16 of the Best Adventure Books for People with Wanderlust

When I think of adventures…

I think of new places, trains, boats, stormy seas, quiet forests, endless trails, interesting people, and eye-opening experiences. The books on this list encompass that feeling of adventure; transporting you on armchair-journeys to foreign lands with unforgettable characters, and insightful (sometimes tragic) conclusions.

Choose your own adventure book.. sorta

Whether you’re looking to escape into the wild and explore the great outdoors with your author-guide, hoping to jump in the car for an exciting road trip through fascinating places with even more fascinating people or get swept up in a thrilling mystery someplace far from home, you’ll be hard-pressed not to satisfy your wanderlust with these awesome adventure books.

Well, you might really end up feeding your wanderlust. Fair warning. These books are perfect for people with an appetite for exploration.

For when you don’t feel like reading:

43 Indiana Jones Style Classic Adventure Movies

The Best Adventure TV Shows and Movies on Netflix

7 Lessons from 7 Inspiring Movies about The Outdoors

1. The Way of the World by Nicolas Bouvier

A curiosity-fueled, perceptive retelling of the 24-year-old Bouvier’s European road trip he took with his artist friend. In a rickety car they traveled from Geneva to the Khyber Pass, gathering journal entries along the way. You can practically see the vintage suitcases and hear that car puttering along. $13

2. Chocolat by Joanne Harris

A strange woman arrives in a quiet little town and starts making quite an impression – good or bad – on the townspeople. What’s the big deal? Her unique chocolate shop. A sweet (literally) uplifting story that’ll hook you with it’s beautiful characters and just a touch of magic.  $10

3. The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

Truly an adventure in a book, the story follows the author as he travels across Europe on some of the most infamous train rides in the world (trans-siberian, anyone?), recounting the places and the people he encounters along the way with a gift for insightful perceptions. $13

4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The story of a fictional boy who travels the world in search of treasure, The Alchemist has become a quick classic. Arguably one of the best adventure books to grace bookshelves (or kindles) and a source of numerous popular quotes. $12

5. A Sense of Direction by Gideon Lewis-Kraus

A directionless man undertakes a pilgrimage to find forgiveness and purpose across three different treks in 3 very different parts of the world. $13

6. Travels with Charlie: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

A reflective, humours journey that Steinbeck takes with his French poodle, Charlie, across America. This road trip takes you on a famous ride, stopping along the way to connect with strangers and meet up with old friends. $9

7. Desert Solitaire by Edward Abby

A memoir from a park ranger about the challenges and adventures that crossed his path in his career. From dealing with damage done by tourism, to finding a dead body, plus beautiful philosophical observations about the desert environment where he worked. $10

8. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

The Appalachian Trail is a hiker’s dream from Georgia to Maine. A Walk in the Woods is a practical guide to the trail woven into a story unlike any other “guidebook” you’ll find. Probably why it’s a best-seller. $10

9. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

One of my all-time favorite adventure books.

Agatha Christie sets up compelling characters and a nail-biting mystery against the backdrop of a glamourous cruise down the famous Nile river. $12

10. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby

A travel writer’s recounting of his daunting journey through the HIndu Kush. Off to explore a place with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world – with almost no preparation. For a month.

Crazy or awesome adventure? I’ll leave it up to you. $7

11. The Worst Journey in the World by Aspley Cherry-Geraard

A pioneering exploration to the South Pole with devastating consequences, this book was written by the youngest, and one of only three survivors. $14 

12. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

The tragic wanderings of a young man who left a normal life for one full of adventure and a deeper connection with the world around him, in the wildness of Alaska. As told by an author who painstakingly pieced together the mystery after the man’s body was found. $12

13. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

A story of friendship between two children from different walks of life in a world that’s falling apart around them. Kite Runner explores the power others have over us, and the consequences of our choices.

Get ready to be taken on a beautifully-depicted adventure. $10

14. In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

The same author to produce the best-selling A Walk in the Woods continues on his path to adventure-heaven with another witty, fact-filled look at the world around him.

This time, it’s Oz – a place home to many of the world’s deadliest wildlife, better known as Australia. $12

15. Send More Idiots by Tony Perez-Giese

The mysterious disappearance of his brother over the border of Mexico forces Jon to investigate in the land of the Cartels and align himself with some shady characters to get answers. Details, humor and a high body-count make this fast-paced read an attention-grabber for anyone, especially anyone with an interest in exploring the lands south of the border.$20

16. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Based on her true story, after feeling like her life has spiraled out of control Cherly makes the impulsive (and reckless) decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (over 1,000 miles) – alone. Insightful and adventurous, Wild makes it onto the Best Adventure Books list because this is a story driven by pure will. $10

That wraps up the list! Have you guys read any of these? Have any other favorites? Let me know – I’m curious.

If you click on the photos or prices you’ll be able to buy either paperback, hardback, or digital copies of the books, and I get a small commission – at no extra cost to you, of course! Just wanted to give ya a heads up!