Be inspired to wander.
1. Books About Travel
If you can’t go out into the world, the best thing you can do is bring the world to you! Let your mind travel, even when your body can’t.
Read about adventures to stay inspired. Dream about all of the places you want to see. Get new ideas by learning about other cultures. And satisfy your wanderlust by growing your wanderlist.
Here’s a partial list of my favorites to inspire and get you started:
- The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
- Video Night in Kathmandu, by Pico Iyer
- Wild, by Cheryl Strayed
- In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson
- Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Among the White Moon Faces, by Shirley Geok-Lin Lim
- All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, by Maya Angelou
- Turn Right at Machu Picchu, by Mark Adams
2. Movies About Travel
Can’t leave backyard exploration quite yet? Travel movies are another great way to gratify your wanderlust.
A few of my favorites are:
- Up in the Air (funny, smart, and hey, George Clooney is HOT!)
- The Beach (also a book)
- Midnight in Paris
- The Way (SO GOOD!!)
- Wild (you’re gonna want to buy hiking boots after watching this one)
- Eat Pray Love (read the book first)
- Lost in Translation
3. Make Travel Plans
Can’t go this year? Then plan a trip for next year. Take time to read about your desired destination and use your mind to dream it.
Trip planning is something I do very loosely. Most trips consist of first an inspired thought (I would like to see a lighthouse this weekend), and, for me, the trip flows from there.
If a more extended trip or perhaps somewhere exotic is my vision, I will start by using Google to research the area first. Guidebooks are another great resource. I love getting lost considering routes and dreaming of the sights I’ll see, people I’ll meet and photos I’ll make.
Guidebooks will also help you see the lay of the land, create a budget, and introduce introductions to the destination and any special rules you should adhere too.
I suggest using the Lonely Planet guidebooks and website, too, as they have the most extensive selection of destinations out there. Pick one up here for your next trip!
Please comment below…
Where in the world would you like to travel to in the next twelve months?
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.