- Books That Became Unexpected Bestsellers Years Later - October 18, 2025
- Overlooked Women Who Changed History Without Getting Credit - October 18, 2025
- Celebrities With Surprisingly Impressive Academic Backgrounds - October 18, 2025
“On the Road” by Jack Kerouac: Sparking the Great American Road Trip
Few books have captured the restless spirit of American travel like Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” First published in 1957, this novel turned the open road into a symbol of freedom and adventure for generations of Americans. Kerouac’s wild cross-country journeys with friends inspired people to see travel as a way to find themselves, not just reach a destination. According to a Pew Research Center study, road trips remain the most popular vacation choice among Americans, with 79% of summer travelers in 2023 opting for car-based trips. “On the Road” helped birth the idea that America’s highways could offer not just scenery, but self-discovery. Even today, #ontheroad is a trending tag on Instagram, showing how Kerouac’s influence still shapes how people travel and share their journeys. The book’s raw, spontaneous style made the road trip accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy or elite. Its cultural impact is so great that the Library of Congress included it in its list of books that shaped America.
“Blue Highways” by William Least Heat-Moon: Rediscovering Small-Town America
When William Least Heat-Moon published “Blue Highways” in 1982, he introduced Americans to the hidden treasures along the nation’s backroads. The term “blue highways” comes from old road maps, where lesser-traveled routes were marked in blue. Rather than racing down interstates, Heat-Moon showed readers the beauty of America’s forgotten towns and quirky roadside attractions. According to AAA’s 2024 travel trends report, 65% of Americans now say they want “authentic local experiences” when traveling—an idea that Heat-Moon’s journey made popular. By slowing down and embracing serendipity, he inspired a new wave of travelers to seek meaning off the beaten path. His blend of memoir, travelogue, and history offered a blueprint for exploring America’s heartland, influencing a generation of writers and wanderers alike. Today, travel bloggers and influencers often cite “Blue Highways” as a key inspiration for their explorations.
“A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson: Making Hiking the Appalachian Trail Popular
Bill Bryson’s hilarious and honest account of hiking the Appalachian Trail in “A Walk in the Woods” made long-distance hiking seem both possible and appealing for everyday people. After the book’s release in 1998, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy reported a 30% increase in trail usage over the next five years—a phenomenon sometimes called the “Bryson Effect.” Bryson’s blend of humor, history, and mishap took the intimidation out of wilderness trekking, encouraging Americans to lace up their boots and give hiking a try. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 2024 statistics, there are now more than 3 million visitors to the trail each year. Bryson’s story has also been credited with making outdoor adventure more accessible and less intimidating, shifting the narrative from the domain of survivalists to weekend warriors and families. His impact is still felt at trailheads across the country.
“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: Inspiring Wilderness Exploration (and Caution)
Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild,” published in 1996, tells the true story of Chris McCandless, who abandoned modern life to journey into the Alaskan wilderness. The book struck a nerve with readers, prompting thousands to seek out wild spaces for their own adventures. According to the National Park Service, visits to remote Alaskan parks nearly doubled in the decade following the book’s publication. However, “Into the Wild” also sparked debates about the risks of unprepared travel: the Alaska Department of Public Safety has repeatedly issued warnings after a rise in rescue operations near the “Magic Bus” site featured in the story. Despite the cautionary tale, the book’s message of self-reliance and connection with nature endures. Krakauer’s investigative style and emotional storytelling continue to inspire—and warn—those who dream of escaping into the unknown.
“Travels with Charley” by John Steinbeck: Humanizing Modern Road Travel
In 1962, John Steinbeck set off with his poodle Charley to rediscover America, documenting his journey in “Travels with Charley.” Steinbeck’s observations about the changing American landscape and his candid conversations with everyday people broke new ground in travel writing. The book’s focus on human connection helped shift the American travel mindset from sightseeing to people-seeing. According to Statista, 48% of American travelers in 2024 list “connecting with locals” as a top priority—an idea Steinbeck championed decades earlier. His honest, sometimes critical reflection on what America had become continues to resonate. “Travels with Charley” is often quoted by travel writers as the original “slow travel” manifesto. Steinbeck’s journey paved the way for a more thoughtful, personal approach to travel that’s still popular today.
