While mainstream travel memoirs and novels often take centre stage, there are countless lesser-known books about travel and self-discovery. Here’s a selection of underrated but still great travel books that you have been missing out on!
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These books bring new perspectives to the concept of travel, and they may well have been overshadowed by all of the popular travel books currently in the market (‘Eat, Pray, Love‘ l’m looking at you!)
While The Island may be known to some, it’s often overshadowed by other historical fiction bestsellers. Set on a small Greek island, the novel follows the journey of a woman named Alexis, who learns about her family’s dark history while uncovering the island’s connection to the leper colony once isolated there. As Alexis traces her ancestors' footsteps, she uncovers not only secrets about her family but also about herself.
This hidden gem is a deeply emotional journey through Burma. The book follows the story of Julia, who travels to Burma in search of her missing father. Along the way, she uncovers a poignant love story that leads to profound self-reflection. It’s a slow burn, but its impact lingers long after the final page.
While Paul Theroux is no stranger to the travel memoir genre, The Last Train to Zona Verde remains relatively underappreciated. Theroux’s account of his travels through Africa, as he ventures into remote regions, is more than just a travel narrative - it’s a meditation on aging, disillusionment, and the complex dynamics of development.
If you love travel narratives with a sense of humour and adventure, this memoir is a hidden treasure. Eric Newby’s journey into the mountains of Afghanistan with his friend, who is an unlikely mountaineer, is filled with wit and insight. What begins as a light-hearted travelogue soon turns into a profound exploration of the human spirit.
While Eric Weiner’s The Geography of Bliss might seem well-known, it often gets lost in the shuffle of more dramatic travel memoirs. In this quirky and insightful book, Weiner travels to countries renowned for their happiness, such as Iceland, Bhutan, and Qatar, in search of the secret to a joyful life. Weiner’s humour and keen observations make it a delightful read, but it’s also an exploration of the emotional and philosophical aspects of travel.
This slim but impactful book is a reflection on Ehrlich’s time spent living in Wyoming. As she works on a ranch, Ehrlich shares her thoughts on solitude, nature, and the Western landscape, all while reflecting on her own personal grief and healing. It’s a poetic and meditative journey that showcases the therapeutic power of both nature and isolation.
Although not strictly a travel memoir, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek offers a profound exploration of nature and personal reflection. Annie Dillard’s journey through the Virginia countryside, observing the small and often overlooked details of life, becomes a deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence. The book is a beautiful, introspective meditation on how observing the world around us can lead to profound self-discovery.
Though Chatwin is widely celebrated, In Patagonia often sits just out of the limelight compared to other adventure classics. The book chronicles Chatwin’s journey through the wild landscapes of southern Argentina and Chile, as he uncovers the fascinating history and mythology of the region. What sets In Patagonia apart is Chatwin’s ability to weave a travelogue that’s as much about the search for a place as it is about the search for self.
This beautifully written travel memoir chronicles Alan Booth’s journey walking the length of Japan, from the northernmost tip to the southern islands. Along the way, Booth shares poignant reflections on the country's culture, history, and people. His observations on both the landscape and human nature make this book a compelling read for those interested in discovering how travel through unfamiliar terrain can be a pathway to personal transformation.
While Hemingway's name is often associated with grand tales of adventure, A Moveable Feast is a quieter, more reflective work. This memoir recounts his years in Paris in the 1920s, exploring the emotional and intellectual connections Hemingway made during his time there. It’s a beautiful meditation on writing, self-exploration, and the joy of discovery - both of the world and of oneself.
In The Old Ways, Robert Macfarlane embarks on a journey along ancient footpaths and trails across the British Isles, exploring landscapes that have shaped human history. The book is both a travelogue and a philosophical inquiry into the connection between walking and self-reflection.
Tim Cope’s journey through Mongolia, retracing the steps of Genghis Khan, is not just a physical adventure, it’s a deep dive into a culture that values nomadic traditions and self-reliance. Cope’s personal transformation as he lives with nomadic herders, learns their ways and endures the challenges of the harsh terrain makes this a powerful narrative about both travel and the journey within.
Set in Argentina, The Penguin Lessons is the heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between Tom Michell, a young teacher, and an orphaned penguin he rescues during a trip to South America. This charming story is more than a memoir about travel; it’s about empathy, personal growth, and finding connections in the most unexpected places.
After losing their home and a substantial portion of their savings, Raynor and her husband Moth decide to walk the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path in England. This memoir chronicles their emotional and physical journey, offering profound insights into resilience, healing, and the discovery of strength in the face of adversity. .
This fascinating travel narrative follows Christine Toomey as she ventures into the world of female Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. Through her exploration of their teachings and life experiences, Toomey examines the connection between self-awareness, spirituality, and identity. The book is a deep dive into how religious and cultural travel can lead to profound insights into the self and the world around us.
Another masterpiece by Robert Macfarlane, The Wild Places is a journey into the wild and remote areas of Britain, including moors, forests, and mountains. Macfarlane’s lyrical prose brings these landscapes to life, and his meditations on solitude, nature, and the human desire to connect with untouched places make this book a powerful exploration of self-discovery through immersion in nature.
In The Happy Isles of Oceania, Paul Theroux embarks on an unforgettable journey through the Pacific Islands, exploring remote archipelagos by kayak. As he encounters diverse cultures and navigates physical and emotional challenges, Theroux’s adventure becomes not only about geography but about grappling with personal expectations, fears, and realisations.
In A Year in the World, Frances Mayes takes readers on a journey through Italy and beyond, as she reflects on the landscapes, food, and people she encounters. This book goes beyond the typical travel narrative, inviting readers into a slower, more reflective pace of life where travel becomes a means of self-discovery.
Ways to read these travel books.
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FAQs on lesser-known travel books.
Below are some frequently asked questions about lesser-known books on travel and self-discovery:
A: Some of the best lesser-known travel books about self-discovery include:
– The Roads to Sata: A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan by Alan Booth
– A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
– The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane
– On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey Through the Land of the Nomads by Tim Cope
– The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
– The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux
– The Golden Chersonese: A 19th-Century Englishwoman’s Travels in Singapore and the Malay Peninsula by Isabella Lucy Bird
A: Travel allows you to leave your comfort zone and experience new cultures and environments. These experiences can change your views, broaden your horizons, and help you understand yourself better. Many travel books featured in this post discuss how travelling affects your emotions and personal growth..
A: These books are great for all kinds of travellers, whether you like solo trips, cultural discoveries, or nature adventures. While the stories vary, each one shows how travel can lead to self-reflection and change. Some books focus on walking, while others explore ideas or spiritual themes.
A: These books look at both physical journeys and personal growth. The settings are important, but each story also focuses on themes like personal transformation and emotional healing through travel. Whether it’s walking across Japan or connecting with nature, the focus is on exploring both the outside world and our inner selves.
A: These books are lesser-known gems that focus on personal journeys instead of big adventures. They share intimate experiences and thoughts, offering readers a deeper look at travel.
While they might not get as much attention as other travel memoirs, they often explore how travel influences our identity and self-awareness in a more meaningful way..
A: To use these books for your self-discovery journey, read them with an open mind. After finishing each book, think about how the traveller’s experiences relate to your life. What lessons can you learn for your own travels or everyday life? You might also enjoy reading them while travelling, as it can deepen your connection to the world around you..
A: Yes, most of these books are available in digital formats, such as eBooks or audiobooks. You can find them on popular platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, or Audible, which allows you to take them with you on your own travels, whether you’re reading on the go or listening to them during a long journey.
A: Definitely. For new travellers or those starting their self-reflection journey, these books are a great way to get inspired.
The authors share their personal growth in a relatable manner, showing that discovery doesn’t need to be dramatic or happen right away. They encourage readers to think about the changes that happen inside during travel, making these books perfect for anyone starting a new adventure.
A: These books take you to interesting places like Paris, Mongolia, the Pacific beaches, and the rugged shores of England. They look at the cultures of these locations and show how these experiences help the authors grow personally. The authors’ encounters with new cultures and environments are just as important as their personal journeys.
A: If you enjoy these lesser-known travel memoirs, you might also like:
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
Conclusion: Travel as a Pathway to Self-Discovery
These lesser-known books show how travel can lead to personal growth. Although they may not be as famous as other travel memoirs, each one offers important insights into the benefits of exploring new places, emotions, or ideas.
Related reading for lesser-known travel reads
- 30 Best Travel Books Every Traveller Must Read
- 10 Inspiring Reads by Solo Female Travellers
- Non Fiction Books about Travel, By Travellers
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Travellers
- How to Plan Your First Solo Trip
- Why You Should Travel Alone: The Benefits of Solo Travel.
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