The sense of adventure, crossing new borders and finding inspiration in the beautiful diversity of the world is what makes traveling such a unique experience. If you’re a globetrotter and traveling is what feeds your soul, then these seven books will help you find inspiration for your next journey or even help you find the motivation to completely change your lifestyle. These are the books every globetrotter should read.

(Feature image courtesy of @nycbookworms)

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

Have you ever felt like your life is falling apart and you need to go somewhere without looking back? That’s exactly what Elizabeth Gilbert writes about in her New York Times bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love. It’s a story about a 34-year-old woman dealing with divorce and feeling devastated, who decides to devote a year of her life to traveling to three countries she’s never been to. The story follows Gilbert through Italy, where she enjoys earthly pleasures in the form of mouthwatering Italian pasta, tiramisu and gelatos. She moves on to India, where she seeks her spirituality and spends time meditating in silence. Finally, in Bali, Indonesia, she finds things she didn’t know she was looking for. It’s a book that has it all: adventure, exploration, romance and life lessons.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Set in the astonishing Amazon rainforest in Brazil, this 2011 novel is a treat not only for those who love reading about the beauties of nature but for those who like to be mesmerized by an intriguing story as well. State of Wonder is a story about Marina Singh, a pharmacologist sent to Brazil to join her former teacher in the research she’s been conducting there. However, the more time Marina spends exploring the Amazon rainforest and looking into the research, the more secrets she reveals. It’s a story about mystery, adventure, sacrifice and science joined with Ann Patchett’s captivating descriptions of the jungle.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This inspirational novel by the prominent Brazilian author, Paulo Coehlo, is an uplifting story about a boy who decides to follow his dream. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who one night has a prophetic dream about a treasure waiting to be discovered in the Egyptian pyramids. That’s where Santiago’s journey begins. On this journey, he’ll discover much more than what he’d hoped to, and the people he meets on the way will shape his story and his life. The message of the novel is what makes it so beautiful and memorable: Each new obstacle is a lesson learned. Just listen to your heart and pursue your dreams.

Down Under by Bill Bryson

Down Under is the travelogue written by the proclaimed British travel-writer, Bill Bryson, in 2000. What makes this book perfect for any globetrotter interested to learn about Australia is the mixture of cultural background, historical facts, humorous stories and adventurous episodes. The author describes his journey throughout Australia, by train and by car. He writes about the people, the plants, the animals and the natural beauties of the continent. It’s both educational and entertaining. What more could you wish for?

Travel as Transformation by Gregory V. Diehl

This is a book that truly gives insight on how travel can change not only what you do and who you meet, but also who you essentially are. The author left his home in California before he turned 20 and dedicated his life to traveling the world. The main message that the book carries isn’t about the adventurist side of living a traveler’s life. It’s about how new environments, cultures, experiences and belief systems can help us learn who we really are and shape our own version of ourselves. The book is about not letting your ordinary life and the circumstances you’ve been surrounded with define you – it’s about taking things into your own hands and pulling your own strings.

How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker by Lauren Juliff

Travel bloggers have their fair share of travel stories to tell, but this is definitely not something you read every day. Lauren Juliff’s travel memoir is the recollection of her first ever solo-travel adventure, the fear of the unknown and daring to live your dream. The crazy things that happen to Lauren on her adventures are both entertaining and inspirational. From punching a scammer to being face-to-face with a tsunami, she finds the silver lining in it all and gets back on her feet each time she’s in trouble.

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

If you feel like travel is what you’re supposed to be doing and the need for exploring new places is your innate desire, then this book is something you definitely need to read. The author teaches the readers about living a life on the move, the sacrifices that come along with it and the pleasures you can’t find anywhere else. As the title implies, it’s a guide to help you shift your perspective about traveling and life in general, and possibly give you the extra little push you need to hit the road yourself.(