6 Books you should take with you on the trip
You should never go on a trip without at least one book. Chances are good you’ll have some down time, which will allow you to slow down and read. But if you’ve already exhausted your list, or are just looking for something different, consider reading something that will motivate you to get the most out of your visit. Below are six different books that are great to bring along on vacations, business trips, or anywhere that requires a long plane or train ride.
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed. You may have seen Reese Witherspoon’s incredible performance in the movie adaptation, but, as always, the book offers so much more. Strayed recounts her 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in this tale of self-discovery. It’s an inspiring story, one that you’ll want to take with you on your own journey.
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Another discovery-infused adventure that also has a film of its own, this memoir follows Gilbert as she spends a year traveling the world in search for meaning. Admittedly, it does not have the same emotional weight to it that Wild does, but that makes it perhaps even more perfect for beach reading.
- Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer. In 1992, a young man named Chris McCandless ventured into the wilderness alone, having shed himself of most of his personal belongings. This work of nonfiction powerfully pieces together his story, uncovering the mystery behind his disappearance. While it’s a fair bit heavier than the other books on this list, it can make for a satisfying read as a change of pace.
- Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac. This somewhat autobiographical story is inspired by the time Kerouac spent on the west coast of the United States. It combines high adventure and hedonism to make for one of his best works. It also just so happens to be the ideal book to bring with you on a roadtrip, hike, or other adventure.
- The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. You may have read this book back in school, but that doesn’t mean it is undeserving of another visit. About a group of American and British expatriates circa the 1920s, it has everything you’d want out of a vacation book: romance, violence, partying, and lots and lots of drinking. It’s a great book for revisiting Hemingway’s straightforward yet evocative writing style, and it’s equally enjoyable at the Jersey Shore or Barcelona.
- You Shall Know Our Velocity! by Dave Eggers. This book delivers the perfect combination of adventure, intensity, and humor, making it perhaps the ideal book to read while on a trip. Friends Will and Hand travel around the world, giving away the royalties Will has received for being the box model for a light bulb company. Without much of a plan, chaos and misadventure ensues, told with Egger’s unique perspective.
6 Books to Read While Traveling [Matador Network]
9 Life-Changing Books Everyone Should Read This Year [Reader’s Digest]
The Best Vacation Books You Ever Read [Reader’s Digest]