If you love to travel but also enjoy losing yourself in a great novel, here is a list of the best travel fiction books to transport you to different corners of the world.
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Each entry in this list contains a link to Amazon, where you can purchase the book either by clicking the link or the picture of the book itself.
When you click through to Amazon, you can change the format of the book (paperback, Kindle, audiobook etc) to your choosing. I’ve got some links for free trials at the bottom of the post.
A mystical and philosophical tale about a shepherd named Santiago who sets off on a journey to find treasure but ultimately discovers the power of personal legend and destiny.
Set across Spain and Egypt, this novel is a classic for dreamers and travellers alike.
This semi-autobiographical novel follows an escaped Australian convict as he builds a new life in the underworld of Bombay.
With rich storytelling, it captures the city's chaos, beauty, and intensity while exploring themes of adventure, love, and redemption.
A gripping novel about backpackers searching for paradise in Thailand, The Beach explores themes of adventure, utopia, and the darker side of travel.
If you've ever dreamed of stumbling upon a secret island, this novel is for you.
A timeless romance set in Florence and England, this novel follows Lucy Honeychurch as she navigates love, societal expectations, and the transformative power of travel.
A sweeping historical novel following a 19th-century female botanist who embarks on scientific and personal explorations around the world, from Philadelphia to Tahiti.
A captivating novel set in post-war Barcelona, following a young boy who discovers a mysterious book that leads him into a web of intrigue, hidden secrets, and literary adventure.
A charming young adult novel set in Italy, where a teenage girl unravels the mysteries of her late mother’s past while experiencing romance and the beauty of Florence.
The ultimate road trip novel, On the Road captures the spirit of freedom, spontaneity, and the open road as Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty crisscross America in search of meaning and adventure
A witty and insightful exploration of happiness across different cultures, blending travel and philosophy as the author visits places renowned for their contentment.
A humorous and quirky novel following a centenarian who escapes his nursing home and embarks on a wildly unpredictable adventure, encountering historical figures and extraordinary events along the way.
Best Travel Fiction: Conclusion
Fiction has a way of transporting us to places we’ve never been, sparking curiosity and wanderlust with every page.
Whether it’s the sweeping landscapes of South America, the winding streets of European cities, or the vast, open roads of an epic journey, these stories remind us that travel is as much about transformation as it is about the destination.
The best travel fiction doesn’t just describe a place – it makes us feel like we’ve been there.
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!
Free trial of Audible: 30 days access to thousands of audiobooks, and one free premium title of your choice.
Free trial of Kindle Unlimited: 30 days access to unlimited ebook reading on any device. Unlock access to over two million titles instantly.
Free trial of Amazon Prime: 30 days free trial with free two-day shipping on all Amazon purchases, plus access to hundreds of new eBooks each month.
Free trial of Amazon Prime Video: 30 days of free video streaming, HD movies and shows, watch anywhere on any device, including all downloads and other Prime benefits.
FAQs: Best Travel Fiction
Frequently asked questions about travel fiction books and novels.
A: Fictional travel books are novels where travel plays a key role in the story. These books typically feature characters on transformative journeys, whether they’re exploring foreign landscapes or embarking on personal quests, blending the excitement of travel with the narrative of adventure, discovery, and self-realisation.
A: Many of these books capture the essence of wanderlust and adventure, offering vivid descriptions of different cultures and destinations that might ignite your desire to explore new places.
Whether it’s the allure of a hidden paradise or the thrill of an epic road trip, these novels transport you to new worlds.
A: The books are suitable for all types of travel readers. Whether you’re drawn to fantasy, romance, historical fiction, or thrillers, there’s something for everyone. These books appeal to a wide range of tastes, with travel serving as a common thread that ties them all together.
A: While these are fictional works, they often contain insights into different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. However, for practical travel tips and guidance, you may want to look for non-fiction travel books or travel guides. Try 20 Essential Books for All Travellers for inspiration.
A: Both! Some books focus on literal travel, such as road trips or backpacking adventures, while others explore more personal or emotional journeys. Many of these novels combine both aspects, where the travel helps the characters experience growth or self-discovery.
A: Common themes include self-discovery, freedom, the search for meaning, cultural exploration, and sometimes the disillusionment that comes with chasing the ideal of “paradise.”
These books often highlight how travel can be a means to confront challenges, meet new people, and learn about different ways of life.
A: The links above will take you to Amazon, where you can select your preferred format (paperback, hardback, audiobook, or Kindle). You can also find these books at bookstores, libraries, or online retailers.
A: Most of the books listed are suitable for adult readers due to their themes and content, although some – like Love & Gelato – may appeal to younger audiences as well. Always check the book’s age recommendation to ensure it fits your reading preferences.
A: Of course! These books are a great way to experience the world through storytelling. Even if you’re not planning a trip right now, they can still provide a sense of adventure, inspire future travels, and help you immerse yourself in different cultures.
Related Reading for travel fiction.
- 30 Best Travel Books Every Traveller Must Read
- 10 Inspiring Reads by Solo Women Travellers
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Travellers
- Non-Fiction Books about Travel, By Travellers
- 10 Marvellous Novels Set in Puglia, South Italy
- 15 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Conscious Travellers
Pinterest pin for best travel fiction.
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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.
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Tags: travel books
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