What are some good inspirational travelling books to read?

im looking to read some books this summer as i find myself becoming overwhelmingly bored. booked a europe backpacking trip recently only my friend had an op and couldnt go. (damn i wish i went on my own) but now i dont have the money so ill settle for reading about peoples travels. They dont necesserily have to be realistic but it is ideal. entertaining as well and maybe teach me a few things about foreign cultures particularly in places like thailand or asian countries. I live in middle england so cultures kinda hard to come by...