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Outrageously Bad Travel Advice From 12 Books You Might Have Read

Ever read a book and thought, “Wow, that’s some solid advice, I should try it”? Well, sometimes, don’t. Fictional characters and real-life adventurers alike seem to operate with a level of confidence that can only come from not having to deal with actual consequences.

Sure, it might sound like a grand idea to hike into the jungle using only a cryptic map or trust a stranger with an “honest face” in an unfamiliar city – but it’s not.

Literary escapades have inspired many to live boldly, but let’s be real, some of them are just a how-to guide for getting stranded, scammed, or utterly lost. So think of this as a friendly heads-up before you decide to trust the advice of a swashbuckling pirate or an oblivious protagonist.

And once you’ve read this, drop a comment – especially if you’ve got your own “shouldn’t have done that” tale to share!


Hitchhiking Through Europe (Hitch-hiker’s Guide To Europe By Ken Welsh, 1971)

A young woman with a bright smile and a red hiking backpack sticks out her thumb on an empty road, hoping to catch a ride. The scenery around her is filled with trees and hills.
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Picture this: it’s 1971, and Ken Welsh is telling you to save a buck by sticking your thumb out on the side of the road, all over Europe. Sounds adventurous, sure. But no one tells you about the hours of standing in the rain, deciphering “friendly gestures” that are anything but, and the potential of hopping into the car of someone who thinks conversation topics include UFO conspiracies and what’s under their floorboards.

Yeah, there are better ways to make memories that don’t involve pure guesswork… and the possibility of starring in your own “Dateline” special.

Fact-Fudging For Fun (Do Travel Writers Go To Hell? By Thomas Kohnstamm, 2008)

A lively nighttime scene of an outdoor ramen street food market in Japan. People are sitting on stools, enjoying hot bowls of ramen under bright red lanterns, with chefs preparing meals inside the small stalls.
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Nothing screams “trustworthy” like a travel writer admitting they made up half their material because of deadlines and budget. Thanks, Thomas! Guess all those restaurant recommendations we followed were as real as a unicorn on a unicycle.

While it’s fun to think every travel guide is gospel, this book is a solid reminder that a bit of skepticism while reading travel advice won’t kill you. Because blindly following false information might ruin your trip – and your chance at enjoying actual local food that isn’t a tourist trap with overpriced ice cream.

Find Undiscovered Paradises (The Beach By Alex Garland, 1996)

A breathtaking beach with soft white sand, turquoise waters, and large boulders nestled near the shore. Palm trees frame the view, and lush green hills rise in the background.
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The lure of untouched beaches and undiscovered islands – how romantic, right? Nope. Forget the pretty tropes; this mindset often leads to tourists trampling ecosystems, disrespecting local cultures, and leaving a footprint larger than Bigfoot on his busiest day.

You’re not some mystical wanderer destined to find secret spots, you’re a person carrying sunscreen and a camera. Respect the places you visit instead of turning them into the next overcrowded Instagram hashtag.

Chuck It All For Enlightenment? (Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert, 2006)

A stylish woman wearing sunglasses and a colorful scarf sips white wine at an outdoor café in a European city. A plate of pasta is on the table, and historic buildings with intricate architecture surround her.
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Elizabeth Gilbert spun a lovely tale of self-discovery across Italy, India, and Indonesia, but I hope you’re not throwing your entire life in the shredder to take notes. Quit your job, leave your responsibilities, and chase pasta-fueled revelations? Bold plan if you own a trust fund.

For everyone else with student loans and rent, maybe don’t risk becoming the poster child for “I made impulsive life choices and now I regret everything.

Wilderness Prep Is Overrated (Into The Wild By Jon Krakauer, 1996)

A male hiker stands on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a vast forested landscape. He wears a red backpack and carries a rolled-up sleeping mat, gazing into the distance.
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Christopher McCandless’s ill-prepared foray into the Alaskan wild has become the ultimate “nature can kill you” safety PSA disguised as a book. Yet, somehow, it’s also become a weird badge of honor for some… because apparently walking into the wilderness without a compass, enough food, or, you know, basic survival skills now qualifies as #bravery.

The story is heartbreaking for a reason, people! It’s a cautionary tale, not an instruction manual for how to find your “free spirit” while ignoring the very real danger of bears, rivers, and hypothermia.

Whimsical Home Buying Abroad (Under The Tuscan Sun By Frances Mayes, 1996)

An old, abandoned Tuscan farmhouse covered in ivy, with a crumbling roof and weathered stone walls. The surrounding yard is overgrown with wild vegetation.
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Frances Mayes made it sound easy to jolt across the globe, buy a dilapidated villa in Italy, and casually renovate it into a Mediterranean paradise. What’s not in the book? The mountains of paperwork, shady contractors, and probable tears when your budget spirals out of control.

