A woman with a backpack walking through a charming, cobblestone street in a historic European city, showcasing cultural travel and exploration.

Be a Thoughtful Traveler: Why Courtesy Matters Wherever You Go

Beth Glosner  | 

There is something magical about arriving somewhere new.

The air smells different. The scenery changes. Maybe the pace of life feels a little slower, and for a few days, someone else’s ordinary world becomes part of your adventure.

I love that feeling.

But I’ve also come to believe that being a good traveler isn’t just about where you go or what you see. It’s about how you behave once you get there.

Whether you’re visiting a tiny mountain town, a bustling city, or a beach community, courtesy and patience should always pack a place in your suitcase.

Because here’s the thing: the places we visit aren’t just destinations.

They’re someone’s home.

People live there. They work there. They run the restaurants, shops, hotels, theaters, and businesses we enjoy. They drive the roads we’re traveling on. They shop at the grocery stores we’re visiting. They use the parks, trails, beaches, and public spaces we’re exploring.

We may be on vacation.

They’re not.

And I think remembering that simple fact can make us better travelers.

Let’s Dig In.

The prettiest places we visit are often someone’s everyday home. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

What Happens When a Vacation Destination Gets Crowded?

When we’re on vacation, it’s easy to see a destination through the eyes of a visitor.

We’re thinking about where we’re going to eat, what we’re going to see, and whether we can squeeze in one more stop before dinner.

We’re excited.

We’re exploring.

We’re in vacation mode.

But what does that same busy season feel like when you live there year-round?

A 2026 survey commissioned by AMFM Healthcare and conducted through Cherry Data Signals explored some of the pressures tourism can place on communities during peak travel seasons. The survey included 3,042 U.S. adults and asked about issues including crowding, traffic, parking, noise, access to amenities, and public spaces.

The results are worth thinking about.

According to AMFM, more than six in ten respondents said they feel crowded out of their own town at least sometimes during peak tourism season. Twenty-three percent said they feel this way very often, while another 39 percent said it happens sometimes. Forty-six percent also reported feeling burned out by living somewhere other people visit for vacation.

Traffic congestion topped the list of tourism-related complaints.

And I think most of us who have ever lived in or regularly visited a popular destination can understand why.

When thousands of people arrive at the same time, the impact doesn’t disappear when the vacation photos are posted.

It becomes part of everyday life.

When everyone is headed to the same scenic overlook at the same time, the journey can get a little less scenic.

How Does Tourism Affect Small Towns Like Ashland, Oregon?

I live in Ashland, Oregon, a small college town with a bit of a seasonal identity crisis in the best possible way.

During the school year, Southern Oregon University brings students and energy to town. Then summer arrives, the college students head home, and you might think things would quiet down.

Not exactly.

Summer brings its own crowd.

Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and visitors arrive from all over to enjoy performances, explore the town, eat at local restaurants, browse shops, and take in the scenery.

And I love that.

I love seeing people discover Ashland. I love that visitors come to experience our little corner of Southern Oregon. Tourism supports local businesses and is an important part of the community.

But when summer crowds arrive, everyday life changes.

Roads become more congested. Restaurants get busier. Parking can become a treasure hunt worthy of its own Shakespearean subplot on a normal day but intensifies during peak tourism season.

A quick trip across town may take longer.

A trip to the grocery store might require a little more planning.

A restaurant that normally has an easy-to-grab table may have a wait.

A drive that usually takes ten minutes may take considerably longer.

None of this means visitors aren’t welcome.

It simply means we’re sharing the same community.

And that’s where patience and courtesy become important for everyone.

This is a snapshot of how tourism affects a small community. It’s amplified a thousandfold for vacation hot spots like Miami, Waikiki, Las Vegas, and many other global locations.

Ashland may be home to us year-round, but when the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, the whole town takes center stage.

year-round, but when the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, the whole town takes center stage.

Why Should Travelers Be Patient During Peak Season?

Let’s be honest: Nobody enjoys waiting.

We want our restaurant table now.

