Although we can't travel now, we can still transport ourselves to other lands through words, sounds, and views.
Now is the perfect time to pick up that travel book you've had on the shelf, dive into the travel series you've been meaning to check out, or re-watch your favorite movie about a country you miss.
To help beef up your homebound read and watch list, the Thrifty Traveler team shares their favorite books, podcasts, shows, and movies – all about travel.
Jared's Picks
Book:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho should be on every traveler's list. It's mind-blowing that it was written in only two weeks!
Buy The Alchemist on Amazon
Shows & Movies:
Somebody Feed Phil is simple and easy to watch. Phil really knows how to enjoy life while traveling. And any Indiana Jones movie is “travel from the couch” at it's finest.
You can currently stream Somebody Feed Phil and Indiana Jones on Netflix.
Nick's Recommendations
Books & Podcasts:
The Alchemist is at the top of my list as well. It is about a shepherd who seeks to travel in search of treasure. Along the way, he finds himself instead. It's very relatable: I think that is a big part of travel for many.
Buy The Alchemist on Amazon
For podcasts, I recommend The Thought Card. It is a podcast about world travel and money management. Two of my favorite topics mixed into one show!
Listen to The Thought Card on Apple Podcasts or however you listen to podcasts
Shows & Movies:
I don't have a specific episode, but every time I watch Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown it makes me want to add the destination to my bucket list. Bourdain had an amazing way of showing the non-touristy side of cities, which I have always gravitated towards.
If you're looking for a great travel movie, watch Into the Wild. I can't think of a better movie to inspire wanderlust.
Purchase Parts Unknown and rent Into the Wild on Amazon Prime Video.
Mikhala's Favorites
Books & Podcasts:
I'm a firm believer that reading a book during a trip can help you remember a trip more vividly. For me, the perfect example of this was when I read Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I was on a camping trip in Kauai at the time, and reading this book of a man disappearing into nature while I was doing a bit of the same was really special.
Since we can't travel now, I'm opting for books instead. Right now, I'm reading The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton. It's a great read for reflecting on past travels and thinking about the ways it impacts us all.
Buy the Art of Travel on Amazon
One podcast I love listening to for some wanderlust is Extra Pack of Peanuts. I especially enjoy their unique interviews of folks that rent Airbnbs to travel full-time, families that live and travel in RVs, and more quirky travel stories.
Listen to Extra Pack of Peanuts on Apple Podcasts or however you listen to podcasts.
Shows:
If I'm being honest, a big part of travel for me is food. That's why my favorite travel shows are also…food shows! I especially enjoy Salt Fat Acid Heat and Ugly Delicious.
Stream Salt Fat Acid Heat and Ugly Delicious on Netflix.
Kyle's Picks
Podcasts:
Shows & Movies:
Purchase Parts Unknown and rent Lost in Translation on Amazon Prime Video.
Jon's Favs
Books & Podcasts:
Watch No Reservations and Crazy Rich Asians on Hulu.
Erica's Top 5
Books:
I've got a few favorite travel-related books.
The first is Provence, 1970: M. F. K Fisher, Julia Child, and James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste by Luke Barr. In 1970, many icons of food found themselves in Provence cooking, eating, and discussing the future of food and will have you dreaming of a quiet getaway in southern France.
Next is Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer's Tour of France by Kermit Lynch. Kermit Lynch is one of the best-known wine importers in the U.S. Travel along with him as he visits iconic wineries all through France in the 1980s. Learn all about wine, food, and the French.
Buy Adventures on the Wine Route on Amazon
And finally, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. The Historian is kind of a weird pick. It's a historical fiction thriller about Vlad the Impaler, but they travel to Istanbul, Bulgaria, and Romania in the story. It makes those places sound so mysterious and amazing – this book is what put them on my bucket list of places to travel.
Buy The Historian on Amazon
Shows & Movies:
Somebody Feed Phil is a must-watch if you haven't seen it yet. And Audrey Hepburn classics set in Europe, Roman Holidayand Funny Face.
Bottom Line
We can't travel now, but travel can still be a part of our lives. We hope these books, podcasts, shows, and movies help you do just that.
What's on your bookshelf, watch list, or in your podcast queue?