I. Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of setting off on a new adventure to a foreign land, exploring new cultures, and encountering unfamiliar people, foods, and sights. But with the travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no longer safe or realistic for many of us to travel internationally. Fortunately, there’s still a way to satisfy our wanderlust without leaving the comfort of our homes: through armchair travel.
Armchair travel refers to the act of exploring the world through books, films, or virtual tours, without physically visiting those places. It’s a way to experience different cultures and destinations from the comfort of your own couch, using your imagination to transport yourself to different parts of the world. Armchair travel has surged in popularity during the pandemic, as people seek ways to escape the monotony of life in lockdown.
One of the main benefits of armchair travel is the mental workout it provides. As humans, we crave novelty, and through exploring different cultures and immersing ourselves in new literary worlds, we can keep our brains engaged and active without ever leaving the house. By reading travel literature, we can learn about different cultures, food, history, and geography, and broaden our horizons without ever needing to pack our bags.
Armchair travel is also an accessible form of entertainment for many people, regardless of their budget or mobility. While international travel can be expensive and physically challenging for some, anyone can pick up a book and take a virtual voyage to a far-off land. Additionally, armchair travel may be the only viable option for those with health concerns or mobility issues, providing them with a way to explore the world from their own home.
Finally, armchair travel exposes us to the power of literature to educate, inspire, and open our minds to new possibilities. Travel literature can help us to see the world from different perspectives, sympathize with unfamiliar worldviews, and develop empathy for cultures and communities beyond our own. By reading about the experiences of other travelers, both past and present, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.
In short, armchair travel offers a safe, affordable, and enriching way to scratch that travel itch during the COVID-19 pandemic. By picking up one of the many excellent travel books available, you can embark on a journey around the world without ever leaving your home. So why not choose your next travel destination from the comfort of your own armchair?
II. Exploring Different Cultures
One of the most beautiful things about travel is the chance to encounter new cultures and ways of thinking. Though the pandemic has put a temporary halt to our ability to physically travel, we can still explore various cultures through literature. Here are three armchair travel books that will take you to different parts of the world and immerse you in their unique cultures.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a classic novel that explores the relationships between four Chinese immigrant mothers and their four American born daughters. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of these Chinese-American families, showing the cultural and familial values that bind them both. The novel is a beautiful exploration of Chinese culture, values, and traditions that offer readers a unique experience.
A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle offers a vivid portrait of life in a small town in the South of France. The author and his wife left their busy London life behind and moved to the idyllic town of Ménerbes. The book takes readers through the four seasons of life in Provence, offering descriptions of the food, wine, and different customs of the region. Mayle’s writing is witty, charming, and humorous, making the book a delightful and insightful read.
The Beach by Alex Garland is a book that takes the reader to the vibrant and colorful country of Thailand. The book follows a backpacker named Richard as he seeks an idyllic paradise that exists for just a few, where he finds a group of fellow travelers on a secret beach. The book is a captivating exploration of the culture and traditions of Thailand, the beauty of the Thai people, and the rich history of the country. Garland’s writing is vivid, immersive, and captivating, with descriptions that make you feel as though you are there.
In conclusion, these three armchair travel books are perfect for those who are seeking an escape to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. They will take you on a journey from China, through France, and to the gorgeous country of Thailand. Despite being unable to physically travel, these books provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the world and experience different cultures from the comfort of your own home.
III. Adventures in the Wild
Traveling to remote, natural areas can be a life-altering journey indeed. It is often an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, explore new terrains, challenge oneself, and most importantly, gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. But not all of us have the time, ability or willpower, to undertake such a voyage. This is where armchair travel books come in to fulfill our yearnings for wild adventures. Below, we explore some of the best armchair travel books that offer an escape into the wild.
1. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer:
This non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who, after graduating from college, decided to abandon his comfortable life to embark on a journey towards the Alaskan wilderness. Throughout the book, Krakauer explores what led McCandless to take such a drastic step, his adventures along the way, and ultimately, his fate. Into the Wild offers an immersive, poignant, and often thought-provoking path of a man who takes it upon himself to test his limits and the limits of the natural world.
2. Tracks by Robyn Davidson:
Robyn Davidson’s Tracks is a memoir that recounts the author’s solo journey from Alice Springs across 1,600 kilometers of Australian desert to the Indian Ocean. Davidson undertook this journey with just four camels and a dog for company, and her story provides a fascinating glimpse into a woman’s voyage through the vast, remote Australian wilderness. This book offers readers a glimpse into the ups and downs of Davidson’s journey, and her thoughts along the way about her travels and the environment.
3. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed:
Wild follows the true story of Cheryl Strayed, who after her mother’s death and the breakdown of her marriage, decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail from the Mojave Desert to Oregon. This memoir is an exploration of Strayed’s journey – both physical and emotional – as she faces the challenges of the trail and reflects on the personal and social reasons that led her to undertake the hike. Wild offers readers a compelling story of self-discovery and personal transformation in the midst of scenic and challenging terrain.
In conclusion, these books are not just about the natural world but also about the human spirit and its strength and resilience. They showcase how navigating through unfamiliar natural territory can provide individuals with an opportunity for self-discovery, growth and a greater appreciation for the world around us. So next time you find yourself yearning for an adventure in the wild, you can pick up one of these armchair travel books instead and travel without moving!
IV. Journeys of Self-discovery
One of the most engrossing and thought-provoking genres of armchair travel is the journey-of-self-discovery narrative. These books document the transformative experiences of people who throw caution to the wind and set off on life-changing journeys in the hopes of finding direction or discovering something new about themselves. The following are three books that fall into this category:
– Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir of the author’s journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia where she set out on a quest for self-discovery and healing following a difficult divorce. Along with documenting the sights, sounds and tastes of her travels, Gilbert shares her innermost thoughts about her life, her faith and her search for happiness. With her frankness, humor and poignant reflections, Gilbert offers readers a relatable, funny and uplifting narrative that ultimately inspires them to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.
– Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
In an effort to rediscover the essence of the American experience and reconnect with the nation he calls home, iconic American writer John Steinbeck embarks on a road trip across the country in 1960. Accompanied only by his faithful poodle, Charley, he set out on a trip not only to explore the landscapes and culture but also to rediscover himself. The book follows Steinbeck through his encounters with a diverse and riveting cast of characters, revealing the complexities and contradictions of American life.
– On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac’s classic On the Road remains a seminal work in armchair travel literature, chronicling the author’s travels across America with his friend Neal Cassady. Kerouac’s detailed observations, descriptions of diverse cultures, and unflinchingly honest depictions of self-destructive behavior, made the book a beacon for the beat generation of the 1950s. On the Road is an ideal book for armchair travelers who want to dive deep into the heart of America and experience the country’s complexities through the eyes of an iconic American author.
In conclusion, these books offer readers an opportunity to explore self-discovery as a form of travel, delving deep into the psyche of the authors as they journeyed across various cultures and geographical landscapes. They offer a unique perspective on armchair travel and delve into the inner journeys that can be just as transformative as the actual traveling. Reading them will transport you to new places and encourage you to take your own journey of self-discovery.
V. Historical Travel Narratives
Historical travel narratives offer insight into the culture, environment, and history of certain locations around the world. This type of literature is perfect for armchair travelers who want to dive deeper into the past and learn more about a particular place.
One such book is In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin. In this book, Chatwin explores the remote region of Patagonia, located in the southernmost tip of South America. He provides a detailed account of the geography, history, and culture of this fascinating region. His work is known for its poetic style, which perfectly captures the beauty of Patagonia.
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux is another classic historical travel narrative. In this book, Theroux takes readers on a journey across Asia on the Trans-Siberian Railway. He describes the grueling train journey and the people he meets along the way, offering insights into the different cultures of the region. The book is a perfect armchair travel experience, as readers can experience the thrill of the journey without leaving the comfort of home.
David Grann’s The Lost City of Z is a captivating work of historical travel writing that explores the legend of the City of Z, a mythical city hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest. Grann retraces the steps of explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for the lost city in the early 20th century. The book provides a fascinating insight into the Amazon and the many obstacles explorers encounter when attempting to navigate through its dense forests.
These historical travel narratives offer a unique and insightful look at the past, and the various cultures and environments that exist around the world. Reading them allows readers to travel back in time and experience a different way of life, without having to leave their home.
VI. Travel Essays
While travel books are often classified by genre, it’s worth noting that there’s significant overlap between them. Travel essays are a perfect example of this—while they tend to be thematically or geographically focused, they still offer a unique perspective on the world that can help satisfy your wanderlust.
One of the most popular and well-regarded travel essayists is Bill Bryson, a prolific author whose books have covered everything from the Appalachian Trail to Australia. Notes from a Small Island, published in 1995, is a particularly beloved work that follows Bryson as he travels around Britain before moving to the United States. This book isn’t just an entertaining read—it’s also an unexpectedly insightful look at the quirks of British life and culture.
Another prominent voice in the world of travel essays is Alain de Botton, who’s known for approaching travel from a philosophical perspective. In The Art of Travel, de Botton explores the reasons why we travel and what we hope to gain from it, from the desire for beauty to the need for escape. The book takes readers on a journey through time and space as de Botton dissects the nature of travel itself.
Finally, for readers who want to sample a variety of different travel writers, The Best American Travel Writing series is an excellent place to start. Each year, a different guest editor selects the best travel writing from American publications and presents it in a collection. This series is perfect for readers who want to discover new voices or simply read vivid and engaging stories about other places and cultures.
Overall, when it comes to armchair travel, travel essays offer readers a unique and often thought-provoking perspective on the world. Whether you’re interested in learning about a new culture or simply want to reflect on the nature of travel itself, essayists like Bryson and de Botton have something to offer every curious reader.
VII. Conclusion
As we have seen, armchair travel can be a wonderful way to explore the world without ever leaving your home. By delving into engrossing tales of journeys and adventures, we can learn about new cultures, discover breathtaking landscapes, and even embark on inner journeys of self-discovery. During the pandemic, when travel is difficult or even impossible for many of us, armchair travel offers a way to satisfy our wanderlust and expand our horizons.
In this article, we have explored some of the best armchair travel books that will take you on journeys across the world. We started by discussing books that explore different cultures, such as The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle, and The Beach by Alex Garland. These books give us a glimpse into the daily lives, customs, and beliefs of people from different parts of the world, and provide us with an opportunity to learn from their experiences.
We then went on to discuss books that take us on wild adventures, such as Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Tracks by Robyn Davidson, and Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. These books allow us to live vicariously through adventurers who have braved the wilderness and overcome incredible challenges, and inspire us to seek out our own adventures.
We also explored books that take us on journeys of self-discovery, such as Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck, and On the Road by Jack Kerouac. These books challenge us to look inward, and to discover new facets of ourselves as we explore new places and meet new people.
Finally, we discussed books that offer historical travel narratives and travel essays, such as In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin, The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux, The Lost City of Z by David Grann, Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson, The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton, and The Best American Travel Writing series. These books take us on journeys that are both informative and entertaining, and allow us to discover new perspectives on history, culture, and society.
In conclusion, armchair travel can be a fantastic way to explore the world and satisfy your wanderlust even when you can’t physically travel. By picking up a well-written travel book, you can be transported to a different world, and experience the thrill of travel from the comfort of your own home. So go ahead, start exploring the world today!