We want traffic to move now.

We want to park now, not circle the block ten times looking for a space.

But when you’re visiting a destination during its busiest season, it’s worth remembering that the people working there are dealing with the crowds, too.

The restaurant server may be juggling twice as many tables.

The grocery store cashier may have a line stretching toward the produce section.

The hotel staff may be checking in a wave of guests all at once.

And the person driving slowly in front of you may actually live there and know that the road gets tricky.

This is where a little patience can change the entire experience.

If your restaurant has a longer wait than expected, grab a coffee and explore nearby.

If traffic slows you down, turn up the music and enjoy the scenery.

If the store is crowded, take a breath.

You’re traveling.

You’re not late for a board meeting.

Well, hopefully not.

Sometimes, the unexpected pause is where you discover something you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Sometimes the best travel memories begin with, “The wait is about 45 minutes.”

How Can You Be a More Courteous Tourist?

Being a considerate traveler doesn’t require a complicated checklist.

It starts with remembering that the destination you’re visiting is a community, not a theme park built exclusively for your vacation.

That means following local rules.

Don’t block someone’s driveway because you found the perfect photo spot.

Don’t park in front of a business entrance.

Don’t stop in the middle of the road to take a picture.

Don’t wander onto private property.

And don’t assume that because you’re on vacation, everyone around you is, too.

Not every inconvenience is a personal attack.

Sometimes restaurants are busy.

Sometimes parking is difficult.

Sometimes the weather ruins your plans.

Sometimes the scenic road is congested because 500 other people also thought it would be a great day for a scenic drive.

That’s travel.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting a popular destination, build a little extra time into your schedule. If you have tickets for a performance, tour, or popular attraction, pre-book whenever possible and arrive early. You’ll be less stressed, and you’ll be less likely to take your frustration out on someone else.

A little preparation can make a big difference.

The best way to explore a place is with your eyes open—and your awareness switched on.

Why Should You Treat Local Workers With Respect?

One of my biggest travel pet peeves is watching someone treat a service worker poorly because their vacation isn’t going exactly as planned.

I get it.

You’ve waited for your table.

Your coffee order is wrong.

Your hotel room isn’t ready.

Your plans have gone sideways.

But the person standing in front of you probably didn’t personally create the problem.

As someone who has worked in customer service for years, I can tell you that yelling at or giving an attitude to the person helping you rarely makes the situation better.

Chances are, they’re doing their best to help you.

A little patience and kindness can go a long way, especially during a busy travel season.

Travel can put us in a strange little bubble where we forget that everyone else is having a day, too.

The person checking you into your hotel may have been working since early morning.

The server at your restaurant may be handling a packed dining room.

The cashier may have answered the same question 47 times that day.

Be patient.

Say thank you.

Treat people like people.

It’s really not that difficult.

And honestly, kindness often gets you much further than complaining.

A warm welcome starts with treating the people who make a destination special with the same kindness they’d offer you.

What Does It Mean to Be a Guest in Someone Else’s Community?

I’ve always loved the idea of traveling like a guest rather than a consumer.

When you’re invited into someone’s home, you don’t walk in and rearrange the furniture.

You don’t leave your garbage on the floor.

You don’t complain that their house isn’t set up exactly the way you would like it.

You respect the space.

Traveling should be similar.

Respect quiet hours.

Pay attention to local customs.

Stay on marked trails.

Keep noise down in residential areas.

Don’t wander onto private property for a photograph.

And remember that the people around you may be going about their ordinary lives.

You may be taking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

They may be trying to get home from work.

Both things can be true at the same time.

Being a thoughtful traveler means making room for both experiences.

Behind every postcard-perfect destination is a real community where people live, work, and go about their everyday lives.

Should You Visit During Shoulder Season?

If your schedule allows, one of the kindest things you can do for a busy destination is spread out your visit.

Consider traveling during the shoulder season or even the off-season.

I’ve written before about the benefits of off-season travel, and it’s something I genuinely love.

