Describing the abundant advantages of travel, Saint Augustine was quoted in John Feltham’s English Enchiridion (1799) as saying “the world is a great book, and none study this book so much as a traveler. They that never stir from their home read only one page of this book”—an evocative passage that sums up the ultimate desire of modern-day travelers; to learn and discover whatever exists outside our comfort zones.
So, it's safe to conclude that to travel is akin to reading a book. But while we’re sitting idle in this time of great health crisis known as the Covid-19 lockdown, we can do the opposite by letting our mind wander by reading these books that tells stories of epic travels.
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
"I wished I was on the same bus as her. A pain stabbed my heart as it did everytime I saw a girl I loved who was going the opposite direction in this too-big world of ours.”—ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac
In this 1957 classic, Kerouac wrote of his own experiences through the book's narrator Sal Paradise, in a highly charge tale of discovering one's self and freedom across the vast frontier of the high and low grounds of America. Accompanied by Dean Moriarty (based on Neal Cassady) the duo takes off from New York hitchhiking their way towards Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, Los Angeles and even into Mexico City. Along the way, they meet several unforgettable characters and experienced countless mis-adventures. Punctuated by killer prose and romantic descriptions of how it’s like being on the road, this book will pull you out of your room and make you pack your rucksack in a hurry, running towards the door and out into the road.
The Great Railway Bazaar – Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux is known among travelers for his numerous non-fiction books about his world travels. Undoubtedly so, his most popular book is the Great Railway Bazaar. In this book, Theroux narrates his experiences of his epic rail journey from London across Europe and crossing through India and the rest of Asia. This is a book filled with fascinating accounts of self-discovery in a time prior to the West fully knowing the culture, religion, people and history of the East in the 1970’s. The Great Railway Bazaar also gives readers a vivid look back in time when traveling is vastly different to what it is today.
Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
The story of Into the Wild was first told in an article written by Krakauer for "Outside" magazine in 1993 about the death of man in the wilderness of Alaska. That man turned out to be Christopher McCandless. Krakauer, followed up that story by writing a book about his life. Into the Wild offers a glimpse into the mind of McCandless, his fascination with the writings of Jack London and Henry David Thoreau, and his feeling of estrangement with the world around him. Sometimes sweet, most times heart-wrenching, Krauker’s narrative introduces us to how McCandless turned his back from a convenient life to test his will by setting out on a journey into the wild.
Meaning to get the most of life—but instead—after 119 days in the brutal Alaska wilderness, tragedy stuck. Reading this book will give you a bittersweet desire to explore the great outdoors while teaching you to always respect the supremacy of nature.
The Beach - Alex Garland
The book that introduced Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand to the consciousness of countless backpackers. The story of the Beach kicks off at the start of the Banana Pancake trail in Asia and introduces a backpacking culture that further inspired many to travel. Alex Garland's tale of adventure of finding that ideal paradise on Earth, features a cast of gregarious characters that heeded the call to see the world through traveling. If there is a piece of literature that would inspire you to pack your bags and just go, then this book is one of the few that would really stimulate your wanderlust.
In a Sunburned Country - Bill Bryson
Written in a brilliant and hilarious manner, Bill Bryson makes trekking across the Australia's vast outback region seems like a walk in the park. In this travelogue that doubles as a guidebook on how to survive the wildlife of Australia, Bryson brings your imagination along to his journey while at the same time inspiring you to finally make your itchy feet to make the first few steps outside your comfort zone.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail Book - Cheryl Strayed
Wild is a memoir written by American author Cheryl Strayed about her 1,100-mile hike on the treacherous Pacific Crest Trail in 1995. Fusing flashbacks to unforgettable events in her life with the difficulties she experienced in her journey, Strayed came up with an endearing read full of self-discoveries and tales of personal challenges, as she completes her hiking journey even without prior hiking experiences.
The Weekenders: Adventures in Calcutta – Various Writers
11 Writers (Bella Bathurst, WF Deedes, Colm Toibin, Monica Ali, Victoria Glendinning, Simon Garfield, Irvine Welsh, Sam Miller, Michael Atherton, Jenny Colgan and Tony Hawks) traveled to Calcutta in India to uncover the heart of the city like no other. The result is a collection of short stories filled with evocative travel writing that captured the soul of a compelling city.
