Our recommendations on the best travel writing collections
Much of the best travel writing comes in short story form, and some of the best travel writing books are collections of these essays and articles. Our selections include several well-respected long-running series and a number of anthologies from some of the best travel writers. These collections offer armchair travelers a chance to explore diverse destinations and experiences through the eyes of talented authors. Here find our recommendations on some of the best travel writing collections.
The Best Travel Writing Collections
The Best Travel Writing Collections
The Best American Travel Writing
The Best American Travel Writing is a long-running series dedicated to exactly what the title says - an annual collection of the best of travel articles and essays from American writers. Each year a notable author acts as the final editor, choosing from hundreds of great pieces. The editor for the 2021 version is Padma Lakshimi, a is an Indian-American author, model, television host, and executive producer best known for hosting the cooking competition show "Top Chef.". Previous editors include noted travel writers like Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, Ian Frazier, Pico Iyer, Tim Cahill, Frances May, Elizabeth Gilbert, and the legendary Anthony Bourdain. The series was sadly cancelled in 2022, but all the past editions are absolutely still worth reading.
The Best Women’s Travel Writing
Prepare to be captivated by the latest edition of The Best Women's Travel Writing: True Stories From Around the World. Expertly curated by Lavinia Spalding and published by Traveler's Tales, this award-winning anthology continues to inspire and enthrall readers. Each page brims with adventurous tales and insightful reflections from intrepid female wanderers, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences from across the globe. Whether you're an armchair explorer or a seasoned globetrotter, this compelling series remains an essential read for anyone with a passion for travel and a thirst for diverse perspectives.
The Way of Wanderlust
The Way of Wanderlust by Don George is a collection of travel stories and essays that showcase the author's extensive experiences as a travel writer and editor. The book spans several decades of George's journeys across the globe, offering readers a blend of adventure, cultural insights, and personal reflections. George's writing style is known for its vivid descriptions and ability to capture the essence of places and people he encounters, providing a thoughtful exploration of how travel can broaden one's perspective and enrich life.
Ox Travels: Meetings with Remarkable Travel Writers
Contributing to a worthy cause can be remarkably simple, as exemplified by OxTravels. This captivating collection features 25 original travel stories from renowned authors, many of whom are celebrated on this website. Published in support of Oxfam, the book transcends its charitable origins to stand as a remarkable compilation of travel writing in its own right. With an introduction by the esteemed Michael Palin, OxTravels offers readers a journey through diverse perspectives and destinations, proving that literature can both entertain and make a difference.
Smile When You're Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer
Smile When You're Lying offers a refreshing take on travel writing, exposing its often exaggerated and clichéd nature. Chuck Thompson, a seasoned travel writer, brings a credible and unfiltered perspective to the genre. His insider status lends weight to his critiques, but it's his ability to find humor and insight in the unvarnished realities of travel that truly shines. By sharing the harsh truths of journeys as they really unfold, Thompson crafts narratives that are both genuinely funny and surprisingly insightful, reminding us that imperfect encounters often create the most lasting impressions.
The World, by Jan Morris
The World is a captivating writing collection by Jan Morris, one of the most respected travel writers of the 20th century. Published in 1974, this book offers a panoramic view of global cultures and landscapes, drawing from Morris's extensive journeys across continents. With keen observation and lyrical prose, Morris paints vivid portraits of cities, peoples, and customs, providing readers with a snapshot of the world as it was in the mid-20th century. The work stands as a testament to Morris's ability to capture the essence of places and their inhabitants, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in travel literature.
The Kindness of Strangers
The Kindness of Strangers is a heartwarming collection of travel essays that celebrates the unexpected connections we make on the road. Edited by Don George, this anthology brings together stories from renowned writers like Jan Morris, Simon Winchester and Dave Eggers, each recounting moments when the generosity of unfamiliar faces turned challenging situations into cherished memories. The book serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences in our journeys come not from carefully planned itineraries, but from the simple, touching gestures of those we meet along the way.