Traveling outside the busiest times of year can give you a completely different experience of a destination.

The roads are often quieter.

Restaurants may have shorter wait times.

Popular attractions can feel less crowded.

You may have more time to actually notice the details around you instead of spending your vacation trying to navigate through a sea of people.

And there’s another benefit that I think is just as important:

You’re giving the destination a chance to breathe.

When thousands of visitors arrive at the same time, the impact can be felt throughout the entire community. Traffic increases. Restaurants and local businesses become busier. Popular outdoor spaces experience more pressure. And the people who live there have to adjust their everyday routines around the seasonal crowds.

Traveling during the shoulder or off-season can help spread visitor traffic throughout the year.

You may also discover that you prefer it.

Some of my favorite travel memories have come from visiting places when they weren’t at their busiest. There’s something special about having a little more space to wander, taking your time over a meal, or striking up a conversation with someone who isn’t rushing to serve the next person in line.

Of course, off-season travel isn’t perfect for every destination.

Some businesses may have limited hours. Certain attractions may close temporarily. The weather may not cooperate with your plans.

That’s part of the adventure.

Pro Tip: Before booking an off-season trip, check the destination’s seasonal business hours and attraction schedules. If there’s something you absolutely don’t want to miss, pre-book tickets and confirm operating dates before you go.

Whether you choose the shoulder season, the off-season, or simply visit a popular destination during a quieter time of day, you’re making a small choice that can have a positive impact.

And who knows?

You might discover that having a little less of the crowd means having a lot more of the destination.

Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is to visit when the crowds have gone home.

How Does Being Eco-Conscious Fit Into Thoughtful Travel?

Being thoughtful isn’t only about how we treat people.

It’s also about how we treat the places we’re visiting.

Every trip has an environmental footprint. We use transportation, water, and energy. We create waste. We visit natural areas that can be vulnerable to heavy use.

The good news is that being a more responsible traveler doesn’t require perfection.

Small choices matter.

Carry a reusable water bottle.

Skip unnecessary single-use plastics.

Walk or use public transportation when it’s practical.

Stay on designated trails.

Respect wildlife by observing from a safe distance.

Pack out what you pack in.

Don’t take natural souvenirs from protected places.

Choose locally owned businesses when you can.

Think about how much you really need to bring with you.

And remember that responsible travel isn’t about never making a mistake. It’s about being aware of the impact our choices can have.

I’ve put together 10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler, with practical ideas to reduce your environmental impact while exploring the world.

Because being a thoughtful traveler means caring about both the people and the places we encounter along the way, there is only one Mother Earth, and we need to take care of her.

Exploring the world is a privilege. Let’s do our best to leave the places we visit beautiful for the people who come after us.

Is It Possible to Be a Good Tourist and Still Have Fun?

Absolutely.

Being a considerate traveler doesn’t mean you have to walk around apologizing for existing.

Tourism brings enormous benefits to communities. It supports restaurants, hotels, shops, guides, artists, theaters, and countless other local businesses.

We should enjoy traveling.

We should explore.

We should eat the delicious local food.

We should take pictures.

We should buy souvenirs.

We should absolutely sit in the sunshine and think, Wow, I am really glad I came here.

But we can do all of that while remembering that we’re sharing the destination with other people.

The relationship between tourism and local communities can be complicated. Many people recognize the economic value that visitors bring while also experiencing the stress that comes with seasonal crowds.

In other words, it’s possible to appreciate visitors and still feel overwhelmed and at times resentful of them.

I think that’s where courtesy comes in.

Courtesy shouldn’t stop with what your parents taught you as a child, nor should it disappear when you cross your hometown’s borders.

It should travel with you.

Whether you’re visiting Ashland, Oregon, Charleston, South Carolina, a tiny mountain town, or a bustling international city, the same basic principles apply.

Slow down.

Be patient.

Treat people kindly.

Respect the community.

Clean up after yourself.

Be mindful of your environmental impact.

And remember that the place you’re visiting is more than a backdrop for your vacation.

