The Best Books to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
There’s something about spring that just makes us want to travel. Maybe it’s the warmer weather, but lately we’ve found ourselves unable to stop dreaming about getting out there and seeing the world. Unfortunately, you’re probably like us and don’t have any big travel plans for the next few months but, as always, we’ve got a solution for you. We’ve rounded up some of the internet’s favorite books about traveling—both fiction and non-fiction—to help beat that travel bug.
Paris for One & Other Stories, Jojo Moyes
When 26-year-old Nell’s boyfriend fails to show up for their vacation, she makes the huge decision to go by herself anyway—except she’s never actually traveled before (total girlboss move, we might add). Paris for One follows Nell’s journey in short stories as she navigates the streets of Paris alone and discovers a new version of herself. This book is a perfect choice for those who want a dreamy, feel-good love story and vicariously live through a character.
Around the World in 80 Trains, Monisha Rajesh
Around the World in 80 Trains, a true stury, is about Monisha Rajesh’s decision to take a bag and her fiancé and go see the world. Rajesh’s journey begins at St. Pancras station in London but stops along at places such as Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, and more. This ambitious story might make you want to put your life on hold to go see the world, but it might just pacify your wanderlust for now.
Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way, Kamin Mohammadi
The attitude altering story in this book is very similar to the famous Eat, Pray, Love, if Elizabeth Gilbert hadn’t gone further than Italy. Bella Figura is the Italian concept of making every aspect of life as beautiful as possible and tells the story of the author’s decision to leave London behind for Florence, Italy. Over the course of the year, she learns to live happier and healthier—the Italian way. Definitely grab a glass of wine and some pasta when you settle in with this book!
Circe, Madeline Miller
This bestseller is a retelling of the story of Circe, the goddess of magic in Greek mythology. Not only is Circe a fascinating and enthralling read for fans of mythology and ancient Greece, but it also will transport you to ancient Greece, giving a glimpse into the beauty and culture the country has even today.
The Beach, Alex Garland
This novel is not only about traveling, but also a thrilling mystery. Richard is a young English backpacker visiting Bangkok, Thailand when a fellow traveler dies and leaves him a map to “The Beach.” The Beach is considered to be an untouched Eden, but Richard quickly discovers it may have a dark side. This book is perfect for those who enjoy a thriller yet also offers an interesting look into the potential negatives of travel.
Tag us @theedgemag if you’ve read these, we want to hear your thoughts!