The Journey’s Echo, by Freya Stark
The Journey's Echo by Freya Stark is a captivating collection of travel writings that takes readers on an enchanting voyage through the Middle East and beyond. From the bustling bazaars of Baghdad to the serene deserts of Arabia, Stark's adventures leap off the page, inviting readers to experience the thrill of discovery alongside her. Stark, a British-Italian explorer and writer, defied conventions of her time, traveling solo through regions considered dangerous for Western women in the early 20th century. Her insatiable curiosity, linguistic skills, and deep respect for local cultures shine through in her writing, offering readers a unique perspective on lands often misunderstood by outsiders.
Marco Polo Didn’t Go There, by Rolf Potts
Marco Polo Didn't Go There by Rolf Potts is an enlightening journey through the world of travel writing. In this collection of essays, Potts takes readers on a trip that's part travelogue, part behind-the-scenes expose of the travel writing industry. With wit and candor, he reveals the often-embellished nature of travel stories, including his own, and explores the fine line between fact and fiction in travel literature. Potts' adventures span the globe, from Cairo to Thailand, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar destinations and shedding light on the art of crafting compelling travel narratives.
Jaguars Ripped My Flesh, by Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill, renowned for his adventurous spirit and vivid storytelling, captures readers' imaginations in his collection Jaguars Ripped My Flesh. This compilation of travel essays showcases Cahill's knack for finding himself in extraordinary—and often precarious—situations around the globe. With his trademark wit and keen observational skills, Cahill takes us from the depths of underwater caves to the heights of treacherous mountains, all while maintaining a self-deprecating humor that makes his adventures feel both thrilling and relatable.
To The Ends of The Earth, by Paul Theroux
To the Ends of the Earth is a travel writing collection that showcases Paul Theroux's talent for capturing the essence of his journeys through encounters with locals. This anthology compiles highlights from six of Theroux's renowned travelogues, featuring train trips across Asia and South America, and a coastal tour of the UK. Theroux's other travel writing collections include The Tao of Travel and Fresh Air Fiend, which similarly draw from his extensive experiences and keen observations of people and places around the world.
An Innocent Abroad, by Lonely Planet
An Innocent Abroad is a delightful collection of travel tales from Lonely Planet that showcases the misadventures and cultural mishaps of first-time travelers. This anthology features stories from well-known writers and personalities, each recounting their most memorable (and often embarrassing) experiences while exploring unfamiliar territories. From linguistic mix-ups to culinary surprises, the book offers a humorous and heartwarming look at the challenges and joys of stepping outside one's comfort zone. It's a perfect read for both seasoned globetrotters and armchair travelers, reminding us that sometimes the best memories come from those unplanned, awkward moments abroad.
What Am I Doing Here, by Bruce Chatwin
Bruce Chatwin's What Am I Doing Here is a collection of essays and stories that showcases the author's wide-ranging interests and travels. Published in 1989, it was Chatwin's final book before his death. Unlike a traditional travelogue, this work compiles various pieces written throughout his career, touching on diverse subjects and locations. The book demonstrates Chatwin's characteristic blend of travel writing, journalism, and personal reflection. Through encounters with notable figures and observations of different cultures, What Am I Doing Here offers readers a glimpse into Chatwin's restless spirit and his ongoing quest to understand the world and his place in it.
Here & There, by AA Gill
Marco Polo Didn't Go There by Rolf Potts is an enlightening journey through the world of travel writing. In this collection of essays, Potts takes readers on a trip that's part travelogue, part behind-the-scenes expose of the travel writing industry. With wit and candor, he reveals the often-embellished nature of travel stories, including his own, and explores the fine line between fact and fiction in travel literature. Potts' adventures span the globe, from Cairo to Thailand, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar destinations and shedding light on the art of crafting compelling travel narratives.
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