It’s someone’s home, and not just people but the local animals’ home too.

The Traveler I Want to Be

I don’t think we should feel guilty about traveling.

I certainly don’t.

Travel has given me some of my favorite memories, meals, views, and stories. It has introduced me to places I never expected to love and reminded me, again and again, just how big and wonderfully varied this world truly is.

More than anything, travel has changed my perspective on people.

It has helped me see how different and yet how wonderfully similar we can be.

But I want to be a traveler who leaves a place with more appreciation than I arrived with.

I want to support local businesses.

I want to respect the people who live there.

I want to protect the places I visit so they can still feel just as beautiful and special the twentieth time I return as they did the very first time.

I want to be patient when things don’t go according to plan.

And I want to remember that courtesy is not just something we owe the people who live next door.

It’s something we owe the people we meet wherever we go.

The more I travel, the more I believe the message is pretty simple:

Be the kind of traveler you’d want to welcome into your own home.

Because wherever you go, you’re a guest.

And a good guest leaves behind good memories, not extra work.

Sources & Further Reading

AMFM Healthcare — “Pressure in Paradise: Seasonal Tourism Impacts Locals.“ The AMFM survey cited in this article surveyed 3,042 U.S. adults in July 2026 through the Cherry Data Signals platform and examined perceived pressure from seasonal tourism, including crowding, traffic, parking, noise, access to amenities, and public spaces.

Bite-Sized Adventures — “The Benefits of Off-Season Travel.“ Discover why traveling outside the busiest times of year can offer a slower, more relaxed, and often more rewarding way to experience a destination.

Bite-Sized Adventures — “10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler.“ For more ideas on reducing your environmental impact while exploring the world.

Note: The AMFM survey findings are used here as a contemporary perspective on tourism pressure. The survey methodology and findings should be read in the context described by AMFM Healthcare and Cherry Data Signals.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth
A woman taking a photo of her meal at a cozy café window, with a notebook, sunglasses, and a bag on the table, capturing the essence of solo travel and enjoying local experiences.

Traveling Alone: How to Build Confidence and Enjoy Solo Adventures

Beth Glosner  | 

There is a strange expectation in our world that we should always have someone with us. Someone to grab dinner with, someone to explore with, someone to share every experience with. But what if no one is available? What if the only person ready to say “yes” to the adventure is you? As an introvert, I have always valued my quiet time, fewer distractions, and the freedom to move at my own pace. Growing up in a large family taught me to appreciate moments of calm, and growing up in a small town taught me independence. If you are someone who has been waiting for the “right person” to travel with, this is your reminder that adventure does not have to wait. 

I have always believed some of the best adventures happen when curiosity wins over hesitation. You do not have to jump on a plane tomorrow and spend two weeks exploring a country you have never visited (although I would never discourage that either). Sometimes confidence starts with something much smaller: a coffee date with yourself, dinner at a restaurant you have been wanting to try, or a weekend getaway close to home.

 Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

Quick-Glance Guide: Building Confidence for Solo Adventures

Best for introverts:
Learning how to enjoy your own company without feeling like you are missing out.

Best first step:
A solo meal at a restaurant or coffee shop.

Best confidence builder:
A staycation close to home.

Best travel preparation tip:
Keep a personal packing list and update it after every trip.

Best mindset shift:
Stop waiting for someone else’s schedule and start exploring when curiosity calls.

Best reminder:
Most people are focused on their own lives—not watching you.

Growing Comfortable Being Alone Starts Early

I was lucky that independence came naturally to me.

Growing up in a small town meant walking everywhere—the pool, the corner store, and around town just because. If I were bored, my mom would give me chores to do. (Although I sometimes wonder if those little corner stores still exist or if they have become another nostalgic memory from childhood.)

Being able to walk around my hometown, explore, and entertain myself helped me become comfortable being alone. I did not always think of it as independence at the time. It was simply life.

My first real challenge came later when I had to sit with myself in a new way.

Small-town adventures taught me that exploring does not always require a crowd. Sometimes curiosity is all you need.

