Books to take overlanding: 3 must-reads for adventure travellers

So, you’re packed and ready to go. All that’s left is to decide which books to take overlanding. It’s down to taste, no doubt, but here are 3 must-reads for adventure travellers.

Books to take overlanding 3 must-reads for adventure travellers Pixabay royalty free image

Books to take overlanding

Some books that just beg to be stuffed into your rucksack. But not many will stay with you the whole way to appear thousands of miles later dog-eared and experienced.

What you take is a personal decision. Books you love, novels you have always meant to read and of course guide books or travel adventures about the destinations you are visiting.

3 must-reads for adventure travellers pixabay royalty free image

But we are not talking about the latest bestsellers, but top travel books that have stood the test of time. Whilst everyone has their favourite the travel community has a few books that everyone relates to.

3 must-reads for adventure travellers

So here’s our top three books to take overlanding. If you’ve got other suggestions, just let us know in the comments.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig

Set around a motorcycle journey of rediscovery, this is an absolute literary classic. It was first published in 1974 butr has stood the test of time.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig

Pirsig switches from narrative to metaphysics in an instant, as the central character rides, with his son as pillion, across the US. Dense but rewarding, it demands revisiting many times.

The Beach, Alex Garland

Yes, it’s a very predictable choice. That said, The Beach, first published in 1996, is a fantastic read. If you’ve seen the film, then you will only be impressed with the book as it’s a great deal better.

Books to take overlanding 3 must-reads for adventure travellers The Beach

In search of their own paradise, a group of backpackers transit through the unsavoury side of Thailand, to create their own utopian beach community. Romance and jealousy, freedom and piracy, they discover it all in one of the must-reads for adventure travellers.

Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse

Again a journey of discovery. Siddhartha, unable to see eye-to-eye with religion or spiritualism, rejects it all and looks for his inner self. A beautiful, intelligent young man, born into India’s elite, he throws off the teachings of Buddha to wander alone, preferring nature to scripture.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse one of the must-reads for adventure travellers

Seduced by a rich landowner, he’s introduced to love and its delights. Written without any pretence; seductive and simple. First published in 1981, but still popular.

We hope you enjoy these books to take overlanding. Are there any must-reads for adventure travellers that you would recommend? Leave a comment below. Oh and check out our overlanding discounts as you could save a fortune on your next adventure.

Mark Pawlak

Mark Pawlak

Mark is an adventure travel writer with 20 years’ experience.

His main interests include trekking, e-biking, and bodyboarding — which he’s terrible at but loves anyway.

Favourite destinations: Albania, Slovenia, and the Canary Islands.

Best travel tip: Leave big gaps in your schedule and make time for the random, unscripted adventures along the way. Remember, guidebooks are just a guide.

Top gear tip: Unless essential, choose rugged over lightweight.

Loves: Tatty paperbacks found in hotel lobbies.

Hates: Mindlessly scrolling on his phone when he should be reading that paperback.

Articles: 154

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