When we make up our minds to go backpacking and travel the world, many people turn to books to give them an idea of what’s to come. Backpacking books have been helping people prepare for their adventure of a lifetime for years, and these are the four you need to read.
The Beach by Alex Garland
For those who want that idyllic idea of how backpacking used to be, then ‘The Beach’ by Alex Garland provides that image. This book is a classic, and while the unexplored Thailand in the story no longer really exists, ‘The Beach’ will make your wanderlust swell. It perfectly describes how exploring Thailand and the Philippines felt all those years ago before the tourism boom.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Backpacking doesn’t have to mean going to exotic countries, and ‘Wild’ brings you Cheryl Strayed’s journey as she trekked the Pacific Crest Trail. Along with the cathartic experience, Strayed also lays out the problems she encounters, like hauling a huge backpack, bad weather, and sore feet.
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
In Paul Theroux’s ‘The Great Railway Bazaar,’ the travel writer takes his readers on a journey from London through Europe and into Asia. He does so using trains as his main mode of transport, and this book may serve as inspiration for your very own Eurotrip.
The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
One thing you will notice when backpacking across Asia is the number of Buddhist temples you encounter. That often leads to a natural interest in the spiritual religion, and this motivational book by the Dalai Lama will help you overcome your everyday struggles. ‘The Art of Happiness’ gets you thinking about life, which is a similar thought pattern to when you’re traveling.
These backpacking books are the ones that travel addicts can’t get enough of. Not only are they informative, but they have helped enrich many people’s adventures over the years.