travel with books

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When you Still Want to Hold a Real Book: Tips for Traveling with Books

Last updated: March 5, 2018 - Written by Jessica Norah 24 Comments

Do you like to travel with books? Ever thought that if you packed every book you wanted to take along, your books would need their own suitcase? Welcome, you are not alone my fellow bibliophiles. I love traveling with books and this article provides tips on how to travel with books (yes, actual physical books!) while still packing light.

In the 1700’s, young men and women embarking on a Grand Tour throughout Europe may have traveled with a trunk full of books to aid in their search for enlightenment and culture. Times have changed and traveling light is key to reducing hassles while traveling. Not to mention avoiding pricey airline baggage fees. Books are deadweight in your bag, they aren’t collapsible, foldable, and don’t serve a million purposes.

So what do you do? Friends have suggested Kindles, Nooks, and other e-book readers. I could read books on my IPad, laptop, or the tiny screen of my smartphone. Maybe I could just go a few weeks without reading a book?

But none of these options appeal to me. I have tried downloading and reading books on the devices I already own and don’t enjoy the experience, and I refuse to buy another electronic device to tote around just to read books. I can go about a week without reading a book, but more that is difficult for me. I love to read a good book on long train and plane rides, while taking a relaxing bath, and each evening before going to sleep.

But if you are like me, you love the feel of a good book in your hands and you simply can’t imagine reading all your books on an electronic device. I like being able to manipulate the book and feel the weight of it in my hands. I like that it doesn’t need to be charged and is always ready to be read. It doesn’t have electronic errors and sunlight doesn’t make it impossible to read. If I drop it, it won’t break. If it gets damp from a bath or the beach, it dries out. A book, not matter how enjoyable, is unlikely to be a targeted by a thief, and if stolen, I can easily afford a new one. Seeing the cover of a memorable book can cause perfect strangers to strike up a conversation with you that would have been unlikely if they only saw the back of an e-book reader.

Ok, so enough of my ode to books. Yes, books are great but they still take up too much space. So if you happen to share my love of traveling with actual books, what can you do if you don’t want to lug around a suitcase of books? Below are some tips that we have used ourselves or saw others doing during our travels that can help improve your experience of traveling with books.

Table of Contents:

Tips on Choosing and Packing Books Before You Leave

• Purchase secondhand books to take along on your trip at your local library, book store, or thrift store. We especially like to buy secondhand books that are set in the locations we are going to visit or written by authors from the countries we are going to be visiting. Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast is twice as good if read in Paris (trust me!).
• Take only one or two books, just enough to get you through the first long leg of travel and the first few days. You can then discover new books during your travels.
• Reduce bulk and weight by choosing paperback over hardback books.
• If you are traveling with other people, choose books you can swap with your travel partners.
• Buy city or regional guidebooks instead of full country guides if you only plan to visit a single city or region. For instance if you are only visiting London while in England, you don’t need a guidebook to the whole country.
• Take apart guidebooks and only take the sections you need for your trip. If you have a guidebook to Vietnam and are only visiting the Red River Delta area, just take the relevant sections.
• Sign up for BookCrossing , which is a free website that connects you to a community of fellow book lovers. After joining, you can print out labels and put them in your books. Then after you finish reading the book on your trip, you can leave it and hopefully future readers will find the note and register the book on the site. This way you may be able to track your book as it continues traveling after you are already back home.
• If you pack and write in paper travel journals like we do, look for slim compact ones. Oddly, this is one of the items we spend the most time selecting before our trip as it’s something we use every day of the trip and hope to keep it forever.

Tips for Exchanging, Donating, and Borrowing Books During your Travels

• Once you are finished reading the books you brought along, donate or leave them at the places you stay along the way. Small inns, hostels, and bed and breakfasts normally have a shared bookcase for guest use. Leave your book and borrow a new one.
• Keep an eye out for advertisements for book exchanges and swaps at local hostels, coffee shops, book stores, churches, and libraries.
• Visit local bookstores, outdoor book vendors, and thrift stores to buy new books and donate the ones you’ve already read.
• Many tourist sites, such as castles, churches, and museums, sell wonderful English books in their gift shops. Buy a book about the place you are visiting so the book can double as a souvenir or gift.
• Swap books directly with other people. This is a great way to get to know your fellow travelers. It’s an especially great avenue in countries where it may be difficult to find books in English.
• Staying in one place for a while? Check out the local library. Very few travelers ever think about using the library, but some libraries will grant non-residents a card for temporary check-out privileges for free or a minimal cost. Even if you can’t get borrowing privileges, the library provides a great peaceful place to read and get online. It’s also a great place to meet locals, and librarians can be great sources of local information.
• Some cities have wonderful English libraries, like the American Library in Paris, which can provide a great place to access not only American newspapers and magazines, but also those travel guides and maps you decided to leave at home to save space. Libraries are great places to plan the next leg of your trip.

We have found that searching for places to leave our books and finding new ones can lead to unexpected discoveries of both books and people. It can expose you to new and unexpected books. For instance, I had always wanted to read The Remains of the Day and finally did so when I discovered it on a shelf in Switzerland. In Provence, I read a book written by a local writer I had never heard of before, and Ethan read The Notebook because it was the only book available. He bashfully confessed to enjoying the book but would have never read it otherwise. The search for new books can lead to passionate conversations with strangers (the Frenchman who gave me his opinion on Hemingway), and lead you to venture into places you may have otherwise overlooked (libraries, church basements, and funky secondhand shops). Give it a try!

We hope that these tips are useful to those traveling with books. Have other tips we missed? Wanna share some of your favorite spots for finding new books while traveling?  We’d love to hear from you!

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Gloria Post author

January 18, 2019 at 7:19 am

An incredible article about the joys of travel and books. Thank you for that. A lot to learn from here.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

January 18, 2019 at 9:03 am

Thanks Gloria, glad you enjoyed the article!

Kristy Post author

June 29, 2016 at 3:42 pm

Hi Jessica, Thanks for the great tips! I’ve done book swaps at hostels and whatnot in Europe before but I’m excited to try the Bookcrossing website – it sounds really neat! Have you had any experience travelling in Asia? Are there still English bookstores or hostel book-swapping when English is not as widely spoken?

travelcats Post author

June 29, 2016 at 6:01 pm

Hi Kristy, You’re very welcome:) It is harder to find English language books in Asia than Europe, but you’ll still find them in many hostels as well as some popular homestays/small hotels. Even if there is no formal book exchange shelf, hostels are also a great place to just ask other travelers if they have any books they’d like to exchange. Book stores are more difficult but you can still find English sections in some book stores in larger cities. Another tip would be to just ask an English speaking host or guide in each city or post on a website or forum for English-speaking expats wherever you are traveling and ask about local book stores or book exchanges as they will know where the best places are to find English books. Good luck and have fun with Bookcrossing – just be sure to have the labels before you set out as it can be difficult to find a printer when traveling. ~ Jessica

Clare Post author

May 28, 2016 at 6:47 am

I’ve really enjoyed reading this. Some great tips here for those of us that won’t give up on the physical book for anything. I used book exchanges whenever I’ve been travelling for long periods at a time and it’s really special finding some book you’ve always meant to read. I love the idea of the Bookcrossing website you mention. How wonderful to think that you could potentially track a favourite book from place to place as it finds its way from one book-loving traveller to another!

May 29, 2016 at 6:38 pm

Hi Clare, Glad you liked this article! 3 years later (after writing this post) and I am still traveling with physical books! No e-readers for me although my husband does own a Kindle 🙂 ~ Jessica

Marie-France (a.k.a. BigTravelNut) Post author

August 30, 2014 at 7:16 pm

Good tips! I follow several of them already. Most places that see a lot of travellers have at least one book exchange shop. And I have left my share of guidebooks behind in hostels, or have gotten a few dollars for them in used bookshops. The only thing that still breaks my heart is having to rip a heavy guidebook to extract only the sections I need!

August 31, 2014 at 11:06 am

Thanks Marie-France, yes, I also feel sad about ripping apart any book. I actually try to make photocopies if possible rather than tearing one apart but then I feel bad for wasting paper:)

Samantha Angell Post author

March 6, 2014 at 6:16 am

I love this post! I am always in a constant battle between books on my kindle, or actual books. I usually end up just buying a couple of cheap, used books and leaving them at the hotel, hoping somebody else picks them up!

March 6, 2014 at 7:55 pm

I think that is a good way to go! A lot of hostels, B&B’s and little hotels have a communal bookshelf so we tend to leave them there.

Megan C. Stroup Post author

February 26, 2014 at 9:43 pm

I’ve gotten used to traveling with a Kindle for the convenience of it, but these are some great tips! I did find a Jodi Picoult novel (in English!) in a hotel in Switzerland once. That was a treat!

February 27, 2014 at 8:43 am

I love finding books at places I stay and reading them! Ethan and I tend to actually pack 1-2 books each, leave them as we go and pick up others (usually for free) as we travel.

Darcy Post author

August 12, 2013 at 6:54 pm

This is a great article! It’s probably my favorite on the blog, so far. I’m a huge fan of bringing waaaaay too many books with me when I travel. I tend to shove my purse (which looks more like a tote bag) full of them and then just deal with my aching shoulders. However, this article has given me a few new ideas on how to handle my book addiction while traveling. Thanks for the tips!

August 12, 2013 at 7:16 pm

Yes, I have the same problem with wanting to take too many books. Hope some of the tips coming in handy during future travels!

Rachel Brandt Fisher Post author

August 9, 2013 at 3:47 pm

I am the worst when it comes to packing way too many books. I’m always worried I’m not going to have enough to read on the plane ride over or that I’m going to pick something that doesn’t fit the mood I’m in. I guess having over 1000 books in my personal library makes me accustomed to a large selection on any given day.

I love the idea of reading books where they are set. I read Wuthering Heights on a rainy day while we were traveling through the English countryside by train. That was four years ago and it’s still one of my favorite memories of that trip.

August 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

Reading Wuthering Heights in the English countryside sounds wonderful:) I read The Remains of the Day while in the Swiss Alps, which was great, but probably would have been even better in the English countryside.

Christy Post author

August 6, 2013 at 7:00 am

Good ideas and tips here. I also prefer physical books to e-readers, though I seem to be in the minority. In addition to libraries with English books, some foreign cities also have English-language bookstores. These were a godsend when I lived in Japan. We’d ride the train over an hour to pick up English language books!

August 6, 2013 at 3:11 pm

Totally agree Christy. Riding a train 1 hour each way to get books shows some good dedication to reading!

Angela Post author

August 4, 2013 at 5:09 pm

Great post and so true, I hope books never go out of fashion. I tend to buy books from 2nd hand bookshops when I travel but the problem is if I like them I can’t give them away, hence why I’m usually over weight on my baggage allowance!

August 4, 2013 at 6:13 pm

Yes, I totally agree Angela. I had a really hard time leaving one of my books on this last trip after I finished. I just always tell myself that I can always buy another copy or borrow it from the library.

Mary G. Post author

August 4, 2013 at 10:51 am

My favorite thing to do on vacation is READ. There is nothing more peaceful then laying out by a pool or a lake with an awesome book to indulge in. And I would also much rather have an actual book then an electronic device to read off of. I usually pack myself a book or two to hold me over and then find new books to read while Im out on my vacation, that way I dont have to worry about packing a whole suitcase dedicated to my books. Like the article says, you can usually find small hotels or inns that have a book donation program that you can trade the bools you have already read for ones that you have not. This program works well for me. This article also introduced me to bookcrossing.com which is a neat site to join. Very helpful article, thank you.

August 4, 2013 at 10:54 am

I couldn’t agree more, but I think we are quickly becoming the minority as I see more and people reading on their Nooks and Kindles these days when I travel. More books for us I guess!

Olivia Post author

July 21, 2013 at 4:28 pm

This is such a great article! I really love books as well and have actually taken a duffel bag full of books on trip before but only within the States. I’ve never thought of some of these things before, thanks for the tips!

July 22, 2013 at 5:54 am

Thanks Olivia for stopping by and leaving a comment! Yes, I always want to pack lots of books too but they take up so much room. Hope some of these tips were helpful to you.

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Home » Gear » books to read while travelling

The Ultimate List of the 50 Best Books to Read While Traveling (Updated 2024!)

One of my favourite things about traveling is that I suddenly have time to read. When I’m hitching, camping or riding a 24 hour train whilst backpacking around the world, I often manage to read two or even three books a week. So over the course of the last year I’ve got through a fair few, some have been frankly life changing, others have been just as much of a slog as an overnight bus!

As travelers, we understand the transformative power of exploration, the allure of the unknown, and the magic of a well-told tale. It’s for this reason I have put together a list of the best travel books to read when backpacking!

Many of these travel books are best read when you’re actually in the country they are set in; for example, reading Shantaram in India is a really fantastic experience and you will get a lot more out of the book. Same goes for books about backpacking in general, they just seem to make the experience much more reflective and relatable.

From dog-eared classics to hidden gems, the best travel books serve as compasses guiding us through distant lands, exotic cultures, and incredible new experiences. They can fuel our wanderlust, ignite our imagination, and remind us of the infinite possibilities that await on the road.

And so, in no particular order, here we go with the 50 best books to read while traveling… The world is waiting – let’s explore it together, one page at a time.

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#1 – On the Road

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Jack Kerouac’s seminal novel should be compulsory reading for all nomads, backpackers and folks who want to live off the grid. In ‘On The Road’ discover 1950s underground America as Kerouac hitches backwards and forwards across the states in search of Jazz, drugs, sex and the meaning of life. Definitely, one of my favourite books to read while travelling and one of the best backpacking books out there.

#2 – The Cloud Garden

The Darien Gap is a place of Legend. The only break in the Pan-American highway, which runs from Alaska to the tip of South America. The gap is often seen as an almost impregnable strip of swamp, jungle and cloud forest inhabited by FARC gorillas.

This fascinating book tells the story of two unlikely travellers who team up and try to get through the gap from Panama to Colombia, on foot. After a gruelling journey, they are just hours from success when they are captured by FARC fighters and held prisoner in the jungle for nine months. Ok, so you might not want to literally follow in their footsteps but it’s one of the most inspirational books about traveling the world.

#3 – Shantaram

The first book I ever read on India, Shantaram inspired me to book a one-way flight to Delhi and travel around India for 14 months. It might just be my favourite book about traveling around the world if I’m honest!

The book follows the possibly true, possibly exaggerated, story of an escaped Australian convict who finds his way to India where he falls in love, works for gangsters, fights the Russians in Afghanistan, gets imprisoned in Bombay, becomes a professional forger and an amateur doctor and experiences life in an Indian slum.

One of the best books to read while travelling in India, it is extremely well written and paints an accurate, although somewhat rosy, picture of life in India.

#4 –  Last Man in Tower

21st Century Mumbai is a city of new money and soaring real estate, and property kingpin Dharmen Shah has grand plans for its future. His offer to buy and tear down a weathered tower block, making way for luxury apartments, will make each of its residents rich – if all agree to sell.

But not everyone wants to leave; many of the residents have lived there for a lifetime, and many of them are no longer young. As tensions rise among the once civil neighbours, one by one those who oppose the offer give way to the majority, until only one man stands in Shah’s way: Masterji, a retired schoolteacher, once the most respected man in the building.

Shah is a dangerous man to refuse, but as the demolition deadline looms, Masterji’s neighbours – friends who have become enemies, acquaintances turned co-conspirators – may stop at nothing to secure their money. This is really one of the most poignant books to read while travelling in India, it changed how I viewed the country irreversibly.

#5 – A Long Petal of the Sea

Backdropped by the ongoing unrest of the Spanish Civil War, A Long Petal of the Sea offers a tale of love in the face of hardship, a complex cast of characters interwoven into the plot, and the daily struggle to survive. This was one of my absolute favourite reads of 2024 and an awesome bit of travel reading – another gem by Isabel Allende!

#6 – Mumbai to Ventiane

Need more India? I loved my 2 years in this country and Leon G Hewis similarly had an awesome adventure that began on this mysterious subcontinent.

His self-published travelogue-slash-thought-diary gives a refreshing look into South and Southeast Asia. He fully captures the feeling of being on the road and confronting new ideas and creatively working yourself out of situations you’d never encounter on your couch at home. If you’re looking for a definative book about traveling the world and the experiences that come with it then this is the one.

#7 – On a Shoestring to Coorg

This is the first travel book that tested the idea that a five-year old daughter makes for a decent travelling companion. A really interesting read on the now-defunct Indian state of Coorg, this book gives a fascinating insight into the origins of backpacker travel in India.

#8 – The Kite Runner

A fascinating, sometimes painful, read about Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The story follows the fate of two young boys, one of whom is able to escape to America whilst the other, of the Hazara minority group, is forced to stay behind.

#9 – A Thousand Splendid Suns

One of the most inspirational books to read while travelling, I felt that this gave me a real insight into the little known women of Afghanistan and the events that have shaped the country over the last thirty years.

#10 – Born to Run

A tale of a mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, who live hidden in canyons and are reputed to be the best long distance runners in the world.

#11 – The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

This is THE book to read if you are interested in how the psychedelic movement began, squats, hippy culture or experimenting with LSD.

Follow Ken Kesey, author of One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest, as he leads his band of Merry Pranksters across America fermenting a revolution unlike any other. Definitely, one of the best books to read on the road.

#12 – The Lost City of Z

This is THE book you want to read if you are headed into the Amazon. The book tells the tale of an eccentric British explorer, Percy Fawcett, who spent his life leading expeditions into the Amazon in search of the legendary lost City of Z.

The book recounts his life, his encounters with un-contacted tribes and his final expedition, from which he did not return.

#13 – Indonesia, Etc. Exploring the Improbable Nation

 In Indonesia Etc, Pisani weaves together the stories of Indonesians encountered on her journey with a considered analysis of Indonesia’s recent history, corrupt political system, ethnic and religious identities, stifling bureaucracy and traditional ‘sticky’ cultures.

Fearless and funny, she gives a compelling and sharply perceptive account of a captivating nation.

#14 – The Motorcycle Diaries

A travel classic, these are the diaries of Che Guevara in which he travels around South America by motorbike. A book that is ALWAYS on the list of best books to read while travelling.

#15 – The Killing Fields

Hands-down THE best book you can read about Cambodia under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Heartbreaking, beautifully written and historically accurate, this book will change how you perceive Cambodia forever.

#16 – First they Killed my Father

The personal account of a young girl who was taken from her family and trained as a child soldier by the Khmer Rouge.

#17 – The Waiting Land

It’s about an Irish writer volunteering in Nepal in the 1960’s. The innocent Nepal she writes about it is the one which hordes of travellers each year are still trying to find but which is sadly now gone forever.

#18 – Mud, Sweat and Tears

The inspiring autobiography of Bear Grylls in which he recovers from a broken back and goes on to become one of the youngest climbers to scale Mount Everest. One of the best books to read while travelling anywhere! It truly inspires you to challenge yourself.

#19 – Nine Lives

A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet – then spends the rest of his life trying to atone for the violence by hand printing the best prayer flags in India. A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve herself to death.

Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple is one of the best writers when it comes to offering an insight into Indian culture and I highly recommend reading everything he has written.

#20 – Heart of Darkness

At the peak of European Imperialism, steamboat captain Charles Marlow travels deep into the African Congo on his way to relieve the elusive Mr Kurtz, an ivory trader renowned for his fearsome reputation.

On his journey into the unknown Marlow takes a terrifying trip into his own subconscious, overwhelmed by his menacing, perilous and horrifying surroundings.

#21 – Blood River

When Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa in 2000 he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H.M. Stanley’s famous expedition – but travelling alone.

Despite warnings that his plan was ‘suicidal’, Butcher set out for the Congo’s eastern border with just a rucksack and a few thousand dollars hidden in his boots.

Making his way in an assortment of vessels including a motorbike and a dugout canoe, helped along by a cast of characters from UN aid workers to a campaigning pygmy, he followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian adventurers. This is an epic book for anyone, but it’s epecially of of the best books to read while traveling alone.

#22 – Stranger in the Forest

The best account of an adventure expedition that I have ever read. Stranger in the forest recounts the humorous story of the author’s travels in Borneo where he made lifelong friends with the Penan, jungle people who can catch fish with their feet, imitate the cry of the elusive barking deer, and survive in a fearsomely inhospitable environment.

With their help Hansen learned to hunt pigs, danced in the tribal rituals, discovered the eye watering nature of Penan sex aids and was given the ceremonial name “Rajah Kumis”: King of the Moustache.

He conveys how he came face to face with himself in the patch of map marked “un-surveyed”, and records the experience of living in a proud and ancient tribal community based on mutual respect. One of the most interesting books to read while travelling.

#23 – Absurdistan

Award-winning foreign correspondent Eric Campbell has been stoned by fundamentalists, captured by US Special Forces, arrested in Serbia and threatened with expulsion from China.

He’s negotiated dating rituals in Moscow, shared a house with a charismatic mercenary in Kabul and taken up smoking at gunpoint in Kosovo.

#24 – Speed Bump Himalayas

A hilarious and moving true story of trials and tribulations from a time before mobile phones ruined travel. Mark escapes dreary England in search of adventure and washes up in India with his buddy Sean in tow.

Together, they head into the mountains of Nepal on an ambitious trek but Mark is doomed from the start and embarks upon one of the longest survival journeys I have ever heard of… A rollercoaster ride of amusing cultural observations along the hippie trail, pure survival grit and living the nomad dream.

#25 – Travels on My Elephant

With the help of a Maratha nobleman, Mark Shand buys an elephant named Tara and rides her over six hundred miles across India to the Sonepur Mela, the world’s oldest elephant market.

From Bhim, a drink-racked mahout, Shand learned to ride and care for her. From his friend Aditya Patankar he learned Indian ways. And with Tara, his new companion, he fell in love.

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Need more inspiration? Here’s 25 more of the best travel books…

Faq about the best books to read while travelling, final thoughts, #26 – chasing the devil.

For many years, war made Sierra Leone and Liberia too dangerous for outsiders to travel through. Facing down demons from his time in Africa as a journalist, Tim Butcher heads deep into this combat zone, encountering the devastation wrought by lawless militia, child soldiers, brutal violence, blood diamonds and masked figures who guard the spiritual secrets of remote jungle communities.

#27 – A Walk in the Woods

For those of you not familiar with Bill Bryson, he is point blank one of the most amusing travel writers out there. In this tale of walking and woe, Bryson attempts to traverse the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world which crosses tangled woods and heady peaks.

