As a child, my parents’ and grandparents’ bookcase has allowed me to discover the world. Later, as I grew up, I’ve started developing patterns: I’ve always been attracted to detective stories and books which have something to do with traveling or are set in interesting locations.

I read a lot when I am in transit or when I need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the daily activities. The first years of my travels saw me carry around large books, but nowadays I switched to e-book reading apps on my phone.

In this article, I’m sharing a list of books that make my want to pack my bags and travel (and yes, I’ve read them).

Death on the Nile (Hercule Poirot #17) by Agatha Christie

Although not a travel book, most of the book’s action takes place in Egypt. I’ve always been a fan of Agatha and this book really made me think about going to Egypt. Loved her descriptions as the characters were taking a cruise down the Nile, stopping at the landmarks.

When the Embrace Whispers by Dimitris Bronowski

When the Embrace Whispers is a novel about Sarah, a woman yearning for more beyond the ordinary. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers tango, leading her into a world brimming with passion and self-discovery.

This story beautifully intertwines Sarah’s journey through love, loss, friendship, and the courage to pursue her heart’s desires. It’s a poignant tale that celebrates life’s unexpected turns, the rediscovery of passion, and the liberating power of dance.

This novel, exploring themes of freedom and transformation, is a testament to finding joy and meaning in unforeseen places. It’s a powerful reminder to embrace life’s rhythms and the beauty of second chances.

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

This is one of the travel books which was recommended by a friend and it does a good job and making you travel – with your mind- as you follow the adventures in the book.

Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot #10) by Agatha Christine

The quote which intrigued me to read the book came from Sex and the City (of all places), as Samantha said: “no wonder there was a murder in the Orient Express” referring to the long journey in the crappy train from New York to California. Agatha’s book follows the original route of the Orient Express, reaching Istanbul. Of course, along the way a murder takes place and Poirot is there to find the killer. I actually read this book while taking a train ride.

Open City by Teju Cole

The book which made me sigh about not making to New York yet. A must read if you are in the same situation or want to travel there soon.

Corfu – A Notebook by Richard Clark

I discovered Richard’s books a while ago and we share the same love for Greece. He has been there a lot more times than I have though. His descriptions of the Greek islands make you want to go there. Now.

>>read my review here

Around the World in Eighty Days (Extraordinary Voyages #11) by Jules Verne

The classic book when it comes to making you want to pack your bags and go. Written in the era when air travel was not yet available, the book takes you in a by land , by water, by whatever animal possible trip around the globe. Easy read, it is suitable for teens rather than adults but…I read it as an adult (in English) , having read the Romanian translation during my school years.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

Dreaming of Asia but haven’t managed to get there yet? This book is your ticket to Asia , written in a fabulous way to make you want to go. Now.

The Taint of Midas (The Greek Detective #2) by Anne Zouroudi

I have a thing for detective stories which are set in interesting places and this book makes no exception. Set on the beautiful Greek island of Arcadia, the author does a great job in making you feel the Greek spirit and you are pretty close to starting to book a trip…while you read it.

>>read my review here

The Red Rucksack by Ben West

I read this book on my trip , by train, from Vienna to Budapest. I laughed so much that I got some very interesting face reactions from the other travelers. The book does a great job to explain the highs and lows of traveling , while the humour makes you say: the hell with it, I’m going.

>>read my review here

Weird and Wonderful Korea by Chris Backe

Just like the title says, this book is great to show you Korea: with its beautiful parts but also pretty damn quirky ones. Who wants to go?

>>read my review here

The Messenger of Athens (The Greek Detective #1) by Anne Zouroudi

Didn’t I tell you have a thing for detective stories set in wonderul places? This one is set on the Greek island of Thiminos and yes, the descriptions are so detailed that you feel that you are there and cannot wait to actually be there.

>>read my review here

Traveling in Sin by Lisa Niver

Ah, Lisa’s book…I became friends with the author after reading this book. Her journey across the world is also a journey of discovery and being a better person. I loved it and it certainly made me even more of a travel addict.

>>read my review here

Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

The classic book set on the island of Crete, with the lifestyle, colors , smells and people. Yes, I want to make it to Crete. Reading this book took me one step further into understanding the Greek culture.

The Greek Islands – A Notebook: Occasional Journeys Through Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Other Islands by Richard Clark

The title tells it all: you are about to be taken on a tour of the most popular Greek Islands. And you want to plan that tour yourself and pretty damn soon. Detailed, interesting and written with a lot of love of the Greek people, the book is what you need to read before you plan your Greek vacation.

>>read my review here

Rhodes – A Notebook by Richard Jonathan Clark

I have a thing for Medieval cities and Rhode’s is one of the best preserved ones. The way Richard talks about it, made me visualize it and add Rhodes to my must-visit places.

>>read my review here

Crete – A Notebook: Journeys Through a Mystical Landscape by Richard Clark

The biggest of the Greek islands, Crete is popular enough to make you want to go there. But reading Richard’s book adds another layer of knowlege which makes you daydream and literally start making lists of what you want to do once you get there. And yes, you may drool while reading the book, as well.

>>read my review here

Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

I admit that I wasn’t able to stomach the movie but boy did I love the book. I read it while in Budapest and on the way to/from Hungary’s capital. It is the classic book about Tibet and the struggles to travel to the area. Wonderfully written , it opens up the door to the amazing area.

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