Fear
and Loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson wrote
about his infamous trip to Las Vegas as represented by the character of Raoul
Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (based on Oscar Zeta Acosta). The story
originated from real life events when Sports Illustrated sent Thompson to Las
Vegas to cover the annual Mint 400 motorcycle race. Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo,
upon reaching the deserts of Las Vegas, has already consumed large doses of LSD
and soon after, hallucinations of bats and other creatures hollowed their mind.
They ended up abandoning the real purpose of their trip and what happens next
was a slew of riotous events that up to this day represent some of Thompson’s magnificent
prose. This book is a real cosmic blueprint for anybody out there with passion
for both traveling and writing.
Dance Dance Dance - Haruki Murakami
Images of a romantic Japan with haunting settings ignites your mind upon reading this metaphysical tale from one of Japan's renowned novelist. The protagonist whose name is withheld, returns to a place where he once slept with a woman he think he loves. The mysterious Dolphin hotel and an uncanny events and casts of characters that includes the Sheep Man forces him into a world of deepening mystery. This novel presents more of an intriguing tale, but the setting of the surroundings adds up to my hope of at least experiencing such out of this world mystery that only a far away place could provide.
Before "Lost" there was this book about a group of kids who got stuck in a deserted island. At first they quickly gathered their wits and created a scenario that will govern their own ranks. But as power turns into a necessity for survival, the group soon finds its way towards an unavoidable clash with each other. A study on human nature and symbolism of power (through the "Conch") It was an elaborate tale towards a clear study of human beings when push comes to shove reacts to certain aspects of being threatened. In a way, with traveling you don't always experience everything you expected in the first place, certain things will test your resolve and the sometimes brutal journey can take its toll, but what would life be if we don't ever experience these things hey?
The Stranger - Albert Camus
"I knew i had shattered the harmony of the day, the exceptional silence of a beach where i'd been happy. Then i fired four more times at the motionless body where the bullets lodged without leaving a trace. And it was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness". - Cold, ruthless and unrepentant. This is what Albert Camus' book's main protagonist Meursault has become after without reason, killing an Arab in the sun drenched Algiers beach. A philosophical tale from one of the finest writers in Camus, his theory of the "absurd" clearly in display with the meaningless crime committed by Meursault. Though the whole story was not the point of this being an influence in my passion for traveling. However, Algiers city in Algeria has succeeded in getting my fascination as a place to visit before I die.
Satori in Paris - Jack Kerouac
"Somewhere during my ten days in Paris (and Brittany) I received an illumination of some kind that seems to've changed me again, towards what I suppose'll be my pattern for another seven years or more: in effect, a satori: the Japanese word for 'sudden illumination,' 'sudden awakening' or simply 'kick in the eye."
Aren't we all after this? an awakening to wake us from the trivialities of life and further embrace the world with delight and new found fervor. Traveling to a new city could bring you that opportunity. The romantic side of Jack Kerouac was in fine form brought about by his brief 10 day stay in Paris. Images of myself walking in the streets of Paris and having my own moment of "satori" is ever present in my mind.
Stamboul Train - Graham Greene
Though this being a mystery thriller set in the Orient Express, it was the setting itself that got my attention. The Orient Express is definitely a ride one should take in their lifetime. The original route from Paris to Istanbul is like the mother of all train rides. A great novel that romanticize the trains and with today's re-emergence of the PNR train from Manila to Naga, riding trains has gotten cooler once again.
The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
This serves more as an inspiration for writing narratives than doing actual traveling, as Holden Caulfield isn't really a hardcore traveler. What he is was an alienated young man in distrust with the people around him and not shy in expressing himself in a highly subjective manner, for which the reader might wonder if he gets things right or further confuse himself. That's were the must to travel sets in, if only Holden was able to visit other places and met other people from different upbringing, then his view of the world would probably lighten up. In the end though, a feeling of optimism is reached and that's how people who travels always felt even when on the tail-end of their trip.
