There’s nothing like an intrepid traveller’s tale to give you itchy feet. Fact or fiction, some of the best novels in the world are dedicated to exploring it. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Che Guevara or getting washed up on a desert island, one of these incredible books is sure to stir up the traveller in you before your next trip.
1. Into the Wild
One of the ultimate modern travel books, this remarkable, true story follows the adventures of Chris McCandless as he abandons all his worldly possessions to explore the furthest reaches of North America.
The tale tracks McCandless’ trip, from his decision to give up his life savings and drop out of school, to his epic kayak trip up the Colorado River and decision to enter the Alaskan wilderness to survive in the tundra.
2. Shantaram
Part truth, part artistic license, Shantaram follows the story of an escaped Australian convict as he makes his way to the sanctuary of India. The novel paints a vivid picture of life in Mumbai as the protagonist Gregory David Roberts (AKA Lin) struggles to adapt to India and its challenges.
Large parts of the book are rooted in the city’s deprived slums and the incredible desperation and poverty that surrounds them. As Lin become integrated into the community, he forms close bonds with the people around him. From the slums, to the Mumbai mafia to the wars of Afghanistan, Lin tells an incredible tale that could evoke the spirit of adventure in even the most cautious of travellers.
3. The Beach
All seasoned travellers will relate to the thrill of finding the perfect untouched destination. Whether it’s a little-known village or a secluded cove, there’s no thrill quite like discovering a hidden secret.
The Beach capitalises on this idea, as the protagonist grasps the opportunity to discover the most beautiful piece of Thailand left to be uncovered after he meets a new set of travel companions. Of course, all is not as it seems, but as the story shifts from the heart-stopping to the surreal, we’re betting you’ll be adding this beach to your next travel itinerary.
4. The Motorcycle Diaries
The trip that turned a junior Argentine doctor into one of the world’s most iconic revolutionary figures, The Motorcycle Diaries offers an insight into the mind and life of a young Ernesto Che Guevara, before the t-shirts!
On the back of his trusty steed, La Ponderosa, Che embarks on an epic trip from his home country, through Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. During his 2,800-mile journey, Che is faced with hunger, sleeping rough, a stay in a leper colony and more mechanical malfunctions that you can count – a truly fascinating insight into a fascinating mind.
5. On the Road
Jack Kerouac’s masterpiece inspired a generation to forget about the daily grind and live for the things you truly love. Before a backdrop of 1940s Beat Generation America, the protagonist Sal Paradise (based on Kerouac) explores the US with a host of poets and artists integral to the movement.
Paradise’s carefree exploits take him to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexico, New York, Denver and beyond. Anyone who’s ever thought about dropping everything and hitting the road should read this book with caution; you just might do it.
6. Invisible Cities
In a conversation between intrepid explorer Marco Polo and the old Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan, the reader is treated to Polo’s poetic narrative about his travels and the many cities he has visited.
Intertwined in Polo’s description of far-off lands, topics such as human nature, politics and linguistics are touched upon briefly, as the two men discuss matters relating to Khan’s empire. A literary work of art, the novel could well inspire you to make your own journal of the cities you visit.
Feeling inspired? Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you create your own epic travel story.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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AlisonFletcher
Brilliant trip organised by Dave, included Helsinki, Tallin, Vilnius and Riga. (4 different countries) Everything ran smoothly. Dave organised hotels, flights, taxis, ferry and coach. Have used this company a few times and can't recommend highly enough they are fab 😀
Posted 2 days ago -
Sandra
As always, Chris was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He gave me good advice on my travel plans and booked the holiday on my behalf. I've used eshores a number of times, and will continue to do so.
Posted 5 days ago -
Harrison
We haven’t been on our trip yet but based purely on the experience of booking the trip we are pleased with the result. It started with a bit of a hiccup as we spoke to a member of staff who never came back to us but when we reached back out again we were placed in the hands of Andy who has helped us book a 2 week trip to India including the golden triangle and then a few days on the beach. Andy was very patient with us with our changes to our tailor made holiday, even when we asked him to explore different areas only to revert back to the original plan. He also recommended moving the holiday back one week which created a saving of over £700 which meant we could upgrade the room for our beach stay in Goa. Andy was also available on weekends if we wanted to speak and regularly picked up the phone as opposed to keeping it to purely email dialogue. Hopefully the holiday will be amazing but based on the booking experience I would recommend eShores if you’re looking to book a tailor made holiday
Posted 5 days ago -
Wendy
I spoke to Lynette who was extremely helpful in understanding the trip that myself and my sister in law wanted from Thailand. Myself and my sister in law are both 72years young and we are really looking forward to our trip.
Posted 6 days ago -
Dawn
Excellent service from Matt at eShores. So very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I booked Mya holiday after all his hard work finding me the perfect holiday that I wanted. Superb service and not pushy all all.
Posted 1 week ago -
Amrik
We have booked two big holidays this year for a group of 8 and a group of 10, Rachel has coordinated our holidays with the utmost excellence, during the consultation we changed countires hotels and even flights but it did not phase Rachel one bit. Exceeds customer expectations by helping advising and supporting throughout the holiday. We are off to Thailand and Dubai in August and then followed by India and Thailand in November, I have rang emailed Rachel many times during the booking and I got very prompt responses even on her days off. Rachel is a credit to EShores and EShores is setting standards regarding customer focus.
Posted 1 week ago -
IainWilliam
I can’t praise Lynette at EShores enough. She has organised my trips perfectly to the point that I wouldn’t use anyone else. She listens to what I want or to the problem I have and comes up with a solution. Nothing is too much trouble. Try them out yourselves and I bet you become a repeater too!
Posted 1 week ago -
Kevin
At short notice, I needed a quote to travel through the USA (July the 20th) I emailed eShores with an idea of what I wanted to do, within a short period of time I had a response from Matthew, After several amendments to my holiday which wasn't any trouble to Matthew, Holiday all booked, now looking forward to travelling through the USA Have to say, the service I had through eShores was fantastic, well done Matthew for working through the changes,
Posted 1 week ago -
Marcus
Dealt with Adam who was great, I went back and forth many times, nothing was a problem for him. We got there in the end and Adam arranged a 3 place holiday to Malaysia and Singapore. We go on 5th August, will if update review when we return. EShores so far brilliant hats of to Adam.
Posted 1 week ago -
Jill
We as a family used eShores last year to go to USA, and they were brilliant, my husband and 1 are going to Italy with them this September and we have just booked again to go back to USA with them next May, very efficient and Matt is lovely to deal with
Posted 1 week ago