While travel plans are still on hold, I’ve turned to books, films and TV shows to fill the void. While nothing quite comes close to exploring a new city without purpose, or stepping off a plane into the warmth of another country, these books will transport you somewhere beyond your living room.
The Salt Path – Raynor Winn
Two decisions lead Ray and Moth to walk all 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. First, Moth is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Then, just days later, they lose their home and livelihood in the fallout of an investment gone wrong. With only the belongings they can carry on their backs they’re thrown into the elements, camping in the wild expanse of coastline that stretches from Somerset to Dorset, with Devon and Cornwall in between. Each step they take is a step towards coming to terms with their grief and rebuilding their lives so, ultimately, it’s an inspiring read set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
Around the World in 80 Trains – Monisha Rajesh
In her first book, Rajesh spent three months travelling through India by train. This time, she’s tackling the world in 80 trains, starting in Europe and travelling over 45,000 miles, crossing Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, Japan, Canada and beyond. Travelling by train means she gets an insight into other travellers, and fellow passengers, lives and it’s these fleeting encounters and insights into different cultures which really make the book memorable.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
At twenty-six, following years of grief, abuse and addiction, Strayed decides to hike the 1,100 miles long Pacific Coast Trail, stretching from Mexico to Canada. The journey is anything but easy, with mountainous terrain, weather conditions at both ends of the spectrum and a complete lack of experience against her. I borrowed this from a housemate after we watched the film, which comes highly rated, and found there’s more of a focus on the author’s inner turmoil than the landscapes she passes through in the book. Despite this, it’s a gripping read and classic story of redemption found through travel.
Cornwall Adventures – Haarkon
The Haarkon Adventure series are part guidebook, part visual diary. The Cornwall addition to the collection (which also features Scotland and Japan Adventures) covers the headlands, beaches, towns and gardens of the south west. I loved the anecdotal stories that introduce each section and the photography will have you feeling both nostalgic and longing for future days on the beach.