#28 – Royal Road to Romance

When Richard Halliburton graduated from college, he chose adventure over a career, travelling the world with almost no money. The Royal Road to Romance chronicles what happened as a result, from a breakthrough Matterhorn ascent to being jailed for taking forbidden pictures on Gibraltar.

#29 – The Great Railway Bazaar; By Train Through Asia

Paul Theroux’s account of his epic journey by rail through Asia. Filled with evocative names of legendary train routes – the Direct-Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Delhi Mail from Jaipur, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Hikari Super Express to Kyoto and the Trans-Siberian Express – it describes the many places, cultures, sights and sounds he experienced and the fascinating people he met.

Here he overhears snippets of chat and occasional monologues, and is drawn into conversation with fellow passengers, from Molesworth, a British theatrical agent, and Sadik, a shabby Turkish tycoon, while avoiding the forceful approaches of pimps and drug dealers.

#30 – Just a Little Run Around the World

After her husband died of cancer, 57-year-old Rosie set off to run around the world, raising money in memory of the man she loved. Followed by wolves, knocked down by a bus, confronted by bears, chased by a naked man with a gun and stranded with severe frostbite, Rosie’s breathtaking 20,000-mile, 5 year, solo journey is as gripping as it is inspiring.

#31 – Black Lamb and Grey Falcon, A Journey Through Yugoslavia

Rebecca West’s epic masterpiece is widely regarded as the most illuminating book to have been written in the former state of Yugoslavia. It is a work of enduring value that remains essential for anyone attempting to understand the enigmatic history of the Balkan states and the continuing friction in this fractured area of Europe.

#32 – Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

One of the first books I ever read about expedition-ing, I was inspired to start travelling and to get involved in trekking, climbing and rafting. Ranulph Fiennes has travelled to the most dangerous and inaccessible places on earth, almost died countless times, lost nearly half his fingers to frostbite, raised millions of pounds for charity and been awarded a polar medal and an OBE.

He has been an elite soldier, an athlete, a mountaineer, an explorer, a bestselling author and nearly replaced Sean Connery as James Bond. In his autobiography, he describes how he led expeditions all over the world and became the first person to travel to both poles on land.

He tells the tales of discovering the lost city of Ubar in Oman and attempting to walk solo and unsupported to the North Pole – the expedition that cost him several fingers, and very nearly his life.

#33 – The Worlds Most Dangerous Places

A serious read for the serious explorer, packed full of practical advice on how to travel in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Brace yourselves for one of the darkest books to read while travelling.

#34 – The Dharma Bums

Another Kerouac classic, The Dharma Bums is a journey of self-discovery through the lens of Zen Buddhist thought. Essential reading for all aspiring explorers. Another MUST in the list of best books to read while travelling.

#35 – The Piano Tuner

I read this whilst backpacking in Myanmar, it is beautifully written and enabled me to get a lot more out of my time in this stunning country. The story follows a quiet piano tuner, Edgar Drake, who is ordered by the War Office to travel to the jungles of Burma to tune a rare grand piano for an eccentric British officer renowned for his peace making methods in the war-torn Shan states.

#36 – Walking the Amazon: 860 Days

In April 2008, Ed Stafford began his attempt to become the first man ever to walk the entire length of the River Amazon. Nearly two and a half years later, he had crossed the whole of South America to reach the mouth of the colossal river.

With danger a constant companion – outwitting alligators, jaguars, pit vipers and electric eels, not to mention overcoming the hurdles of injuries and relentless tropical storms – Ed’s journey demanded extreme physical and mental strength.

Often warned by natives that he would die, Ed even found himself pursued by machete-wielding tribesmen and detained for murder.

#37 – The Carpet Wars

A personal odyssey through war, friendship and craftsmanship along the old Silk Route. A fascinating travel book that illuminates the contemporary story of southwest Asia and offers a unique insight into the characters of warlords, presidents and sheikhs.

#38 – The Wild Places

“The Wild Places” is both an intellectual and a physical journey, and Macfarlane travels in time as well as space. Guided by monks, questers, scientists, philosophers, poets and artists, both living and dead, he explores our changing ideas of the wild.

From the cliffs of Cape Wrath to the holloways of Dorset, the storm-beaches of Norfolk, the saltmarshes and estuaries of Essex, and the moors of Rannoch and the Pennines, his journeys become the conductors of people and cultures, past and present, who have had intense relationships with these places. One of the best books to read while travelling!

#39 – Extreme Survivors

60 of the World’s most extreme survival stories. One of the scariest but best books to read while travelling. Plus it has a foreword by Bear Grylls!

#40 – Kon-Tiki, Across the Pacific by Raft

“Kon-Tiki” is the record of an astonishing adventure – a journey 4,300 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean by raft. Intrigued by Polynesian folklore, biologist Thor Heyerdahl suspected that the South Sea Islands had been settled by an ancient race from thousands of miles to the east, led by the mythical hero Kon-Tiki.

He decided to prove his theory by duplicating the legendary voyage. On April 28, 1947, Heyerdahl and five other adventurers sailed from Peru on a balsa log raft. After three suspenseful months on the open sea, alone among raging storms, whales and countless sharks, they sighted land – the Polynesian island of Puka Puka.

#41 – Into the Wild

Perhaps one of the most popular books to read while travelling, although not one of my personal favourites. Into the Wild follows the true story of Chris McCandless, a young man who walked deep into the Alaskan wilderness in search of enlightenment. They also made a movie about it !

#42 – Honeymoon with my Brother

After being jilted at his wedding, the author heads off on his two-year, fifty-two country, honeymoon…. with a brother he barely knows. What follows is a series of emotional, amusing and unexpected adventures as the author battles to overcome his loss and reconnect with his brother. One of the most heart wrenching books to read while travelling.

#43 – Travels with Charley

When he was almost sixty years old, worried that he might have lost touch with the sights, the sounds and the essence of America’s people, Steinbeck took note of his itchy feet and prepared to travel. He was accompanied by his French poodle, Charley, diplomat and watchdog, across the states of America from Maine to California.

Moving through the woods and deserts, dirt tracks and highways to large cities and glorious wildernesses, Steinbeck observed – with remarkable honesty and insight, with a humorous and sometimes sceptical eye – America, and the Americans who inhabited it. One of the most honest books to read while travelling.

#44 – The Alchemist

Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home and his flock. One day he finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own. The people he meets along the way, the things he sees and the wisdom he learns are life-changing.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

#45 – Siddhartha

A travel classic, Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling moral allegory our troubled century has produced. Integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this strangely simple tale, written with a deep and moving empathy for humanity, has touched the lives of millions since its original publication in 1922. Set in India, Siddhartha is the story of a young Brahmin’s search for ultimate reality after meeting with the Buddha.

His quest takes him from a life of decadence to asceticism, from the illusory joys of sensual love with a beautiful courtesan, and of wealth and fame, to the painful struggles with his son and the ultimate wisdom of renunciation. Definitely, one of the most interesting books to read while travelling!

#46 – Full Tilt, Ireland to India with a Bicycle

Shortly after her tenth birthday, Dervla Murphy decided to cycle to India. Almost 20 years later, she set out to achieve her ambition. Her epic journey began during the coldest winter in memory, taking her through Europe, Persia, Afghanistan , over the Himalayas to Pakistan, and into India. It’s one of the most epic books on backpacking through europe and beyond.

#47 – The Dogs of Nam: Stories from the Road and Lessons Learned Abroad

A collection of short stories from over a decade of travel. This is no glamorous tale of #wanderlust, but a true and honest accounting of what it means to be a traveller.

#48 – Dark Star Safari, Overland from Cairo to Cape Town

Travelling across bush and desert, down rivers and across lakes, and through country after country, Theroux visits some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, and some of the most dangerous.

It is a journey of discovery and of rediscovery — of the unknown and the unexpected, but also of people and places he knew as a young and optimistic teacher forty years before.

#49 – 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus 

A great book to read while traveling the Americas because it corrects the incorrect history many were taught growing up.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What book would you take on a long journey?

The key is to choose a book that is absorbing but also relatively easy to read as your attention will often be divided. I always try to find a book relevant to the place I am visiting as it really helps me get into the trip!

Which book is very useful for travel?

A copy of the local Lonely Planet will usually come in useful and also be sure to pick up a copy of The Broke Backpackers Backpacker Bible which is full of money saving travel tips.

How do you travel with many books?

Books can be heavy and I dont like carying too many. I personally only carry 1 or 2 at a time and then swap them with other travellers. Alternativley, try a Kindle.

Is reading books good while Travelling?

So reading whilst literrally traveling on a bus or train can put some strain on your eyes. The key is to take frequence eye breaks and not to read too much for too long.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

So there you go! A great list of the best books to read while travelling. For even more reading inspiration, check out my buddy Chris’s new book What the Florida if you want to find the weird in Florida state!

My buddy James at Nomadic Note has put together another mammoth post on the best travel books to fuel your wanderlust, so check that out too if you’re looking for more of the best books to take on vacation.

If there are any I might have missed out, tell me in the comments section!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

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50 Comments

I thoroughly enjoyed the list and even sifted through comments to see if our reading tastes align. “The Dogs of Nam: Stories from the Road and Lessons Learned Abroad” is my favorite for long road trips.

I suppose that ‘Cambodia’ offers a captivating account of the nation, combining personal encounters with insightful analysis. Another must-read on my list is ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ by Che Guevara. This travel classic takes readers on a journey through South America on a motorbike and is a constant presence on the list of best travel books. I enjoy reading it while traveling by train.

I miss traveling so much! As soon as things “go back to normal” a bit more I am heading to EUROPE! This is a great list and in the meantime I will definitely make due with good books about places that I can’t visit (just yet!). I read a super exciting thriller that takes place in the Greek Isles, U.S. and Europe that I thought did a fantastic job at making me feel like I was really there called “Cyclops Conspiracy” by author William McGinnis. It turns out that the author has a whitewater rafting company so when he describes sailing in Greece I could vividly picture it and even though the book is about terrorists smuggling in nuclear weapons this surprisingly scratched my itch for an international locale.

Curious, how do people usually read while travelling? A physical copy of the book or something like a Kindle? I, by far prefer reading physical books, though I wonder if second hand bookstores, book swapping, etc. with fellow travelers is a thing? On longer travels where I’d read more than 1 or 2 books, buying or carrying them with me is impractical. What do people usually do?

I also love a physical book, lots of places on the travel trail have second hand book stores and exchanges, still. If you’re in a particular area or country for a while, some book stores will buy the book back from you (tho for a lower price) if you keep it in good condition.

I’m late to this party, but readers might still appreciate the website Visit This Read That; a collaborative, crowd-sourced, effort, to determine what books best to read when visiting a place.

https://visitthisreadthat.com/

I would recommend Man Mission by Eytan Uliel, eytanuliel.com for his info. Got this for my husband who is not the biggest reader, just thought he might like it. He totally does, it’s clever and fun. He took it on a trip this week and said it’s hard not to want to just fly somewhere awesome and see it all!

This list is a treasure. Keep up the good work.

One of the greatest travellers of the modern era was Peter Penney who travelled mainly on foot with virtually no money. His travels took him from Europe to Australia on foot through Burma, right after WW2. His best books are “Dust on my shoes” and “Anywhere but here”. A not well known author Peter Penney has an innovative style of traveling with few resources, no passport and picking up food and money along the road. His playgrounds range from Africa which he traversed back and forth, Asia,the Pacific Islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea, etc. His books are a must read for anyone in love with travel, dry humour and adventure.

hey will, really liked your recommendations. however, just noted a small mistake, for the book absurdistan you are using the wrong book cover and the description is a straight copy paste from goodreads. I think for your readers (including me) it would be welcomed to hear about the book in your own words. Keep on doing what you are doing, I truly found your blog inspirational. Jan

Thanks Jan, I’ll look into that – some of these book descriptions were not added by me but my one of my other writers so maybe that’s the issue anyway 🙂

Will, it`s great list! love it.

about “The Alchemist” book…

This book was a life changing read for me. I was moved and spiritually uplifted by this remarkable story. I usually only read biographies and non-fiction stories, but this has become my favorite book because of the meaningful lessons that are taught throughout. I can’t say enough about this book other than the fact that my children will hear it over and over again and I believe every person should own this book.

Julie, https://www.julieannepeters.com/

Great recommendations here! I love a book that can help with my never-ending wanderlust. I have a historical fiction novel that should definitely be considered for this list called “The Jinn and The Sword” by authors Sara Cook and Robert Peacock. The book takes place during the 16th century imperial Ottoman court. There are some BEAUTIFUL descriptions of Istanbul and Venice. I really enjoyed the mental pictures the authors provided. Il Lupo, master swordswman, and his small posse crush an assassination attempt on the emperor and solve mysteries surrounding the theft of sacred relics. It is exciting, suspenseful, fun, and beautifully written. Check out the website for more info: http://www.thejinnandthesword.com/ Hope you will check it out!

I read “On the road” and was very impressed!

So many good books. Thank you for the list.

Ahhhh reading the Kite Runner in Pakistan = <3

Also, anything else by Khaled Hosseini, and The Alchemist are among my favourites!

I thought Shantaram was great, but frustrating in many ways…

‘Nice one Will!

I’ve read “Shantaram” a few times ‘cos it was just so inspiring and an exciting read! As well as “Just a Little Run Around the World.” I very much like the sound of “Honeymoon With My Brother: A Memoir.”

Have you ever read “Kevin and I in India” and “Rupee Millionaire” by Frank Kusy who is hilarious. In fact, I bought all his books! And “It’s on the Meter: One Taxi, Three Mates and 43,000 Miles of Misadventures around the World” a true story about three young British men who decide to travel the world in a London cabbie. It’s such a great read that not only did they make it, but they ended up breaking two world records along the way too!

I’ve read ‘its on the metre’, awesome book! 🙂

Good list mate. Shantaram and White Tiger enriched my experience in India for sure while of course Kerouac had a huge influence (Lonesome Traveller, Big Sur, Desolation Angels, Visions of Cody).. How about Jupiters Travels by Ted Simon.. he spends four years going 60,000 miles round the world on a Triumph in the 1970s. It’s epic and inspired me to travel in a big way. I read it twice. Also Ringolevio by Emmett Grogan, about the San Francisco Digger movement he helps put together after wild adventures in Europe. Good to see you spring back from that UK immigration dept pisstake and best of luck ….

Like you Will, I love to read books set in the country that I am travelling in. I love the feel of paper books but my kindle is more practical. I am looking forward to reading some of these from your list

Hi Will – A great list of books, many are personal favourites of mine. Would just like to add two follow up books of ones previously mentioned that might be of interset. Firstly, The Mountain Shadow, the follow up book to Shantaram (probably my favourite book). Obviously not as good as Shantaram but definitely worth a read. And secondly, Banco, the follow up book to Papillon, which details his adventures once he has found his freedom.

Will, if you didn’t know already, the film is out this year around April of Percy Fawcett and the lost city of Z. ,Was a great read and the film trailer looks awesome.

Holy shit but I did not know that, that is insanely exciting… thanks for telling me!

Can I add Marching Powder by Rusty Young for anyone going to Bolivia?!

Yes you most definitely can, epic book!

I am not fan reading while on travel, but I get interested with these books that you suggested. Gonna try this out.

Nice, a potential convert…happy reading on the road, Greg.

I love Bill Bryson! Check out Indonesian writer Agustinus Wibowo. His works have been translated into English. “Point Zero” is one of the best piece of travel literature I’ve ever read!

What a brilliant list! Some of the best books I’ve read and I imagine the rest are equally great. Thanks 🙂

Glad you like it, Jennie! More to come as I discover new favourites!

Great list – there’s lots I’m interested in reading. I completely disagree with Walking the Amazon, though. That book was very poorly written, which was so disappointing because it should be a fascinating story.

I would also suggest The Unconquered by Scott Wallace to learn about the uncontacted tribes in the Amazon. An incredible story.

For a book about South American, you can try to find ‘The Wizard of the Upper Amazon” which I read almost 40 years ago. About ayawasca and other jungle drugs.

Hi Will. Great site! Which book do you recommend to get ideas about places to visit? thanks 🙂

Hmmm… there’s a few around like ’50 places to visit before you die’ for example but really, it depends on what you want to see… I tend to do a bit of research online first and then simply pack my bag and head out on an adventure! 🙂

Hi – one of the books that inspired me when first travelling was Papillion – the tale of a French convict imprisoned on Devils Island off the coast of South America and his multiple escape attempts (sometimes to live with tribes in Venezuela) and solitary confinement for years on end. Also love the Tim Butcher books but my favourite African travel book is “Congo Journey” by Redmond O’Hanlon…he captures the Africa I know and love.

Papillion is now downloading to my kindle, it sounds absolutely awesome!! 🙂

there is also the film Dude, 1973 with Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen. You will probably love the bit when Stevie has to tattoo a tribesman using a mirror to copy the one on his chest. happy travels

I love this, a good book is so important on your travels! Which one is your favourite?

I always carry a copy of Illusions by Richard Bach…. Recently though, I read the Electric Cool Aid Acid Test – a great book, truly inspirational. I’m also a big fan of ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’ – Rannulph Fiennes is my hero! 🙂

I’m loving this list. Some excellent reads for the road on there. I particularly liked the underrated Travels on my elephant By Mark Shand. But dude I have a couple of bones to pick with you … How can you not include Notes from a small island, the Bryson classic!?! Or a single William Dalrymple book?! Time to update the list dude!

Hi man! There is Dalrymple in there! He’s one of my favourite writers around, I popped in ‘Nine Lives’ – a great book! Hmmm, it appears I did indeed miss out a Byron classic but you can’t have everything man; 50 is a shatteringly small number when it comes to trying to put every decent book up! 🙂

So many great books! Thanks for sharing – my Amazon wishlist just got a whole lot longer 🙂

I have actually read some of these. Many more to add to my to-read list.

This list is AMAZING!! Now to just get my hands on some of these titles while I am on the road…. hmmm… 🙂

Thanks Lina!! I’m currently working my way through a whole bunch of books on South America! Any recommendations?

51: Jupiter’s Travels 52: Dreaming of Jupiter

Thanks for the list; have read about half of them so time to crack on with the rest!

Shantaram has got to be one of the best books I’ve read so far! Love your blog and sorry about the Nepalese monster 🙂

Cheers Eve! I love Shantaram, I read it right before I headed to India and it somehow prepared me! Regarding the Nepalese monster… I still have the scar to tell of my tale down the pub!

I recently found the White Tiger on a book swap shelf. It’s such a great book!

I just discovered your blog today and have been really enjoying reading back though your articles. Thanks!

The white tiger was one of the first books I read whilst backpacking in India, it’s awesome -really describes the country well! Have you been to India yet?

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9 Books to Spark Your Wanderlust in 2023

Armchair travel. We’ve all indulged in it via daydreams and  Parts Unknown,  with weekly trips to  The White Lotus and afternoons spent leafing through the pages of this very magazine. But our editors, avid readers that they are, know that the most transportive (and transformative) stationary adventure is often to kick back with a good book. And we read a lot of those in 2022—from immersive  travel writing  that challenges the reader to breezy beach reads designed to be read on the sand. Here, we’ve rounded up the fiction and non-fiction books that sparked our wanderlust over the past year. Whether you are an accomplished bookworm yourself, or have simply resolved to crack even just one book in the New Year, we’ve got you covered.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Penguin Book of Italian Short Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri

My lack of familiarity with Italy’s modern literature, combined with my interest in novelist Jhumpa Lahiri’s immersion in the country’s language and literary traditions, motivated me to order this collection of 40 tales from 20th-century Italian writers, which Lahiri edited. The Pulitzer Prize winner curated a super sharp collection from authors who were both known to me (Italo Calvino, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa) and those unfamiliar (I enjoyed discovering Natalia Ginzburg), translating many of them herself, to telegraph an Italy you don’t see through travel: The dusty backroads of  Sicily in the early 1900s; hardscrabble towns beyond  Florence ; male and female protagonists struggling through banal life choices. More than a varied journey that jumps between eras and places in an often-overlooked Italy, this collection demonstrates the power of fiction to enlighten audiences on cultures and histories that are not their own (nearly half of the stories had never been translated before), mostly thanks to the stewardship of Lahiri herself. — Erin Florio , executive editor

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

“It’s nothing to come to Europe … It doesn't seem to me one needs so many reasons for that. It is something to stay at home; this is much more important.” I found a weathered and water-damaged copy of this masterpiece sitting alone on a  Brooklyn stoop this spring and began devouring it immediately—it is by far the longest and most difficult spontaneous read I’ve ever embarked on, and my found edition quickly became mine as I underlined passages more than I did not. Protagonist Isabel Archer is a young American woman, one less in control of her own desires than she is aware, visiting distant relatives in England. Her aunt takes her as a companion on a tour of Europe, and as she traipses from  Paris to  Florence  Archer makes a suitor out of just about every man she encounters. Firmly declining proposal after marriage proposal, Isabel is determined  to accomplish the abstract and impossible: to know everything about the world and about herself before she can marry. What better way to do so than to travel?— Charlie Hobbs , editorial assistant

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

I was already planning a trip to  Savannah when I picked up the non-fiction novel by journalist John Berendt, which is a page-turning murder mystery and a human interest masterpiece all in one. But it inspired me to make sure I experienced all the smallest nooks and crannies of Georgia’s oldest city—from subterranean antique shops to Flannery O’Connor’s historic childhood home, the Spanish-moss-strewn cemeteries, and an beloved drag show (yes, Club One) that lived up to the hype. Berendt lived the remote-work life, well before we all caught on to it, in order to live out his dream of transplanting to Savannah in the 1980s. The Southern Gothic tale that unfolds shortly after his arrival is one that strings together the small community’s dark past and its many eccentric personalities to paint a colorful picture of a Low Country gem that you can only experience through its people. — Shannon McMahon , editor, destinations

Bluets by Maggie Nelson

In her poetic prose, Maggie Nelson writes a personal exploration of her encounters with the color blue in life and love, and misery and pain. Catching sight of fragments of blue in my own life, Nelson has inspired me to count the colors in all my adventures. Navigating and experiencing travel through the lens of color opens up new and exciting emotions, connections, and realizations. I now find myself asking questions like: Which other city have I seen with this palette before? What does the color of this food remind me of? I jot down my answers and it becomes a story of its own. — Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant

Less Is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer

I fell for the somewhat hapless, super awkward, but rather relatable Arthur Less in Andrew Sean Greer's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2017 novel  Less during a jaunt around Europe, not unlike the protagonist. This fall, Less entered my life once again with Greer's sequel  Less is Lost . The novel—at times laugh-out-loud funny, deeply heart warming, and an apt portrayal of the current state of America—sees Less once again on a journey; this time on an unexpected  road trip across the United States where he finds himself in unpredictable situation after unpredictable situation. From beginning to end, I found myself armchair traveling through Greer's metaphors and vivid-yet-quirky descriptions from California to New Mexico to Georgia. I was ultimately left with an optimistic view of humanity—and an itch to rent a camper van, grab my dog, and get lost. — Scott Bay , associate editor

Lizzie and Dante by Mary Bly

This summer, when it seemed like everyone was traipsing around Europe, I was reading  Lizzie & Dante , a delicious rom-com about a woman who vacations at a seaside resort on Elba, an island off the  coast of Italy . The titular character, Lizzie (a Shakespeare scholar, because of course), meets a handsome Italian chef and his precocious daughter, and romance ensues. There are yachts,  secret ocean coves, and mouthwatering accounts of a crabby chef’s set menu that’ll have you ready to plan a trip to Elba (or at the very least, make a reservation at a very expensive Italian restaurant). The main character is on holiday with her best friend and his movie star boyfriend, giving it a touch of  The White Lotus  energy, but with far more likable characters. — Madison Flager , senior commerce editor

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

This year, I revisited a book I was assigned in high school when it caught my eye on a shelf in New York 's McNally Jackson Nolita, showcased with a group of “eerie” titles in the month of October. In the 1966 novel  Wide Sargasso Sea , Dominican-British author Jean Rhys gives the infamous madwoman in the attic from  Jane Eyre a story, and a life. The feminist, post-colonial prequel is set in the Caribbean, part one in  Jamaica during the protagonist’s childhood, and part two in Dominica during her toxic honeymoon with Mr. Rochester. The descriptions of these islands are at once beautiful and haunting. Take, for example: “The road climbed upward. On one side the wall of green, on the other a steep drop to the ravine below. We pulled up and looked at the hills, the mountains, and the blue-green sea. There was a soft warm wind blowing but I understand why the porter had called it a wild place. Not only wild but menacing. Those hills would close in on you.” These locations are not romanticized—they’re integral to the story Rhys tells about race, power, and assimilation—and in that way, this read will prompt your interest in them in more ways than one. — Alex Erdekian , travel bookings editor

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

I was utterly transported by the epic sweep of this beautiful, terribly sad historical novel about the Korean experience in  Japan over the course of the 20th century. (I read it right around the time Apple TV+ released its miniseries based on the book, and while I know many people who have enjoyed the screen version, this might be a case where the book hit me so hard I’ll never want to see the adaptation.) The vividly wrought locales are essential to Lee’s storytelling, especially the spartan but pristine world of Yeongdo, a fishing village on a tiny island off the coast of Busan more than a hundred years ago, and the rough-and-tumble milieu of Osaka at mid-century, with its squalid Korean ghetto, crowded markets, and illicit pachinko parlors. There are also gripping forays into Tokyo, Nagano, and the Japanese countryside. I found it to be such an illuminating portrayal of the fraught interlaced history of these two wonderful countries, and a reminder of how deeply I want to spend time in both. — Jesse Ashlock , deputy global editorial director and head of editorial content, U.S.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

I read Madeline Miller’s  Circe years ago, and was blown away by how she brings Greek mythology to life in a totally fresh format. I finally got around to reading her debut novel,  The Song of Achilles  (2011), about that Achilles—and  that heel—this year, and it reminded me just how transportive mythology can be. It inspired me to buy a book on Sicilian mythology  while on the island over the summer , and my 2023 resolution is to read up on local stories before future trips. (Currently accepting recommendations of books tied to Kenyan and Peruvian folklore for my winter travels.) — Megan Spurrell , senior editor

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34 Best Travel Books That Will Take You All Around the World

No plane ticket required.

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These expansive reads range from scenic train trips in Kazakhstan ( Around the World in 80 Trains ) to romantic jaunts in Europe ( Under the Tuscan Sun ) to hiking treks ( Wild ). Vintage accounts like Freya Stark's excursion to Persia in the 1930s, or Beryl Markham's feat of aviation in 1936, capture a time when crossing an ocean was no easy task. Travel books by Black authors like Tembi Locke's Italy-set From Scratch or Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor explore the intersection of race and voyaging. And gorgeous coffee table books from National Geographic and the New York Times will inspire constant wanderlust for everyone, whether you're a young adult looking to backpack or a retiree planning a long-awaited vacation.

These timeless travel books are as relevant in 2021 as they were when they were written, and they all have one thing in common: they'll take you on a journey and perhaps even change the way you see the world.

Due North by Lola Akinmade Åkerström

Lola Akinmade Åkerström has what many people would consider a dream job: She's an award-winning travel photographer and writer.  Due North  is a collection of all that she's learned. Amid spirited insights about destinations, Åkerström also gets personal about her experiences abroad as a Nigerian woman. "The more visa stamps in my passport, the more my motives for travel were deeply questioned," she writes. 

Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

There are no better Scotland travel guides than the Scottish stars of one of TV's most Scottish series,  Outlander . In  the show  Men in Kilts , co-stars and off-screen friends  Sam Heughan  and Graham McTavish travel around their native country for the best off-the-beaten-path delights, historical insights, and Outlander  tie-ins.  This book is best enjoyed with a glass of scotch. 

Alone Time: Four Seasons, Four Cities, and the Pleasures of Solitude by Stephanie Rosenbloom

Alone Time  offers a reminder that the best travel companion is...you. In the memoir, Stephanie Rosenbloom documents solo trips across four cities: Paris, Istanbul, Florence, and New York. The book explores what it means to make peace with solitude. 

My Little Cities: Paris by Jennifer Adams

After reading this board book over (and over), your toddler will be better acquainted with the City of Light. Soon, they'll be asking for baguettes and saying merci. Follow this book up with other installments in the My Little Cities series, like New York and London . 

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

In this YA page-turner, Ginny receives an inheritance from her recently deceased aunt in the form of 13 envelopes, each naming a destination. What does Ginny's Aunt Peg want her to find? Combine the adventure of a scavenger hunt with the joy of travel, and you'll get this novel—which adults will enjoy, too.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders

Every city has its list of must-sees. But what about the places that don't make any Top 10 list, and are all the more magnificent for it?  Atlas Obscura  is devoted to rounding up the world's hidden gems. 

This Way Back by Joanna Eleftheriou

Memoirist Joanna Eleftheriou spent her life traveling between the mountain village in Cyprus where her father was from and Queens, NY, where she went to high school.  This Way Back  is about the challenge of creating a sense of identity when you're from a place that has an identity crisis of its own: In 1974, following a Turkish invasion,  Cyprus was partitioned , with its Greek population confined to the island's southern portion and Turkish population to the north. 

World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

For years, the late Anthony Bourdain was a tour guide to our world through shows like  No Reservations and  Parts Unknown . He espoused a kind of travel that was less about sight-seeing, and more about learning about and respecting the culture around you through food. This book compiles Bourdain's guidance for navigating his favorite cities, including Buenos Aires, New York, and Shanghai, as well as other destinations. 

Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

Journeys of a Lifetime  is the kind of book that will delight readers at any stage—because there's a trip for everyone. Retirees looking for their next adventure might enjoy some of the lengthier trips. Train across Europe, anyone?   

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke

In this tear-jerker of a memoir, Tembi Locke—an actress who has appeared in  The Mentalist , Castle and Bones —recalls the defining relationship of her life. While she was studying abroad in Florence, Locke met Saro, a Sicilian chef, and fell in love almost instantly.  From Scratch is being adapted into a movie starring Zoe Saldana . 

All the Way to the Tigers: A Memoir by Mary Morris

Featured as a pick in  O , the Oprah Magazine's summer books round-up,  All the Way to the Tigers   is the refreshing literary answer to  Tiger King .  Mary Morris, author of the solo travel memoir  Nothing to Declare , documents her trek to India to get up-close-and-personal with striped felines. 

West with the Night by Beryl Markham

West With the Night  is a gripping tale set in a time when air travel itself was a death-defying act. Beryl Markham was the first person to fly solo over the Atlantic, leaving from England and surviving a crash-landing in Nova Scotia in 1936. She was also an adventurer, a horse trainer, an adrenaline-seeker—and as this memoir shows, an excellent writer. 

Falling Off the Map: Some Lonely Places of The World by Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer is one of the most acclaimed and prolific travel writers working today. Whether he's documenting trips to  Bombay or Japan , Iyer's observations are sharp. But  Falling Off the Map  has a special appeal: It's a humorous tour through some of the world's most remote places, which you may never see otherwise. 

Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands: Fifty Islands I Have Not Visited and Never Will by Judith Schalansky

Reading a book about travel is, indeed, a journey—but one of the mind. Cartographer Judith Schalansky's  Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands   pairs gorgeous illustrations to accompany each poetic description of a far-off island.

Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America by Candacy Taylor

For Black motorists in the 20th century United States, taking a road trip was a dangerous proposition. Many businesses were closed to Black guests, while towns were hostile to Black visitors. Published between 1936 and 1966, the Green Book was a guide to friendly businesses throughout the country—and was an essential part of any road trip.  The Overground Railroad uses the lens of travel to tell a story about being Black in America. 

36 Hours: USA & Canada

This coffee table book will fuel your wanderlust, and may eventually lead to some weekend getaways. A compilation of the  New York  Times '  36 Hours column , the book gives off-the-beaten-path itineraries for short trips for cities around North America. You can also check out the Europe or world editions.  

Eurydice Street: A Place In Athens by Sofka Zinovieff

Sofka Zinovieff, a Brit, moves to her husband's native Athens to raise their two daughters. From her vantage point between cultures, Zinovieff can observe Greek customs as she participates in them.  Eurydice Street  is the honest and vivid portrait of life in modern Athens you may be missing on that tour of the Acropolis. 

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

With this memoir and Oprah's Book Club pick , Cheryl Strayed singlehandedly changed many people's associations of the word "wild." Now, when people say "wild," they picture Strayed hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after her life fell apart, and walking her way to wholeness. 

Footsteps: From Ferrante's Naples to Hammett's San Francisco, Literary Pilgrimages Around the World

Footsteps   is an anthology for bibliophiles and adventure-seekers alike. In each essay, a different writer explores their own relationship to a place—like L.M. Montgomery’s Prince Edward Island, and Elena Ferrante's Naples. 

The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World

The title says it all. Every two-page spread in  The Travel Book  is devoted to a different country. Part reference guide, part color-saturated coffee table book,  The Travel Book  makes for a gift that will be revisited. 

Elena Nicolaou is the former culture editor at Oprah Daily. 

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Family Travel Folio

Plan. Enjoy. Remember.

How to Travel with Books without Damaging Them

Some people may just bring an e-book reader like a Kindle on their trips to avoid messing up the pages of their favorite books. You can also bring more books without worry of how much it weighs. 

But for those of us who prefer the physical book- especially for our little one to turn the pages and not be looking at a screen, there are ways to pack paper books without worrying about damaging them.

Packing Books

The biggest thing about packing books is to make sure the bag you put them in has a flat space to store them. If there’s no shape to the bag, or no flat items to pin the book between, you will end up with some damaged corners.

What Books to Bring while Traveling

When packing books for the girls, I try and only bring board books or hardback books. This helps protect the pages, and many children’s books have small and light hardback books.

Bring either 1 or 2 total. The more books you bring, the more you risk having them end up where they can get damaged. One book for the commute (plane, car, train, etc.) and one book that’s different for bedtime.

Also, I would suggest bringing books with more words than less- even if they’re babies, the sound of your voice can often help when getting them to fall asleep. Less words makes the task of continuous, monotone sound a bit more difficult. Plus, the more words there are, the more fun you can have keeping the attention of your little ones with different voices and a more upbeat reading.

* Side note : If your baby or toddler isn’t into the book at ALL, then don’t force it. Skip pages and words if they won’t leave it on one page long enough. If they won’t stay in your lap, keep reading out loud while they find something else to play with- they are still listening. If they won’t even let that happen, just let it go and try again later. The more you force it, the more they fight against it altogether.

Reading is a huge part of our bedtime routine, so we stick with it even when traveling. It doesn’t make every transition to sleeping somewhere new 100% easy, but it is a huge help.

7 Step Bedtime Routine For Kids

• Brush Teeth
• Say Goodnight to Everyone
• Bedtime Story
• Bedtime Prayer
• Bedtime Song

We keep to our bedtime routine even when camping, although the exact order may be switched up a bit. Brushing teeth, potty, and saying goodnight typically comes before pajamas when staying in a tent. Of course, if you have a baby or a toddler, the diaper is changed when the pajamas are put on- no need for the potty step yet.

And if you’re little one is super tuckered out from the day, they may not even last through the story. 

The point is, reading a story is a great way to quiet down and help kids transition to sleeping. If you wouldn’t skip it at home, don’t skip reading when traveling.

Alright, now to decide: regular book, small book, or tiny book?

Is your munchkin obsessing over a particular book for bedtime right now? Bring that one.

Otherwise, it’s fair game. How much space do you have? Long trip, not much room for more? Find a smaller, flat book to pack or go for the teeny tiny book.

Plenty of room and you want more words, go ahead and pack that hardback Dr. Suess book for the road.

Here are examples of the size and types of books we bring with when traveling:

How to Pack Books for Traveling

Here are some general book packing guidelines:

• Front pouch of roller suitcase
• Side of duffle bag
• Back of the backpack
• Front pocket of Diaper Bag
• In a zip-up Travel Tray Organizer
• Mom’s purse

Remember, it’s best to have it in a bag that has a bit of shape to it and a pocket that has nothing else. If you don’t have that, then thoughtfully pack larger, flatter items around the book to help “pin” it in place. These items could be notebooks, sticker books, tablet or drawing pad, etc. Think how you would have packed your school backpack.

My own book I bring to read is typically a smaller paperback, and I keep that in my purse where the kids won’t be throwing it around and I have more control about how things are taken out and put back in. 

The Destination

My main advice is to not bring a book that is worth a lot financially or emotionally- save that book for when you get home. That being said, there are definitely things you can do to protect your books while you are out and about exploring the world.

Storing the Books

Keep the books in their assigned bags until you are ready to read them. If you’re going back and forth between the book, a side table or the back pocket on the seat in the car are great places to temporarily place a book.

If you put it on a dining table or kitchen counter, you are just asking for it to get wet or get food on it. If you don’t want others putting a glass on it (*gasp*), then don’t leave it out in the common space. Not everyone thinks about books the same or treats them the same way.

If you couldn’t tell, I’m the kind of person who gets mad when someone dog-ears one of the pages or steps on a book. Our girls were taught as a baby to be nice to books because of my own tendencies.

Once done with the book, put it back where you packed it. If you had it in a pocket separate from other items, they shouldn’t be disturbed by others fishing around for clothes or other things.

* Packing Tip : fold your dirty clothes as you go. It saves so much time and space when packing to go home. The worst is trying to zip up a suitcase of clothes that were just thrown in, and what was beautifully tetris-ed is now a messy pile that won’t fit.

Weather and Books

Wanting to read by the pool or on the beach? Have a dry towel nearby to dry your hands after your swim before reading, or to wipe off any drips. 

A pool bag or beach bag is a great way to store your book if you’re leaving it alone for a while. I love reading on the beach, but I would never leave my book directly on the sand or on the towel that is laying on the sand- you need a bit more of a buffer if it’s not in your hands.

Expecting rain or snow? Don’t read outside if you were planning to before. Go inside the cafe or chalet and read by a window. An excellent snowboarding break is reading a few chapters while drinking hot chocolate, looking out the window at the snowy mountains around you.

Crazy humidity? Have a ziploc bag (or something similarly water resistant) to place your book into before you put it in your day bag or backpack. This helps keep it dry even when getting in and out of the bag for other items.

Adding More Books

The book as a souvenir.

Books are an amazing souvenir as they can capture the moments you just experienced in a story format. It’s the gift that keeps giving as it can be read again and again.

Don’t go for that big beautiful coffee table book unless you know you have room in your suitcase. Using the clothes as a “bubble wrap” can help if you want to decrease the chances of the corners getting dinged on the plane back home.

I like to keep them in the shopping bag, and then pack the clothes carefully around them.

Other books can easily fit exactly where the books are that you brought with you in the first place, especially if they will want to be read while you are traveling back home.

Taking Books Back Home

Pack books exactly how you packed them in the first place.

It makes traveling so much easier to just stay organized while you are on vacation. Use the hotel drawers, or keep the suitcase organized. Don’t leave piles of stuff everywhere for stud to get lost or stepped on.

Proper care of books fits in with proper care of all your items. 

Be respectful of others’ space- if you leave in on the couch, someone might sit on it. If you leave it by the kitchen sink- guess what? That’s right, it may get wet, and you can’t get mad because you’re the one who left it in common space that normally gets splashes of water.

Put things back where they “belong.” Everything should have a temporary travel home. Figure it out on day one and then keep things organized day to day- it’s so much less stressful than trying to vacation in a mess!

Have you had to get creative with book packing or bringing books while traveling? A time where you forgot a book for bedtime? Let us know in the comments.

Looking for a community of those that love to travel and love to read? Join us on Facebook ! It’s a book club all about being a book space to share book & travel related topics. No time commitment, no book you have to read each month- just book related posts to help you, inspire you, relate with you, and make you smile. 

See you there!

Travel Blogger

Family Travel Folio was created in 2019 by Katie to help and inspire parents to travel with their kids from Camping to Disneyland and everything in between.

Katie is a Disney obsessed bookworm who loves to explore with her husband and their 2 girls. You can find her learning fun facts about animals or eating sour candy while planning another fun adventure.

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100 Must-Read Travel Books

Rebecca Hussey

Rebecca holds a PhD in English and is a professor at Norwalk Community College in Connecticut. She teaches courses in composition, literature, and the arts. When she’s not reading or grading papers, she’s hanging out with her husband and son and/or riding her bike and/or buying books. She can't get enough of reading and writing about books, so she writes the bookish newsletter "Reading Indie," focusing on small press books and translations. Newsletter: Reading Indie Twitter: @ofbooksandbikes

View All posts by Rebecca Hussey

Real travel is awesome when we can manage it, but sometimes we just have to travel from our armchairs, right? When armchair travel is the most we can do, it’s good to have many reading options from which to choose. So I put together a list of 100 of the best travel books that will take you around the world without requiring any more effort than lifting your hand to turn the pages.

I did my best to organize these by geographical region, although sometimes that’s tricky since there are many ways to divide up the regions of the world. And I had to include a large category of “various locations” since some travel books really do take you everywhere. Within the geographical region, the books are organized chronologically.

I hope you will find some books on this list that pique your interest and can help you find adventures from the safety of your own home. Or maybe they will inspire you to go on a journey, or prepare you for an upcoming trip. Maybe you will read one of these on an airplane. Whatever the case, if travel is something that interests you, I hope this list helps you find new books to love.

Best Travel Books Set In Europe

Mary Wollstonecraft, Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark (1796)

“ Originally published in 1796, Mary Wollstonecraft’s account of her trip to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, is compelling both in its picture of countries rarely visited in Regency times and insights into Mary’s personal life. ”

Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879)

“ Ever hopeful of encountering the adventure he yearned for and raising much needed finance at the start of his writing career, Stevenson embarked on the120 mile, 12 day trek and recorded his experiences in this journal.”

Edith Wharton, A Motor-Flight Through France (1908)

“ Shedding the turn-of-the-century social confines she felt existed for women in America, Edith Wharton set out in the newly invented ‘motor-car’ to explore the cities and countryside of France.”

D.H. Lawrence, Sea and Sardinia (1921)

“ Written after the First World War when he was living in Sicily, Sea and Sardinia records Lawrence’s journey to Sardinia and back in January 1921. It reveals his response to a new landscape and people and his ability to transmute the spirit of place into literary art.”

George Orwell, Down and Out in Paris and London (1933)

“ This unusual fictional account – in good part autobiographical – narrates without self-pity and often with humor the adventures of a penniless British writer among the down-and-out of two great cities. ”

Rebecca West, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (1941)

“ Written on the brink of World War II, Rebecca West’s classic examination of the history, people, and politics of Yugoslavia illuminates a region that is still a focus of international concern .”

Mary McCarthy, The Stones of Florence (1956)

“ Mary McCarthy offers a unique history of Florence, from its inception to the dominant role it came to play in the world of art, architecture, and Italian culture, that captures the brilliant Florentine spirit and revisits the legendary figures Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and others who exemplify it so iconically.”

Jan Morris, The World of Venice (1960)

“ Often hailed as one of the best travel books ever written, Venice is neither a guide nor a history book, but a beautifully written immersion in Venetian life and character, set against the background of the city’s past. ”

Patrick Leigh Fermor, A Time of Gifts (1977)

“ In 1933, at the age of 18, Patrick Leigh Fermor set out on an extraordinary journey by foot – from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople. A Time of Gifts is the first volume in a trilogy recounting the trip, and takes the reader with him as far as Hungary.”

Tété-Michel Kpomassie, An African in Greenland (1981)

“ Tété-Michel Kpomassie was a teenager in Togo when he discovered a book about Greenland—and knew that he must go there. Working his way north over nearly a decade, Kpomassie finally arrived in the country of his dreams. ”

Peter Mayle, A Year in Provence (1989)

“ In this witty and warm-hearted account, Peter Mayle tells what it is like to realize a long-cherished dream and actually move into a 200-year-old stone farmhouse in the remote country of the Lubéron with his wife and two large dogs. ”

Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun (1996)

“ Frances Mayes—widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer—opens the door to a wondrous new world when she buys and restores an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. ”

Adam Gopnik, Paris to the Moon (2000)

“ Paris. The name alone conjures images of chestnut-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés, breathtaking façades around every corner–in short, an exquisite romanticism that has captured the American imagination for as long as there have been Americans.”

Lori Tharps , Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain (2008)

“ Magazine writer and editor Lori Tharps was born and raised in the comfortable but mostly White suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she was often the only person of color in her school and neighborhood. At an early age, Lori decided that her destiny would be discovered in Spain. ”

Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor, Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story (2009)

“ Between 1998 and 2000, Sue and Ann travel throughout Greece and France. Sue, coming to grips with aging, caught in a creative vacuum, longing to reconnect with her grown daughter, struggles to enlarge a vision of swarming bees into a novel. Ann, just graduated from college, heartbroken and benumbed by the classic question about what to do with her life, grapples with a painful depression. ”

André Aciman, Alibis: Essays on Elsewhere (2011)

“ From beautiful and moving pieces about the memory evoked by the scent of lavender; to meditations on cities like Barcelona, Rome, Paris, and New York; to his sheer ability to unearth life secrets from an ordinary street corner,  Alibis  reminds the reader that Aciman is a master of the personal essay. ”

Sarah Moss, Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland (2012)

“ Novelist Sarah Moss had a childhood dream of moving to Iceland, sustained by a wild summer there when she was nineteen. In 2009, she saw an advertisement for a job at the University of Iceland and applied on a whim, despite having two young children and a comfortable life in an English cathedral city.”

Robert Macfarlane, The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot (2012)

“ In this exquisitely written book, Robert Macfarlane sets off from his Cambridge, England, home to follow the ancient tracks, holloways, drove roads, and sea paths that crisscross both the British landscape and its waters and territories beyond. ”

Best Travel Books Set In  Latin America

Zora Neale Hurston, Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica (1938)

“ Based on Zora Neale Hurston’s personal experience in Haiti and Jamaica, where she participated as an initiate rather than just an observer of voodoo practices during her visits in the 1930s, this travelogue into a dark world paints a vividly authentic picture of ceremonies and customs and superstitions of great cultural interest. ”

Sybille Bedford, A Visit to Don Otavio (1953)

“ In the mid-1940s, Sybille Bedford set off from Grand Central Station for Mexico, accompanied by her friend E., a hamper of food and drink (Virginia ham, cherries, watercress, a flute of bread, Portuguese rosé), books, a writing board, and paper. Her resulting travelogue captures the rich and violent beauty of the country as it was then. ”

V.S. Naipaul, The Middle Passage , (1962)

“ In 1960 the government of Trinidad invited V. S. Naipaul to revisit his native country and record his impressions. In this classic of modern travel writing he has created a deft and remarkably prescient portrait of Trinidad and four adjacent Caribbean societies–countries haunted by the legacies of slavery and colonialism .”

Bruce Chatwin, In Patagonia (1977)

“ An exhilarating look at a place that still retains the exotic mystery of a far-off, unseen land, Bruce Chatwin’s exquisite account of his journey through Patagonia teems with evocative descriptions, remarkable bits of history, and unforgettable anecdotes.”

Paul Theroux, The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas (1979)

“ Beginning his journey in Boston, where he boarded the subway commuter train, and catching trains of all kinds on the way, Paul Theroux tells of his voyage from ice-bound Massachusetts and Illinois to the arid plateau of Argentina’s most southerly tip. ”

Salman Rushdie, The Jaguar Smile: A Nicaraguan Journey (1987)

“ In this brilliantly focused and haunting portrait of the people, the politics, the land, and the poetry of Nicaragua, Salman Rushdie brings to the forefront the palpable human facts of a country in the midst of a revolution. ”

Mary Morris, Nothing to Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Traveling Alone (1987)

“ Traveling from the highland desert of northern Mexico to the steaming jungles of Honduras, from the seashore of the Caribbean to the exquisite highlands of Guatemala, Mary Morris, a celebrated writer of both fiction and nonfiction, confronts the realities of place, poverty, machismo, and selfhood. ”

Jamaica Kincaid, A Small Place (1988)

“ Lyrical, sardonic, and forthright, A Small Place magnifies our vision of one small place with Swiftian wit and precision. Jamaica Kincaid’s expansive essay candidly appraises the ten-by-twelve-mile island in the British West Indies where she grew up, and makes palpable the impact of European colonization and tourism. ”

Isabel Allende, My Invented Country: A Nostalgic Journey Through Chile (2003)

“ Isabel Allende evokes the magnificent landscapes of her country; a charming, idiosyncratic Chilean people with a violent history and an indomitable spirit, and the politics, religion, myth, and magic of her homeland that she carries with her even today. ”

Best Travel Books Set In  North America

Olaudah Equiano, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (1789)

“ Widely admired for its vivid accounts of the slave trade, Olaudah Equiano’s autobiography — the first slave narrative to attract a significant readership — reveals many aspects of the eighteenth-century Western world through the experiences of one individual. ”

Isabella Bird, A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains (1879)

“ Bird was born in 1831 in Cheshire, England, and became one of a distinguished group of female travellers famous in the nineteenth century–a time when it was considered that a lady’s place should be confined to the home. Isabella travelled and explored the world extensively and became a notable writer and natural historian.”

John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley in Search of America (1962)

“ In September 1960, John Steinbeck embarked on a journey across America. He felt that he might have lost touch with the country, with its speech, the smell of its grass and trees, its color and quality of light, the pulse of its people.”

Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire (1968)

“ This is a rare view of a quest to experience nature in its purest form — the silence, the struggle, the overwhelming beauty. But this is also the gripping, anguished cry of a man of character who challenges the growing exploitation of the wilderness by oil and mining interests, as well as by the tourist industry. ”

Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values (1974)

“ A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, the book becomes a personal and philosophical odyssey into fundamental questions of how to live. ”

Edmund White, States of Desire: Travels in Gay America (1980)

“ In this city-by-city description of the way homosexual men lived in the late seventies, Edmund White gives us a picture of Gay America that will surprise gay and straight readers alike.”

William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highways: A Journey into America (1982)

“ William Least Heat-Moon set out with little more than the need to put home behind him and a sense of curiosity … His adventures, his discoveries, and his recollections of the extraordinary people he encountered along the way amount to a revelation of the true American experience.”

Gretel Ehrlich, The Solace of Open Spaces (1984)

“ Poet and filmmaker Gretel Ehrlich went to Wyoming in 1975 to make the first in a series of documentaries when her partner died. Ehrlich stayed on and found she couldn’t leave. The Solace of Open Spaces is a chronicle of her first years on “the planet of Wyoming,” a personal journey into a place, a feeling, and a way of life. ”

Jonathan Raban, Bad Land: An American Romance (1985)

“ In towns named Terry, Calypso, and Ismay (which changed its name to Joe, Montana, in an effort to attract football fans), and in the landscape in between, Raban unearths a vanished episode of American history, with its own ruins, its own heroes and heroines, its own hopeful myths and bitter memories. ”

Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild (1996)

“ In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. ”

Jenny Diski, Stranger on a Train: Daydreaming and Smoking Around America with Interruptions (2002)

“ Using two cross-country trips on Amtrak as her narrative vehicles, British writer Jenny Diski connects the humming rails, taking her into the heart of America with the track-like scars leading back to her own past. ”

Rebecca Solnit, A Field Guide to Getting Lost (2005)

“ A Field Guide to Getting Lost draws on emblematic moments and relationships in Solnit’s own life to explore the issues of wandering, being lost, and the uses of the unknown. The result is a distinctive, stimulating, and poignant voyage of discovery. ”

Sarah Vowell, Assassination Vacation (2005)

“ With Assassination Vacation, [Vowell] takes us on a road trip like no other—a journey to the pit stops of American political murder and through the myriad ways they have been used for fun and profit, for political and cultural advantage. ”

Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (2012)

“ At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life.”

Suzanne Roberts, Almost Somewhere: Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail (2012)

“ It was 1993, Suzanne Roberts had just finished college, and when her friend suggested they hike California’s John Muir Trail, the adventure sounded like the perfect distraction from a difficult home life and thoughts about the future. But she never imagined that the twenty-eight-day hike would change her life. ”

Gloria Steinem, My Life on the Road (2015)

“ Gloria Steinem—writer, activist, organizer, and one of the most inspiring leaders in the world—now tells a story she has never told before, a candid account of how her early years led her to live an on-the-road kind of life, traveling, listening to people, learning, and creating change. ”

Best Travel Books Set In  Asia

Matsuo Bashō, The Narrow Road to the Deep North (1689)

“ In later life Basho turned to Zen Buddhism, and the travel sketched in this volume reflect his attempts to cast off earthly attachments and reach out to spiritual fulfillment. The sketches are written in the ‘haibun’ style–a linking of verse and prose. ”

Alexandra David-Néel, My Journey to Lhasa (1927)

“ In order to penetrate Tibet and reach Lhasa, she used her fluency of Tibetan dialects and culture, disguised herself as a beggar with yak hair extensions and inked skin and tackled some of the roughest terrain and climate in the World.”

Eric Newby, A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush (1958)

“ No mountaineer, Newby set out with a friend to explore the formidable peaks of the Nuristan Mountains in northeast Afghanistan. His witty, unorthodox report is packed with incidents both ghastly and ecstatic as he takes us where few Western feet have trod.”

Peter Matthiessen, The Snow Leopard (1978)

“ When Matthiessen went to Nepal to study the Himalayan blue sheep and, possibly, to glimpse the rare and beautiful snow leopard, he undertook his five-week trek as winter snows were sweeping into the high passes. This is a radiant and deeply moving account of a ‘true pilgrimage, a journey of the heart.'”

Michael Ondaatje, Running in the Family (1982)

“ In the late 1970s Ondaatje returned to his native island of Sri Lanka. As he records his journey through the drug-like heat and intoxicating fragrances of that ‘pendant off the ear of India,’ Ondaatje simultaneously retraces the baroque mythology of his Dutch-Ceylonese family. ”

Vikram Seth, From Heaven Lake: Travels Through Sinkian and Tibet (1983)

“ After two years as a postgraduate student at Nanjing University in China, Vikram Seth hitch-hiked back to his home in New Delhi, via Tibet. From Heaven Lake is the story of his remarkable journey and his encounters with nomadic Muslims, Chinese officials, Buddhists and others. ”

Christina Dodwell, Traveller in China (1985)

“ Christina Dodwell s wanderlust, combined with her inventive and unorthodox methods of travel and her unquenchable curiosity about people, make her the ideal guide to the remoter parts of China’s vast territory. ”

Pico Iyer, Video Night in Kathmandu (1988)

“ Why did Dire Straits blast out over Hiroshima, Bruce Springsteen over Bali and Madonna over all? The author was eager to learn where East meets West, how pop culture and imperialism penetrated through the world’s most ancient civilisations. Then, the truths he began to uncover were more startling, subtle, and more complex than he ever anticipated. ”

Pankaj Mishra, Butter Chicken in Ludhiana: Travels in Small Town India (1995)

“ From a convent-educated beauty pageant aspirant to small shopkeepers planning their vacation in London, Pankaj Mishra paints a vivid picture of a people rushing headlong to their tryst with modernity. ”

Andrew Pham, Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam (1999)

“ Catfish and Mandala is the story of an American odyssey—a solo bicycle voyage around the Pacific Rim to Vietnam—made by a young Vietnamese-American man in pursuit of both his adopted homeland and his forsaken fatherland.”

Ma Jian, Red Dust: A Path Through China (2001)

“ In 1983, at the age of thirty, dissident artist Ma Jian finds himself divorced by his wife, separated from his daughter, betrayed by his girlfriend, facing arrest for ‘Spiritual Pollution,’ and severely disillusioned with the confines of life in Beijing. So with little more than a change of clothes and two bars of soap, Ma takes off to immerse himself in the remotest parts of China. ”

Suketu Mehta , Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found (2004)

“ The book combines elements of memoir, travel writing as well as socio-political analysis of the history and people of Mumbai. Mehta writes as a person who is at one level outsider to this magnificent city and on the other hand is the one who is born here and has lived his childhood in the city then known as Bombay. ”

Faith Adiele, Meeting Faith: The Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun (2004)

“ Reluctantly leaving behind Pop Tarts and pop culture to battle flying rats, hissing cobras, forest fires, and decomposing corpses, Faith Adiele shows readers in this personal narrative, with accompanying journal entries, that the path to faith is full of conflicts for even the most devout. ”

Barbara Demick, Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea (2009)

“ Award-winning journalist Barbara Demick follows the lives of six North Korean citizens over fifteen years–a chaotic period that saw the death of Kim Il-sung, the rise to power of his son Kim Jong-il, and a devastating famine that killed one-fifth of the population. ”

Katherine Boo, Behind the Beautiful Forevers (2012)

“ In this brilliant, breathtaking book by Pulitzer Prize winner Katherine Boo, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is made human through the dramatic story of families striving toward a better life in Annawadi, a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. ”

Best Travel Books Set In  Africa

Mary Kingsley, Travels in West Africa (1897)

“ Upon her sudden freedom from family obligations, a sheltered Victorian spinster traded her stifling middle-class existence for an incredible expedition in the Congo. ”

Beryl Markham, West with the Night (1942)

“[Markham’s] successes and her failures—and her deep, lifelong love of the ‘soul of Africa’—are all chronicled here with wrenching honesty and agile wit. Hailed by National Geographic as one of the greatest adventure books of all time, West with the Night is the sweeping account of a fearless and dedicated woman. ”

Maya Angelou, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986)

“ Once again, the poet casts her spell as she resumes one of the greatest personal narratives of our time. In this continuation, Angelou relates how she joins a “colony” of Black American expatriates in Ghana–only to discover no one ever goes home again. ”

Eddy L. Harris, Native Stranger: A Black American’s Journey into the Heart of Africa (1992)

“ Recounting his journey into the heart of Africa, an African American describes his encounters with beggars and bureaucrats, his visit to Soweto, a night in a Liberian jail cell, and more. ”

Philip Gourevitch, We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families (1998)

“ Philip Gourevitch’s haunting work is an anatomy of the killings in Rwanda, a vivid history of the genocide’s background, and an unforgettable account of what it means to survive in its aftermath. ”

Colleen McElroy, Over the Lip of the World: Among the Storytellers of Madagascar (1999)

“ McElroy’s tale of an African American woman’s travels among the people of Madagascar is told with wit, insight, and humor. Throughout it she interweaves English translations of Malagasy stories of heroism and morality, royalty and commoners, love and revenge, and the magic of tricksters and shapechangers. ”

Charlayne Hunter-Gault, New News Out of Africa: Uncovering Africa’s Renaissance (2006)

“ In New News Out of Africa , this eminent reporter offers a fresh and surprisingly optimistic assessment of modern Africa, revealing that there is more to the continent than the bad news of disease, disaster, and despair.”

Noo Saro-Wiwa, Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria (2012)

“ She finds [Nigeria] as exasperating as ever, and frequently despairs at the corruption and inefficiency she encounters. But she also discovers that it is far more beautiful and varied than she had ever imagined, with its captivating thick tropical rainforest and ancient palaces and monuments.”

Best Travel Books Set In The  South Pacific

Robyn Davidson, Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback (1980)

“ Robyn Davidson’s opens the memoir of her perilous journey across 1,700 miles of hostile Australian desert to the sea with only four camels and a dog for company with the following words: ‘I experienced that sinking feeling you get when you know you have conned yourself into doing something difficult and there’s no going back.'”

Dea Birkett, Serpent in Paradise (1997)

“ Acclaimed British travel writer and journalist Dea Birkett, obsessed like many with the island’s image as a secluded Eden and its connection to the mysterious and intriguing Bounty legend, traveled across the Pacific on a cargo ship and became one of the very few outsiders permitted to land on Pitcairn. ”

Bill Bryson, In a Sunburned Country (2000)

“ Despite the fact that Australia harbors more things that can kill you in extremely nasty ways than anywhere else, including sharks, crocodiles, snakes, even riptides and deserts, Bill Bryson adores the place, and he takes his readers on a rollicking ride far beyond that beaten tourist path. ”

Kira Salak, Four Corners: A Journey into the Heart of Papua, New Guinea (2001)

“ Traveling by dugout canoe and on foot, confronting the dangers and wonders of a largely untouched world, [Salak] became the first woman to traverse this remote country and write about it. ”

Best Travel Books Set In The  Middle East/North Africa

Mary Wortley Montagu, The Turkish Embassy Letters (1716)

“ Her lively letters offer insights into the paradoxical freedoms conferred on Muslim women by the veil, the value of experimental work by Turkish doctors on inoculation, and the beauty of Arab poetry and culture. ”

Robert Byron, The Road to Oxiana (1937)

“ In 1933 the delightfully eccentric Robert Byron set out on a journey through the Middle East via Beirut, Jerusalem, Baghdad and Teheran to Oxiana -the country of the Oxus, the ancient name for the river Amu Darya which forms part of the border between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. ”

Isabelle Eberhardt, The Nomad: The Diaries of Isabelle Eberhardt (1987, written in late 19th century)

“ Eberhardt’s journal chronicles the daring adventures of a late 19th- century European woman who traveled the Sahara desert disguised as an Arab man and adopted Islam.”

Sara Suleri, Meatless Days (1989)

“ In this finely wrought memoir of life in postcolonial Pakistan, Suleri intertwines the violent history of Pakistan’s independence with her own most intimate memories—of her Welsh mother; of her Pakistani father, prominent political journalist Z.A. Suleri; of her tenacious grandmother Dadi and five siblings; and of her own passage to the West. ”

Amitav Ghosh, In an Antique Land: History in the Guise of a Traveler’s Tale (1993)

“ Interspersing his quest with accounts of his stay in ‘Masr’ and the people he met, Ghosh weaves together a narrative packed with exuberant detail, exposing ties that have bound together India and Egypt, and Hindus and Muslims and Jews, from the Crusades to Operation Desert Storm.”

Rory Stewart, The Places in Between (2004)

“ In January 2002 Rory Stewart walked across Afghanistan–surviving by his wits, his knowledge of Persian dialects and Muslim customs, and the kindness of strangers … Along the way Stewart met heroes and rogues, tribal elders and teenage soldiers, Taliban commanders and foreign-aid workers. ”

Colin Thubron, Shadow of the Silk Road (2007)

“ Making his way by local bus, truck, car, donkey cart, and camel, Colin Thubron covered some seven thousand miles in eight months out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey and explored an ancient world in modern ferment. ”

Gertrude Bell, A Woman in Arabia: The Writings of the Queen of the Desert (2015, written in early 20th century)

“ This is the epic story of Bell’s life, told through her letters, military dispatches, diary entries, and other writings. It offers a unique and intimate look behind the public mask of a woman who shaped nations. ”

Lynsey Addario, It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War (2015)

“ Lynsey Addario was just finding her way as a young photographer when September 11 changed the world. One of the few photojournalists with experience in Afghanistan, she gets the call to return and cover the American invasion.”

Best Travel Books Set In  Arctic/Antarctic

Ernest Shackleton, South: The Story of Shackleton’s Last Expedition, 1914-1917 (1919)

“ In an epic struggle of man versus the elements, Shackleton leads his team on a harrowing quest for survival over some of the most unforgiving terrain in the world.”

Barry Lopez, Arctic Dreams (2001)

“ Lopez offers a thorough examination of this obscure world-its terrain, its wildlife, its history of Eskimo natives and intrepid explorers who have arrived on their icy shores. But what turns this marvelous work of natural history into a breathtaking study of profound originality is his unique meditation on how the landscape can shape our imagination, desires, and dreams. ”

Sara Wheeler, Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica (1996)

“ Terra Incognita is a meditation on the landscape, myths and history of one of the remotest parts of the globe, as well as an encounter with the international temporary residents of the region – living in close confinement despite the surrounding acres of white space – and the mechanics of day-to-day life in extraordinary conditions. ”

Gretchen Legler, On the Ice: An Intimate Portrait of Life at McMurdo Station, Antarctica (2005)

“ Sent to Antarctica as an observer by the National Science Foundation, Gretchen Legler arrives at McMurdo Station in midwinter, a time of -70 degree temperatures and months of near-total darkness. ”

Various Locations

Ibn Battuta, The Travels of Ibn Battuta , (14th century)

“ Ibn Battutah—ethnographer, bigrapher, anecdotal historian and occasional botanist—was just 21 when he set out in 1325 from his native Tangier on a pilgramage to Mecca. He did not return to Morocco for another 29 years, traveling instead through more than 40 countries on the modern map, covering 75,000 miles and getting as far north as the Volga, as far east as China, and as far south as Tanzania. ”

Martha Gellhorn, Travels With Myself and Another (1979): “ Out of a lifetime of travelling, Martha Gellhorn has selected her ‘best horror journeys.’ She bumps through rain-sodden, war-torn China to meet Chiang Kai-Shek, floats listlessly in search of u-boats in the wartime Caribbean and visits a dissident writer in the Soviet Union against her better judgment.”

Barbara Savage, Miles from Nowhere: A Round-The World Bicycle Adventure (1983)

“ This is the story of Barbara and Larry Savage’s sometimes dangerous, often zany, but ultimately rewarding 23,000 miles global bicycle odyssey, which took them through 25 countries in two years.”

Elaine Lee, editor, Go Girl!: The Black Woman’s Book of Travel and Adventure (1997)

“Globe-trotting attorney Lee assembled 52 travel pieces presenting the uncommon perspective of black women, mostly African Americans. Assembled under the headings ‘Back to Africa,’ ‘Sistren Travelin’,’ and ‘Trippin’ All Over the World,’ many initially appeared in popular women’s or travel magazines.”

Cheryl J. Fish, editor, A Stranger in the Village: Two Centuries of African-American Travel Writing (1999)

“ Dispatches, diaries, memoirs, and letters by African-American travelers in search of home, justice, and adventure-from the Wild West to Australia. ”

Caryl Phillips, The Atlantic Sound (2000)

“ Liverpool, England; Accra, Ghana; Charleston, South Carolina. These were the points of the triangle forming the major route of the transatlantic slave trade. And these are the cities that acclaimed author Caryl Phillips explores–physically, historically, psychologically–in this wide-ranging meditation on the legacy of slavery. ”

Alain de Botton, The Art of Travel (2002)

“ Any Baedeker will tell us where we ought to travel, but only Alain de Botton will tell us how and why … de Botton considers the pleasures of anticipation; the allure of the exotic, and the value of noticing everything from a seascape in Barbados to the takeoffs at Heathrow.”

Geoff Dyer, Yoga for People Who Can’t Be Bothered to Do It (2003)

“ As he travels from Amsterdam to Cambodia, Rome to Indonesia, Libya to Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert, Dyer flounders about in a sea of grievances, with fleeting moments of transcendental calm his only reward for living in a perpetual state of motion. ”

Susan Orlean, My Kind of Place: Travel Stories from a Woman Who’s Been Everywhere (2004)

“ In this irresistible collection of adventures far and near, Orlean conducts a tour of the world via its subcultures, from the heart of the African music scene in Paris to the World Taxidermy Championships in Springfield, Illinois–and even into her own apartment, where she imagines a very famous houseguest taking advantage of her hospitality. ”

Ryszard Kapuściński , Travels with Herodotus (2004)

“J ust out of university in 1955, Kapuscinski told his editor that he’d like to go abroad. Dreaming no farther than Czechoslovakia, the young reporter found himself sent to India. Wide-eyed and captivated, he would discover in those days his life’s work—to understand and describe the world in its remotest reaches, in all its multiplicity.”

Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love (2006)

“ Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. ”

Tahir Shah, Travels with Myself (2011)

“ Travels with Myself is a collection of selected writings by Tahir Shah, acclaimed Anglo-Afghan author and champion of the intrepid. Written over twenty years, the many pieces form an eclectic treasury of stories from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Elisabeth Eaves, Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents (2011)

“ Spanning 15 years of travel, beginning when she is a sophomore in college, Wanderlust documents Elisabeth Eaves’s insatiable hunger for the rush of the unfamiliar and the experience of encountering new people and cultures. ”

Paula Young Lee, Deer Hunting in Paris: A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat (2013)

“ What happens when a Korean-American preacher’s kid refuses to get married, travels the world, and quits being vegetarian? She meets her polar opposite on an online dating site while sitting at a café in Paris, France and ends up in Paris, Maine, learning how to hunt. ”

Emily Raboteau, Searching for Zion: The Quest for Home in the African Diaspora (2013)

“ On her ten-year journey back in time and around the globe, through the Bush years and into the age of Obama, Raboteau wanders to Jamaica, Ethiopia, Ghana, and the American South to explore the complex and contradictory perspectives of Black Zionists. ”

Amanda Epe, A Fly Girl: Travel Tales of an Exotic British Airways Cabin Crew (2014)

“ A Fly Girl gives insight to the highs and lows in the world of a former BA cabin crew, in an intriguing travel writing memoir. In the global landscape the memoirist meticulously documents personal adventures, social structures and political history throughout her daring and exciting expeditions.”

Robert Moor, On Trails: An Exploration (2016)

“ Throughout, Moor reveals how this single topic—the oft-overlooked trail—sheds new light on a wealth of age-old questions: How does order emerge out of chaos? How did animals first crawl forth from the seas and spread across continents?”

What do you think are the best travel books? Check out even more recommendations for travel memoirs here !

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Travel with Books

Where the joy of travel and books meet!

Welcome to Travel with Books, a blog that bridges the gap between books and the locations that serve as their settings. Join us as we embark on a literary adventure, connecting the pages of beloved stories with the real-world places that inspired them. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, we’ll uncover the magic and significance of location in the books that we love.

15 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust

The end of the year is just that time for favorites lists – and I’ve written about the best travel books many times over! I love talking about travel books. Why? Because part of the tool belt of any traveler is a good book. Long bus, train, or plane rides can get pretty boring and can give you a lot of “dead” time if you haven’t mastered the art of the 10-hour blank stare. Additionally, reading travel books helps you learn about the destinations you are visiting. The more you know about a place, the more you can understand a place.

I am a voracious reader and even used to have a book club on this website where I shared all the books I read. Today is another one of those days where I share some of the books I’ve read recently! If you’re looking for some great reads, here are my current list of the best travel books to inspire you to travel to far-off lands:  

1. The Alchemist , by Paulo Coelho

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop  

2. Love With a Chance of Drowning , by Torre DeRoche

3. The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca  by Tahir Shah

4. On the Road , by Jack Kerouac

5. Looking for Transwonderland , by Noo Saro-Wiwa

6. The Lost City of Z , by David Grann

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop

7. The Beach , by Alex Garland

8. Vagabonding , by Rolf Potts

9. In A Sunburned Country , by Bill Bryson

10. Dispatches from Pluto , by Richard Grant

11. Turn Right at Machu Picchu , by Mark Adams

12. A Year of Living Danishly , by Helen Russell

13. The Art of Travel , by Alain de Botton

14. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home , by Tembi Locke

BONUS: Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home , by me!

Books about travel inspire us to go visit far-off lands and imagine us doing incredible things. Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country inspired me to visit Australia! I hope these travel books inspire you to travel the world and feed your wanderlust. If you have any suggestions that I can add to this best travel books list, leave them in the comments.

If you’d like to see some of the other books I’ve recommended (or are currently reading), check out this page I created on Amazon that lists them all!

You can also find them listed in our Bookshop store, which helps support locally-owned bookstores. If you’re in the US, click here to check out my Bookshop store!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Best Books of 2022

This Year's Must-Reads

The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2022

After two years of limited travel opportunities, we’re ready to explore the world once more

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

Traveling is about much more than your destination—it’s about the people who live there, and for many travelers it’s the experiences they have alongside locals that are the most memorable. Take, for instance, the story of a journalist who lived with an Iñupiaq family of whale hunters in Alaska before setting off with her toddler to follow the gray whale migration, or a young woman who traveled solo 6,800 miles by bike from Europe to the Middle East, often turning to local farmers and villagers to help her navigate unfamiliar territory. Both women adapted their experiences into books where they relive the laughter (and the pain) they shared with members of the local communities that go far beyond anything found in a guidebook.

Here are ten travel book releases from 2022 that are inspiring us to dust off our passports and experience new locales alongside the people who make them unforgettable.

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo

Visiting all 195 countries in the world is no small feat and a goal that most people can only dream of. Luckily, armchair travelers can live vicariously through author Jessica Nabongo’s epic worldwide adventure in her book The Catch Me If You Can . From retelling the blow-by-blow of a scooter accident in Nauru (an island nation in Micronesia that also happens to be the world’s least visited country) and dog-sledding in Norway to swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and learning the art of making traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) in Japan, the 38-year-old, who’s also the first Black woman to travel to every nation in the world, introduces readers not only to bucket-list-worthy places but also to the people who live there.

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World

In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo―the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world―shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections.

Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales by Doreen Cunningham

In an everchanging world threatened by climate change, whales have learned to adapt. Irish British author Doreen Cunningham takes that notion to heart in Soundings , which blends science and nature writing with memoir as she shares her own experiences as a struggling single mother and journalist. Together with her toddler, she follows the migration route of gray whales as they make the long journey between Mexico and Alaska (where years earlier she spent time with Iñupiaq whalers), experiencing from a distance the familial bonds, not unlike her own close relationship with her son, of the marine mammals. “What at first seems a reckless, near-mystical pursuit of an imagined being leads her to find a human pod of her own,” writes the Guardian ’s Edward Posnett.

Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales: A Memoir

A story of courage and resilience, Soundings is about the migrating whales and all we can learn from them as they mother, adapt, and endure, their lives interrupted and threatened by global warming.

Bridges of the World by Giancarlo Ascari

Italian cartoonist and journalist Giancarlo Ascari has a degree in architecture, so it’s no wonder why he’s fascinated with bridges. Packed with illustrations by Pia Valentinis , Ascari’s book Bridges of the World highlights recognizable spans like the brightly painted Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Victorian Gothic-style Tower Bridge in London, while also highlighting less obvious examples, including the stretch of wire French high-wire artist Philippe Petit strung between the Twin Towers in New York City and dangerously crossed in 1974. In total, Bridges of the World features 50 human-made and natural wonders accented by interesting facts and anecdotes.

Bridges of the World

Fifty bridges from all over the world to be crossed on foot or with one's imagination.

Black Lion: Teachings from the Wilderness by Sicelo Mbatha

When Sicelo Mbatha was a child, he watched in horror as a crocodile viciously attacked his cousin. Rather than shy away from the cruel realities of nature, the Zulu author, who goes by the nickname Black Lion, confronted them head on to become a wilderness guide. Over the years, he’s volunteered at Imfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, a province located along the coast of South Africa. Because of his childhood encounter, he has learned to approach the savanna and the lions, elephants and other animals that inhabit it from a spiritual perspective. He has since fostered a deeper connection with the local fauna and hopes to pass that mindset on to visitors on his guided excursions as well as readers of Black Lion , his debut book.

Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness

Wilderness guide Sicelo Mbatha shares lessons learnt from a lifetime’s intimate association with Africa’s wildest nature.

The Writer’s Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats by Travis Elborough

Ask any writer, and they’ll likely confirm that a story’s setting plays as critical a role as its plot. Case in point: Would Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula be as compelling if it wasn’t set in macabre Transylvania? Like Stoker, many literary greats were inspired by places they traveled to before sitting down to write. In The Writer’s Journey , British author and cultural commentator Travis Elborough explores 35 experiences around the globe that influenced authors and helped shape their writings, including Herman Melville’s perilous 1841 whaling voyage on the Atlantic and Jack Kerouac’s cross-country escapades in the late 1940s over “all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast.”

The Writer's Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats

Follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most famous authors on the journeys which inspired their greatest works in this beautiful illustrated atlas.

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

What comes to mind when you think of the American South? The Civil War? College football? Gone with the Wind ? Imani Perry , an award-winning author and African American studies professor at Princeton University, tackles all of these topics in her New York Times best seller South to America . Combining history with culture, Perry brings readers on an eye-opening journey south of the Mason-Dixon line, from her native Alabama to Appalachia, focusing not only on past civil atrocities that have scarred the region and the country as a whole, but also on the immigrant communities, artists and innovators leading the way to a brighter future.

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation

An essential, surprising journey through the history, rituals, and landscapes of the American South—and a revelatory argument for why you must understand the South in order to understand America

The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride Through Europe and the Middle East by Rebecca Lowe

While the Syrian War rattled the Middle East in 2015, journalist Rebecca Lowe embarked on a yearlong 6,800-mile grand tour via a bicycle she affectionately named “Maud” from her home base of London to Tehran. During her epic ride, she cycled through Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan and the Gulf, often relying on the knowledge and assistance of farmers, villagers and other locals she met along the way. For her travel memoir The Slow Road to Tehran , she weaves her own experiences as a woman traveling alone through the mountains and deserts of the Middle East with tales about the people and cultures she encountered. Tom Chesshyre of the Critic calls it “modern travel writing at its very best, full of vim and vigor, painstakingly researched, laced with wry humor, political (without being too political), adventurous and rich with anecdote.”

The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride through Europe and the Middle East

One woman, one bike and one richly entertaining, perception-altering journey of discovery.

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects by Jean de Pomereu and Daniella McCahey

On January 17, 1773, Captain James Cook made the first crossing into the Antarctic Circle aboard the Royal Navy sloop Resolution . Now, on the 250th anniversary of this monumental journey, historical geographer Jean de Pomereu and historian Daniella McCahey have come together to highlight 100 objects (culled from the National Maritime Museum in London, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and many other collections) that define the world’s least-visited continent. Items that made the cut and are featured in their co-written book Antarctica include the tiny, 22-foot lifeboat used by Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship struck ice and sunk in 1915; a sealing club fashioned out of the penis bone of an elephant seal; and skis that Norwegian explorer Olav Bjaaland used in the early 1900s.

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects

This stunning and powerfully relevant book tells the history of Antarctica through 100 varied and fascinating objects drawn from collections around the world.

This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments by McKenzie Long

Despite their federal designation as protected land, national monuments in the United States come under threat. Just look at Bears Ears National Monument, a 2,125-square-mile expanse of red sandstone, cliff dwellings and petroglyphs in the Utah desert held sacred by many Native Americans. The Trump administration decreased the monument in size by 85 percent to allow for oil drilling (only for the Biden administration to later restore its protections). In her debut book, This Contested Land , author and graphic artist McKenzie Long sets out by ski, foot and fin to explore 13 sites across the country, including Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Hawaii’s Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, in a series of compelling essays that convey the importance of protecting these natural resources from the threats of development and climate change.

This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments

One woman’s enlightening trek through the natural histories, cultural stories, and present perils of 13 national monuments, from Maine to Hawaii

Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia by Shafik Meghji

The world’s highest metropolis is La Paz, Bolivia, home to two million inhabitants living at 13,600 feet above sea level (higher than Mount Fuji). However, not many people know this fact, nor much about the South American country, for that matter. In Crossed Off the Map , author, travel expert and Amnesty International editorial consultant Shafik Meghji introduces readers to the landmarks, history and current issues of Bolivia. Fellow travel author Tim Hannigan says in the book blurb, “Shafik Meghji is a natural travel writer with a ready mastery of history, anecdote and atmosphere, and [this] is the best sort of travel book—an informed and informative portrait of Bolivia that doubles as a vicarious journey for readers on an epic scale, through high mountains, across the altiplano [high plains] and into deep tropical forests.”

Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia

Blending travel writing, history and reportage, Crossed off the Map: Travels in Bolivia journeys from the Andes to the Amazon to explore Bolivia’s turbulent past and contemporary challenges.

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Jennifer Nalewicki | | READ MORE

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Brooklyn-based journalist. Her articles have been published in The New York Times , Scientific American , Popular Mechanics , United Hemispheres and more. You can find more of her work at her website .

How To Travel With Books Without Damaging Them

If you love to travel and read, you may have run into the problem of how to travel with books without ruining them. Books, especially paperbacks, can be delicate, so shoving them into backpacks and suitcases is dangerous. However, there are ways to travel with books without causing them too much damage.

Here’s how to travel with books without damaging them:

• Choose a safe spot in your luggage to store your books.
• Keep your books in a waterproof bag.
• Remove book jackets from hardbacks.
• Invest in fabric book covers or canvassed book covers.
• Wrap your books in your clothing.
• Pack durable books.
• Mail your books back home when you’re done reading them.
• Keep your books in Tupperware.

The rest of this article details the methods you can use to travel with books while keeping them safe, offers some other alternatives for reading on the go, and explains what to do if your books do get damaged during travel.

1. Choose a Safe Spot in Your Luggage To Store Your Books

The best way to keep your books safe is to pack them in a bag with multiple compartments or pockets so that you can separate the books from anything else that might do them harm.

Some carry-ons have a separate zipped compartment for computers, so you can use that space for books if you aren’t bringing a laptop. If you’re bringing a computer, bring a slim book to fit in with your laptop.

I have a laptop sleeve for my computer, and if a book is thin enough, I’ll keep it in the laptop sleeve so it’s safe from any other items I have in my luggage at the time.

A laptop sleeve is designed to keep damaging things out, so this is a great place for a book.

One backpack that’s ideal for travel and has a space designed for a laptop is the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack ( available on Amazon.com ). This backpack has a lot of storage space and separate pockets . It is also made with solid, durable material that is water-resistant, so even if you get caught in the rain, your books will be safe inside.

Other good places for books are the front pouch of a roller suitcase, the side of a duffle bag, and the back of a backpack, as these are areas where a book is most likely to keep its shape and least likely to get damaged by other items.

2. Keep Your Books in a Waterproof Bag

Books carried around while traveling is highly susceptible to weather damage or leakage from liquid containers in suitcases or backpacks. The best way to protect them from water damage ( or worse, shampoo damage ) is to keep them in a waterproof bag or pouch.

I use the YUMQUA Clear Waterproof Bags ( available on Amazon.com ) because they come in three sizes:

I keep my books in the large one, my e-reader in the medium one, and my phone and wallet in the small one. Additionally, they’re made with a fold-down magic tape closure that keeps out all liquid.

3. Remove Book Jackets From Hardbacks

Book jackets on hardcovers are the part of books that are most likely to get damaged during travel. After all, they’re just paper, so the best way to avoid them getting damaged or torn is to not bring them on the trip at all.

Another benefit of this is that if you leave the jacket at home and the hardcover gets scuffed during travel, you won’t even know once you put the jacket back on.

4. Invest in Fabric Book Covers or Canvassed Book Covers

Do you remember those fabric book sleeves that you had to cover your school textbooks with?

You can buy them for your non-textbook books, too, to protect them from stains, scratches, and bent corners. Another benefit is that they come in many different designs, so you can customize what you want your book to look like.

I like the KAPAX Book Cover ( available on Amazon.com ) because they come in many different designs and are made of durable, waterproof fabric. The fabrics are also interlined inside for extra protection.

My favorite design is the one with bikes on it, but there are over 15 other designs to choose from, so you’ll find one that you like.

You can also get a canvas book cover, which is even more durable. Most canvas book covers are designed for Bibles, but they’ll work for any book. The Christian Art Gifts Bible Cover ( available on Amazon.com ) comes in several designs, and it has a handle, so you can carry your book with ease.

Another way to cover your books without spending a lot of money is to make your own book covers out of a brown paper bag. Here are the steps :

• Cut the paper bag open, so it lays flat.
• Put the brown paper bag down on a flat surface and center the book on the paper.
• Draw a horizontal line on the paper along the top and bottom of the book using a ruler and a pencil.
• Remove the book and fold the paper from the top and bottom to the drawn lines, creasing the paper on the lines you just drew.
• Place the book back on the paper, centering it horizontally. Line the book up to flush the top and bottom with your creases.
• Open the front cover of your book and fold the left edge of the paper in, covering the front of the book, and cutting any excess.
• Close the book and keep the paper snug around the cover.
• Do the same with the back cover.
• Slide the book’s covers into the paper pockets you just created.

If you need extra help, this YouTube video shows the process in full.

5. Wrap Your Books in Your Clothing

If you’re putting your books in a suitcase, wrap them in any clothing you’re packing in that bag. This way, if anything happens, such as if a lotion bottle explodes, or your shampoo spills, your washable clothes will take most of the damage.

This will also soften any blows the books may get from being shuffled around on airplanes or buses, keeping corners from being bent and covers from getting scuffed.

6. Pack Durable Books

Now isn’t the time to bring your most fragile, delicate books with you. Bring your strongest books with you while you travel if you want to keep your books in the best condition possible. Flimsy paperbacks? Probably not your best bet. But a sturdy hardcover with strong pages? Now we’re talking.

Some books are more prone to damage than others, so give yourself the best chance of keeping your books nice by only bringing books that are durable and can take some hits.

7. Mail Your Books Back Home When You’re Done Reading Them

If you’re worried about your book getting damaged while traveling, stop traveling with it once you’re done. You can choose to mail your books back home after you’re done reading them so that they’ll be waiting for you in packages when you get back.

However, this can get expensive, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Additionally, there’s no guarantee that your book won’t get damaged while making its way back to your home, which would ruin the whole purpose of mailing it in the first place.

However, if keeping the book in perfect condition is important to you, this is the best way to get it home safely without having to spend the rest of your travels worrying about it.

8. Keep Your Books in Tupperware

This may seem a bit strange, but Tupperware comes in all shapes and sizes, and there’s no law saying you can’t use it to keep your books safe during travel. A big Tupperware container could even store more than one book, and it’ll keep the books safe from any bad weather or spills.

I’ve found that the Komax Storage Container ( available on Amazon.com ) can fit several books in it, and the airtight seal keeps the books safe. Additionally, the handle makes it perfect for carrying books to a beach or a park to read!

Tupperware will take up space in your suitcase, though, so this may not be the best choice for you if you don’t have a lot of space.

Other Options To Consider

I get it. You love the feeling of a real, physical book in your hands. I do too! However, if you’re traveling, there are other options to get your reading done without having to haul a bunch of physical books around.

Here are other options:

• Get an e-reader. This is one of the best ways to carry lots of books with you without having to worry about damaging them, and you can have access to hundreds of books! I use the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ( available on Amazon.com ) because it has adjustable warm light that doesn’t hurt my eyes, and it reads like real paper, even in direct sunlight.
• Listen to audiobooks. This is a great way to read books while traveling. I love to listen to audiobooks while I’m on buses or trains so I can look outside and see the landscapes and read simultaneously. The best part is that audiobooks live on your phone, so you don’t need to worry about packing them.
• Participate in book swaps and exchanges. One way to avoid damaging a book is to get rid of it as soon as you’re done reading. Many hotels and hostels have book swap and exchange stations, where you can leave a book and take a book. This is a great way to always have fresh reading material while avoiding the risk of damaging a book by carrying it around for too long.
• Print a PDF of the book to carry instead of having the actual book on hand. Some books, especially classics open to the public domain, are available online in PDF form. One option to avoid damaging your books is to print out the PDFs and to bring those on your travels instead. This way, you can recycle the pages you’ve read already.
• Only bring already-damaged books. If you have any unread books at home that are already in bad condition, bring them traveling. If they get a little more worn, you might not care. Another idea is to repurchase the book you want to bring with you for cheap at a thrift store or used bookstore. This way, you’ll have a nice copy to keep on your shelves and to come home to, but you can bring the other copy on your travels.

If you aren’t dead-set on carrying your books with you, these are great ways to still get a lot of reading done without damaging your physical books.

What To Do if Your Book Gets Damaged

Sometimes you do everything you can to protect your books, and they still get damaged, especially if you’re traveling with them. If this happens, don’t give up hope. There are ways to repair some damages to books.

Here are how to fix some common damage:

• A ripped page. Place a piece of wax paper underneath the ripped page, paint some glue over the tear, place another piece of wax paper over the tear and press a bone folder on it to get rid of any bubbles and make sure the glue is properly applied. If you aren’t that worried about aesthetics, just tape over the tear.
• A broken cover. Brace the book with weights, cut a piece of bookbinding repair tape the book’s length, and gently wrap the tape over the spine. The Koltose by Mash Bookbinding Tape ( available on Amazon.com ) uses a smoother cloth material to look and feel better on books, and it’s built to last.
• Take the book to a book repair shop. If the damage is really bad, you can always take your book to a professional for some serious doctoring. Some regular bookstores also offer book repair services, so check with your local bookseller.

Key Takeaways

If you’re traveling with books, choose a safe spot in your luggage to store them, preferably a compartment separate from everything else or in a waterproof bag.

Here are other tips:

• Remove book jackets, as these are likely to tear.
• Invest in book covers or wrap your books in clothes while traveling.
• Pack books that are durable, like hardcovers.
• Send finished books back home if possible.
• Read while on the go using an e-reader, listening to audiobooks, or printing PDFs of books.
• If your book does get damaged, there are ways you can try to mend it.
• Family Travel Folio: How to Travel With Books Without Damaging Them
• Frostbeard Studio: How to Keep Books Safe While Traveling
• WikiHow: How to Make a Book Cover
• BookRiot: How to Repair a Broken Book

Linda Jones

Linda Jones is a professional travel advisor, author of Travel Agent Secrets and The Ultimate Travel Planner + Journal, and founder of Crafted Travel Company. She has helped thousands of people plan better vacations and travel more.

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25 Best Fiction Travel Books That Will Make You Want To See the World

Published: 11/20/2023

The Best Fiction Travel Books To Read Before Traveling

How many times have you finished reading a novel and immediately added the book’s setting to your travel bucket list ? If you’re anything like me, this happens all the time . To be brutally honest, I’m not sure I’ve taken a single trip in my life that wasn’t somehow been influenced by books.

Long before I had any notion of being a travel blogger (it was the 90s and blogs didn’t even exist!) Ann M. Martin’s descriptions of New York City in the Baby-Sitters Club book series inspired my love of the city. I read the American Girl Felicity books and longed to visit Colonial Williamsburg . As I got older, my studies of English literature inspired travels all over the British Isles . Closer to home, I picked up Curtis Sittenfeld’s Eligible and immediately knew I needed to visit Cincinnati .

I truly believe the best way to learn about a destination before traveling is through a good fiction book. For this post, I’ve teamed up with other travel bloggers to round up the novels that have inspired our travels .

Whether you’re headed to Cincinnati or Chile, we’ve founded the perfect book to pair with your travels . By reading these books before your trip, you’ll feel like you’re visiting an old friend when you finally reach your destination.

P.S. These novels also make excellent gifts for any travelers on your holiday gift list !

Pin these Travel Fiction Books and never wonder what to read next!

Best Fiction Travel Fiction Books to Read Before You Go to . . .

• Botswana: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• Morocco: Salt Road by Jane Johnson
• Istanbul: Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk
• Mumbai: Shantaram  by Gregory David Roberts
• Thailand:  The Beach by Alex Garland

Barcelona: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Eastern Europe: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

France: Languedoc Triology by Kate Mosse

• Greece:  Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
• Ireland: The Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn

Paris: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

• Naples:  My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
• Tuscany:  The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore
• Whitby, England:  Dracula by Bram Stoker

Central America

• Panama: The World in Half by Cristina Henríquez

North America

Alaska: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Cincinnati: Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

• Martha’s Vineyard: The Identicals by Elin Hildebrand
• Mexico: The Battles In The Desert by José Emilio Pacheco
• Michigan:  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
• New York City: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
• North Carolina: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
• Seattle:  Where’d You Go, Bernadette   by Maria Semple

South America

• Chiloe Island, Chile:  Maya’s Notebook  by Isabel Allende

Pacific Islands

• Hawaii: Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in Africa

Hi! I’m Ada, a travel writer based in northern Minnesota, on a mission to see the world. I use this travel blog to provide practical, no-nonsense travel tips and itineraries for both domestic and international travels.

Home Airport:

European Christmas Markets

Where I’ve Been:

Botswana: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

When you pick up the first book in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency you’ll meet Precious Ramotswe. Mma Ramotswe is a single woman in her 30s, born, raised, and living in Botswana, Africa .

After losing her beloved father, she’s faced with the task of deciding what to do with her life. She makes a bold choice and takes you along for the ride.

Throughout this interesting, funny, and heartwarming series – over 20 books and counting – the characters will become your friends. You’ll get to know the people in Mma Ramotswe’s life – her friends, her colleagues, her late father Obed Ramotswe. And you’ll get to know Botswana.

The series is written by Alexander McCall Smith, who includes the country of Botswana in the story as if it’s another character. Seen through the eyes of Precious Ramotswe, it’s a character you’ll fall in love with. She describes her home country with strong affection, and the gratitude she expresses for having grown up in the beautiful land will make you wish you’d grown up there too.

If you have plans to visit Botswana yourself, read at least a couple of these first. You’ll feel a bit like you’re going home.

Contributed by Deb of Introvert with Itchy Feet

Morocco: The Salt Road by Jane Johnson

The sense of place in Jane Johnson’s books never fails to transport you to the featured far-flung destinations, and The Salt Road in particular really captures the imagination.

The story focuses on the ancient trade route that ran from the Moroccan souks to the desert. Isabelle is the modern-day protagonist, embarking on a quest along the Salt Road , in search of answers about her past. Following in the historic footsteps of a Tuareg women, she traces this iconic route through many of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes.

If you’re traveling to Morocco , reading this book before your trip will paint a vivid picture of the places you’ll likely visit. It focuses on lesser-known areas as well as the bustling medina in Marrakech and the Saharan desert . Of particular note is the Anti-Atlas Mountains region, a stunning area that’s rarely featured in other novels set in Morocco . You’ll learn about the rural way of life in this rugged land, as well as some of the best spots for hiking and climbing. The town of Tafraout is a focal point, and a great spot to base yourself for your own Anti-Atlas Mountains adventure.

Contributed by Heather of Conversant Traveller

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in Asia

Istanbul: museum of innocence by orham pamuk.

Museum of Innocence by Nobel-prize winner for literature Orhan Pamuk, is a tale of unrequited love and the complexities of human emotions, all set against the backdrop of a changing city. The story is set in Istanbul and revolves around the obsessive love of Kemal, a wealthy businessman, for his distant relative, Fusun. The novel is narrated from Kemal’s perspective and spans several decades, beginning in the 1970s.

The novel explores themes of love, memory, obsession, and the passage of time. It provides a detailed and intimate portrait of Kemal’s inner world and a vivid depiction of Istanbul’s evolving social and cultural landscape over the years.

As Kemal’s infatuation with Fusun deepens, he becomes increasingly fixated on preserving mementos and objects associated with their relationship. Every night, he visits her family for dinner and starts stealing little things from their house, ranging from teaspoons, hairpins and cigarette butts. Over the decades, these accumulate to thousands of little items/memories.

But Pamuk doesn’t stop there. He went ahead and actually opened a real museum with all the items Kemal had carried off over the years in the novel. An entrance ticket is printed in the novel’s final pages, allowing readers free entrance to the Museum of Innocence in the Cukurcuma neighbourhood.

For those who have read it, visiting the Museum of Innocence will likely be the highlight of your Istanbul itinerary .

Contributed by De Wet of  Museum of Wander

Mumbai: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

Shantaram is the story of Lin, a convict who escapes prison in Australia and ends up living in Mumbai, India . Lin becomes embedded in the underworld of the Mumbai mafia, all the while looking for love and a purpose in life. It’s a real page turner, very loosely based on the author’s experiences.

The city of Mumbai comes alive in Shantaram and is a central character to the story. The author lived in Mumbai and writes about the city as only an insider could.

Mumbai is already fascinating and well worth a visit, but after reading Shantaram you will be inspired to see Mumbai in a new way. Sites like the Taj Mahal Hotel , Leopold’s Cafe , and the iconic Air India building are already well known, but after finishing the book you’ll want to visit the more off the beaten path locations mentioned. Most memorable are the haunting and atmospheric Afghan Church , the Haji Ali mosque which is only accessible a few hours a day, vibrant Sassoon Dock and the walk along the Mumbai sea wall from Gateway of India to the Radio Club.

Many of the places mentioned in Shantaram are located in the Colaba area of Mumbai, the southernmost section of the city. There are many Shantaram tours available, but all of these sites are easily found and accessible on your own.

Contributed by Suzanne of Suzanne Wanders  Delhi

Thailand: The Beach by Alex Garland

The Beach by Alex Garland is a thrilling tale that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through Thailand’s exotic landscapes, including the fictional island of Koh Phi Phi . This captivating adventure novel tells the story of Richard, a young traveler searching for authenticity who discovers a mysterious hidden paradise.

Reading this book before venturing to Thailand is an excellent idea to soak up the magic of these places and to be ready to set off and discover the wonders of Thailand.

First, The Beach offers a fascinating insight into Thailand’s little-known places, encouraging travelers to explore beyond the traditional tourist destinations. The book reveals secret beaches, charming local restaurants, and off-the-beaten-track activities such as a night under the stars or a hike through the jungle, offering an authentic and memorable experience. Indeed, the book encourages people to interact with the locals, discover their culture, and participate in traditional celebrations.

The most striking aspect of this novel is how the island of Koh Phi Phi becomes a character. Garland describes the lush landscapes, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters with striking accuracy, creating an immersive atmosphere that makes the reader feel transported there.

Contributed by Victoria of Guide Your Travel

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in Europe

No, it’s not a fairy tale. You really can visit the medieval castles and other European haunts described in your favorite novels. Cité de Carcassonne , pictured above, features heavily in Kate Mosse’s Languedoc Triology. Now the historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that belongs on any French itinerary.

Photo credit: melissa kruse of mountains & mahals .

As soon as I finished the last chapter of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind , I immediately got on Google flights and searched for tickets to Barcelona .

In The Shadow of the Wind , Daniel, the son of widowed bookseller, happens upon the last copy in existence of a book by Julián Carax. Daniel falls in love with Carax’s writing, but his efforts to find more books by the same author takes him on a harrowing, unexpected adventure through Barcelona.

While this novel is anything but realistic, Zafón transports readers to the Spanish city in 1945. You’ll follow main character Daniel through Barcelona’s passageways, shops, churches, and hilltop mansions. In fact, Zafón depicts Barcelona in such specific detail that you can actually go on The Shadow of the Wind walking tours which take you to places like the Church of Santa Maria del Mar , Els Quatre Gats Café , Baixada de la Llibreteria and even the real-life locations of the novel’s fictional bookshops.

Even if you’re not a fan of gothic novels (I’m not), if you’re headed to Barcelona soon, give The Shadow of the Wind a try. I promise that Zafón’s haunting descriptions of the Spanish city will stay with you.

For anyone who loves historical fiction mixed with a dash of gothic thriller, The Historian will sweep you away to Eastern Europe in a modern retelling of the vampire myth. The plot centers around the idea that Vlad the Impaler – Dracula himself – never actually died, and follows three different characters through different time periods across Europe as they try to discern the truth.

You won’t get tips on where to stay or eat from this book, but the rich descriptions of places like Romania and Bulgaria ; Budapest and Istanbul will transport you. From ancient academic libraries in Istanbul to monasteries in Bulgaria to scenes in communist Hungary, this book uses place and history as an ancillary character.

While most of the plot takes place in Europe in the 1950s and 1970s, the majority of the places the author richly describes still exist today – and this book was the reason my first trip to Europe included Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria!

The history and folklore in this story are well-researched, and the sometimes-chilling addition of the potentially-undead makes it a really fun read. Just beware that you, too, may find yourself with a desire to see places like Wallachia , the Hagia Sophia , or Rila Monastery after reading this book.

Contributed by Amanda of A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

Kate Mosse’s Languedoc Triology consists of three historical fiction novels that intertwine the past and present with elements of mystery and adventure: Labyrinth , Sepulchre , and Citadel . The rich history of Carcassonne comes to life through Mosse’s vivid descriptions of the French setting and intricate architecture, making the medieval city a character of its own in the books.

Despite the books’ historical setting, visiting modern day Carcassonne will make you feel like you stepped back in time the same way Mosse’s writing transports you through time. The city is known for its stone wall fortifications and fairytale-like architecture. Mosse even includes a walking guide at the end of Labyrinth to take you to all the key sites that inspired her writing.

You can explore the cobblestone streets of the Cité de Carcassonne , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Chateau Comtal to learn more about the history and legends of the city. Another famous landmark mentioned in the books is Pont Vieux . This pedestrian bridge provides picturesque views of the fortified city and is a great spot for a sunset stroll between the old and new city. 

Carcassonne is the perfect destination for readers who enjoy Mosse’s enchanting stories and want to experience history first-hand.

Contributed by  Melissa of  Mountains and Mahals

Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn is an inspirational, fictionalized account of the life of Irish High King Brian Boru , a beloved hero who banished the Viking invaders from Ireland for the last time. As you read  Lion of Ireland , you’re sure to plant the seeds for an epic Irish adventure!

If you’re a fan of things that are old and ancient, this is a must read. The book is a wonderful mix of fact and folklore. As you read about the rolling green hills traveled by the King, you’ll start longing to visit the Emerald Isle. Happily, there are plenty of sites from the King’s realm you can still see today.

For example, no Ireland itinerary is complete without a visit to the Rock of Cashel , the seat of the ancient Kings of Munster. Boru ruled Ireland from a fortress atop this hill. After reading this book, you’ll also want to plan a trip to the Hill of Tara , the ancient ceremonial site where the rulers of Ireland were “crowned.” Visit the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey , located in Killarney National Park , where Boru studied as a youth. 

Naples:   My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

For a page-turning series that you won’t want to put down (except to book flights to Italy ), look no further than Elena Ferrante’s captivating My Brilliant Friend series.

Told across four volumes, My Brilliant Friend catalogs the intense, lifelong friendship between Raffaella (Lila) Cerulla and Elena Greco, starting with the women’s upbringings in a very poor and isolated part of Naples in the mid-20th century.

After meeting in elementary school, the girls’ fates diverge significantly: despite both characters being intensely academically gifted, only Elena is able to pursue her education into adolescence and beyond, while Lila is prevented from doing so by economic and cultural circumstances. The consequences of this, for each woman individually as well as for their relationship, spin out for decades.

Exploring themes of friendship, family, ambition, feminism, and more, the series also brings to light 20th-century Italy in a vivid way, from political debates (fascism, communism, and beyond are more than academic considerations for many characters) to dazzling views of the Mediterranean Sea enjoyed from the island of Ischia .

While the city of Naples , from its poorest neighborhoods to its shopping districts to its food, is a  central heartbeat of the series, the Amalfi Coast , Ischia, Pisa , Florence , Milan , and more are also featured.

To understand Italy’s–and especially Naples’–cultural background before visiting, My Brilliant Friend does a phenomenal job of contextualizing recent history, while also including spellbinding descriptions that will leave you anxious to hop on a plane and bite into your first sfogliatella .

Contributed by Kate of Our Escape Clause

Any reader of Dan Brown’s  The Da Vinci Code will immediately recognize the glass pyramid outside of Paris’s Louvre museum.

If you enjoy reading mystery novels and are considering a trip to the French capital , a must-read is Dan Brown’s highly acclaimed novel, The Da Vinci Code ! The story begins in the heart of Paris , following Robert Langdon as he endeavors to solve a mysterious murder that occurs within the Louvre Museum .

While the premise might sound like a typical murder mystery, what sets The Da Vinci Code apart is the skillful and deliberate manner in which Brown blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction. Brown also captivates his readers by delving into the more enigmatic aspects of religion, challenging established norms and authority.

Simultaneously, he immerses readers in his world through engaging puzzles, intriguing facts, and historical insights of several famous landmarks, including the Louvre, Church of Saint-Sulpice , Champs-Élysée s, and other places across Europe.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Paris, be sure to check out The Da Vinci Code ! It makes exploring the city feel like you’re stepping into Dan Brown’s world and uncovering hidden secrets.

Contributed by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades

Tuscany, Italy:   The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore

The Temptation of Gracie takes place in Tuscany, Italy and makes you long to travel there and experience its romantic and vivid ambiance. It’s about an elderly woman who, although she lived abroad in Italy as a young woman, has not travelled much at all since then.

The story takes place partially in the present day while she’s in her late 60s, but mostly through flashbacks to when she was young, in love, and living in Tuscany. In the present day, although it’s been 40 years since Gracie has set foot in Italy, she decides (to the surprise of her family and friends) that she is going on a tour to Italy to learn how to cook Italian food. Given that her family and friends have never known her to do anything adventurous, this comes as a surprise to them.

The beautiful Tuscan town and countryside in the book is so vividly described that you will almost taste it, hear it and feel like you’re there. It is sure to make you crave delicious Italian foods, wines and being able to wander through cobbled roads with old buildings, and experience Italy with loved ones.

The story is about lost love, friendship, second chances, and how travel bonds us. The Tuscany region in Italy includes beautiful countryside, as well as cities like Florence and Pisa – which make a great visit for solo travellers, couples and even families with kids.

Contributed by Kristin of Tiny Footsteps Travel

Whitby, England:   Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula by Bram Stoker is the novel which brought the idea of vampires into popular culture. Published in 1897, the novel follows lawyer Jonathan Harker as he travels to Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase an English estate. Dracula travels by sea to Whitby,  England, where he preys on Harker’s fiancée. Harker joins Professor Van Helsing to find and destroy Dracula at his castle in Romania.

Whitby is a fishing town and beach resort in North Yorkshire . It has an imposing, ruined abbey on a cliff overlooking the town, which can be reached by climbing 199 stone steps up the cliff side. Bram Stoker visited Whitby and was inspired by the town. In fact a history of Romania that he picked up in Whitby’s library provided the name for his creation.

The scene where Dracula arrives in Whitby is iconic; a deserted ship crashes into Whitby’s pier and a creature resembling a large black dog leaps ashore, running towards the 199 steps and the abbey.

Whitby would be a great place to visit even without its Dracula connection, but it makes the most of its creepy reputation, with events like Whitby Goth Weekend and regular ghost tours. 

Contributed by  Helen of Helen on her Holidays

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in Central America

Panama: The World in Half by Cristina Henriquez

The World in Half by Cristina Henríquez is a captivating novel that tells the story of Miraflores, a young woman living in Chicago.  When Miraflores discovered that her supposedly deceased father is actually alive in Panama , she secretly plans a trip there to uncover the mysteries of her family’s past.  

Reading The World in Half before traveling to Panama offers readers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the country’s history, culture, and diverse population. It provides insights into the social and political dynamics of Panama. Readers will be able to enhance their travel experience with a greater understanding of the local customs and traditions.

What sets the book apart and makes its depiction of Panama special and memorable is Henríquez’s ability to capture the country’s essence. Through her writing, readers are transported to the lush landscapes of Panama. You feel like you are immersed in its vibrant street markets, lively festivals, and in the presence of lovely, gracious local people.

Contributed by Eleanor of Elevate Your Escapes

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in North America

Don’t write off Cincinnati as a sleepy Midwest city. After reading Curtis Sittenfeld’s  Eligible , I knew I needed to explore the Ohio city and I’m so glad I did! 

Wanna know the real reason I ended up in Alaska in winter ? I read Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone the autumn before. After reading her beautiful depictions of life on the Kenai Peninsula , I knew I needed to get to Alaska asap.

In The Great Alone  (which takes its name from a line from a Robert Service poem) tells the story of the Allbright family in the 1970s. Ernt Allbright, a PTSD-suffering Vietnam veteran who abuses both alcohol and women, decides to escape suburban Seattle for the wilds of Alaska. He brings his wife and 13-year-old daughter on an Alaskan adventure that includes battling the elements and each other while also learning to trust, love, and let go.

I’ve read a lot of Kristin Hannah and The Great Alone is one of her best. The novel reads a little like a love letter to Alaska. Although the novel features a fictional town, you can find the landscapes Hannah describes in The Great Alone in the Seldovia area. This tiny town is located across the bay from Homer at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula outside of Anchorage.

You might not expect Cincinnati’s famous Skyline chili to make an appearance in a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , but Curtis Sittenfeld somehow manages to pull it off.

In Eligible , Sittenfeld transports the Darcy family to modern-day Cincinnati, OH . Mr. Bingley is a reality tv star, Mr. Darcy is Bingley’s long-suffering childhood friend, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are irresponsible parents crippled by medical debt.

As much as Eligible is a clever adaptation of the Austen classic, it’s also a bit of a love letter to Cincinnati. Cincinnati is Sittenfeld’s hometown and she’s clearly fond of it. The Bennets reside in the Hyde Park neighborhood in a decrepit Tudor House and Sittenfeld spends most of the novel giving an extensive tour of Cincinnati with stops in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, dinner dates at Orchids and Boca restaurants, and some favorite attractions like the Freedom Center and Mercantile Library .

If you’re headed to Cincinnati soon, I highly recommend this fun rom-com romp through the city!

Martha’s Vineyard: The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand

The Identicals , by Elin Hildebrand is the story of Harper and Tabitha Frost, twin sisters separated when their parents’ divorce.

Laid-back Harper grows up on Martha’s Vineyard with their father while reserved and serious Tabitha lives on Nantucket with their mother. This story about these rival sisters fits perfectly with the complicated and long-held rivalry between these two Massachusetts islands .

Elin Hildebrand has been writing about Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for over a decade. The ease at which she incorporates local restaurants, beaches and landmarks into her stories could only be accomplished by someone who knows the island intimately.

Within the first few chapters Hildebrand manages to weave in the names and descriptions of favorite island locations. She reveals a hidden-gem beach at Cedar Tree Neck Preserve and a serene Japanese Garden on Chappaquiddick Island to escape the summer crowds. She also describes practical details like where her characters rent a car ( AA Island Auto Rental ) or go for a romantic sunset dinner ( The Outermost Inn ).

Hildebrand’s lived experience of Martha’s Vineyard, its people, and its hidden gems adds authenticity to the setting and makes the island feel like a character in its own right.

Contributed by  Maria of Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips

Mexico: Battles in the Desert by Jose Emilio Pacheco

The Battles In The Desert is one of Mexico’s most treasured books about Mexico by a Mexican author. It is set in the Colonia Roma of Mexico City in the post-WWII era of President Miguel Alemán’s rapid modernization. Battles In The Desert has been translated into multiple languages (including English), adapted into a movie, and a song by the rock band Café Tacvba.

Intermediate-level Spanish learners will enjoy reading the story in the original Spanish if they choose to do so. José Emilio Pacheco was a celebrated poet whose prose is as enjoyable as the story itself. The main character is an elementary school student named Carlos who lives in the culturally diverse Colonia Roma with his middle-class family.

There are multiple references to the Avenida Alvaro Obregón , the most famous street in the Colonia Roma that every visitor to Mexico City has to explore The story feels like a love letter to the pop culture of the era. Carlos’ mother is an extremely religious figure in his life who does not like people who are not from Jalisco. Her family is from Guadalajara and was forced to leave because of the Cristero Religious Wars.

At school, Carlos is friends with a boy named Jim who was born in the United States . Jim invites Carlos to his house one day where Carlos meets Jim’s mother Mariana. She is a beautiful 28-year-old woman who makes sandwiches for the boys with a kitchen appliance imported from the United States. Carlos quickly becomes infatuated with his friend’s mom. He skips school to tell her his feelings which bring a number of repercussions.

Battles In The Desert is one of the most common books read in Mexican middle schools. It is a part of the local popular culture and something that is easily accessible to travelers. I highly recommend reading this book before traveling to the Colonia Roma in Mexico City.

