Summary
We have all intended to engage in more reading, and now we are provided the opportunity to allow our imaginations to flourish with every new page we turn. We have worked alongside some of the most inspiring travel influencers to present a selection of the finest travel literature that transports you from your home to distant corners of the world. Regardless of whether you prefer to immerse yourself in a novel or browse through visually captivating coffee table books, there is an option for everyone seeking a mental retreat.
Fruit of the Drunken Tree – Ingrid Rojas Contreras
Set against the backdrop of Bogota during the notorious era of drug lord Pablo Escobar, Fruit of the Drunken Tree narrates the experiences of Chula and her mother’s maid, Petrona, as they become ensnared in a tapestry of secrecy. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, the author illustrates a poignant testament to the challenging decisions women frequently face amidst violence, as well as the unexpected bonds that can develop out of adversity.
Recommended by Fredrika Akander from @fakander, a Swedish influencer and yoga instructor based in Melbourne, holding a Master of Science in Inclusive Development.
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
With insightful empathy and exceptional generosity, Elizabeth Gilbert provides valuable perspectives on the enigmatic nature of creativity. She encourages readers to embrace their curiosity while releasing unnecessary suffering. Furthermore, she teaches how to engage with one’s passions and confront fears. Whether your aim is to write, create art, discover innovative solutions to workplace challenges, revive a deferred dream, or simply enhance your daily existence with greater mindfulness and enthusiasm, Big Magic unveils a world of wonder and fulfillment.
Recommended by Sydney and Davis from @the_escape_artists, a travel creator couple from the United States.
“It opened our hearts to our individual creative processes. We learned that creativity doesn’t need to stem from fear, and curiosity alone can yield beautiful outcomes.”
The Why Cafe – John Strelecky
Within a quaint café situated in an isolated area, John finds himself at a pivotal moment in his life. Anticipating nothing more than a brief recharge during his road trip, he discovers sustenance of an entirely different nature. The café menu succinctly presents three questions that patrons are encouraged to contemplate: Why are you here? Do you fear death? Are you fulfilled? With this introspective challenge, along with the guidance from three individuals he encounters at the café, John embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, taking him from the corporate advertising realm to the picturesque beaches of Hawaii.
Recommended by Debie Flüge from @debiflue, a travel influencer and author of Living Healthy Every Day.
“We inhabit a society where the majority of individuals pursue stable jobs with reasonable benefits. However, is this what people truly desire? This book challenges readers to reflect on their lifestyles and aspirations!”
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Coelho narrates the tale of a young shepherd named Santiago, who dreams of discovering his treasure and subsequently travels to the Egyptian pyramids for that purpose. Throughout his voyage, Santiago learns the importance of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams, realizing that the journey itself holds unexpected treasures.
Recommended by Dimag Ozgum from @vacationwolf, an entrepreneur, creator, and travel influencer dedicated to teaching others about mastering their freedom.
“The Alchemist is a literary masterpiece by Paulo Coelho, reminding us that everyone has a purpose in life, and by pursuing this purpose, we unearth treasures along our journey, which ultimately transform us into better individuals. It feels less like reading and more akin to sharing stories around a campfire.”
Where To Go When – DK Eyewitness
Highlighting remarkable destinations worldwide and the optimal times to visit them, this visually captivating book will prompt you to reach for your passport in an instant. Blending inspiring narratives with stunning photography, Where to Go When brings to life over 100 locations globally – discover the ideal times to explore the rainforests of Costa Rica, ascend into the clouds in Nepal, sail among Croatia’s picturesque islands, or marvel at Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Recommended by Becky van Dijk from @beckyvandijk, a travel blogger and founder of @WeAreTravelGirls, @TravelGirlsGetaways, and The Blogger Course.
“It’s an exceptionally visually stunning book that transports you to magnificent locations regardless of the season. It serves as the perfect source of travel inspiration to explore from the comfort of your home.”
What Would Boudicca Do? – Elizabeth Foley
In What Would Boudicca Do?, Elizabeth Foley advocates for channeling the fierce women of history to navigate the complexities of contemporary life. The narratives of powerful figures such as Mae West, Agatha Christie, Hypatia, Cleopatra, Coco Chanel, and Cixi serve as a guide to overcoming impostor syndrome, addressing relational grievances, advocating for one’s self, engaging politically, excelling in the workplace, and tackling the fear of missing out (FoMo). What Would Boudicca Do? is designed to empower readers to take action and embrace life’s challenges.
Recommended by Sarah Eichhorn from @josieloves, who shares her passion for fashion and travel on www.josieloves.de.
“It encapsulates how some of history’s most remarkable women solved everyday challenges. An inspiring and entertaining read.”
Last Days of Summer – Akila Berjaoui
Photographer Akila Berjaoui illustrates her deep-seated connection between her artistic vision and her love for the seaside. In her inaugural publication, this sought-after fashion photographer showcases her stunning photographs that frequently feature elements of sand, sunlight, and water – exploring breathtaking coastal destinations from her hometown of Sydney, Australia, to the renowned beach locales of Italy, France, and Brazil.
Recommended by Danielle Greentree from @travel_a_little_luxe, a content creator passionate about luxury travel.
“I am entranced by her sun-drenched images capturing a life of pleasure along the Amalfi Coast and beyond.”
