Ok, I have a confession to make, I’m a total nerd. I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of reading, finally finding some spare time to crack open a few travel-themed books. Attention bookworms, check out the list if you are looking for great travel books to scratch that travel itch this summer.

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho
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Coelho’s classic novel focuses on an Andalusian shepherd, Santiago. He longs to incorporate more adventure into his mundane life. In fact, he has recurring dreams that inspire him to find his personal legend. Ultimately these dreams lead him to caravan across the Sahara, overcoming a number of obstacles. His journey also crosses paths with a gypsy, crystal merchant, and an alchemist.

Coelho weaves many important life lessons into a short read. Presently the one the resonates with me is the lesson about focusing on your own journey. Arguably, it is easy to live the life that society, family, or friends expect you to live instead of living life for you. Pick up a copy of this book if you are looking for inspiration to live your best life. 

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

By Phaedra Patrick
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Arthur Pepper lives a simple life in a small British village, waking at 7:30 each morning and following a regimented routine. He recently lost his wife, Miriam, consequently the effects of her loss are present everywhere. All of that changes when he discovers a charm bracelet that belonged to Miriam on the one year anniversary of her death.

Each charm has a story, and Arthur embarks on an unforgettable adventure to discover the meaning behind each one. Follow Arthur to London, Paris, and India, learning more about Miriam’s life with every chapter. Attention bookworms, if you are looking for an uplifting read with themes self-discovery and healing, be sure to pick up a copy.

Get outside and open some great travel books this summer!

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

John Berenet
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Sex, scandal, and southern charm are all part of John Berenet’s eight-year account of his time spent in Savannah, Georgia. A colleague suggested picking up a copy before heading out for weekend getaway to Georgia’s most infamous town. No doubt the twists and turns of this dramatic plot made it difficult to put the book down! The exquisite descriptions of the local variety, including the poison inventor Luther Driggers and the radiant black drag queen Lady Chablis will be sure to keep your attention bookworms.

Meanwhile, Berenet outlines the voodoo justice of the south. In fact, he covers the murder trial of local bad boy Danny Hansford. Strangely enough, Hansford was rumored to have intimate relations with his murder. The tale chronicles the struggles of defendant and esteemed antiques dealer Jim Williams. To this day no one knows what happened that fateful night in the Mercer house. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil surely inspired me to wander through Monterey Square and contemplate theories of how this scandalous series of events occurred.

Invincible Summer

Alice Adams
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Invincible Summer is a tale of lifelong friendships, following four college friends through their struggles of adulthood. Upon graduating from University in Bristol in 1997, Eva and siblings Lucien and Sylvie move to London, with hopes of a bright and shiny future. On the other hand, Benedict stays behind to pursue his Ph.D in physics.

The summer of 1997 brings out the travel bug in the group. Sylvie and Lucien seek out adventure with backpacking through India. Eva and Benedict discover a deeper connection while on holiday in Greece. Consequently, emotion and nerves get the best of Eva and Benedict. Both missing an opportunity to express their love for one another.

In any case, the tale details the friends’ hardships, surviving by leaning on each other and support each other’s pursuit of happiness. The complex characters will render you unable to keep your nose out of this book.

Cruising Altitude

By Heather Poole
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Have you caught yourself dreaming of the glamorous globetrotting life that flight attendants lead? Looks can be deceiving, Cruising Altitude will be sure to keep your attention bookworms. Heather Poole spills all of her secrets she has accumulated with over fifteen years of experience working as a flight attendant for a commercial airline. This hilarious insider’s account includes everything from unruly passengers, galley gossip, and finding love at 35,000 feet.

Wanderlusting bookworms, what will you be reading this summer?

Wanting more great travel books?

• More inspiration – 1,000 Place to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz
• Explore your values on a motorcycle trip through the Northwest – Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
• Go on a journey of exploration – Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris
• Gain an understanding of Buddhist cultures – What Makes You Not A Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse