Classics:
* Mark Twain: (1835-1910) Known for his humorous and insightful travelogues, such as "The Innocents Abroad" and "Following the Equator."
* Ernest Hemingway: (1899-1961) A master of prose, Hemingway's travel writing is often infused with themes of adventure, masculinity, and the search for meaning. Check out "Death in the Afternoon" and "A Moveable Feast."
* Paul Theroux: (born 1941) Prolific and insightful, Theroux has written extensively on travel, particularly in "The Great Railway Bazaar" and "The Old Patagonian Express."
* Bruce Chatwin: (1940-1989) A captivating storyteller, Chatwin's books like "In Patagonia" and "The Songlines" are filled with wanderlust and philosophical depth.
Modern Masters:
* Anthony Bourdain: (1956-2018) Known for his culinary adventures and honest, often blunt, portrayal of travel experiences in "Kitchen Confidential" and "A Cook's Tour."
* Pico Iyer: (born 1957) A thoughtful and introspective writer who explores the complexities of culture and identity in places like Japan, India, and Nepal. Look for "The Lady and the Monk" and "The Global Soul."
* Rick Steves: (born 1955) A popular guidebook author and TV host, Steves offers practical and engaging travel advice for Europe and beyond in his numerous publications.
* Lonely Planet: A collective of travel writers known for their comprehensive and insightful guidebooks covering almost every destination on Earth.
Other Notable Names:
* William Dalrymple: (born 1965) A historian and travel writer who focuses on India and the Middle East, notable works include "City of Djinns" and "Return of a King."
* Rory Stewart: (born 1973) A politician and adventurer, Stewart's "The Places in Between" recounts his solo walk across Asia.
* Michael Palin: (born 1943) A comedian and actor, Palin's travelogues, often featuring hilarious adventures, include "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Pole to Pole."
* Bill Bryson: (born 1951) Known for his humorous and engaging travel writing, Bryson has written about America, Europe, and beyond in books like "Notes from a Small Island" and "A Walk in the Woods."
* Elizabeth Gilbert: (born 1969) Known for her book "Eat, Pray, Love," Gilbert offers a personal and inspirational account of her travels in search of self-discovery.
Contemporary & Diverse Voices:
* Travel Noire: A platform showcasing Black travel experiences, featuring diverse voices and perspectives on exploring the world.
* Nomad List: A resource for digital nomads, offering insights and reviews on various destinations for remote work and travel.
* The Points Guy: A website focused on travel hacking and maximizing rewards programs for frequent travelers.
This list is just a starting point. Many other talented travel writers offer unique perspectives and captivating stories about exploring the world. I encourage you to explore different authors and genres to find the voices that resonate most with you.