The Books That Inspired HBTT in 2024
Some books don’t just sit on your nightstand collecting dust—they light a fire under you, making you want to book a ticket and go. For us, these six stories weren’t just good reads—they were game-changers, the kind of books that had us saying, “Yep, we’re doing this.”
Here’s a peek at the stories that inspired our adventures, complete with our favorite quotes to give you a little taste of wanderlust.
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristen Newman
"Life is about making choices between two things you really want, and knowing that whichever one you pick, you'll miss the other."
Kristen Newman writes about skipping the whole “settling down” thing to embrace wild, ridiculous, life-changing adventures instead. From steamy love stories in Argentina to late-night laughs in Iceland, her journey is a hilarious and heartfelt ode to doing things your way.
This book gave us permission to embrace the chaos of travel and make peace with the idea that life is a constant trade-off—but wow, the things you gain make it all worth it.
Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman
"I have no plans, no address, no possessions, and no worries."
Imagine leaving everything behind to live as a nomad. That’s exactly what Rita Golden Gelman did, traveling the world and immersing herself in cultures far from her comfort zone. Her stories of connection and curiosity will make you rethink the idea of “home.”
This book reminded us that the best part of travel is the people you meet and the moments you share—even if you don’t speak the same language.
Planet Backpacker by Robert Downes
"The best journeys answer questions that, in the beginning, you didn’t even think to ask."
Robert Downes’s around-the-world backpacking saga is proof that you don’t need much to see the world—just a sense of humor and a willingness to wing it. From hitchhiking to hostel-hopping, his tales are raw, real, and endlessly inspiring.
This book gave us the push to stop overthinking and start saying yes to the kind of trips that make you laugh, cry, and wonder how you ever lived without them.
An Italian Affair by Laura Fraser
"And then, as if there had been no warning, no storm, no terror at all, the sky cleared."
Laura Fraser takes heartbreak and turns it into a dreamy escape to the Amalfi Coast. From moonlit dinners to whirlwind love affairs, she brings Italy to life in a way that feels like a warm hug and a glass of limoncello.
This book made us fall in love with Italy all over again and taught us that sometimes the best adventures come after life throws you a curveball.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
This isn’t just a book—it’s a life philosophy wrapped in a beautiful, adventurous tale. Santiago’s journey to find treasure in the Egyptian desert is really about discovering the magic of following your dreams.
Every time we re-read The Alchemist, it reminds us why we travel: to chase the unknown, trust the process, and realize the journey is the true treasure.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
"You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings."
Of course we saved the best for last. If there’s one book that screams “go find yourself,” it’s this one. Elizabeth Gilbert takes you along for the ride as she eats her way through Italy, meditates in India, and falls in love in Bali. It’s all about indulgence, healing, and discovering what really makes you happy.
For us, this was the ultimate reminder to embrace the journey and look for joy in every corner of the world (and every plate of pasta).
If these books taught us anything, it’s that travel isn’t just about ticking places off a list—it’s about finding yourself, getting lost, and creating stories that are better than anything you could’ve imagined.
What’s the book (or place) that’s calling your name? Let us help you turn those pages into a passport stamp. After all, your next adventure is just waiting to be written.
With Love,
H & B @ HBTT
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