The First Solo Meal: The Moment Many Travelers Fear

Let’s talk about one of the biggest hurdles for solo travelers: eating alone.

For many people, walking into a restaurant by yourself feels intimidating. It did for me too.

Growing up, going out to eat was a family experience. There were conversations across the table, someone to share a dessert with, and familiar faces sitting beside me. When I moved away from home and took a gap year, I quickly learned what it meant to be somewhere new without knowing anyone.

That was when I learned something important:

Being alone does not mean being lonely.

At first, I wondered if people noticed me sitting by myself. Were they looking at me? Maybe. But the truth is, most people are busy thinking about their own conversations, their own meals, and whether they remembered to order extra sauce.

(And honestly, if someone is paying that much attention to my solo dinner, I hope they at least appreciate my restaurant choice.)

The more I did things alone, the easier it became.

Your own company can be pretty wonderful when you give yourself the chance to enjoy it.

Stop Waiting for Someone Else to Be Available

After college, I moved again and found myself rebuilding my routines. I had family nearby, but my curiosity always seemed to win over my fear.

I wanted to try new restaurants.

I wanted to explore new places.

I wanted to see what was around the next corner. I still do.

Waiting for someone else’s schedule meant waiting to experience things I was excited about. Eventually, I had to decide whether to miss out or go anyway.

The answer was simple.

Go.

Solo travel is not about proving you do not need anyone. It is about realizing you are capable of creating meaningful experiences on your own.

Sometimes the best adventures begin when you stop waiting for the perfect travel companion.

Start Small and Build Your Solo Travel Confidence

If traveling alone feels overwhelming, do not start with the biggest adventure possible. Build your confidence gradually.

Think of it like building your “comfort zone muscles.”

Here are a few ways to start:

Go Out to Eat Alone

Choose the restaurant you have always wanted to try, but nobody else wants to visit.

Go.

Bring a book, journal, or simply enjoy the experience. Notice the atmosphere, the food, and the freedom of choosing exactly what you want.

Take Yourself on a Local Adventure

Visit a nearby town, museum, bookstore, hiking trail, farmers market, or coffee shop.

Pretend you are a visitor exploring your own area.

You might discover hidden gems you have driven past for years.

Book a Local Overnight Stay

Stay at a hotel in your hometown or the next town over.

This is a great way to practice solo travel without being far from home.

You will learn how comfortable you feel:

  • Checking into a hotel alone
  • Finding places to eat
  • Exploring without a companion
  • Solving small problems independently

And if you forget something? You are close enough to pick it up.

Where to Stay in the San Bernardino Mountains
A local getaway is the perfect way to practice solo travel confidence before a bigger adventure.

Create Your Personal Travel System

One of the best things about taking shorter trips is learning what works for you.

I have learned that every trip teaches me something.

Forgot your favorite shampoo?

The hotel probably has some, but if you are like me, you have that one product that makes your hair look fantastic, and you do not want to risk a bad hair day while traveling.

Forgot a sweater?

Add it to your packing list.

Forgot a charger?

That one goes on the “never forget again” list.

Keep a running travel checklist on your phone, in a notebook, or inside your luggage. Update it after every trip.

Your packing list becomes a personal travel guide created from your own experiences.

Here is a packing list to get you started https://canva.link/57mrh0o8ndkausf

There is a blank template https://canva.link/s0ua7ntq3s4jk9h

The best packing list is the one you create from your own adventures.

Learning to Trust Yourself With the Unknown

The biggest lesson solo travel teaches you is how to handle uncertainty.

Would I encourage someone to take a two-week trip somewhere completely new?

Absolutely.

But if that sounds overwhelming, start where you are.

Take a day trip.

Stay one night away.

Explore a place you have never visited close to home.

Every small adventure builds confidence.

The unknown becomes less scary when you realize you can handle unexpected moments.

Missed a turn?

Maybe you found a new place to explore.

Restaurant closed?

Maybe you discovered a better one nearby.

Forgot something important?

