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Australian company and adventure travel specialists, Tucan Travel have been operating group tours for over 30 years, and have offices full of wanderlust-stricken travellers with constant itchy feet. The global team understand how the right book can influence your next travel destination so in celebration of World Book Day on the 7th March 2019, Tucan Travel have compiled a list of the best travel books to inspire your next adventure!

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts – India

An epic story depicting the high and lows of an Australian, Gregory, who escapes a high security prison and flees to India on a fake passport. From getting robbed to falling in love, drug-use to opening a clinic in the Bombay slums, Gregory experiences a rollercoaster of struggles while adjusting to his new life in India and the book successfully makes readers eager to visit this tantalising country.

Experience India for yourself on a Tucan Travel Spiritual India tour:

Spiritual India / 14 Days / From AUS$1073 plus local payment of US$160.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – Italy, India and Bali

Elizabeth seemingly has it all: the great job, great husband, great apartment. But something is missing, and she feels an overwhelming sense of entrapment in her life, so she quits it all and spends a year travelling. She starts in Italy, where she discovers the true meaning of good food, before moving onto India where she meets a guru and searches for god. Ending her journey in Bali, she makes lifelong friends and finally finds true love. The story definitely tugs on the heartstrings, with a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Elizabeth’s journey to finding herself.

Eat your way around Italy on a Tucan Travel Italy tour:

Italy in a week / 7 Days / From AUS$1341 plus local payment of €170.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Egypt

An inspiring story that encourages you to follow your dreams – no matter how far away they may seem. Santiago is a humble shepherd living in Spain, seemingly content with his flock of sheep and a good book. A recurring dream of him uncovering treasure at the base of a pyramid inspires him to leave behind the simple life and head for Egypt. The book emphasises that the journey is just as important as the final destination, and the story is full of philosophical musings.

Experience the magical pyramids for yourself on a Tucan Travel Egypt tour:

Egypt Adventure / 9 Days / From AUS$959 plus local payment of US$100

The fault in our stars by John Green – Amsterdam

A real tear jerker, this story follows Hazel, a 17 year old with terminal cancer. She falls for Augustus and she shares with him her favourite book, which happens to be set in Amsterdam. Using the “Make a Wish Foundation” Augustus takes Hazel on a whirlwind adventure to the city of canals, meeting the author and exploring Amsterdam. You will have to read the book if you want to know the ending, but we can promise the story is sad, happy and inspiring all in one.

Explore the unique culture in Amsterdam for yourself on a Tucan Travel group tour:

Paris to Berlin / 6 Days / From AUS$1442 plus local payment of €170

As I walked out one midsummer morning by Laurie Lee – Spain

A truly inspiring tale of a British poet, Laurie Lee, who leaves behind his comfortable life in the Cotswold for an an epic solo adventure. He first walks to London, where he spends a year playing the violin while labouring in the bid to build a city life. After picking up the simple phrase of “Will you please give me a glass of water” in Spanish, he embarks on the ultimate challenge and moves to Spain. He lives a simple life here, continuing to play his violin for a little cash and sleeping under the stars. Over the period of a year, he walks from Vigo in the north to the south coast. The story is authentic and raw, describing the author’s journey and the locals who help him along the way. It is truly inspiring for anyone who wants to get out there and see the world!

Experience a beautiful corner of Spain on a hiking adventure in the Picos de Europa:

Hike the Picos de Europa / 8 Days / From AUS$1478

Long way round by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman – World Travel

Long Way Round follows the epic journey of Ewan McGregor, fellow actor Charley Boorman and their crew, as they travel on motorbike from London to New York, through Europe, Russia, Asia and eventually reaching Alaska and Canada. The book is a series of diary entries, overall creating the ultimate picture of adventure as they tackle breakdowns, border control and the wilderness of Mongolia.

See Russia and the Baltics on an exciting two week tour:

Moscow to Warsaw / 14 Days / From AUS$1741 plus local payment of €1180

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts – World Travel

Something a little different, Vagabonding is a popular guide for those who are eager to get out and start exploring the world but don’t know where to begin. It’s a bible of long term travel, providing tips for everything from financing, adjusting to life on the road and how to find work abroad. Author Rolf Potts shows how anyone can achieve the dream of travel and take time off from everyday life. It takes the dreaming out of travel and breaks down the reality of how you can make it happen!