Travel Writing

Many of us love to travel, and that doesn’t always mean you have to be travelling to enjoy it as a hobby. Travel writing books offer us insights into the travel experiences and tips from other keen explorers, from the hilarious anecdotes to the cautionary tales.

There are countless books on travel to discover, and we’re proud to offer many of them right here on Booktopia. In fact, there are so many that there are often new releases to look forward to, so keep an eye on our ‘coming soon’ section to see what’s coming up!

Popular travel writing
Life on Svalbard explores what it’s like to live in one of the most remote places in the world. With Arctic animals, several months of darkness every year, northern lights, and the challenges and joys of living near the North Pole, this book offers insight into a world apart.

Another popular read is Greatest Walks of the World. This book covers 200 hiking trails, from top spots across Australia and New Zealand to more exotic walks through the Himalayas and through Africa. It is inspiring, beautiful, and fascinating all at once.

Classic travel writing
Some travel books has stood the test of time long enough to become world-renowned, so be sure to explore our classic travel writing section.

The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara is one such read. Touted as the Latin American Jack Kerouac, Guevara explores the South American continent on the back of a 1939 Norton motorbike. The tales range from meeting people, to wooing women, to learning first-hand about poverty and philosophy. It’s easy to see why this read become a world-renowned classic, and fascinating to learn about the revolutionary’s younger years.

Australian travel writing
Aussies are notorious travellers, which means there are some fantastic Australian travel writing to enjoy.

Media personality Kate Langbroek wrote Ciao Bella, a hilarious and inspiring story of her experience moving to Italy with her family. It throws into stark focus the difference between the imagined idea of a life in Italy and the reality in which she, her husband, and their kids move to a place where none of them speak the language or know anyone. And of course, it’s about loving he journey along the way.

Another great read is Bewildered, by Laura Waters. This is the story of a Melburnian who took off to New Zealand to walk the famous Te Araroa track, a 3,000-kilometre long wild trail that runs the entire length of the country. It’s a transformative tale that won the 2021 ‘Best Travel Book’ at the Australian Society of Travel Writers awards.