3 of the best travel books

The Lost Continent, Bill Bryson
Think travel writing and Bill Bryson instantly comes to mind. What better book than The Lost Continent to drive home this point. The book, which covers the US like never before is divided into two sections. In the first part, Bryson explores the eastern, northeastern, and southern states.

In the second, he covers the western and southwestern states. The purpose of his quest is to find Amalgam, the perfect small town. With time, his goal fades away yet Bryson remains an adventurous truth seeker. Tinged with humour, the book is trademark Bryson even as his narrative illuminates the most important side of traveling: the strange people met along the way, the weird souveniers acquired, the unpredictable pleasures of the road.

Sun After Dark: Flight of the Foreign, Pico Iyer
If planes, trains and automobiles aren't your thing, we suggest you pick up a lawn chair and pore over this book by one of the world's best-known travel writers. Someone called him a global village on two legs. Head to far-flung areas around the globe and experience the surreal and more as Iyer crisscrosses a shrinking world, always asking thoughtful questions along the way.

This remains one of the best collections of reports from across the globe -- ranging from Bolivia to Cambodia, Tibet and Oman. Each showcase the culture, history and landscape for the region, as only Pico the travel writer could explain, as he draws in people and encounters in stark settings using the world as his canvas.

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town, Paul Theroux
Filled with dry wit and exceptional narrative, Paul Theroux is at his best in Dark Star Safari. His observation skills are in full display as he takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through Africa. Trucks, canoes, convoys, ferries and trains -- the author uses every possible means of transport to discover the Dark Continent.

There are moments of breathtaking beauty, splendour juxtaposed between those of misery and danger that will rivet the reader, page after page. Theroux doesn't miss a beat while trying to portray this mystical, magical landmass. You'll fall in love with Africa -- all over again.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!