There is probably a store or pharmacy nearby.

Travel does not require perfection.

It requires curiosity.

The unexpected moments often become the stories we remember most.

The Little Things Are Usually Not the Things That Matter

Before a trip, we often worry about the smallest details.

Did I pack enough clothes?

Did I bring the right shoes?

Did I forget my sweater?

Did I remember my favorite shampoo?

Those things matter, but they are usually fixable.

The moments that truly matter are bigger:

Did I experience something new?

Did I try something outside my comfort zone?

Did I create a memory?

Did I follow my curiosity?

My travel style may be a little “go with the flow,” but I have learned that stressing over every tiny detail can take away from the adventure itself.

Sometimes the best memories come from the wrong turns, unexpected stops, and moments when you simply decide to see where the road leads.

You Are Capable of More Adventures Than You Think

Traveling alone is not about being fearless.

It is about being willing.

It is about saying yes even when you feel a little nervous, while also staying safe on your travels.

You do not need to wait for someone else’s vacation schedule, their interests, or their availability.

Start small.

Take yourself out for coffee.

Visit that restaurant.

Plan the weekend getaway.

Book the trip.

Because sometimes the best adventures happen when you realize the person you have been waiting for was you all along.

For more solo travel inspiration, check out my other adventures:

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth
Close-up of reading glasses reflecting an open book, emphasizing travel and adventure reading materials.

10 Travel Reads That Will Make You Want to Pack a Bag—or at Least Open a Map

Beth Glosner  | 

When I have some downtime and am not traveling, I still like to explore—just in a different way. I explore with my mind.

A good travel book can take me to places I have never been, introduce me to people I may never meet, and send me down a rabbit hole researching a destination I had never even considered visiting. Sometimes I am hiking a trail through the wilderness. Other times, I am traveling down a forgotten road, exploring a new country, or learning about a culture from the comfort of my favorite chair.

There is no packing involved. No airport security. No checking to see if my luggage made it to the same destination I did.

Just a book, a little imagination, and a willingness to see where the journey takes me.

Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

Travel Tales That Take You Somewhere Unexpected

Travel stories are more than tales about destinations. They can be funny, inspiring, thought-provoking, adventurous, and occasionally make you question the decisions of the person holding the map.

Some tales make you want to book a flight immediately. Others remind you that you might be perfectly happy experiencing that particular adventure from the safety of your couch.

Either way, these reads offer a chance to explore the world without leaving home, are cheaper than a distant getaway, and maybe motivate you to save for your next trip.

1. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Perfect for: The traveler who enjoys adventure with a side of humor.

Cover of 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson featuring a forest scene with a bear's face in the foreground.

Bill Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail is not exactly a perfectly organized outdoor adventure.

There are ambitious plans, questionable preparation, physical exhaustion, and plenty of moments when you may wonder why anyone voluntarily walks that far.

That is part of what makes the tale so entertaining.

A Walk in the Woods combines history, nature, travel, and humor as Bryson and his friend Stephen Katz attempt to tackle one of America’s most famous long-distance trails.

It is a great reminder that travel does not have to go perfectly to become a memorable story.

Travel takeaway: Sometimes the best adventures are the ones where everything does not go according to plan.

And sometimes reading about someone else’s 2,000-mile hike is adventure enough.

2. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Perfect for: The traveler looking for a journey that is about more than just the destination.

Book cover of Wild by Cheryl Strayed featuring a worn hiking boot with red laces, symbolizing adventure and wilderness exploration.

Cheryl Strayed’s memoir follows her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.

But this is not simply a story about hiking through the wilderness.

It is a story about grief, loss, healing, and trying to find your way forward; one step at a time.

The physical journey is challenging, but the emotional journey is just as important. Strayed’s experience shows how adventure can sometimes give us the space to think, process, and begin again.

It also makes carrying a backpack seem like a much more serious commitment than simply throwing a few things into a carry-on.

Travel takeaway: Sometimes you do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.

3. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Perfect for: The traveler who wants to laugh while learning about a destination.

