Nothing can make you feel better than some true adventure books, especially in pandemic times, when most people are stranded at home. Whether you are banned from leaving your country or you simply cannot take the quarantine, you can at least get some ideas for your future holidays or at least travel through someone else’s eyes and adventures. All in all, here are some of the most adventurous travel books out there to stimulate the wanderlust spirit inside you. Furthermore, explore a bunch of adventures that mix travel experiences, mistakes, opportunities and ideas that you may not be able to get otherwise.
Coming Back Home, by Mark Daniels
Coming Back Home brings in some personal experiences that everyone has been through, as well as some adventures that some people are dying to go through. The author has made some mistakes in his life and he learned from them. He was only 10 years old when he got drunk. By seventeen, he abused most drugs on the market, used his motorcycle to go from one bar to another and changed jobs like underwear – not to mention the wide variety of women he met on the way.
Things got worse after he turned 20. He almost hit rock bottom and that is when he woke up. Feeling a bit desperate and guilty, he failed to get back on his feet. But one thing led to another and like George M. Moore Jr. said, a winner is nothing but a loser who gives it another try. This is what Mark Daniels did – he gave life another try and this was it. The book will take you through a lot of adventures and travel experiences, as well as mistakes that people do. But at the same time, it is also a motivational piece.
A Book Of Migrations, by Rebecca Solnit
This is a book that will trigger your traveling experience in a way like no other. Rebecca Solnit has documented her traveling experiences as she explored the whole of Ireland. She decided to explore Ireland in order to discover her maternal roots and see where her ancestors used to hang around – ages before she was even born. There is a bit of history in this book, as well as unique experiences for someone who was expecting something completely different.
Ireland has a crazy history of emigration, colonization, tourism and invasion. The author brings in some funny and interesting comparisons with the American West, as well as epic descriptions of the landscape, history, culture and literature of Ireland. It is a must read book for both travel enthusiasts and those who want to explore a new world through someone else’s eyes.
A Walk In The Woods, by Bill Bryson
A Walk In The Woods gives the reader a deep insight into the so called Appalachian Trail. The trail goes from Georgia to Maine and covers an impressive distance. It is a must do for hiking enthusiasts, as well as those who love discovering the natural beauty of their surroundings – this book reflects nature at its most beautiful moments. The Appalachian Trail brings in some of the most astonishing landscapes in the USA – from impressive mountains and wild forests to crystal clear lakes and fast rivers.
If you are after a hike, this is where you need to go. Obviously, there are many risks involved too, so it pays off learning a bit more upfront – this is when Bill Bryson’s masterpiece kicks in. Discover the ecology of the terrain, as well as the history, animals and people hanging around.
Brazilian Adventure, by Peter Fleming
Brazilian Adventure is one of the top rated true adventure books out there and an excellent choice for those who feel like exploring South America. Long story short, the author took a 3,000 mile trip around Brazil. He did it in the funniest possible conditions, without knowing much about the place. Initially published in the 1930s, the book is just as actual today and will give you a good idea about what to expect if you plan to explore the country.
Working as a literary editor, the author left his pen behind and armed himself with a pistol as he went searching for a missing explorer – Colonel P. H. Fawcett. Having a few supplies and some random maps, he and his friends tackled the whole of Brazil. They did over 3,000 miles – they canoed, got away from alligators and met people who changed their lives – just as this whole adventure did. As if all these were not enough, it has a pretty interesting ending as well.
In Trouble Again, by Redmond O’Hanlon
Redmon O’Hanlon surely knew how to keep his readers and listeners interested and this book is the perfect example. The author’s incredible adventure will take readers through the fantastic and surreal rain forests between the Amazon and the Orinoco. The way he writes and his sense of humor adds to the effect of the book – you will find yourself smiling every now and then, but you will also hear your heart pounding as you turn one page after another.
Imagine wild jaguars ready to kill, piranhas ready to devour bodies within seconds and a wild country where people kill for a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of ketchup. Brazil has a bad reputation when it comes to the passion and temper of its people – things used to be even worse a few decades ago, when the book came out. All in all, this is definitely a book that will keep you on the sofa to the end.
In Ethiopia With A Mule, by Dervla Murphy
Dervla Murphy has enjoyed the experience of a lifetime while exploring the wild Ethiopian terrain. There is a mix of everything in there. To most people, Ethiopia is one of the most exotic places in the world – the author felt the same. It is a beautiful and mysterious place – a different world that could easily turn dangerous if you go in the wrong direction. The author knew that when she started her adventure, but this is exactly what drove her forward.
Generally speaking, Ethiopia is not really rated to be safe. The author ignored all official advice though and went on a grueling adventure that got her robbed three times over a short period of time. Overall, Ethiopians showed her that they can be nice and friendly people – it only takes a while to understand the cultural barriers. The most rewarding feeling out of this adventure? The possibility to understand a different race in its smallest details. This is a book of adventure, discovery, travel and danger – the kind of book that will make you want to visit countries that you cannot even locate on the map.
In Patagonia, by Bruce Chatwin and Nicholas Shakespeare
Patagonia is one of the most touristic places in the world, yet the wild environment and unseen land make it one of the most mysterious places out there. Throw in a bit of exoticism and you have one of the best true adventure books for your pandemic weekends. Fueled by a thirst for life and adventure, the author embarked upon this trip hoping to explore the unknown.
There are detailed descriptions that make you feel like you are already there, interesting bits of history and plenty of anecdotes to make your day. There are people who share a completely different culture, as well as a history rich with famous bandits and legends. There are references to Welsh immigrants, as well as Butch Cassidy’s log cabin. All these things turn Patagonia into a beautiful experience, hence the popularity of this book as soon as it came out in 1977.
Seven Years In Tibet, by Heinrich Harrer
Seven Years In Tibet is one of those true adventure books that will always retain their classic profile. The true story evokes the author’s escape to Tibet throughout World War II – all the way over the Himalayas. You might have seen the movie made after this book, but the book is miles ahead in terms of feelings and experiences. Imprisoned by the British in India, the author managed to escape and ended up in Tibet. He became Dalai Lama’s friend and spent years understanding the Tibetan lifestyle – better than any other Westerner before him.
Seven Years In Tibet is not just an adventure, but also a story of love, passion, hard work, friendship, self-reliance and courage. It will take you to another world and it will certainly make you want to explore the Tibetan lands.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, these are some of the true adventure books that will push your adventurous spirit to another level. Whether you want to discover a new adventure or you want to learn more about a place before discovering it in real life, these books will give you a good insight on a bunch of mysterious and fascinating locations across the world.