12 Travel books and movies to inspire wanderlust

Man reads book with view of lush valley travel books

Great stories have the power to transport us. They take us to new places, introduce us to new people and make us think and feel in ways we may never have before. Great stories are at the heart of the world’s favourite books and movies. These are the kinds of novels and films that stay in our hearts long after we have turned the last page and watched the credits roll!

To celebrate International Literacy Day taking place on 8 September, the Expat Explore team has combined our love of books, movies and travel to put together a list of the top travel books and movies to inspire your next trip! We asked staff in our Cape Town and London offices along with our tour leaders, located across the globe, to share their armchair travel favourites. These books and films feature destinations, share tales of travel or simply transport their readers to new places.

Man reads book with view of lush valley travel books
There are thousands of wanderlust-worthy books and films!

Whether you’re searching for a lighthearted look at a new destination or an emotional journey to unfamiliar lands, the titles on this list are sure to pique your wanderlust! Bonus – a number of these books have been made into films! You get to enjoy them on the page and on the screen. 

Below are Expat Explore’s top 12 travel books to inspire wanderlust:

1. Notes from a Small Island – Bill Bryson (book)

What it’s about: Distinguished travel writer Bill Bryson embarks on a “grand farewell tour” of Great Britain as the best-selling author returns home to the USA after 20 years in England. He travels around Britain sharing insights on the history and heritage of the countries that make up this “small island”. He highlights unique (often quirky and chuckle-inducing!) British characters he encounters. In 2003, this was voted by BBC Radio 4 listeners as the book that best represented England. That may have been 20 years ago but the sentiment still rings true! Bryson has written a number of travel books on destinations including the USA, Europe and Australia. He has also published a memoir and popular science book A Short History of Nearly Everything.

You’ll like it if: You’re in the mood for a laugh-out-loud travelogue style book. Bryson’s writing style is playful, cheerful and full of self-deprecating humour. He is great at placing himself in the story and taking the reader along for the ride.

Pile of Bill Bryson travel books
Bill Bryson has written an impressive collection of travel books.

Related: Take your own tour of Great Britain with Expat Explore. 

2. The Alchemist and Hippie – Paulo Coelho (books)

What it’s about: Brazilian author Paulo Coelho is famous for his best-selling novel The Alchemist published in 1988. The book follows the story of an Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago who is inspired by a recurring dream to travel the world in search of a treasure. The story follows Santiago on his journey and the people he meets along the way. The core message that “when you really want something to happen, the whole universe will conspire so that your wish comes true ” has made it loved by audiences worldwide! 

In 2018, Coelho published Hippie which is largely based on his own life experiences. The story follows Coelho in his younger years in 1969 when groups of people dreamed of peace and challenged the established order of society. He is young and dreams of travel and adventure. The book illustrates his travels in Amsterdam, Nepal (aboard the Magic Bus), Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. 

You’ll like it if: You want to feel motivated to follow your dreams! These books are full of inspirational life advice and memorable quotes. 

The Alchemist novel and a cup of tea travel books
The Alchemist is one of the most popular books in the world!

Related: Embark on your own European trip or South American adventure with Expat Explore. 

3. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail – Cheryl Strayed (book and movie)

What it’s about: Wild is a memoir written by American writer Cheryl Strayed. In her mid-twenties, Strayed faced a momentous period of grief. She made the impulsive decision to complete a solo hike of over 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail in the USA – with no training. This may not be the tale of an expert hiker but it is a story of a woman alone in the woods, pushing her physical and mental limits day after day.

You’ll like it if: You’re looking for a story about resilience and self-discovery in an incredible setting. Strayed’s writing style is captivating, honest (brutally so at times), warm and humorous while dealing with an intense journey of healing. It’s now a film starring Reese Witherspoon.

View of sign a the Pacific Crest Trail in the USA travel books
The Pacific Crest Trail is a scenic route on the west coast of the USA.

4. The Elephant Whisperer – Lawrence Anthony (book)

What it’s about: This is the memoir of South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony. The book tells the story of a herd of wild African elephants on Anthony’s Thula Thula game reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Anthony is the herd’s last chance at survival as they are notorious escape artists and have become a danger to themselves and nearby communities. Anthony describes his journey of bonding with the herd and the characters he encounters along the way.

You’ll like it if: You’re an animal lover! This is an inspiring story of life, loyalty, freedom and trust told in an enthralling way.

African Elephant in the wild travel books
Read The Elephant Whisperer to better understand these gentle giants.

Related: Grab your chance to see elephants in their natural habitat on a South African safari tour

5. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer (book and movie)

What it’s about: This historical novel is set in 1946 and follows writer Juliet Ashton who embarks on a journey to write a story about a group of residents of Guernsey who lived under German occupation and started a spur of the moment book club when caught by the Nazis at an illegal gathering. It is written in the form of a series of letters and offers fascinating and often emotional insight into life in post-war Britain.

You’ll like it if: You’re looking for a heartwarming story about friendship, hope and forming unexpected connections. It also features wonderful descriptions of post-war London and Guernsey. 

This novel has been made into a great film starring Lily James as Juliet Ashton. 

View of coastline in Guernsey travel books
Guernsey is home to stunning scenery!

Related: Explore historic destinations across Great Britain on our UK and Ireland tours

6. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown (book and movie)

What it’s about: This well-known thriller novel follows the story of professor Robert Langdon and police cryptologist Sophie Neveu who are investigating a murder at the Louvre. The case takes them through Paris, London and Scotland and features top attractions from these destinations. The book’s popularity influenced record-breaking numbers of visitors to the Louvre! It offers a look at alternative religious history. The book is a worldwide bestseller and has been translated into over 44 languages! 

You’ll like it if: You love a good mystery! This book features art, history, conspiracies and secret sects. It was adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks in 2006. 

Front cover of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown travel books
The Da Vinci Code is a best-seller complete with mystery and intrigue.

Below are Expat Explore’s top 12 travel movies to inspire wanderlust:

7. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (movie and book)

What it’s about: As planet Earth faces imminent doom, human Arthur Dent is whisked away by his friend (and alien) Ford on a spaceship for an intergalactic adventure. The 2005 film is based on Douglas Adams’ whimsical and funny science fiction novel. The film follows Arthur on his adventures across the universe where he encounters numerous memorable characters and seeks out the meaning of life. The film stars Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel and the voices of Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman and more. 

You’ll like it if: You’re looking for a quirky film full of comedy, character and adventure. We may not be able to travel to space (yet) but we can definitely daydream of the mysteries of the universe! 

View of record and record player travel books
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a super quirky and super fun film!

8. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (movie)

What it’s about: A man stuck living a dull life escapes in the form of epic daydreams. Everything changes when the editor of the magazine he works for sends him on a real-life adventure to track down a mysterious and legendary photojournalist. His travels take him to incredible destinations and help him rediscover his love for life! The film boasts incredible cinematography with several scenes shot in locations across Iceland. 

You’ll like it if: You’re an escapist and traveller at heart! Join Walter on his adventure of a lifetime to places like Greenland and the Himalayas (with Iceland standing in as the filming location for these destinations).

View of Kirkjufell in Iceland travel books
Enjoy the incredibly Icelandic scenery like Kirkjufell in Iceland in the Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

9. Amelie (movie)

What it’s about: This golden-hued, fanciful French comedy is about a young woman living in Paris. This shy waitress from Montmartre decides to change the lives of those around her for the better and the story follows her on her mission. Amelie is a quirky, endearing character and the film captures the charm, beauty and mystery of Paris through her eyes; Paris is filled with poets, art, cobblestone lanes and the possibility of love. Over 80 locations were used across the city and the shots will have you feeling wistful for a trip to the “City of Lights”!

You’ll like it if: You’re in the mood for something fun and whimsical that has the bonus of being filled with lovely shots of Paris. Enjoy an almost idealistic version of Parisian life in Montmartre!

View of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, Paris travel books
Escape into a romance-filled version of Paris with Amelie!

Related: Experience the magic of Paris and travel to Europe on one of our multi-country group tours that visit France

10. The Bucket List (movie)

What it’s about: Two terminally ill men draw up a bucket list of things they want to experience before they kick the bucket. The two are complete strangers before fate brings them together in the same hospital room where they decide to go out and live life to the fullest. The two go on a globetrotting adventure visiting incredible places including the Great Wall of China, the North Pole, the Taj Mahal, the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and even Mount Everest. The film stars the dynamic duo of Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.

You’ll like it if: You’re ready for a heartwarming story about the importance of family and living life to the fullest! Be sure to have tissues ready – it’s a bit of a tearjerker! 

View of the Great Wall of China and rolling green hills travel books
The Great Wall of China is one of the bucket list destinations in the film.

11. Crocodile Dundee (movie)

What it’s about: This action-comedy follows American reporter Sue Charlton who travels to Australia to interview legendary crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. Mick is completely at ease in the wilderness of the outback but becomes a fish out of water when he returns with Sue to New York City. This may seem like a strange addition to the list but the cheesy comedy and contrasting destinations of the Australian outback and the concrete jungle that is New York City make it worth a watch!

You’ll like it if: You’re in the mood to laugh and can find the humour in a few old-school stereotypes and quirky hijinks. This throwback film may be a bit of a guilty pleasure but it is sure to elicit a few smiles! 

Jangaroo crossing sign in Australian outback travel books
Enjoy silly Aussie fun with Crocodile Dundee!

12. Eat Pray Love (movie and book)

What it’s about: Follow the journey of Liz Gilbert as she travels the world and discovers the meaning of life. The film is based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir of the same name and stars Julia Roberts. Liz goes on a trip of self-discovery that takes her on life-changing adventures in Italy, India and Bali.

You’ll like it if: You’re on the hunt for a classic film about the importance of self-discovery and finding yourself! It also offers wanderlust-worthy cinematography filmed in Italy, India and Bali. This movie will have you reaching for your passport! 

Woman walking through rice fields in Ubud Bali travel books
Get ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery after watching Eat Pray Love.

Are you feeling inspired? Join the club! If these books and movies have sparked your wanderlust, there’s no time like the present to start planning your next trip! Take a look at Expat Explore’s bucket-list-worthy tours that visit exciting destinations across the globe.


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