Buying a foreign property isn’t half as whimsical once you’re trapped in 2-hour-long calls deciphering bureaucratic red tape… all while Google translates everything wrong.

Extreme Hiking, Minimal Prep (Wild By Cheryl Strayed, 2012)

A rugged hiking trail winding through lush green meadows, leading toward towering rocky mountain peaks. The blue sky is dotted with wispy clouds.
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Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as therapy for your life’s challenges? That’s poetic. Doing it wildly unprepared like Cheryl Strayed did? Highly not recommended unless you enjoy blisters, the possibility of running out of water, and accidents that could’ve been avoided with some basic gear.

Strayed’s story is inspirational for sure, but no one’s inspired by your future headline, “Ambitious Hiker Rescued in Flip Flops.”

Spontaneous Road Trip Disaster (On The Road By Jack Kerouac, 1957)

A frustrated young woman in a blue shirt stands beside a broken-down car with smoke rising from the engine. She holds her head in exasperation as she looks at the damage.
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Kerouac’s adventures sound exciting until you realize most of them involved bad planning, empty pockets, and borderline chaos. The glorification of impulsive road trips is all fun and games until you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with no Wi-Fi to figure out how to call roadside assistance.

A little planning won’t hurt your soul, but complete spontaneity might hurt your wallet (and your chances of not sleeping in your car).

Solo Travel With No Safety Guide (Without Reservations By Alice Steinbach, 2000)

A woman in a teal winter jacket and red beanie stands at an empty train platform, gesturing in confusion as a train departs in the background.
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Steinbach writes beautifully about the joy of solo exploration, painting it as a liberating, soul-enriching endeavor – and honestly, it is. But can we take a moment to ask, where’s the guide on not accidentally reenacting a survival movie?

First-time solo travelers might breeze through her pages and think the only essentials they need are a plane ticket and a notebook. But that’s not enough. Pro tip for traveling alone? Do a little more due diligence than just “pack light.” Research your destination, share your itinerary with someone you trust… and maybe think about how you’re getting back to your Airbnb at 2 a.m.

Wandering Aimlessly For Miles (A Walk In The Woods By Bill Bryson, 1998)

A wooden signpost along a gravel hiking path in a lush green forest, marked with the iconic "AT" symbol, indicating the Appalachian Trail.
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A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson paints an utterly hilarious picture of tackling the Appalachian Trail – emphasis on “paints” because the reality? A whole different canvas.

Bryson’s witty anecdotes and bumbling attempts might have you thinking hiking this beast of a trail is some whimsical jaunt involving quirky trail mates and misplaced granola bars. Spoiler alert: it’s not. The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,190 miles (yes, MILES), requiring more than just a sense of humor and a pair of sneakers you dug out of your closet. We’re talking serious prep here – maps, gear, food, etc.

Reckless Drinking As A Travel Strategy (The Sun Also Rises By Ernest Hemingway, 1926)

A close-up of a driver’s hands, one gripping a green beer bottle and the other holding a smartphone, suggesting dangerous distracted and impaired driving.
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Ah yes, heavy drinking while traveling. What could possibly go wrong? Hemingway’s romanticized portrayal of expat boozing in Spain conveniently skips over the hangovers, the bad decisions – and the very real risk of hurting yourself or others.

Sure, the allure of fancy sangrias and charming little taverns feels like the ultimate travel dream, but let’s not ignore reality here. One too many drinks could lead to misplaced passports, regrettable tattoos, or waking up wondering why you have a souvenir mug from a bar you don’t even remember visiting.

Romanticizing Motorcycle Adventures (The Motorcycle Diaries By Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, 1993)

A lone motorcyclist rides along a steep, straight road cutting through dense, tropical jungle, with the misty horizon in the distance.
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Guevara’s adventure sounds amazing – until you remember what long-distance motorcycle travel really entails. Sure, cruising down open roads with the wind in your hair sounds romantic, but get ready to crash headfirst into reality.

First, you’re going to need tools… because, no, duct tape won’t fix everything. Then there’s the cash for a steady stream of gas stops. And don’t forget, these aren’t scenic pit stops with cute diners; we’re talking middle-of-nowhere fuel stations where the bathroom might double as a wildlife exhibit. Patience? You’ll need an ironclad reserve of it for every pothole-riddled road or wrong turn that leaves you questioning why you set out on this adventure.


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