this witty and insightful travelogue, Eric Weiner, a former foreign correspondent for NPR, travels to some of the world’s happiest (and not-so-happy) countries to discover what makes people happy.
With a mix of humor, personal reflection, and cultural observations, The Geography of Bliss is a great choice for anyone looking for a laugh while exploring the pursuit of happiness across the globe.
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!
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FAQs About Funny Travel Books
Frequently asked questions about the funny travel books listed above.
A: A funny travel book typically includes humorous misadventures, witty observations, and engaging storytelling that highlights the absurdity of travel mishaps and cultural misunderstandings.
A: Yes, most funny travel books are memoirs or first-hand accounts of real journeys, though some may exaggerate events for comedic effect (we all do it).
A: These books are just as entertaining for armchair travellers as they are for seasoned explorers. The humour and storytelling make them engaging, regardless of your travel experience.
For example, I know people who aren’t into travel at all, but they love Bill Bryson books (because he’s hilarious).
A: Bill Bryson is one of the most well-known authors in this genre, with books like A Walk in the Woods and Neither Here Nor There being widely regarded as hilarious travel memoirs.
A: While the primary focus is on humour, funny travel books often provide insights into different cultures, history, and the realities of travel.
A: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson or Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks are great starting points for those new to humorous travel writing.
Conclusion – funny travel books.
For funny travel books, my conclusion is this: Sometimes, the best way to deal with travel mishaps is to laugh about them – and these books prove that misadventures make for the best stories.
Related Reading for funny travel books.
- 30 Best Travel Books Every Traveller Must Read
- 10 Inspiring Reads by Solo Female Travellers
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Travellers
- Non Fiction Books about Travel, By Travellers
- 10 Marvellous Novels Set in Puglia, South Italy
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Tags: travel books
This list had me laughing just reading the descriptions! I love a good travel book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and now I’ve got a few new ones to add to my reading list. Travel + humor = the perfect escape, especially when I’m not on the road myself. Thanks for the great recs!