As you prepare for your next journey, why not let your mind travel along with your body? A great travel book can whisk you away to distant lands, spark your imagination, and make the hours in the air disappear. This list of 10 must-read travel books is the perfect companion for any flight. Each book not only tells a story but also invites you to embark on an adventure of your own, long before you even reach your destination.

Preparing for what's ahead

A good travel book can transport you to far-off places and inspire you to explore new worlds. Put your adventurous spirit to the test with these essential reads that will keep you glued to the pages and take your mind on a journey:

"In Patagonia" by Bruce Chatwin

A classic of travel literature, this book chronicles Chatwin's adventure through the remote and wild regions of Patagonia, offering vivid descriptions and deep reflections. It’s the kind of travel book that makes you want to relive the story and visit the places he describes, meeting the same people along the way. Entertaining and insightful, it takes you on a journey through a truly spectacular part of the world.

“On the Road” by Bruce Chatwin

One of the best travel books of all time, this autobiographical novel tells the story of Kerouac's journeys across America in the 1950s. It’s an ode to freedom and discovery, capturing the spirit of the Beat Generation. The reader experiences the yearning, the desolation, and the ecstatic moments that define their search for meaning, joy, and knowledge, set against a backdrop of a mundane and indifferent world.

Jules Verne's “Around the World in Eighty Days”

A timeless adventure novel, this book follows Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout on their whirlwind journey around the world, full of twists and surprises. Through encounters with different cultures, Verne celebrates global diversity. The story is not just about adventure, but also a reflection of human ambition, imagination, and the desire to push beyond boundaries.

"Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

A memoir of self-discovery, Gilbert recounts her journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of pleasure, devotion and inner balance. These three geographical locations mirror her inner quest. The book is about taking control of your own happiness and breaking away from societal expectations to find fulfillment on your own terms.

“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed

This memoir follows Strayed's challenging and transformative solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail through the western United States. Nature is at the heart of this book, and Strayed’s constant contact with it forces her to appreciate life’s simplest pleasures. The book is a blend of despair and self-discovery, as she encounters a wide range of emotions and people along her unforgettable journey.

“In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson

Bryson's adventures through Australia are captured with his trademark and vivid descriptions. Part history book, part travelogue, this engaging read is also filled with the author's personal experiences. His dry humor keeps it all together, while he celebrates Australia’s majestic landscapes and the warmth of its people. It’s one of the best travel books to get to know Australia.

“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig

A philosophical journey, as much as a physical one, this book takes readers on a motorcycle trip across the U.S. while exploring themes of quality, life and maintenance. It’s a metaphor for balancing the rational world of technology with the imaginative world of art. Pirsig shows us how to concentrate, observe, and appreciate the details, turning every action into a meditative practice. This profound book is an essential read for thoughtful travelers.

"Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen:

This memoir reflects Blixen's years spent on a coffee plantation in Kenya, offering rich insight into colonial life and African landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful love stories in contemporary literature - a love letter to the landscapes, people and cultures that were so different from Blixen’s European upbringing.

Charles Darwin's “The Voyage of the Beagle”:

Darwin's account of his voyage aboard the Beagle, which led to the formulation of his theory of evolution, remains one of the most fascinating travel reads of all time. His detailed observations of nature and wildlife make this an extraordinary voyage, still cherished today as a landmark moment in scientific discovery.

“Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica” by Sara Wheeler:

Wheeler's account of her adventures in Antarctica delves into the desolate beauty and challenges of the continent. The book provides a thoughtful reflection on the landscape, history, and myths of this isolated region while portraying the daily lives of the international community living there. It’s a fascinating read about one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Books available at Fiumicino airport

While passing through Rome’s Fiumicino airport, whether you’re about to catch a flight or have a long layover, you might find yourself in need of a good read. Fortunately, the airport offers a fantastic selection of bookstores where you can pick up a variety of titles to keep you entertained on your journey.

Each of these travel books reminds us that the adventure doesn't end when the plane lands; it continues in the pages of a great book and in the dreams it inspires. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or prefer to explore the world from the comfort of your seat, these selections of the best travel books will stay with you, encouraging you to seek new horizons long after your journey is over.

Find out more about Shop&Fly