10 Great Travel Abroad Memoirs

10 Great Travel Abroad Memoirs

Travel books that focus on going abroad provide rare insights into diverse cultures, challenges, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a list of ten compelling travel books that showcase the beauty and complexity of these regions.

1. “In A Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson

A modern travel writer’s report on his visit to Australia. I read this in 2006 on my second visit there. Bill writes about Australia as a place with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, and the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on the planet. It’s funny, fact-filled, and adventurous.

2. “Dark Star Safari” by Paul Theroux

A written account of a trip taken by American author Theroux from Cairo, Egypt, to Cape Town, South Africa, via trains, buses, cars, and armed convoy. Theroux had lived in Africa as a young and idealistic early member of the Peace Corps.

3. “The Shadow of the Sun” by Ryszard Kapuściński

Here’s another one that’s on my bookshelf. In 1957, polish journalist Kapuscinski arrived in Africa to witness the beginning of the end of colonial rule in several countries. In Ghana he traveled local like we do — on public “tro-tro” mini-vans that roam the streets of Ghana at breakneck speeds.

4. “In Patagonia” by Bruce Chatwin

Though set in a region that’s often classified as developing, Chatwin’s exploration of Patagonia is a deep dive into its culture and natural beauty, filled with myth and history.

5. “The Places in Between” by Rory Stewart

Stewart’s journey on foot through Afghanistan post-9/11 provides an eye-opening look at the resilience of its people amid political turmoil.

6. “Into Africa” by Craig Tanner

As Tanner travels through various African nations, he offers reflections that challenge preconceived notions while celebrating the continent’s rich diversity.

7. “The Beach” by Alex Garland

Set in Thailand and brimming with the allure of backpacker culture, this fictional tale captures the beauty and complexities of travel in a developing country.

8. “The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton

While not exclusively about third world countries, de Botton’s reflective approach prompts readers to consider the deeper reasons behind their travel, often exploring the less affluent parts of the globe.

9. “The Last Train to Zona Verde” by Paul Theroux

Theroux chronicles his journey through sub-Saharan Africa, offering an unfiltered look at the region’s issues, alongside its mesmerizing landscapes.

10. “Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India” by William Dalrymple

Dalrymple’s exploration of India through the lives of nine individuals reveals the spiritual and cultural richness of the nation, as well as its modern-day challenges.

These travel books not only provide stunning narratives but also broaden our understanding of the social, cultural, and political landscapes of third world countries. Dive in and discover the stories and experiences that await!

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