Whether you have your next trip planned or you’re looking for inspiration, the right travel book can help you shape an upcoming van adventure. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most anticipated travel books of the coming year, as well as some recent favorites that can guide you to your next van trek. Journey across the world or through America’s backyard, and gain access into the minds of some of the most influential and inspired people alive today, these adventure books will surely make you want to get on the road sooner rather than later. Check them out below.
The Temporary European: Lessons and Confessions of a Professional Traveler
Author: Cameron Hewitt
Genres: Memoir, Travel, Adventure
Details: Hewitt doesn’t just bring the reader along for the ride as he travels throughout Europe—he introduces us to his favorite people he meets along the way. In this highly-anticipated 2022 novel, Hewitt works to paint a picture that helps readers feel as though we’re standing next to him as he hand-rolls pasta in Tuscany. The author also pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to travel professionally—readers leave with a deep understanding that travel writing isn’t all wine and exciting misadventures.
The Iron Scar: A Father and Son in Siberia
Author: Bob Kunzinger
Genres: Travel, Adventure, Photography, Family
Details: Kunzinger invites readers to join him as he and his son travel along the world’s longest railway. As the pair make their way through Siberia, they ponder life, relationships, and the transformation from boy to man. Kunzinger’s photography helps readers imagine themselves walking the road alongside the author and his son. This 2022 release hits the shelves in April.
A Wild Idea
Author: Jonathan Franklin
Genres: Nature, Memoir, Autobiography
Details: In this redemption tale, Douglas Tompkins, founder of Esprit and The North Face, seeks refuge from his life as a pollution-creating CEO. Trading his suits and meetings for a peaceful cabin in Patagonia, Tompkins made it his mission to undo the harm that his years of financial success created for the planet. While Tompkins wasn’t fully recognized for his efforts until after his death, A Wild Idea works to further his legacy by encouraging others to consider how they can make good on the negative impact they’ve had on Earth while they’re still here.
Wherever the Road Leads: A Memoir of Love, Travel, and a Van
Author: K. Lang-Slattery
Genres: Travel, Adventure, Memoir
Details: A new marriage, a van, and a a pre-cell-phone-era drive across four continents make for an exciting whirlwind of adventure for travelers Tom and Katie in this exciting and encouraging story of life and love. The ups and downs of relationships on the road leaves readers wondering whether Tom and Katie will emerge from their journey closer than ever—or ready to call it quits.
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman–Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual
Author: Yvon Chouinard
Genres: Business, Self-Reflection, Inspiration, Nature, Travel
Details: Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard shares his love for adventure, travel, and the outdoors—as well as how he built a business founded on principals near to his heart. Chouinard is known for doing things his way, and his tale of innovation and a commitment to changing the way business is done will have a lasting effect on entrepreneurs and adventure enthusiasts alike. Chouinard believes in the importance of not just creating a life worth living for himself—but also for his employees and his customers.
Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway: An RV Travel Adventure
Author: Heidi Eliason
Genres: Travel, Adventure, Inspiration, Memoir
Details: At age 45, Eliason quit her job, bought an RV, packed up her dog, Rylie, and hit the road. Eliason knew she needed something more out of life than the daily grind, but wasn’t sure what she was missing. Eliason’s story of her five-year adventure details the ups and downs of trying to navigate romance on the road, traveling through dangerous terrain, and finding a path out of depression. For many, Eliason’s memoir has served as inspiration to stop living life in the way everyone expects in favor of choosing the road less traveled.
A Window to Heaven: The Daring First Ascent of Denali: America’s Wildest Peak
Author: Patrick Dean
Genres: Adventure, Nature, History
Details: This 2021 release details the harrowing story of the first summit of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Over 100 climbers have perished trying to summit Denali since 1903. A Window to Heaven tells the tale of Hudson Stuck, an Episcopal priest who was the leader of the first team to reach toe peak of Denali in 1913. The intricacies of their journey—including a commitment to preserving the traditions of indigenous people—ring true with valuable lessons for today’s adventure enthusiast.
The Slow Road to Deadhorse: An Englishman’s Discoveries and Reflections on the Backroads of North America
Author: James Anthony
Genres: Inspiration, Travel, Adventure, Nature
Details: Anthony experiences a life-changing event that pushes him to take a different path. The former tech professional decides to pack it up and haul his way across North America, taking his take and enjoying the sights and experiences of the back roads. While Anthony learns about himself during his travels, he also makes a point to get to know the people and traditions he encounters along the way, serving the reader as a guide through the lesser-known areas of North America. His trek from Florida to Alaska is detailed in a way that makes the reader feel like they’re along for the ride, enjoying every mile of the journey from the warm sun of the South to the freezing snow of the near-Arctic North.
Cut the Crap & Move To Costa Rica: A How to Guide Based on These Gringos’ Experience
Author: Steve and Nikki Page
Genres: How-To, Travel, Inspiration
Details: Steve and Nikki made the move of a lifetime, trading their standard American lives for the sun and palm trees of Costa Rica. The couple recognized that many people have a similar dream, but have no idea how to make their desires tangible. Together, the Pages worked to develop a guide to help people tired of the day to day grind make the move to the islands that they’ve always wanted. Cut the Crap covers all of the intricacies of moving to a new country, from finding schools for young ones to snagging the perfect place to live. The couple’s passion shines through on each page, helping others realize their dreams of enjoying island life, one sunset at a time.
Beyond Possible: One Soldier, Fourteen Peaks — My Life In The Death Zone by Nimsdai Purja
Author: Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja
Genres: Autobiography, Nature Writing, Adventure
Details: Purja’s mind-blowing quest to summit all 14 “Death Zone” peaks isn’t just a tale of bravery and accomplishment—it’s also a story of leadership, teamwork, and integrity. Purja discusses the details of his 14-summit journey (completed in just seven months, faster than any other human has climbed all 14 peaks), as well as how his early life in Nepal prepared him for the challenge.
Hitting The Road? Don’t Forget To Pack Some Good Reads.
We get it—it can be tempting to fall asleep scrolling through your phone after a long day on the road. A few days a week, swap out your screen for an adventure book for continued inspiration on your travels! Looking for the best place to van travel this February? Check out our list of the Top 10 Van Campgrounds and Destinations to Travel to Next Month.