Book cover of 'In a Sunburned Country' by Bill Bryson featuring a kangaroo and a donkey in an Australian landscape.

Australia is a country of incredible landscapes, fascinating wildlife, unique history, and, apparently, a remarkable number of ways for nature to kill you.

Bill Bryson explores Australia with his signature humor, taking readers through cities, landscapes, history, and some of the country’s more unusual characteristics.

The book is entertaining without feeling like a traditional travel guide. You learn about Australia while feeling as if you are traveling alongside someone who is constantly amazed, amused, and occasionally concerned about what might be lurking nearby.

Travel takeaway: A good adventure tale can teach you about a destination while making you laugh out loud.

And if you finish the book and immediately start researching flights to Australia, I take no responsibility.

4. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Perfect for: The adventurer who has ever wondered, “Where are the happiest people in the world?”

Book cover of The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner featuring a hand holding a folded map paper airplane against a blue background.

Eric Weiner sets out to explore happiness around the globe.

His journey takes him to different countries as he investigates what makes people happy and whether happiness is connected to where we live.

This tale combines travel, culture, psychology, and plenty of curiosity. It is not simply about finding the happiest place on Earth. It also asks what happiness means and whether you can actually travel your way toward it.

Although I am not sure a plane ticket automatically comes with happiness included. If it did, I would like to know which airline offers that upgrade.

Travel takeaway: Adventure can change your perspective, but you still have to bring yourself along for the journey, so make sure happiness also begins with you.

5. The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton

Perfect for: The explorer who likes to think about why we travel.

Cover of 'The Art of Travel' by Alain de Botton featuring a blue sky with clouds and elegant gold accents.

Why do we get so excited about going somewhere new?

Why can we spend months dreaming about a trip, only to find ourselves tired, distracted, or annoyed by the hotel room once we arrive?

The Art of Travel explores the emotional and philosophical side of exploration. It examines anticipation, airports, hotels, landscapes, sightseeing, and the way travel changes our relationship with the world around us.

It is a thoughtful reminder that travel is not always about checking attractions off a list. Sometimes it is about paying attention.

And sometimes, admittedly, it is about finding a decent cup of coffee.

Travel takeaway: The way we experience a place can be just as important as the place itself.

6. Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon

Perfect for: Road trippers, small-town explorers, and wanderers who prefer the scenic route.

Book cover of Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon, featuring a blue-toned landscape with a winding road and trees.

Instead of following the major highways, William Least Heat-Moon takes the back roads of America, those blue lines found on old maps.

The result is a journey through small towns, forgotten places, local communities, and the America that exists beyond the usual tourist stops.

This book is perfect for anyone who believes that the best travel experiences do not always happen in the biggest or most famous destinations.

Sometimes they happen at a roadside diner.

Sometimes they happen in a tiny town you almost drove past.

And sometimes they happen when you take a wrong turn and decide to see where the road goes. Because really, what’s one more mile down the road going to hurt? Well… maybe five or ten more. But by then, you might as well see where the road takes you.

Travel takeaway: The scenic route is often where the stories are.

This is also the kind of book that may have you opening a map and thinking, “I wonder what is over there?”

7. The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane

Perfect for: Wanders who love walking, nature, history, and the stories hidden in landscapes.

Scenic mountain trail leading through rugged landscape under a blue sky, inspiring outdoor adventure and exploration.

Robert Macfarlane explores ancient paths and walking routes while examining the relationship between people and the landscapes they travel through.

This is a beautifully written tale that encourages readers to slow down and pay attention to the world around them.

A path is never just a path. It can hold history, memories, stories, and generations of explorers who walked the same way before us.

You may never look at an ordinary walking trail quite the same way again.

Travel takeaway: You do not always have to explore far to discover something extraordinary.

Sometimes adventure begins with simply noticing what is around you.

8. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

Perfect for: The person who loves a good American road trip.

Book cover for 'Travels with Charley' by John Steinbeck featuring a stylized landscape with mountains, sunset, and a person with a dog in a car.

