If there’s one thing that has the power to transport us across oceans, cultures, and landscapes without leaving the comfort of our homes, it’s a great travel memoir. These stories, steeped in adventure, self-discovery, and profound connections, ignite a desire to pack our bags and set out on our own journeys. Here are some of the most inspiring travel memoirs that will fuel your wanderlust and leave you itching to explore.

1. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

A classic tale of rediscovery, this memoir follows Elizabeth Gilbert’s year-long journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia. It’s a deeply personal story of healing and self-discovery, intertwined with vivid descriptions of delicious Italian meals, spiritual awakenings in an Indian ashram, and the serenity of Bali’s beaches.

Why it’s inspiring: Gilbert’s courage to abandon her comfort zone and her vivid storytelling make this memoir a reminder that travel can heal and transform.

2. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Set against the rugged backdrop of the Pacific Crest Trail, Cheryl Strayed’s Wild chronicles her solo hike through the wilderness after a personal loss. The book captures both the physical challenges and the emotional liberation of her journey.

Why it’s inspiring: Strayed’s resilience and her connection to the natural world remind us of the power of nature and the importance of forging ahead, no matter how tough the path.

3. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

This humorous memoir recounts Bill Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with his eccentric friend. From encounters with wildlife to laugh-out-loud misadventures, Bryson’s wit makes this book a delightful read.

Why it’s inspiring: Bryson’s narrative reminds us that travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be rewarding—it’s about the journey and the stories we collect along the way.

4. Tracks by Robyn Davidson

Robyn Davidson’s account of her solo trek across the Australian desert with four camels and her dog is nothing short of extraordinary. Tracks captures the beauty of the arid landscape and the profound solitude of her journey.

Why it’s inspiring: Davidson’s bravery and determination in the face of isolation and harsh conditions inspire readers to embrace the unknown and trust in their own strength.

5. Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman by Alice Steinbach

Alice Steinbach, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, recounts her travels across Europe as a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself. From Paris to Oxford, she chronicles her journey of independence and introspection.

Why it’s inspiring: This memoir beautifully illustrates how travel can be a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth, regardless of age or stage of life.

6. The Lost Girls: Three Friends. Four Continents. One Unconventional Detour Around the World by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett, and Amanda Pressner

Three friends leave their fast-paced New York lives to embark on a year-long trip around the globe. This memoir is a blend of adventure, friendship, and the challenges of balancing self-discovery with group travel.

Why it’s inspiring: It’s a reminder that the bonds we share with others can deepen and evolve through shared experiences, even in unfamiliar territories.

7. Around the Bloc by Stephanie Elizondo Griest

Stephanie Elizondo Griest recounts her travels through the former Soviet Union, visiting Russia, China, and Cuba. She delves into the cultures, politics, and people of these regions while reflecting on her own identity.

Why it’s inspiring: Griest’s journey offers insight into parts of the world often misunderstood, showing how travel fosters deeper cultural understanding and empathy.

8. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner

Part memoir, part cultural exploration, Eric Weiner travels to some of the happiest (and unhappiest) places on Earth to uncover the secrets of joy. From Iceland to Bhutan, Weiner’s quest is both philosophical and entertaining.

Why it’s inspiring: This book reminds us that travel isn’t just about discovering places but also about understanding diverse perspectives on life and happiness.

9. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

A practical yet philosophical guide to long-term travel, Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding is an essential read for those dreaming of leaving it all behind to explore the world. With insights on how to live a life of freedom and simplicity, it challenges conventional ideas about work, time, and travel.

Why it’s inspiring: This book doesn’t just inspire fellow travellers; it equips readers with the mindset and tools to turn dreams of travel into reality.

10. Land of Lost Borders by Kate Harris

Kate Harris shares her journey cycling the Silk Road, diving deep into the themes of borders, freedom, and human connection. Through her captivating narrative, she explores the physical and metaphorical boundaries that shape our identities and how travel can transcend them.

Why it’s inspiring: Harris’s reflections on the boundaries we create and the ones we overcome inspire readers to reimagine their own limits.

11. Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman

This memoir tells the story of Rita Golden Gelman, who, at age 48, left behind a conventional life to embrace a nomadic existence. Through her adventures, she discovers the joy of connecting with diverse cultures and the freedom that comes with embracing uncertainty.

Why it’s inspiring: Gelman’s story proves it’s never too late to live a life of adventure and connection, embracing the world’s diversity along the way.

12. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia is a lyrical exploration of the remote and mysterious region at the southern tip of South America. Blending history, myth, and adventure, Chatwin paints a vivid picture of a land that feels untouched by time.

Why it’s inspiring: The book’s poetic descriptions and sense of wonder encourage readers to seek out the world’s lesser-known corners.

13. Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy

Dervla Murphy recounts her solo journey from Ireland to India on a bicycle in the 1960s. Facing snowstorms, heatwaves, and even bandits, her tenacity and wit shine throughout. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, independence, and the transformative nature of long-term travel.

Why it’s inspiring: Murphy’s fearlessness and resourcefulness in an era of limited travel resources make her journey a testament to the power of determination.

14. A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines by Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain’s culinary travel memoir takes readers on a whirlwind journey as he explores the world’s most exotic and unusual dishes. From Vietnam to Morocco, Bourdain’s sharp wit and unfiltered observations make this book a deliciously entertaining read.

Why it’s inspiring: Bourdain’s passion for food and culture reminds us that the best way to understand a place is through its cuisine.

15. Alone Time: Four Seasons, Four Cities, and the Pleasures of Solitude by Stephanie Rosenbloom

Stephanie Rosenbloom reflects on the art of solo travel as she spends time in Paris, Istanbul, Florence, and New York during different seasons. This memoir explores how solitude allows us to engage more deeply with the world around us.

Why it’s inspiring: Rosenbloom’s contemplative approach celebrates the joys of solitude and encourages readers to savour every moment of their travels.

16. Waking Up on the Appalachian Trail: A Story of War, Brotherhood, and the Pursuit of Truth by N.B. Hankes

This memoir intertwines N.B. Hankes’ trek along the Appalachian Trail with reflections on his time as a soldier in Iraq. His journey is one of physical endurance and emotional reckoning as he searches for truth and healing in the wilderness.

Why it’s inspiring: Hankes’ story highlights the restorative power of nature and the trail’s ability to help us confront and process life’s challenges.

17. Eat, Gay, Love by Calum McSwiggan

In Eat, Gay, Love, Calum McSwiggan takes readers on a deeply personal journey across the globe, exploring what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in different cultures. From Pride parades in Europe to conservative regions in Asia, McSwiggan shares heartwarming, humorous, and poignant tales of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.

Why it’s inspiring: This memoir celebrates the universal nature of love while highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ travellers. McSwiggan’s vulnerability and optimism will encourage readers to embrace their identities and explore the world without fear.

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Pack Your Bags, Inspiration Awaits

These travel memoirs remind us of the transformative power of leaving our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. Whether it’s a journey of self-discovery, a daring adventure, or simply a hilarious misstep, the stories in these books offer more than just entertainment—they’re a call to action.

So grab a cup of coffee, lose yourself in these pages, and let them ignite your wanderlust. And when the inspiration strikes, don’t just dream of travelling—go.

What are your favourite travel memoirs? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

Happy reading,

Carina

One Girl and the Big World is a travel blog dedicated to sharing inspiring adventures, practical tips, and unique experiences from around the globe—all available for free to readers.

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