Eleven Minutes – Paulo Coelho
Eleven Minutes narrates the story of Maria, a young girl from a Brazilian village whose initial innocent encounters with love leave her disenchanted. At a young age, she becomes convinced she will never find true love, perceiving it as a source of anguish. A chance encounter in Rio leads her to Geneva, where she dreams of achieving fame and fortune. Maria’s cynical view on love is challenged when she meets an attractive young painter, forcing her to choose between succumbing to darkness or risking everything to discover her own “inner light.”
Recommended by Sebastian Schmidt from @sebastian.schmidt, a German language and literature educator, and blogger with a zeal for interior design, fashion, and travel.
“Paulo Coelho weaves daily problems interspersed with wisdom, enabling readers to identify with their vulnerabilities, fears, desires, and aspirations.”
Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
In a voice imbued with historical wisdom and palpable immediacy, Nitta Sayuri recounts her journey as a geisha. It opens in a modest fishing village in 1929, where, as a nine-year-old with distinctive blue-grey eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into servitude at a prestigious geisha house. We observe her transformation as she masters the rigorous disciplines of the geisha—dance and music, the art of kimono dressing, elaborate makeup, and serving sake, alongside competing with a envious rival for affectionate attention and financial support.
Recommended by Zowie Palliaer from @zowiepalliaer, a travel writer, digital creator, and commercial model.
“This narrative transports me on a captivating journey from pre-war Japan to post-war New York, depicting the evolution of a young girl navigating a complex world to become a resilient woman, shaped by numerous life experiences. Memoirs of a Geisha is at times challenging yet always uplifting.”
A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle
In A New Earth, Tolle elaborates on powerful ideas verging on introspection and enlightenment, asserting that transcending our ego-driven state is vital not only for personal fulfillment but also for mitigating conflict and suffering globally. Tolle analyzes how our attachment to the ego engenders dysfunction, fostering feelings such as anger, jealousy, and dissatisfaction, while guiding readers towards awakening a new consciousness and embarking on the path to genuine, fulfilling existence.
Recommended by Rodiney Santiago from @rodineysantiago, a Brazilian TV personality and model turned mindfulness advocate.
“A New Earth encourages a positive mindset by dismantling our self-constructed filters shaped by cultural beliefs and enabling authentic connections with our essence. It empowers us to transcend mere ideas and religious boundaries.”
GO TRAVEL DAILY’S SELECTION OF THE BEST TRAVEL BOOKS
My Friend Anna – Rachel DeLoache Williams
Rachel DeLoache Williams, a former photo editor for Vanity Fair, presents her debut book, My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress. This unsettling account reveals her relationship with the con artist Anna Delvey, detailing how she was deceived out of significant amounts of money. Dramatic experiences at opulent restaurants such as the Michelin-starred French establishment Le Coucou in Manhattan and lavish trips to five-star hotels in Marrakech breathe life into her narrative.
Call Me By Your Name – André Aciman
Once a New York Times bestseller and also adapted into a feature film starring Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name encapsulates a profound and unexpected romantic narrative. It is a beautifully crafted story detailing a summer filled with exploration and deep connection between a teenage boy and a summer visitor at his family’s stunning cliffside villa along the picturesque Italian Riviera.
Born a Crime – Trevor Noah
In this enlightening memoir, Trevor Noah, the quick-witted host of “The Daily Show,” recounts his experiences growing up amidst South Africa’s tumultuous apartheid era. Born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, their union was legally forbidden, rendering him a child who faced challenges to exist in a divided society. With his mother shielding him from governmental scrutiny, Noah’s story is a poignant blend of honesty, humor, and insightful reflection on identity and resilience.
Hot Milk – Deborah Levy
Hot Milk follows the journey of a mother and daughter, Rose and Sofia, as they travel to the rugged landscapes of Andalusia to seek medical assistance for Rose’s paralysis, which confines her to a wheelchair and limits Sofia’s autonomy. The narrative delves into themes of hypochondria, dependency, accountability, and awakening sexuality, ultimately exploring the essence of truly living.
Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
A semi-autobiographical exploration, Shantaram narrates the tale of Lim, an Australian convict who escapes to the vibrant city of Bombay to seek refuge within the region’s criminal underbelly. Spanning over 900 pages, the captivating Shantaram is intricately detailed and filled with an array of plot twists.
Red Notice – Bill Browder
In this remarkable political thriller, Red Notice serves as a testament to the notion that truth often surpasses fiction. The narrative unfolds Bill Browder’s life in high-stakes finance within the unpredictable realm of Russia. Browder amassed wealth by leading the largest investment fund post-Soviet collapse, but the harrowing murder of his honest tax attorney—a father—propels him to uncharted territories to expose the corruption of the Kremlin. This eye-opening exposé is one of the most compelling accounts encountered in recent memory.
Normal People – Sally Rooney
Normal People intricately explores the complexities of love and relationships through the lives of Connell and Marianne as they transition from high school to the esteemed Trinity College in Dublin. Scheduled for adaptation into a twelve-part BBC series, this narrative delves into the magnetic entanglement that can arise between two “normal people” and elucidates how societal status impacts relationships, set against the picturesque backgrounds of rural Ireland, the bustling city of Dublin, and idyllic Italy.
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