By: Sally Norton
Winter is just around the corner, and the holidays are already smiling at us. This means only one thing - travel. Soon, millions of people around the globe will be on their way to see their families whom they haven't seen for so long. Whether you're spending the holidays at your family house or some tropical destination away from cold and snow, one thing is certain - you'll have a few hours to spare while traveling. It is a perfect time to read a book that's been forever on your waiting list. And if you don't have one, we're here to help you. We're huge advocates of reading, especially while traveling. That's why we did thorough research and made the ultimate reading list of 10 great books for travelers this winter. So, buckle up and prepare to fill your suitcase with some excellent books!
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Not only has this been book sold in over 7 million copies around the US, but it's also been translated into 42 languages. So, it's only logical to include it in the top 10 great books for travelers this winter, whether you're traveling solo or you have a company to share this fantastic book with.
This extraordinary piece follows the story of two inseparable boys who formed an unlikely friendship - a wealthy boy named Amir and the son of his father's servant, Hassan. The plot of the novel is set in Afghanistan, and it describes this beautiful country in the time of its major historical change and destruction. Above anything else, it is a story about the friendship between Amir and Hassan, two boys in the swirl of tragedies and chaos. Reading The Kite Runner, you'll learn about the price of betrayal but also the possibility of redemption. Most importantly, you'll learn about the tragic fate of all Afghan people.
Sometimes, a book can help you escape the rush of everyday life.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson
Everybody knows about this book. Well, if not a book, you have undoubtedly watched a movie. Well, if you're about to go on a long trip, now is a perfect time to read this cult classic. As a matter of fact, you probably have it on your bookshelf. Or maybe your parents have placed some of their books in storage. Hopefully, they knew how important it is to keep them safe in storage, especially classics like this one. It's time to check that, dig out this book, and pack it for your trip!
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is hilarious and serves as a fantastic explanation for whatever rash choices you may or may not make. Simply put, it justifies the crazy in each one of us. Thanks to Hunter S. Thompson's manic writing style and the specific narrative of this novel, you'll want to hop on the next plane to whatever destination and go wild.
Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
Into the Wild is a book about pushing one's self to its limits, retreating from civilization, and seeking enlightenment via solitude and connection with nature. Jon Krakauer based his book on the famous missing person mystery - Chris McCandless. He ventured into the Alaskan wilderness just to be found dead with his SOS letter a few months later.
Jon Krakauer creates a lucid prism through which he reconstitutes the troubling details of McCandless's brief life. He looks for hints as to what drove McCandless' motivations and goals. This page-turner is exciting and eery at the same time. According to the New York Times, it is "a heart-rending drama of human yearning" that should definitely be on your list of 10 great books for travelers this winter.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
For Arthur Dent, it's just another Thursday morning until his house is destroyed. Soon after, the Earth arrives to make way for a new intergalactic express route. Oh, and Arthur's best buddy Ford Prefect has recently revealed that he is an alien. If you think this is weird, then buckle up as everything gets much wilder from this point. In the company of an untrustworthy extraterrestrial gang, Arthur must navigate through a hazardous cosmos with nothing but a towel, a little yellow fish, and a book. Fortunately, the fish is a language expert.
Douglas Adams' best-selling pop-culture classic throws logic into space, messes with time and physics, provides witty commentary on things like potted plants and digital watches. Above all, this book unveils the ultimate answers to life, the universe, and pretty much everything else.
One thing is sure - with this book in your hands, you'll laugh out loud and discover the biggest mysteries of the universe.
The Beach, by Alex Garland
The storyline of this fantastic novel is set in Thailand. It follows the story of Richard, a backpacker who decides to seek out a secret beach, rumored to be exotic heaven. Alex Garland wrote a captivating and thrilling tale that focuses on young adults, burdened by the previous generation's history and soaked by popular culture. People in their twenties yearn for an unspoiled nature but have difficulty experiencing it firsthand.
This is one of the best books to read on a backpacking trip, particularly in Southeast Asia. It simply increases your urge to travel to exotic locations and escape reality.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
You probably heard about this book, but have you ever thought about reading it. Well, now is a perfect time to do it. This cozy and wise book will encourage you to follow your dreams. Paulo Coelho tells a simple story of a young shepherd and follows his journey from beautiful Spain to mythical Egypt. This young boy is determined to follow his heart and dreams and go with the flow of life. On this fascinating treasure hunt, he learns about both love and the meaning of life. Not only will you enjoy reading this captivating book, but you'll also learn life's most important lessons along the way. With many inspiring and beautiful quotes, Coelho succeeded in impressing the whole world with this book.
Reading a travel book will get you more excited about your trip
Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe, by Bill Bryson
In Neither Here Nor There, Bill Bryson brings his distinctive sense of humor on his journey through Europe. With the wallet in his pocket and backpack on his shoulders, he travels from Hammerfest, the continent's northernmost town, to Istanbul, on the brink of Asia. His main goal is to retrace the journey he did 20 years ago as a student.
While reading this book, you'll have a chance to follow the main character on his weird and unique adventures throughout Europe. Bill Bryson writes about being robbed by gypsies in Florence, trying not to order twaddle and eyeballs in one of Germany's restaurants, and enduring murderous motorist in Paris. The writer explores, deconstructs the culture, and exposes each person and place with his humorously caustic remarks.
Wanderlust, by Elisabeth Eaves
Ms. Eaves understands what it's like to be fully overtaken with the desire to travel. Her memoir, which details her life of love and adventure, is perfectly relatable and will confirm your every wanderlust yearning. This is a perfect book for traveling, especially if you're going on a solo trip and have more than a few hours to spare. Wanderlust is so beautifully written and extremely easy to read. It's one of those books that leaves you yearning for more once you finish it. That's why this page-turning awesomeness is one of the 10 great books for travelers this winter we so gladly recommend.
American Gods, by Neil Gaiman
Laura, Shadow's wife, dies in a strange and tragic car accident only days before his release from jail. He walks back to his house, numb. Then, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday on the plane, who claims to be a fugitive from a faraway war, a former god, and America's monarch. Together, they embark on a bizarre adventure into the heart of the United States as a hurricane of supernatural and epic dimensions rages around them.
American Gods is a terrifying, riveting, and extremely unnerving thriller that takes a long, critical look into America's soul. What - and who - it discovers there will astound you as you read this unique book by the genius Neil Gaiman.
Celestial Bodies, by Jokha Alharthi
From the late 1800s to the current day, this tale chronicles many generations of an Omani household. Various characters tell the story of family ties and societal uprisings, from a grimy mountain village to the groomed, ocean-side roads of Muscat. The narrative follows this family's nation as it shifts from ancient traditions (slavery, arranged marriage) to modern culture (teenagers chowing down at McDonald's, women with careers).
Reading a great book while traveling is something everybody should do.
Conclusion
These 10 great books for travelers this winter are excellent reading material. Whether you want to get out of your comfort zone and explore life outside of its borders, you enjoy a good eery thriller or a humorous travel story full of adventures, you'll find yourself captivated by these books. So, please choose one or two and bring them with you on your next trip!