I have read a bunch of books by those minoring in anarchism, books about van dwelling, world traveling, and cycling (or walking) across continents over the last couple of years while I prepare for my own car camping and road trip journey. It feels like studying but it’s also a lovely escape as many of them are well written.
Hopefully by giving you some books I don’t recommend, first I’ll save you time and frustration. I read all of these from start to finish so you don’t have to. However, to complete the list and restore balance, I added books that I think you’ll enjoy!
We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay: Tips, Tales and Travels By Gary Janetti
An unfunny, unhelpful compendium of complaining, ungratefulness and privilege. Most of the “tales” include being in amazing locations and making unfunny, dry quips about minor inconveniences only a financially comfortable person can make. What’s worse is that I listened to this on audible so I had to hear these qualities narrated by the author.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
I know this is supposed to be a classic by which all others are measured but for inspiration, it’s dated, un-relatable and full of aimless drivel. Sometimes I feel like some of the classics stay in production only so people can say they’ve read it and this is one such example.
Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom By Ken Ilgunas
A decent read but a poor choice if you want to learn about van life, as Ilgunas bought and converted a van but parked it most of the time while they attended college to save money. Is it really van life if it never goes anywhere?
Marco Polo Didn’t Go There: Stories and Revelations from One Decade as a Postmodern Travel Writer by Rolf Potts
Honestly, this one is forgettable, even though I read it in November. I rated it two stars on Good Reads yet I can’t recall a single detail. I read a lot and not everything sticks but this was particularly unremarkable.
The McCandless Mecca: A Pilgrimage to the Magic Bus of the Stampede Trail By Ken Ilgunas
Another Ilgunas book but one I actually liked. This was an entertaining read, and a very short one, but be prepared for a lot of build up and back story with not nearly as much payoff. The other thing to note is if you’re unfamiliar with Into the Wild, about Chris McCandless, this will make little sense.
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts
The first book I read by Potts and the whole reason I read Marco Polo Didn’t Go There. I gave this one full marks for being entertaining, informative and inspirational. Lots of useful information no matter how (or where) you plan to travel.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail By Cheryl Strayed
My second favourite on the list and top 10 in terms of reads for the last five years or so. While my journey won’t involve walking for months at a time the spirit of what I want to accomplish for myself lies within the pages. Probably number one in terms of pure inspiration. I’ve been known to gift it to those I want to pass that feeling on to.
Into the Wild by John Krakauer
Easily my favourite on this list. I wrote an English thesis on it after reading it three times for the assignment and received 100%, and a scholarship for my final mark on the course (97%). They made a movie about it which is also good and it’s likely one of the most famous for traveling as a nomad. It’s the only one on the list that isn’t written as a personal account, but by a journalist.
Without spoiling anything, the lesson learned here though is always bring a map.
If you want to keep tabs about what I’m reading or recommend a few books of your own, feel free to follow me on Good Reads.
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