In 1960, John Steinbeck set out on a road trip across the United States with his dog, Charley.

The journey allowed Steinbeck to explore the country and meet the people who lived in it.

The journey is fascinating not only as a travel story but also as a snapshot of America during a particular moment in history.

Of course, one of the biggest questions is whether Charley was a better road-trip companion than most humans.

I suspect the answer is probably yes.

Travel takeaway: A road trip is about more than the miles you drive. It is about the people, places, and conversations along the way.

9. The Lost City of Z by David Grann

Perfect for: The person who enjoy adventure, mystery, and history.

Book cover of The Lost City of Z by David Grann featuring a dense jungle scene with moss-covered trees and a mysterious atmosphere.

This book follows the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for a legendary lost civilization in the Amazon.

David Grann combines exploration, history, mystery, and adventure into a fascinating tale that reads almost like a thriller.

It is the kind of book that makes you think, “What an incredible adventure.”

Followed quickly by, “Actually, perhaps I would prefer a hotel with indoor plumbing.”

The Lost City of Z is a reminder of the incredible risks early explorers took in their search for places that had never been mapped by Western explorers.

Travel takeaway: Curiosity has always been one of the greatest reasons to explore.

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Perfect for: The reader who needs a little inspiration.

Cover of Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' featuring a misty landscape with a castle and cypress trees, inspiring travel and adventure.

While The Alchemist is not a traditional travel memoir, it is built around a journey.

The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd who treks across the desert in search of treasure. Along the way, he learns about dreams, purpose, courage, and following his own path.

It is the kind of story that can inspire you to think about the journeys you have taken and the ones you have not yet begun.

Sometimes the adventure is across the world.

Sometimes it is across town.

And sometimes it is simply deciding that you are finally going to try something new.

Travel takeaway: The journey can change you just as much as the destination.

For the Food-Loving Traveler

Of course, I could not write about adventure inspiration tales without including food.

Food is one of my favorite ways to experience a place. It tells us about history, culture, traditions, geography, and the people who live there.

A few stories worth adding to your reading list include:

A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain explores the world in search of food and the stories behind it. As always, he brings curiosity, humor, and an appreciation for the unexpected. 

I thoroughly miss him and his TV shows.

My Life in France by Julia Child

This is a wonderful story of food, travel, France, and discovering a new direction in life.

The Gastronomical Me by M.F.K. Fisher

A thoughtful exploration of food, memory, adventures, and the experiences that shape our lives.

The Food Explorer by Daniel Stone

This fascinating tale explores the journeys that brought many familiar foods to different parts of the world.

Because apparently someone had to travel very far, take considerable risks, and bring back a plant before the rest of us could enjoy it on our dinner plates.

Book cover of The Food Explorer showing a lemon with leaves on a yellow background, highlighting the book's focus on culinary adventures and global food stories.

Exploring Without Leaving Home

One of the things I love about adventures in print is that they remind me that exploration does not always require a plane ticket.

When I am not wandering, I can still explore.

I can open a book and find myself walking through a forest, driving along a back road, crossing a desert, learning about a new culture, or following someone else’s journey into the unknown.

I can discover places I may someday visit.

I can discover places I may never visit.

And sometimes, I can discover something about myself along the way.

That is the magic of stories. They allow us to explore with our feet when we can and with our minds when we cannot.

So the next time you find yourself with some downtime between adventures, pick up works on explorations.

You never know where it might take you.

Just be warned: You may finish the last page and immediately start looking at flights, road maps, hiking trails, and small towns you had never heard of before.

And if that happens?

Well, welcome to the adventure.

What travel story has taken you somewhere unforgettable? Tell me in the comments. I am always looking for my next armchair adventure and possibly my next real one, too.

Continue Exploring

If this bookish journey has you ready to explore beyond the pages, you might also enjoy:

Whether you are exploring a new destination, discovering a small town, visiting a local farmers market, or simply opening a book and letting your imagination wander, there is always somewhere new to explore.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth