Ash is the author of Why We Travel: 12 Reasons to Travel - and What They Can Teach You About Life, The Independent’s ‘Best Travel Book of The Year’.

Travel is the world’s most popular pastime. We spend more on our holidays than on any other activity, and tourism is experiencing rapid growth. But travel is damaging our planet and we’ve all had disappointing travel experiences. So, how do we it better?

Ash has travelled as a pilgrim, backpacker, raver, soldier, ski instructor, journalist, grieving son, and husband. He realised that his most fulfilling travel had nothing to do with where he went or what he did. Good travel happens when we understand why we leave home in the first place: our motivations.

In Why We Travel, Ash delves into the psychology and neuroscience of wanderlust. Each chapter is a window into a specific motivation - Curiosity, Inspiration, Happiness, Mentorship, Serendipity, Hardship, Service, Empathy, Healing, Wonder, Eroticism and Hope - brought to life with stories from Sudan, Ukraine, New Zealand, Nepal, Japan, Uganda, and even outer space.

Our motivations change with time and circumstance. But knowing them helps us to drive our action in the right direction.

Why We Travel teaches readers how to do that. And how to apply those skills to the rest of our lives.

Accolades for Why We Travel

  • The Independent Best Travel Book of 2024.

  • Good Housekeeping Travel Book of the Month.

  • A LoveReading Best Book of 2024.

  • Smithsonian Magazine Top Ten Best Travel Books 2024.

  • Toppings York Travel Book of the Year.

  • Top Ten Books of the Year by Eastern Eye.

  • Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Travel Books of 2024.

  • One of The Guardian’s “Best Christmas Travel Gifts”.

Reviews of Why We Travel

‘In an era where many travellers are simply keen to scratch of another section on a foil-backed map, it’s a call to action to consider the benefits of thinking about what we want to achieve from our travels.’ - The Independent

‘This is no breezy self-help book. Instead, he ponders how a pastime that used to be associated with relaxation became all about what we can gain.’ - Wanderlust, Top Travel Books of 2024

‘This is a travel book like no other’. - TalkRadio Europe

‘What a story! We don’t often hear about the long and rocky road that separates a journalist’s dream from readers and listeners. Why We Travel will inspire and help others who would like to share their passion for discovery. It’s personal, adventurous and shines with curiosity.’ - Nicholas Crane

‘It's a rare but important thing for us to reflect on how our motivations for wanderlust intersect with the rest of our lives.’ - Alastair Humphreys

‘You’ll find profound meaning and insights.’ - Aldo Kane

‘A thought-provoking book with the power to change how you see travel - and life.’ - Pip Stewart

'...big ideas and inspirational tales from around the world' - Levison Wood

‘Underpinning the tales of derring-do, high adventure and reportage in this carousel of a book is a deeper tale – of how travel became a profound journey of self-discovery for the author, drawing him closer to loved ones and offering a philosophy for life.’ - Jini Reddy, Wanderland

‘Packed with lucid insights that cut to the core of human experience, Why We Travel will have committed travellers smiling and glowing in knowing agreement, and inspire all readers to think about travel in a fresh, life-changing light.’ - Love Reading

‘Fabulous exploration of finding life lessons in world travel… shatters the glossy veneer of travel brochures by delving into the human desire to explore.’ - Eastern Eye

‘It’s packed with interesting observations and stories, but it causes us to question more deeply: what are we looking for in the experience of travel. What is our motivation? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.’ - South Africa Radio