Contributed by  Paul of Playas y Plazas

Michigan:   Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Although this lovely book by Ann Patchett begins in a gymnasium in a small New Hampshire town and spends a few years in California, the heart and soul of  Tom Lake , which bounces back and forth in time, takes place in northern Michigan .

Part of it—at a fictional and idyllic summer stock theatre. And the other at a generations-old Michigan cherry farm on the shores of Lake Michigan and near Traverse City .

It is a beautiful story of love, friendship, loss, and relationships intricately woven into the play— Our Town . The main character of this book, while young, performs as Emily, the lead role, and is a natural, accidentally and briefly falling into the life of a professional actress. In the book, and later in life, she recollects her experiences and her short but intense relationship with a now famous movie star, an unknown at the time, to her three young adult daughters, all improbably home during lockdown in the summer of 2020 and helping with cherry picking.

Patchett does a masterful job of telling this gorgeous story and of conveying the startling beauty and peace of a northern Michigan in full bloom, which you will undoubtedly want to see for yourself after relishing this must-read.

Contributed by Janice of Gather and Go Travel

New York City:   Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn is a fun fiction book about two strangers who meet because of a notebook that one of them leaves at The Strand Bookstore in New York City’s Union Square .

Lily decides to leave a red notebook with a message in it in the stacks of books at The Strand when her family goes away for the holidays and she is alone in NYC. Dash finds the notebook, and returns it to the bookstore after completing his dare.

The characters pass the book back and forth as they wander through New York City before meeting each other in real life. Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares is a quick YA read with a sweet message and is a fun way to “see” New York City in December . The characters go to popular New York City attractions as well as to off-the-beaten path restaurants as they make their way through the city. 

As this book is the first in a trilogy, fans can continue to travel with Dash and Lily as they continue in New York City during The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily and when they travel to London in Mind the Gap Dash and Lily .

Contributed by Lanie of Make More Adventures

North Carolina:   Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Written by an actual zoologist, Where the Crawdads Sing depicts a murder mystery set in the marshy coast of North Carolina in the mid-1900s. The story follows Kya, a young girl living isolated in the marsh and her connection to nature. Her narrative is fragmented with flashes forward to the present-day investigation of Chase Andrew’s murder.

The setting of the marshes in North Carolina ’s coast play a huge role in the book, and will bring reader’s back to a time of simple nature, before beach towns developed in popular spots on the shore. Author Delia Owens is well-aquanted with detailed descriptions of the flora and fauna in the area and does an incredible job of putting readers right into the environment with Kya.

North Carolina’s coastline is a beautiful destination for travelers looking to enjoy untouched nature. Where the Crawdads Sing depicts this soft, quiet marshland in such an alluring way, while at the same time bringing excitement and mystery through its plot.

Contributed by Michele of Adventures Abound

Seattle:   Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

While most of Maria Semple’s popular novel, Where’d You Go Bernadette , is focused on planning a trip to Antarctica, I actually think this is the perfect novel to read before visiting Seattle, WA . In it, Semple tells the story of Bernadette Fox, a brilliant architect who has lost her way in the minutia of being a stay-at-home mom living in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle.

Keep in mind, this is no love letter to Seattle. Bernadette’s pretty miserable about all aspects of her life including the city where she currently resides. She makes no secret that she straight up hates the people of Seattle.

But critics often show the world in the most striking detail. The book mentions several Seattle restaurants by name include Lola and Wild Ginger . You’ll also see the city’s Chihuly sculptures through Bernadette’s eyes and visit popular Seattle tourist attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market . 

Semple chose to use fictional emails, articles, and other correspondence rather than prose to tell the story of Where’d You Go, Bernadette. Unique and fast-paced, I definitely recommend this fiction book before you travel to the Pacific Northwest.  

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in South America

The beautiful landscapes of South America have inspired countless novels. Pictured is an Incan ruin in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Chiloe Island, Chile:   Maya’s Notebook by Isabel Allende

Maya’s Notebook by Isabel Allende is a book that will introduce you to the magical mystic land of Chiloe Island , in the north of Patagonia .

The book follows Maya, a troubled young adult running away from her tumultuous life in America and settling in Chiloe Island with her grandmother. The book has two different storylines, the past and the present, introducing the land to the reader. One storyline is focused on Maya and her life, whilst the other on the rustic life in Chiloe, with its traditions, mysticism, and local beliefs.

Maya’s Noteboo k is a fantastic introduction to Chiloe Island. Reading it before travelling to Chiloe will help you appreciate its culture much more, and also understand the local traditions. One of these traditions is the curanto , a Mapuche cooking technique that sees meat, seafood and vegetables cooked underground. Taking part in a curanto dinner alongside the locals is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture of the island. 

After you’ve read the book, walking on the streets of the towns in Chiloe will seem familiar. It will feel that you are part of Maya’s story.

Contributed by Joanna of The World In My Pocket 

Best Fiction Travel Books Set in the Pacific Islands

Nothing will get you longing for the lush tropical landscapes of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands more than a good novel set on one of the islands.

Hawaii:   Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

This novel is about three generations of women in Hawaii . In Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes, Hulali is a famous hula teacher, while Laka, her daughter, abandoned her family after winning the Miss Aloha Hula contest. The novel begins when Laka returns with her baby daughter, Hi`i in tow. As Hi`i grows, she wants to win Miss Aloha Hula more than anything, just like her mother did. But her relationship with her family and with Hawaii itself is complicated.

This is a book about community and belonging. It delves into the history of Hawaii, and it’s one of the great books to read before you go to Hawaii because it will make you more conscious of the nuances of Hawaii’s culture and history while also helping you be a more respectful tourist.

Contributed by Erin of Flying Off the Bookshelf 

Wrap-up: Best Fiction Travel Books To Read Before Your Next Trip

Hopefully this round-up of favorite novels helps transport you around the globe in more ways than one.

I’ve heard it said that a library card is the best passport you could ever have. Pair that library card with an actual passport and we’ve really got it made! Personally, I think reading is all the more rewarding when we first let a book transport us to a new place in the world and then later get to see that location with our own eyes.

I’m curious if a fiction book has ever inspired your travels. If so, please let me know what book you read and where you traveled to. Maybe we’ll do a round-up of favorite fiction books to inspire our travels every year!

If you enjoyed these 25 Best Fiction Travel Books, check out my other book-inspired travel!

  Ada is a travel writer based in northern Minnesota. She’s spent two decades as a freelance writer. She’s lived in three countries and has visited all 50 states. In addition to traveling the world, she runs a Boundary Waters outfitters and helps people plan canoe trips and other outdoor adventures in northeastern Minnesota.

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30 Best Travel Books to Inspire The Wanderer in You

Written By: The Planet D

Inspiration

Updated On: January 7, 2024

The best way I know how to spark my wanderlust is to get inspiration from great travel books. My favorite travel books cover everything from a life changing experience to overcoming adversity. They make me laugh out loud and inspire me to explore the world. These books don’t focus on one theme they focus on many. So get your Kindle ready and start downloading today!

Table of Contents

Best Travel Books to Explore the World

In this article, we wanted to share some of the best travel books that made me laugh, made me cry, and inspired me to get out and travel around the world.

Disclosure: If you click the links below and make a purchase from Amazon, we do receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Masked Rider by Neil Peart

Many people know him as a massively talented drummer from  Rush . But what they do not realize is that Neil Peart was not only one of the greatest drummers in the history of music , he was also an avid cyclist. Sadly, Peart died of cancer, but through his music and travelogue and travel books his genius lives on. (yes he has more than )

Masked Rider is an honest and undisguised account of his time cycling in West Africa. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to go on a great adventure. Neil Peart lets us see the man behind the rock star and he makes us realize that superstars are people too. Purchase Masked Rider – Neil Peart on Amazon

2. Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard

If you love dogs, this is one of the best adventure travel books you’ll read to make you smile. Ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard traveled to China with one thing on his mind; to finish on the podium of a 155-mile race through the Gobi desert.

Follow the story of Leonard, whose heart is warmed by the persistence of a stray dog that kept pace through heat and exhaustion for 70 miles. See how Leonard is transformed from a focused veteran to a man that gives up what little food he has in his pack to share with the stray dog that he named, Gobi. Buy Finding Gobi – Dion Leonard on Amazon.com to see what happens next

3. American Shaolin by Matthew Polly

A regular American guy, Matthew Polly recounts his time living, studying, and performing with the Shaolin monks in China. This is one bizarre and hilarious travel memoir about fulfilling your dreams. Follow along as Matthew drops out of Princeton to pursue his ambitions of transforming his scrawny physique into that of a kung fu master.

He tells tales of breaking into the secret world of Shaolin Kung Fu which has strange disciplines like “The Iron Crotch” and other various indestructible body parts. I seriously think this is also one of the funnest travel books to read out there. Check out American Shaolin – Matthew Polly today.

4. Crazy Rich Asians – Kevin Kwan

The movie took the world by storm and it is one of the few travel books that translates to screen beautifully. Peek behind the looking glass of the secretive billionaire families that have more money than Vladimir Putin.

Follow along as Rachel joins her boyfriend in Singapore on a summer holiday only to find out that her humble boyfriend is Asia’s most eligible bachelor and everyone (including his mother) is out to tear them apart.

This is one of the best travel books based in Asia depicting the unique culture of Singaore. Read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan now.

5. White Tiger – Aravind Adiga

White Tiger tells of a dirty and unforgiving India, an India that doesn’t allow people to claw their way out of their Caste. It is now a movie on Netflix. I haven’t watched it yet but if it’s good you can be sure I’ll add it to my favorite travel movies.

This was one of those travel books that neither of us could put down and a book that we feel is a must read for everyone  traveling to India.   Those who have spent their time in an Ashram or driving around the country in an organized tour isolated from the truth won’t like it. But, like one review said, “This is the book that India Tourism doesn’t want you to read.” Get White Tiger by Aravind Adiga on Amazon.

6. The Beach by Alex Garland

Let me set one thing straight, I hated the movie The Beach, but I loved the book by Alex Garland. The Beach captures what travel was like in Thailand way back in the 1990s. (trust me, we were there). This is one of the first travel books we read that really brought us back. toa place we had been to.

The rooms in Thai guesthouses were disgusting, and the streets were filled with backpackers seeking adventure while escaping the world drinking cheap beer. There were still undiscovered coves and beaches that nobody had heard of, and there were probably several drug kingpins running the land.

Visiting Thailand for the first time is still a great adventure and this is a must read anyone going to the land of Smiles for the very first time! The Beach by Alex Garland is available on Amazon.

7. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is the king of writing travel books that make you laugh our loud. Anything by Bill Bryson is a winner, but my personal favorite memoir by Bryson is “In a Sunburned Country”. This was the first book I read by Bryson and it inspired me to read them all! I laughed out loud.

Written at a time when the world was still getting to know Australia, it shows the quirkiness of the island country and makes you want to book a ticket to see it for yourself. If you pick up any book by Bill Bryson, you won’t be sorry but, In a Sunburned Country is our favorite.

Go Around the World with Bill Bryson:

• A Walk in the Woods – Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail spanning the Eastern Coast.
• A Stranger to Myself – Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away
• The Best American Travel Writing
• The Road to Little Dribbling – An American in Britain

8. Dave Barry Does Japan

He may be old school when it comes to mentioning travel books and authors, but Dave Barry is hilarious. It was Dave Barry who sparked my love for travel writing and how powerful, funny, and inspiring it could be.

I never thought I’d become a travel writer, but I loved reading about his escapades around the world. He explains Japanese traditions through humor and experiences at karaoke bars, geisha encounters, kabuki theatre, and confusing comedy clubs. Japan is still very confusing even today so it is worth a read. Check out Dave Barry Does Japan and have a great laugh today.

9. Love Africa by Jeffrey Gettleman

Love Africa tells the story of Jeffry Gettleman the East Africa bureau chief for the New York Times. It begins with his first trip to Africa when he volunteered and fell in love with the continent.

But he kept being called back to the United States to his other love, his girlfriend Courtenay who is a criminal defense lawyer. Follow along as he navigates his career as a journalist, to his love for Africa and his true love relationship with Courtenay. We know how Africa can tug at your heart.

Can you have it all? Read and follow along on this travel memoir through Africa, because we’re not giving it away. Buy Love Africa by Jeffrey Gettleman on Amazon.

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It’s an oldie but a goodie. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is the story of a shepherd boy named Santiago who sells his flock and purchases a ticket to Tangier, where he is robbed and must work at a shop to find his way home.

At the heart of the book lies Santiago who embarks on a quest to find his true purpose in life. As he encounters a series of characters and navigates the challenges of the journey, Santiago learns valuable lessons about faith and perseverance.

“The Alchemist” is a book that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and aspirations. Coelho’s emphasis on listening to one’s heart, embracing the unknown, and overcoming fear resonate deeply, inspiring readers to question their own paths and pursue their personal legends with courage and determination.

He ends up taking a great adventure across the Sahara and after all his adventures, discovers his fortune right back where he started. I read this book before we started traveling full time and it put me in the mood to wander. And to appreciate life.

I think The Alchemist was the catalyst for my dream of becoming a travel writer and taking the leap to explore the world. This book taught me that you don’t need to go far to discover the beauty in life. Buy the Alchemist on Amazon

11. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

This no-holds-barred autobiography of a child soldier, Ishmael Beah, is gripping.  A Long Way Gone tells how an innocent child can be forced into savage warfare in Sierra Leone. It may not belong in your typical travel books listing, but it is something that people should read and know about.

Having lost everything including his family, his home, and his soul, Ishmael tells of his journey to evade the military. For three years he hid in the jungle and half-starved to death. It recounts the fear and despair he felt each day until he was finally captured by the government army.

Hopped up on drugs, he was forced to commit unthinkable acts. This is a story of going to hell and back, living a life of revenge and violence. He was rescued by UNICEF but it was a long and painful rehabilitation. Read A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

12. The Bang Bang Club – Greg Marinovich & Jaoa Silva

Set in Apartheid-Era South Africa, the  Bang Bang Club  is a true account telling the tale of the four photojournalists that dared to enter the townships and document history as it was happening.

It was written by two surviving journalists Greg Marinovich & Jaoa Silva Heartbreaking and shocking, the Bang Bang Club doesn’t hold back when telling of the brutality of that time.

The photographers had to come to terms with their own demons and what they witnessed day in and day out as war correspondence reporters. Their photos made history and set new standards, earning a Pulitzer Prize for two of the photographers. Get Your Copy of The Bang Bang Club – Greg Marinovich & Jaoa Silva

13. The Girl in the Picture – Vietnam

During the Vietnam War, photographer Nick Ut captured the shocking photo of children running from a napalm blast. Kim Phuc was the center of that photograph, with her naked body covered in severe burns. It became known as “the photo of the century” winning the Pulitzer Prize

In her own words, Kim tells her story of what happened to “The Girl in the Picture” Read the fascinating tale as she journeys from Vietnam eventually landing in Canada where she faced many hardships along the way. This book not only showed me what it was like for Phuc, but taught me about communism in Vietnam and what it took to break away. The Girl in the Picture – Vietnam

14. Touching the Void – Joe Simpson

Joe Simpson recalls his harrowing climb of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes back in 1985 with Simon Yates. Disaster struck after their summit when Joe fell into a crevasse and broke his leg (very badly).

We love adventure travel, but this is an entirely new level. The book stands the test of time as Joe recalls the three days he spent trying to get down the mountain after a near fatal fall and what he had to endure along the say. It was also  made into a movie  in 2003. Touching the Void – Joe Simpson

15. Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is a gripping and harrowing firsthand account of the tragic 1996 Mount Everest disaster. As an acclaimed travel writer and mountaineer, Krakauer brings his expertise and storytelling prowess to this unforgettable true story that resonates with readers long after the final page.

Krakauer’s ability to convey the physical and emotional challenges faced by climbers on the world’s highest peak is unparalleled. I couldn’t put this book down. Krakauer captures the essence of the mountaineering experience, immersing readers in the awe-inspiring beauty and perilous nature of Everest that inspired us to visit Everest Base Camp.

Krakauer candidly reflects on his own role and decisions during the ill-fated expedition, providing a raw and introspective narrative that adds depth and authenticity to the book. His vulnerability and willingness to share the emotional toll of the tragedy make the story even more compelling.

We’ve been to  Mount Everest Base Camp  and it was exciting to read about a place that we’ve been to and retrace steps through Namche Bazaar, the Tengboche Monks, and the Sherpa monuments to those who have fallen. Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

Into the Wild by John Krakauer

We go directly to another John Krakauer. As a travel writer, Krakauer goes beyond mere adventure storytelling and has a knack for delving into the complexities of human nature and Into the Wild certainly does that.

Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer is a captivating and introspective exploration of the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned civilization to embark on a solitary adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. It begins with a typical road trip across the country and then takes a turn.

Through interviews, personal anecdotes, and McCandless’s own writings, Krakauer pieces together the motivations, struggles, and ideals that led him to seek solace and freedom in the untamed wilderness.examining his desire for self-discovery, his rejection of societal norms, and his yearning for a simpler existence. Krakauer offers insights into the allure of the wild and the inner turmoil of a young man searching for meaning and transcendence.

The book delves into the complexities of McCandless’s character, and Krakauer’s skillful storytelling and introspective analysis allow readers to appreciate the complexities of his subject, even if they do not completely align with McCandless’s actions. Read it now.

16. Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux is one of the Greatest modern travel writers of our time. And he has written many classics such as Mosquito Coast and the Great Railway Bazaar, but our favorite travel book by Paul Theroux is Dark Star Safari.

Dave and I started our travel adventures cycling from Cairo to Cape Town and Dark Star Safari takes Theroux overland as he revisits the continent but he was on a road trip (not bicycle). This book took us back to Africa and brought back all the feelings we had – the good, bad, the ugly, and the depressing parts that we forget.

Through his vivid account, sharp wit, and introspective reflections he brings to life the people, places, and complexities he encounters along the way from Cairo to Cap Town. From bustling cities to remote villages, readers are transported to the heart of Africa, experiencing the triumphs, hardships, beauty and every day life that define the continent.

What we like about Dark Star Safar, is how he shows the less glamorous aspects of travel. He confronts the realities of poverty, political instability, and cultural clashes, providing a nuanced and balanced perspective of Africa. Through his encounters with locals, aid workers, and fellow travelers, he unveils the complexities and contradictions that exist within each country and challenges common stereotypes. See our Cairo to Cape Town adventures at It All Began in Egypt: Cycling a Continent

Get Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux on Amazon

17. Wild – From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Adventure travel can be transformational. When taking on a challenge, it is an emotional roller coaster. I’ve definitely been there with negative and productive thoughts and regrets. But as at the end of any grand adventure, the struggle can be healing and you can come out triumphant.

One of the most successful travel books (it always is when turned into a movie right?) focuses on the journey of the author along the Pacific Crest Trail while she navigates the physical and emotional challenges of hiking over a thousand miles in search of healing and self-discovery.

At the heart of the book lies Strayed’s emotional and psychological journey. As she grapples with grief, loss, and personal demons, she confronts her own vulnerabilities and gradually finds strength and resilience. Her candid exploration and raw honesty of her past mistakes, relationships, and the complexities of human nature is both relatable and inspiring.

Follow along as Cheryl Strayed faces her demons and struggles her way along the way. You can purchase Wild – Lost and Found on The Pacific Crest Trail. On Amazon here.

18. A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe

A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe is an anthology that celebrates the spirit of solo female travel. Edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick, and Christina Henry de Tessan, this collection of personal narratives showcases the empowering and transformative experiences of women who have ventured out into the world on their own.

Solo female travelers will love this travel book. The book features a diverse range of stories from women of various backgrounds and destinations, offering a mosaic of perspectives and travel experiences. From exploring bustling cities to traversing remote landscapes, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of cultures, encounters, and adventures.

The anthology captures the essence of travel, going beyond mere descriptions of destinations to delve into the transformative power of exploration. A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe is an empowering and inspirational read for both seasoned travelers and those dreaming of embarking on their first solo adventure.

Get it on Amazon

19. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

1,000 Places to See Before You Die  is the original brainchild of the talented and wonderful Patricia Schultz. If you have a serious case of wanderlust to travel around the world, buy this travel book by Patricia Schultz. This travel book makes for a great gift!

Many travelers are always looking for inspiration and there is an endless supply here. I’ve taken my Sharpie Marker and gone through all the destinations around the globe that she recommends. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is the world’s best selling travel book. I wish I had thought of this idea. If you are a collector of travel books, you need to have this in your library.

20. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert while traveling through India, so it certainly reminds me of my travels there. It is the real life story of Elizabeth Gilbert finding herself after divorce.

I didn’t identify with India (pray) part of the book since I was there at the time, but I could definitely get on board with eating through Italy and finding love in Bali. Many travelers love following in the footsteps of Eat Pray Love and why not? Who doesn’t want to run away from it all, find themselves, fall in love and write a book about it?

21. Grand Adventures by Alastair Humphreys

Grand Adventures is written by National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Alastair Humphreys. We first heard of Alastair while he was cycling around the world and were inspired so much by him, we followed his bike peddles to cycling Africa. This book round up the world’s most grand adventures to inspire you to try your own. (We make an appearance or two from one of our adventures around the globe as well.)

22. Concierge Confidential by Michael Fazio

Concierge Confidential by Michael Fazio gives the inside scoop from behind the scenes of the rich and famous. He was New York’s top concierge and he shares stories and secrets from the madness of catering to the elite. From the ridiculous demands to having to get people in to anywhere possible, it’s an at times hilarious read.

I wouldn’t want his job for the world, but it is fun to take a peek inside the secret life of a concierge. One of the more unconventional travel books since it’s from the perspective of the Concierge getting travelers their every whim, it still transports you to another place.

23. Ontario Escapes by Jim Buyers

Ontario Escapes is written by Veteran journalist and top travel writer in Canada, Jim Byers. He shares his personal experiences and tips for traveling around Ontario Canada.

As a native Ontario resident, I found so many hidden gems in this book offering great Ontario travel tips and ideas. I love Jim’s writing style as he shares practical information with inspiring personal stories and recommendations.

24. Ultimate Journeys for Two by Mike and Anne Howard

Ultimate Journeys for Two was written by our friends Mike and Anne Howards Mike who are currently on the world’s longest honeymoon. And you can find us there too talking about Greenland travel!

