Bill Bryson is a world-renowned travel writer, beloved for his sharp wit, keen observations, and candid reflections on the places he visits. I have listed all of Bill Bryson’s travel books below, including some from before he became well-known. There may be some you haven’t heard of before!
I have read every book on this list except number 9, which I can’t seem to find anywhere!
Introduction to Bill Bryson Books
Bill Bryson’s travel books not only entertain but also reveal the quirks and wonders of the world in a way that few authors manage.
If you’re new to Bryson’s work, or just looking for your next adventure in print, here’s a rundown of some of his most popular (and some might say iconic) travel books. They are listed in loose order of popularity, but with no less love for each one.
1. A Walk in the Woods (1998)
When Bill Bryson set out to hike the Appalachian Trail, he probably didn’t expect to nearly freeze to death, face off with bears, or endure a constant sense of physical misery.
But in A Walk in the Woods, Bryson recounts all of these with his signature blend of self-deprecating humour and literary charm.
Along the way, he explores the stunning beauty of the trail, and its equally comical obstacles, making it a perfect read for anyone who’s ever thought about a long-distance hike (or wisely decided not to).
The book is an irresistible mix of natural history, personal anecdotes, and hilarious reflections on what it takes to survive an epic outdoor adventure.
2. Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe (1991)
In Neither Here Nor There, Bryson sets out to explore Europe, travelling through a variety of countries with the same sarcastic lens that’s made him a household name.
Whether he’s wrestling with a phone booth in England, dodging aggressive Italian waiters, or trying to avoid the absurdities of European trains, Bryson’s sharp observations about cultural differences and the sometimes absurd nature of travel are irresistible.
The book captures all the awkwardness of being an outsider, while also embracing the beauty and eccentricities of the places he visits.
3. Down Under: Travels from a Sunburned Country (2000)
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to visit Australia – beyond kangaroos and koalas – then Down Under is the book for you.
Bryson’s adventure in Australia takes readers on a hilarious and sometimes hair-raising journey from the bustling cities to the vast, wild Outback.
Along the way, he offers up a healthy dose of humour about the nation’s wild creatures (yes, the snakes and spiders really are that scary), the strange ways Australians interact with their environment, and the surprising beauty of a country that is as vast as it is varied.
Note: the US/Canadian version of this book is called In a Suburned Country, but they are both the same book.
4. The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America (1989)
Before Bryson became known for his international travels, he took a road trip across the United States in search of the “real” America.
The Lost Continent is the result, a hilarious and often biting account of his travels through small-town America.
He tackles everything from quirky motels to bizarre local customs, all while offering up his honest – if occasionally cynical – take on the state of the country.
5. I’m a Stranger Here Myself (1998)
When Bryson moved back to the United States after living abroad in England, he had a lot to say about the cultural quirks he encountered.
I’m a Stranger Here Myself is a humorous exploration of reverse culture shock as Bryson tries to readjust to life in America.
Whether he’s grappling with the confusion of supermarket aisles, bewildered by the American obsession with air-conditioning, or wondering why everyone is so obsessed with cheese, Bryson’s observations are sharp, funny, and endearing.
6. The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island (2015)
A follow-up to his earlier book Notes from a Small Island, this time, Bryson takes a deeper dive into the British Isles.
His journey takes him on a second round of exploration, from the touristy parts to the quieter corners of the country, all with Bryson’s distinctive wit and sharp eye for the oddities of British life.
In The Road to Little Dribbling, Bryson recounts the quirks of British society with fondness and humour – whether it’s the strange efficiency of British trains or the endless varieties of English tea.
7. Notes from a Small Island (1995)
In Notes from a Small Island, Bryson sets off to explore Britain, and his observations on British culture -whether it’s the weather, the food, or the train system -will leave you laughing out loud.
It’s an affectionate but witty take on the quirks of the island and its people, making it a must-read for anyone interested in British life.
8. Bill Bryson’s African Diary (2002)
Bill Bryson’s African Diary is a little-known gem, where Bryson travels to Kenya to observe the local wildlife and culture.
Unlike his other books, this one is a shorter, more personal account, but it still delivers Bryson’s trademark humour and curiosity about the world.
It’s a lighter read but offers unique insights into Africa that will make you chuckle and think.
9. The Palace Under the Alps: and Over 200 Other Unusual, Unspoiled, and Infrequently Visited Spots in 16 European Countries (1985)
In 1985, before he became a bestselling author, Bryson wrote The Palace Under the Alps, under the name William Bryson.
The book recounts Bryson’s adventures in places that were considered ‘lesser-known spots’ in Europe at the time (like ‘West Germany’, which no longer exists).
This book is extremely difficult to obtain, and a reprint is unlikely since most of the information in it is out of date.
The link above is from the UK Amazon site where the book is ‘unavailable’, but I will keep the link there in case anything changes. It sometimes pops up on the US Amazon, for around $200.
There are reviews that say it is not Bryson’s finest work, but obviously, any Bryson fan would still want to read it or own it!
Have you read this book? I’d love to hear what you thought of it.
10. Bonus: A Short History of Nearly Everything (2003)
While technically not a travel book, A Short History of Nearly Everything is a remarkable and humorous exploration of the natural world.
In it, Bryson delves into the origins of our planet, offering insights into everything from the Big Bang to the formation of the Earth and the development of life.
His sharp wit and approachable style make this an entertaining read, even if you aren’t a science person.
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 about Bill Bryson’s Travel Books.
Frequently asked questions about Bill Bryson’s travel book (and also about his non-travel books too).
A: Bryson has written many books outside of the travel genre. Here are a few you might enjoy:
– A Short History of Nearly Everything
– The Mother Tongue
– Shakespeare: The World as a Stage
– Home: A Short History of an Idea
– The Body: A Guide for Occupants
A: It’s the combination of humour, curiosity, and brilliant observation. He points out the absurdities of life, culture, and travel in ways that make you laugh and think.
A: A Walk in the Woods is a brilliant introduction – funny, reflective, and full of mishaps. If you’re more into European adventures, try Neither Here Nor There.
A: The places, people, and events are real, though he often adds a humorous or exaggerated spin for storytelling effect.
A: With humour and insight. He’s excellent at noticing oddities and contradictions, like British obsession with tea in Notes from a Small Island, or American supermarket culture in I’m a Stranger Here Myself.
A: Bill Bryson’s African Diary is a shorter, more intimate reflection on his time in Kenya — still funny, but quieter and more reflective.
A: Notes from a Small Island is Bryson’s love letter to the UK. It’s full of wit, frustration, and affection for Britain’s quirks.
A: There’s actually more than one, but the one that is about travelling in America is The Lost Continent. This is his hilarious road trip through small-town America. Bryson has written other books based in America, but these are not really travel memoirs.
A: It’s the follow-up to Notes from a Small Island – more observations, more train trips, more tea, and more Bryson-style jabs at British weirdness.
A: Lots of people do. These books are perfect for armchair travellers! You’ll laugh, learn something, and see the world through a very funny lens.
Related Reading for Bill Bryson 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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