Celebrated on 23 April, World Book Day was established by UNESCO in 1995 to champion the joy of reading, the immeasurable value of books, and—dare we say—the importance of being earnest (pun very much intended). The date pays tribute to the death anniversaries of literary titans such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. So, on this day devoted to authors and their enduring words, we turn the page to one of literature’s most evocative and timeless genres: the travelogue.
From Greek academics to Chinese adventurers, travel writing has long been used to document and disseminate the human experience of travelling the world. It has developed over centuries from straightforward descriptions of faraway places to profoundly introspective tales that examine not only geography but also the intellectual, emotional, and cultural effects of travel. The tone for a genre that blends history, adventure, and introspection was established by authors such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo.
This World Book Day, we’ve rounded up some of the best contemporary travel books you shouldn't miss. Browse the list before your next bookstore visit and pick the one that speaks to your wanderlust.