Reading is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of a country’s society, culture, and history. Whether you're planning your next trip or just dreaming of faraway places, these travel books will transport you to different corners of the world.
1. As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning – Laurie Lee (London, Spain)
Laurie Lee’s autobiographical tale follows his journey from a small Gloucestershire village to London and then to Spain on the brink of civil war. This classic travel memoir offers readers a rich blend of history, adventure, and personal discovery, making it an essential read for those exploring Spain.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombia)
This Nobel Prize-winning novel weaves magical realism into the history of Colombia, telling the multigenerational tale of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. A must-read for travelers to Latin America, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece captures the essence of Colombian culture and history.
3. Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China – Leslie Chang (China)
China has the largest migrant workforce in human history, and Leslie Chang’s Factory Girls offers a gripping look into the lives of young women moving from rural villages to industrial cities. This book provides an eye-opening perspective on China’s transformation and is ideal for travelers looking to understand modern Chinese society.
4. Notes From a Small Island – Bill Bryson (UK)
In this witty and insightful travelogue, American journalist Bill Bryson humorously navigates his way through Britain after living there for two decades. Packed with sharp observations and laugh-out-loud moments, Notes From a Small Island is perfect for anyone planning to visit the UK.
5. In a Sunburned Country – Bill Bryson (Australia)
Bill Bryson takes readers on a fascinating journey across Australia, covering everything from giant earthworms in Gippsland to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Full of humor and fascinating facts, this book is a fantastic companion for anyone heading Down Under.
6. Radical Melbourne: A Secret History – Jeff Sparrow, Jill Sparrow (Melbourne, Australia)
History lovers will appreciate this exploration of Melbourne’s radical political past. Featuring maps and photos of key landmarks, this book offers an engaging look at the city’s history through the eyes of social activists Jeff and Jill Sparrow.
7. The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway (Spain)
Set in the 1920s, Hemingway’s classic novel captures the expatriate experience in Spain, centering around the thrill of Spanish bullfighting. A timeless read for those traveling to Spain, The Sun Also Rises delves into themes of love, masculinity, and adventure.
8. Ghosts of Spain – Giles Tremlett (Spain)
For travelers looking to go beyond the surface of Spanish culture, Ghosts of Spain offers an in-depth look at the country’s modern society, politics, and history. This book is essential for anyone wanting to understand the deeper issues shaping contemporary Spain.
9. Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip – Peter Hessler (China)
Peter Hessler’s travelogue provides a captivating look at China’s economic revolution and its impact on everyday people. Combining humor with insightful analysis, Country Driving is an excellent read for travelers seeking to understand the changing landscape of modern China.
10. Short Walks from Bogotá: Journeys in the New Colombia – Tom Feiling (Colombia)
Tom Feiling’s Short Walks from Bogotá paints a vivid picture of Colombia’s violent past and promising future. This book is perfect for travelers interested in the country’s transformation from a conflict-ridden nation to a burgeoning travel destination.
