Top Travel Books

Travel writing is one of my favourite literary genres, whether it is in the form of a factual guidebook, a personal recollection or a feature in a magazine. I’d like to think I have read a good deal of travel literature, but in reality there are more books and magazines published than I could ever hope to get through.

Here are some current favourites:

 

1.       Oh Mexico! – Lucy Neville

A personal account of the time Neville spent in Mexico City after graduating university. The book focuses on the people she meets and problems she encounters trying to live and work in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and results in an entertaining and engaging read.

 

2.       The Beach – Alex Garland

A fictional story about a secret community of travellers living illegally on a deserted island within Thailand’s National Marine Park, this book is full of intrigue and suspense. There are twists and turns in the plot, and the descriptions perfectly showcase the beauty of this area of Thailand.

 

 

3.       Blood River – Tim Butcher

This is an account of Butcher’s journey down the Congo River in one of the most inaccessible countries in the world, the Democratic Republic of Congo. While readers won’t be recreating his adventure anytime soon, this book offers a fascinating insight into a country ravaged by conflict and dictatorships.

 

4.       1000 Ultimate Experiences – Lonely Planet

Full of amazing photographs and great ideas, this informative book is ideal if you are looking to travel somewhere a bit different. With quick easy to read paragraphs, this is a book you can dip in and out of, and covers an experience in almost every country.

 

 

5.       Tropic of Capricorn – Simon Reeve

Filmed as part of a BBC television series, Reeve now personally documents his journey around the Tropic of Capricorn in his book. The style is engaging, as his relaxed approach means that he gets on with the local people and discovers an untold story in each country he visits.