Travel books either inspire you to pack your bags and get ready to explore or reveal places you might never visit. During these times of Covid-19, when traveling is a bigger hassle and a constant health risk, reading travel books and getting inspired until traveling becomes easier again is the best option.

Don’t know where to begin exploring this genre? Worry not, as we have brought you a list of the four best travel books. If you’re interested in fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, or thrillers, keep reading as we have got something for everyone.

The Woman Who Fell From The Sky

It is a memoir by Jennifer Steil. Steil takes you with her to a place we only hear about in the news and are significantly less likely to visit: Yemen! Steil gets the opportunity to teach a journalism course in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen. 

She also works as an editor of one of the city’s English-language newspapers. It gets thrilling and sentimental, and a myriad of other emotions as Steil shares her experiences of partying with Yemeni girlfriends, facing prejudice from her male colleagues, and falling in love. Had it not been a travel book, we still would have recommended it as it’s that good.

Crazy Rich Asians

This book needs no introduction as the movie made on this novel has become quite popular and widely discussed. Kevin Kwan published this hilarious book in June 2013. He said that he wanted to “introduce a contemporary Asia to a North American audience,” and this satirical romantic comedy effortlessly does that.

An American-born Chinese who is the heir to one of the biggest fortunes in Asia returns to Singapore with his girlfriend to attend the season’s wedding. All the glitz and glamour will surely make you want to book Singapore as your next travel destination.

Behind The Beautiful Forevers

Behind the Beautiful Forevers, by Katherine Boo, takes you away from all the glitz and glamour to the stark, bitter reality of the people living in one of Mumbai’s slums, Annawadi. 

The condition of Annawadi is in startling contrast to the glass-covered luxury resorts and hotels that stand tall nearby. Boo is successful in her attempt to depict the lives of the people in this slum. As you read this, you will also dangle between hope and despair, just like the residents of Annawadi do.

All The Light We Cannot See

Want to combine history with fiction? All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is the perfect pick! Doerr takes us to WWII France and effortlessly creates a thrilling narrative. His excellent story writing will undoubtedly captivate you, and you won’t help but read it in one go.

Concluding Thoughts

There are countless great travel books written that it was challenging to pick the best four! If you have just started exploring this genre, start by reading these four books, and you’re sure to be hooked.