Wanderlust: an itch that only a plane ticket and a fresh passport stamp can scratch. Sadly, life doesn’t always allow for spontaneous escapes to exotic locales. Between work, responsibilities, and strains on the bank account, sometimes the only trip on the horizon is the one to the supermarket. Fear not, though—when reality clips your wings, books can be the ultimate escape hatch.
Whether you're craving the culinary chaos of a Moroccan souk or the icy vastness of Greenland, we’ve pulled together a collection of books that will whisk you across borders, no passport required. Dive in and let these stories be the jet fuel for your next daydream.
All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft by Geraldine DeRuiter
With wit, humour, and heart, Geraldine DeRuiter recounts her unexpected journey of self-discovery while traveling the world.
As DeRuiter navigates cultural differences, awkward situations, and family reunions, she explores deeper themes of love, identity, and finding one's place in the world. Her relatable insights and laugh-out-loud moments make this a travel memoir with soul, perfect for anyone who loves both adventure and a good laugh.
A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain
Food is a fascinating lens through which to see the world – and no one is better at wielding that lens than the late Bourdain. In his second book, Anthony Bourdain embarks on a global journey in search of the "perfect" meal.
From lamb testicles in Morocco to the beating heart of a cobra in Vietnam, haggis in Scotland, and nattō in Japan, we join him on his mission to experience authentic, fresh cuisine and meet the people who make it. With humour, a cynical eye, a touch of romanticism and a way of capturing the essence of a place like no other – A Cook’s Tour isan adventure worth savouring.
An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie
Born in Togo, West Africa, Tété-Michel Kpomassie grew up in a traditional village before stumbling upon a book about Greenland. Years later, he undertook a journey across continents to visit this icy, remote land.
An African in Greenland is his fascinating memoir, detailing his unique journey from the tropics to the Arctic Circle, where he immerses himself in the Inuit way of life. Kpomassie’s perspective as an outsider in both cultures offers a rare, refreshing take on travel literature, that’s as much about connecting as it is about travelling.
Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite van Geldermalsen
In this remarkable memoir, New Zealander Marguerite van Geldermalsen recounts how a chance encounter during her travels through Jordan in the 1970s led her to an unexpected life in Petra. After meeting Mohammad Abdallah, a Bedouin souvenir-seller, she fell in love, married him, and moved into a 2,000-year-old cave.
Van Geldermalsen’s vivid storytelling paints a captivating picture of life among the Bedouin, with its simplicity, challenges, and deep sense of community. Blending the spirit of adventure with an open-hearted embrace of an entirely different culture, her story isn’t just about travel; it’s about finding home in the most surprising places.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
See our Tasman neighbours in a whole new light with one of Bryson’s best. With his signature wit and curiosity, Bryson makes the vast, rugged continent of Australia come alive, transforming the mundane into the magical, waxing lyrical about the history of Australia, touring the cities and Outback and encountering bizarre wildlife and colourful locals along the way.
. Whether he's recounting stories of poisonous creatures, recounting the storied history or marvelling at the sheer vastness of the land, Bryson’s delightful narrative will make you want to pack your bags and explore that strange country over the ditch in a whole new way.
Without You, There Is No Us by Suki Kim
In this poignant and harrowing memoir, Korean-American journalist Suki Kim shares her experiences undercover as a teacher at a school for the sons of North Korea's elite. Through her unique perspective, Kim gives readers a rare glimpse into life inside the world’s most secretive country.
The oppressive atmosphere, combined with her students' naïveté and the constant threat of surveillance, creates a tense, absorbing narrative that makes you feel as if you’ve crossed into a land few have seen. Without You, There Is No Us offers a haunting exploration of North Korea, one of the last frontiers of travel.
The Travel Book by Lonely Planet
To wrap up this list, here’s something a bit different: a visual feast for your coffee table. Now in its fourth edition, Lonely Planet’s The Travel Book offers stunning imagery of nearly every country on the planet. Organized in an A-Z collection, each page is a snapshot of a destination, packed with interesting facts, trivia, must-see highlights, and the best times to visit.
Caution: This book is likely to skyrocket your wanderlust and trigger impulsive flight booking. Read at your own risk.
What are you waiting for? Your wanderlust may be grounded, but your imagination certainly doesn’t have to be. No need to wrestle with airline Wi-Fi or wedge your carry-on into the overhead bin – your next adventure is just a page away. Sit back, relax, and let the words carry you to destinations unknown.