Top 12 Travel-Inspired Books According to Our Safara Insiders
When interviewing our Insiders, almost everyone claimed they’d cram a book into their carry-on. Granted, we’re not really able to vacation right now (#Covid-19), but the list still applies. Whether you’re staycationing or self-isolating, we’ve shortlisted our favorite recommendations for your trip (or armchair trip). From Hemingway to Bill Bryson, Joan Didion to A. A. Gill, simply click to buy, and get lost in a story.
1. ‘Life and Death on the New York Dance Floor’ – Tim Lawrence Brooks
“Because it reminds me of my youth and my home.” – Carissa Barrett
2. ‘Notes From a Small Island’ – Bill Bryson
“It’s an amusing read.” – Nicholas Campbell
3. ‘A.A. Gill is Away’ – A.A. Gill
“His acerbic writing style speaks to me more than most. He travelled far and wide, writing about some notoriously dull and difficult places and yet always found a story, because, there always is one. Even where I don’t agree with his opinions I find his absolute conviction compelling.” – Louis Sheridan
4. ‘The LUXE Guides’
“They’re well curated and cater to travelers like me, who want to hit up all the newest & coolest (slightly off the beaten path) hot spots. Also, my journal.” – Sabrina Meier
5. ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ – Ernesto “Che” Guevara
“Takes one Ernesto to know another.” – Ernesto Roman
6. ‘The Lightning Field’ – Walter de Maria
“The story itself is situated near a small cabin that was built for the purpose of experiencing ‘The Lightning Field’ over a period of a day (or more) as the sky and landscape change throughout the day. You can visit alone or in a small group, and with no cell service for miles you’d better make sure it’s people you like. More importantly, it’s a magical place for introspection and appreciation of the artwork and the beautiful high desert of New Mexico.” – Kimiko Ninomiya
7. ‘Arcana Volume 5: Magic, Mysticism, and Music’ – John Zorn
Recommended by Grace Lee
8. ‘Mandala Of Being’ – Richard Moss
”Because I can practice mindfulness and awareness as I read it and apply practices in real time.” – Megan Puleri
9. ‘A Moveable Feast’ – Ernest Hemingway
“Hemingway always reminds me of my Dad, who was my favorite travel partner. Recently, I read Donna Tartt’s ‘A Secret History’ while traveling between Shelter Island, CA, and NYC. I’m a little late to this one, but I am a huge fan of her writing and this book is definitely one you can get lost in during those hours in transit.” – Georgia Zeavin
10. ‘Vagabonding, An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-term Travel’ – Rolf Potts
“He makes a compelling case for why you should not wait to travel until you’re retired or you’ve saved “enough” money—if you really want to travel, make it a true priority now. Take the money you’d otherwise spend on a few dinners or fancy jeans and buy a plane ticket instead. This philosophy really inspired me to change my career path and, in fact, my entire lifestyle.” – Christina Perez
11. ‘The Bright Continent’ – Dayo Olopade
“An investigation of technology and development in Africa. I reported it across 17 countries in two years, and while it covers meaty issues like education, health care, and finance in Africa, it’s also a contemporary travelogue that brings back memories of some of the most unusual and fascinating places I’ve been.” – Daya Olopade
12. ‘The White Album’ – Joan Didion
“For her packing list on page 34 and her devastating essay on Hawaii. Among new works, I’m obsessed with Flights by Olga Tokarczuk for her beyond-inventive descriptions of airports and travel-sized toiletries.” – Amelia Mularz