“The Great Railway Bazaar” by Paul Theroux: Romanticizing Train Travel
Paul Theroux’s “The Great Railway Bazaar,” first published in 1975, didn’t just change American views of train travel—it revived them. While the book covers a journey across Asia, its popularity in the U.S. helped spark renewed interest in train journeys at home. Amtrak’s passenger numbers climbed steadily in the decades following the book’s publication, reaching over 32 million riders by 2019, according to Amtrak’s annual reports. Theroux’s vivid descriptions of landscapes, cultures, and conversations from a train window made rail travel seem romantic, adventurous, and deeply immersive. Today, train tourism is on the rise again, with the United States seeing a 15% increase in scenic rail bookings in 2024, based on recent industry data. Theroux proved that the journey itself could be the destination, inspiring Americans to slow down and savor the ride.
“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed: Empowering Solo Female Travelers
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir “Wild” burst onto the scene in 2012 and changed the face of solo travel, especially for women. Detailing her 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, Strayed’s raw honesty and vulnerability resonated with readers everywhere. The Pacific Crest Trail Association reported a record number of permit requests in the years after the book’s release, with women making up 41% of long-distance hikers in 2023, up from just 28% a decade earlier. Strayed’s journey became a symbol of healing, empowerment, and self-reliance. Social media communities like “Women Who Hike” have cited “Wild” as a factor in the growing movement of women exploring the wilderness on their own. Strayed’s story shattered stereotypes and encouraged countless Americans to take to the trails—alone and unafraid.
“The Negro Motorist Green Book” by Victor H. Green: Navigating Segregated America
Published annually from 1936 to 1966, “The Negro Motorist Green Book” was more than a travel guide—it was a lifeline for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, and businesses that welcomed African Americans, helping families travel with dignity and safety. According to Smithsonian research, by 1956, over 2 million copies of the Green Book had been printed, serving as an essential resource for countless families. Its legacy is still felt today, with more Americans learning about its historical importance through museum exhibits and documentaries. The Green Book fundamentally changed how—and where—Black Americans could travel, and its story continues to inspire efforts toward more inclusive tourism.
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert: Popularizing Transformational Travel
Elizabeth Gilbert’s international bestseller “Eat, Pray, Love” may not be a traditional travel guide, but its impact on American travel habits has been huge. After the book’s publication in 2006, travel companies saw a 34% increase in bookings for solo and wellness-focused trips, according to the U.S. Tour Operators Association. Gilbert’s journey through Italy, India, and Bali was about more than sightseeing—it was about transformation, healing, and self-discovery. Her story sparked a wave of “transformational travel” seekers, especially among women, who now make up 54% of solo travelers in 2024. The book’s influence is clear in the rise of yoga retreats, culinary tours, and mindfulness getaways advertised across the country. Gilbert’s blend of humor and vulnerability made self-discovery through travel trendy and accessible, shifting the focus from “where to go” to “who to become.”
“Lonely Planet USA” Guidebooks: Democratizing Adventure for Everyone
“Lonely Planet USA” guidebooks have helped millions of Americans plan adventures big and small since the first edition hit shelves in the 1980s. By offering budget-friendly tips, detailed maps, and honest recommendations, Lonely Planet democratized travel, making it possible for people of all backgrounds to explore the country. According to the U.S. Travel Association, over 90 million Americans used guidebooks or travel apps in 2024 to plan their trips, with Lonely Planet still ranking among the top brands. The guidebooks’ practical, down-to-earth advice changed how people approached trip planning, making it less intimidating and more accessible. Their format—listings for hostels, quirky attractions, and off-the-beaten-path experiences—set the standard for travel publishing. The influence of Lonely Planet is still seen in countless blogs, apps, and travel forums that help Americans hit the road with confidence.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