This travel book is more of an account of a bunch of couples giving advice and snippits about a place. Its more of a travel reference giving people travel ideas to inspire couples to go out and see the world and have a great adventure. There are ideas for couples to travel on every continent!

25. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day – Matt Kepnes

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Matt Kepnes shares money-saving tips on transportation, food, beverages, accommodation, and airline tickets, it’s the how-to guide for twenty-something budget travelers. Nomadic Matt has parlayed his highly successful travel blog into a best selling travel book on the New York Times’ best sellers list.

While I’m not sure if you really can travel for $50 a day in today’s world, it is still a good reference for budget travel and budget tips and advice.

26. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023

If you are looking for good travel guide books while traveling we recommend Lonely Planet. It is still our go-to travel book to help plan our adventures.

Lonely Planet was once often referenced as “The Bible of Travel.” Dave and I never booked a trip without buying a lonely planet country guide. While travel blogs have taken away a lot of travel guide book revenue, the Lonely Planet is still highly regarded. And you can never Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel series. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 follows the formula of the previous Best in Travel series.

Published annually, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel showcases the top destinations, experiences, and trends around the world, curated by travel experts. What are the top destinations for 2023? You’ll have to purchase it to find out.

Here’s a cool fact, we named The Planet D after The Lonely Planet in 2007. We were so inspired by the Lonely Planet travel books that when trying to think of a name for our travel blog, we simply took off the lonely, and added a “D” Plus, the Lonely Planet is what inspired me to get into travel writing. It was my dream to write for them one day.

Get the Lonely Planet Best of 2023 on Amazon Here

27. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s “Innocents Abroad” takes readers on a delightful through Europe and the Holy Land aboard his voyage in a retired Civil War ship (the USS Quaker City). Why do we love it? Well, this travelogue, first published in 1869, offers a unique perspective on the experiences of American tourists during the mid-19th century.

Twain’s witty and satirical writing style shines throughout the book, making it an enjoyable and entertaining read. While the book is primarily a humorous account of his journey, it also delves into deeper themes and critiques of society. Twain reflects on the idiosyncrasies of human nature, the follies of tourism, and the stark contrasts between cultures.

It is worth noting that Innocents Abroad can be a dense read at times, particularly for readers who are not familiar with the historical context or the locations mentioned. Twain occasionally includes lengthy digressions and references to classical literature, which might require additional effort from the reader to fully appreciate. Get it on Amazon

28. Right Turn at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

Right Turn at Machu Picchu is a travel memoir by Mark Adams that weaves together history, archaeology, and personal discovery as Adams retraces the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III, the explorer who rediscovered the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Blending his own travel experiences and encounters with informative and fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Incas creates an infectious story where readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu.

One of the book’s strengths lies in Adams’ ability to convey the awe-inspiring beauty and mystique of the Peruvian landscape. With a modern travel writing tone, Adams transports readers through the rugged terrain, lush jungles, and awe-inspiring ruins that make up the region surrounding Machu Picchu.

It even provides a wealth of historical and archaeological information, offering a deeper understanding of the site’s significance. See reviews and purchase it on Amazon

29. This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments by McKenzie Long

A new addition to our best travel books article is This Contested Land: by Mckenzie Long delves into the history and complex issues surrounding America’s national monuments. (Shall we talk about Mount Rushmore anyone?)

Long sheds light on America’s national monuments including their creation, significance, and the ongoing debates surrounding their management. Through modern travel writing, Long explores the intertwined narratives of nature conservation, cultural preservation, and the conflicting interests that have shaped these sites.

This Contested Land does not shy away from exploring the controversies and conflicts surrounding national monuments. Long examines the various stakeholders involved, including local communities, indigenous groups, environmentalists, and commercial interests. By presenting multiple perspectives, the book encourages readers to contemplate the intricate balance between preservation, public access, and economic development.

This Contested Land serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in America’s national monuments and the broader debates surrounding land conservation and cultural heritage. Check it out

30. In The Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes

Kim Barnes takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Arabia with her novel, “In The Kingdom of Men.” Set in 1960s Saudi Arabia, Barnes’ paints vivid prose of the desert landscape, transporting readers to a world of contrasts and contradictions in the Middle East. From the vast expanses of sand dunes to the opulent palaces and bustling markets, the setting becomes as much a character as the individuals who navigate its complexities.

The protagonist, Gin McPhee, a young American woman thrown into the unfamiliar Saudi Arabian culture, brings a fresh perspective to the narrative. As she grapples with the oppressive societal norms and her own desires for independence, readers are drawn into her struggle and resilience.

Barnes skillfully explores the clash between tradition and modernity, particularly through the lens of gender dynamics and the stark divide between the Western expatriates and the local Saudi community of the Middle East. She delves into the intricate web of power, politics, and cultural tensions, illuminating the challenges faced by those who seek to bridge these divides. Get it on Amazon

So have these travel books inspired you to go around the globe? What is the best travel adventure you’ve ever read? If you have other travel books to share, leave them in the comments below, we are always looking for good reads.

Read Next: 

• Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust 
• Best Travel Tips from 20 Years of Traveling
• Best Travel Songs to Rock the Long Drive
• 48 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust
• 40 Best Gifts for Travelers That they will love
• 20 Best Motorcycle Movies and TV Shows To Inspire Wanderlust

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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65 thoughts on “30 Best Travel Books to Inspire The Wanderer in You”

Doing great job man… Keep it up.

Wonderful list. This is what I was searching for. Thanks for doing the hard research for me.

Awesome list. Thanks for sharing. It’s really very useful.

Thanks for sharing!

These are very interesting books about travel, I had the opportunity to read some of them. very nice

I can’t wait to read more of these books! Reading has always been one way that I keep my wanderlust alive and well.

I was just searching for some good books which can take me into the world of wanderlust. As expected, you are on the internet with your awesome experience. I would love to read all of them. The Alchemist I have done and I am approaching other ones from now onwards. Thanks for sharing this post.

Very useful thing for those who like traveling. Thanks for sharing this with us,

Love those books… thanks for sharing Regards! Thank You!

Michael Palin’s Pole to Pole and Levison Woods Walking the Himalayas!

The only book in this list that I have read (partly) is Eat Pray Love but I also didn’t love it! I was actually in Bali when I started it and it just didn’t grab me, but I’ll definitely be trying out some others on this list! A good book on holiday can do wonders!

I hope to get my hands on Eat, Pray, Love soon. It must be a great read coz it’s on every travel books list.

Wonderful collection. I was in deep search. Thanks a lot to write about these books.

Thanks, Actually I am searching these collection from so many times. Great !!

Thanks for sharing. I was actually not aware about Michael Crichton’s book. Great list of books, I better start reading.

Lot’s of new books for me to add to my list! Thank you! I loved In A Sunburned Country, I consider it one of my favourite travel books and it definitely encouraged me to travel to Australia where I am now!

Thanks, guys some great books there. Think I need to get my hands on Dave does Japan. I am hoping to visit next year.

My all time favourite travel book that I never seen included on any lists is called WorldWalk by Steven Newman. In his early 20s, over a period of 4 years, Steven walked around the world relying on the kindness of strangers. This was the mid-1980s well before the time of internet and mobile phones being common place. His book is inspirational and entertaining and eye-opening all at once. I can’t recommend it enough.

it is very helpful for me like a traveler

An amazing list of books. I watched the film Eat Pray Love (starring Julia Roberts, maybe) but never took the time to read the book. THis list inspired me.

I think one books may be worth adding is Vagabonding.

I just want to say “wow” you have an amazing collection of books.

I was looking for a list like this! I just finished reading a series of books for foodies and Eat Pray Love was one of them. Thanks for sharing yours! Concierge Confidential seems like an interesting read.

thanks for sharing

i have planning to travel 2or3 places.i read this article.it is very helpful it provide great ideas.amazing article thanks for sharing.

Great recommendations! Some of it are already on my list. I just pick some great additions on my list. Thanks!

I think i watched the movie American Shaolin like 20 years ago. I didn’t know it was from a book. Gonna check it for sure. Thanks for great post.

I really love “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer as well as his other book “Into the Wild”, The book and Sean Penn movie are amazing. I also love anything by Bill Bryson with my favorite being “A Walk in the Woods”

For something hot off the press, check out Oblivious; the story of a ride through Africa on a Royal Enfield. Lost teeth, hitchhiking on iron ore trains in the Sahara, romance… Check it out: obliviousthebook.com

Thank you for this! I’ve been into Kerouac lately because I love (and love to hate) his frantic writing style but I needed some other material =)

Hey Awesome List of books, I read eat pray love that is totally awesome and every traveler must read. Now I am going to add The Alchemist and American Shaolin in my bucket list.

Nice post! thanks for sharing.

I was searching for best travel books ad I found this. I have only Paulo Coelho from this list and i am definitely going to get myself a few. Thanks for the wonderful list. Really useful.

This is a great list – most of these I’ve not read so my reading list has just grown! A Long Way Gone is one book, though, that has been on my shelf for years – I’m a bit afraid to read it….

(I don’t admit this too loudly, but I couldn’t stand Eat Pray Love …)

Which is your favorite?? Obviously not Eat Pray Love! lol

The alchemist from the Paulo Coelho is very good book….i´m brazilian and like Paulo Coelho

Whenever I enter a bookstore, I always look for books pertaining travel, whether they are memoirs or a compilation of essays. I also made a post about these books that I have in my shelf. I can spot three of them here in your list. I’m interested in the other books you have cited here and I hope to get my own copies.

I am so happy to read this blog about 21 travel book. it is so much interesting and helpful for every person of the world who travel form one place to another. Canada is consider most visited place in the world. So Hamilton Airport Limo service is well known for Ground transportation medium to or from airport.

This is a great list… there’s also a lot of great poetry (Heights of Machu Picchu- Neruda) and Siddhartha by Herman Hesse really had me thinking Southeast Asia big time! Great post, guys!

I love to read travel books. This is a very resourceful list. I have read some of the books from this list. Very inspiring post. Loved it:)

This post has defiantly inspired me to get reading! please take the time to check out my travel blog: earthsmagicalplaces.com

All of these traveling books look amazing, especially if you’re on a long journey or waiting for your ride and need to kill time! Thank you for sharing these.

Awesome list, thanks for sharing with us

Many read and many added to the list. I’m neither a fan of books that paint a pretty picture of a country nor of the ones that put down a country altogether. But I still read them because there is no such thing as bad book 😉 We all learn a thing or two from a book anyway 🙂

I’m ashamed to admit that, of these, I’ve only read The Alchemist – although White Tiger is sitting waiting patiently on my bookshelf.

I do like to read books about / set in places I’m going to travel to, though. One of the best examples was before I went to Kansas last summer, I read all of the Little House on the Prairie books, and it actually really opened up the history of the area for me, and helped me to understand the formation of the state, and why it looks & is the way it is.

I’m currently reading Alain de Botton’s The Art of Travel, and it’s really making me think about how I write about my own travels, and how I tie together my travel blogging with my other writing (poetry & fiction).

All of Bill Bryson’s travel books make me want to just get off the couch and just go (and record my travels with dry wit and sarcasm), but aside from Bryson’s Road to Little Dribbling, I think my other favorite travel read of the last year was Mo Willems’ You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day. Not only does one cartoon a day actually create a bizarrely interesting read, but it makes you start noticing the little moments that make your day. I also enjoyed Storybook Travels by Colleen Dunn Bates and Susan La Tempa. It’s a great book for parents traveling with children!

Awesome list, I will definitely be picking up a few of those, and read some of them again. Thank you Dave and Deb 🙂

Ha! I loved The Beach, the movie! Haven’t read the book but maybe I’ll put it on my list. 🙂 I did stopped reading Eat, Pray, Love in the India chapter but I went back to read it a second time and I’m glad I did. Her book, Big Magic, is really great for aspiring creatives so I would recommend that. 🙂

Interesting. I should maybe read Eat Pray Love again. The India chapter might be better for me since I’m no longer in India. Being removed from the location might put her writing into a different perspective

Great recommendations! I can’t wait to check a few of these titles out!

Kate | http://www.petiteadventures.org/

I’m saving this post in Bloglovin’ for as a future shopping reference, haha. I’ve gone through all my books and need more reading material. Thanks so much for sharing! I own and have already read Nomadic Matt’s book. It was super helpful!

Oh lordy my stack of books that I want to read is already sizable but I can see I’m going to add a few more to it….you have some great recommendations here. 🙂 .-= Trisha´s last blog .. PR-Blogger Relations Manifesto =-.

I agree – I loved White Tiger and couldn’t put it down. I read about five or six of the “must reads” that were popular for India travelers at the time and White Tiger and Shantaram were tops!

I have to read Shantaram. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before writing this post. That is what I love about posts like this, you can learn so much from other people.

White Tiger by Aravind Adiga is really cool and also Travels by Michael Crichton…great list D&D! .-= agentcikay´s last blog ..Hokkien Mee and its Cult status =-.

Thanks. I am glad that someone else has read travels. When we tell people that Michael Chricton had a travel book they think we are mistaken. But it is very good.

Hahaha, I am laughing because the two books I can’t stand about India are The White Tiger and Shantaram — and both are mentioned here, in your post and in the comments. I have read a lot of books about India and I think there are far better books, more balanced, more insightful, more honest. I find these two blow a lot of hot air.

I think there is a kind of reactionary response to the “shining” India of economists or the “magical” India of travel writers and spiritual seekers. In fact, India — like life — is all of these things. Magical, poor, spiritual, dirty, friendly, nerve-wracking. A lot depends on your perspective, attitude and perception.

I have said before that India is like the cave that Yoda sends Luke into. When Luke asks, “What will I find there?” Yoda answers, “Only what you bring in with you.”

Mariellen .-= Mariellen Ward´s last blog ..Photo of the Week- Naga Sadhu =-.

Well, we will agree to disagree on this subject. We enjoyed many parts of India and made friends with many wonderful people, but a book that talks about the negatives of any country is important. That is how change is made. The poor need a voice and White Tiger gives them one in a very entertaining way to let people know their side of the story. I would love to know the books that are more balanced and insightful, it would be great if you could list a couple of recommendations and I will check them out. And your Star Wars quote (while very profound) has nothing to do with the book and the point we are making. White Tiger is about the people that are living in India, not about what a tourist is supposed to get out of their spiritual journey to India. Thanks for your comment Mariellen, I know that you love India and this recommendation isn’t meant to offend people that do, it is just a book that we felt hit the nail on the head of a lot of what we saw and read in the papers while we were there.

I’m glad you replied to this Dave, the post made me feel stupid and ignorant when I first read it, but then I thought about it more and my point still stands – I read the book and it made me want to go to India. I will stand with the agreement to disagree – Shantaram is a work of fiction, which is a story with hints of lives and attitudes in India, but through extreme views. It’s like saying you’d never go to Virginia because of Patricia Cornwell’s books. If I wanted earnest travel writing with a true anthropological view, I’d have gone to the travel writing or the history section. Perhaps it’s even more impressive that a work of fiction can open your mind to a country. I get a better view of what it’s really like from Indian friends, but I’m also a literature fan and have many influences in my travel life.

I’m currently struggling through Open Veins of Latin America, which is a socio-historic view of the region, before travelling out to Costa Rica later this year. It’s very worthy and I would really like to understand more of the politics, history and culture before I go but I’m highly unlikely to finish it as history presented in fact is rarely inspirational and certainly more difficult to absorb. My partner bought me Costa Rica: A Traveller’s Literary Companion, which is a series of local, translated short stories and folklore. I’ve whizzed through it because it was enjoyable and accessible – far more inspiring than the worthier tome that will give me a ‘better’ view.

Sorry to rant – apparently I feel quite strongly about this!

Thanks for the comment and don’t be sorry at all. That is what we love about blogging, it encourages discussion. I think that your point is bang on. Books of extremes can make me want to go the a country even more. The Bang Bang Club is very unforgiving and yet, I think that it inspires people to go to South Africa. I read it while I was there and loved it even though it didn’t portray the country is a perfect light. I guess, a lot of the books we mentioned don’t paint a pretty picture of any country, but they all have inspired us to explore them more. And you are right, this is a book of fiction and it is impressive that a book can open your mind to a country and evoke such strong feelings on either side of the coin. That makes for great writing I think, when people feel passionate about it either way…absolutely loving it, or genuinely hating it.

Shantaram is also a very inspiring picture of India. Bittersweet, laugh out loud, exciting book. I’d never wanted to visit before reading this, now it’s definitely on my list.

Laura, I will definitely have to check out Shantaram thanks for the recommendation.

Oops, I replied to Trisha on the wrong post, that is supposed to be on Celebrities that inspire travel post. Taking it off now, but didn’t want you to think that I was a crazy person and going off on a tangent regarding celebrities:) Sorry Laura.

I must say it did confuse me!

Haha, sorry about that. If you didn’t reply back, I would have never known and we would have had an odd message on our books post about celebrities. 🙂

The 38 Best Travel Books for Readers with Wanderlust

If you like to read and you like to travel, you’re my people and you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to discover the 38 best travel books for readers with wanderlust!

As a lifelong reader and traveller, my favourite thing is when my two passions collide. Since 2019, I have read 50+ travel books and would love to introduce some of my favourites to you.

To me, the best travel books are engaging and evocative. They have a story throughout about a person or family I can connect to, rather than just nice descriptions of pretty places. The writing is sharp and funny – never too high-brow, poetic or overly-exclamatory.

My favourite travel stories are true tales (so mostly memoirs about travel) that span multiple countries (around the world trips are my favourite) completed by ordinary people (not athletes or expeditioners). Not all of the books below fit into this category, but it is my go to!

On this list of my favourite travel reads you won’t find:

• Anything historic . I prefer more modern books where the adventures happened in the last 20-ish years.
• Epic adventures or survivor tales . While I believe all of the trips below are adventurous, I’m not drawn to stories of people summiting mountains or surviving shipwrecks. I’m sure those books are great, but they’re not for me.
• Books I read a long time ago . All of the books below I’ve read between 2019 and 2023, so these are my recent thoughts on them (though many were published before then).
• Books I disliked . Obviously, since this is a list of the best travel books, I’ve left off about a dozen books about travel that I’ve read recently, but can’t honestly recommend.

With that out of the way, let’s get to my recommendations and find you your next best book about travel!

Need more reading inspiration? Check out 27 Travel Books that Will Inspire You to See the World , 32 Beach Reads for Every Summer Reading Mood , my favourite non-fiction books , my favourite true crime books , and 12 Memoirs You Should Read .

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Best books about travel around the world trips

Below are some of my favourite books that feature around the world trips. If you love the idea of setting off on a huge RTW trip, traveling the world for a year or seeing every country on earth, these adventurous travel stories are for you!

Not Afraid of the Fall by Kyle James

Review : I enjoyed following Kyle and Ashley’s travels around the world in this diary-style book. Though I think it lacked a narrative theme, the diary-style does make it feel like you’re out on the road with them through Europe and Asia.

• The Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo

Review : This might be the best book for traveling the world since Jessica has literally been to every country! I’ve been following Jessica Nabongo on Instagram for years and loved hearing about her travels, as a Black woman and African woman, to every country in the world, especially the less touristed ones. While I loved listening to this as an audiobook to hear directly from Jessica, I want to check out the print version to see her beautiful photography!

World Travel by Anthony Bourdain & Laurie Woolever

Review : Sadly, Anthony Bourdain was only involved in the outline of this book before his passing. However, it’s filled with his words and beautiful essays from his friends on travel, life and food with Tony. I wish the book had been exclusively these essays and Bourdain’s quotes, instead of also trying to be a guidebook. It felt really out of place, and frankly boring, to also read about how to get from the airport to the city centre and what websites to check out to book airfare.

Home Sweet Anywhere by Lynne Martin

Review : I loved hearing about this adventurous couple in their 70’s who decide to sell it all and live home-free. Their excitement jumped off the page and I loved the little travel stories they shared. At times the book felt a bit dated and dull, but overall their motto of “postpone nothing” was very empowering.

Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh

Synopsis : Packing up her rucksack – and her fiance, Jem – Monisha embarks on an unforgettable adventure that will take her from London’s St Pancras station to the vast expanses of Russia and Mongolia, North Korea, Canada, Kazakhstan, and beyond. The ensuing journey is one of constant movement and mayhem, as the pair strike up friendships and swap stories with the hilarious, irksome and ultimately endearing travellers they meet on board, all while taking in some of the earth’s most breathtaking views.

Review : I will admit that I have been listening to the audio version of this book on and off for what has now been years. Every time I listen, I really enjoy it! Monisha does a great job of making train ride after train ride interesting and weaves in the history and culture of the places she’d riding past. But, much like riding a train, I do find my mind wanders which maybe explains why I haven’t finished it yet.

Best memoirs about travel

My favourite genre of book is probably memoirs about travel. I love hearing directly from the traveller all about their adventurous highs and lows. I specifically selected the below true travel reads as each of these life stories is particularly emotional, impactful and inspiring.

• From Scratch by Tembi Locke

Review : I read this book back in 2020 and remember absolutely bawling during the early chapters. I know it’s on Netflix now but I’m almost too nervous to watch it because I know I’ll be emotional. While tissues are necessary, I highly recommend the book. It almost reads like poetry and Tembi’s love for her husband, her family and his, her daughter, Italy, Italian food and finally, herself, jump off the page.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Review : This memoir was both hilarious, as we’d expect from a late night comedian, and incredibly personal and serious. It was a beautiful tribute to Trevor’s mom and a hard look at life in South Africa. My only complaint is that the book bounced around so much chronologically that I was sometimes confused about where we were.

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett

Review : This was one of the first and only books I stayed up late to finish – closing my e-reader at 4:30am! While it started slow, I was immediately drawn to Amanda’s love of travel. Once she’s kidnapped, the book is brutally honest and, apologies for the pun, incredibly captivating.

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman

Review : This was a funny and sweet read, perfect for solo travellers who are sick of being asked when they’re going to settle down. While it was an enjoyable read, I wish it was a bit more about travel than relationships.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Review : I couldn’t write a post about the best travel books and not include Eat, Pray, Love now could I? I know it’s a cliche but I would be lying if I didn’t say I really enjoyed this book (and the movie!). I think it’s a powerful read and Liz beautifully tells her story through Italy, India and Indonesia.

A Trip of One’s Own by Kate Wills

Review : Kate is a brilliant storyteller. Whether it’s dealing with the aftermath of her divorce in London, getting back out on the road, reflecting on past travels or telling the stories of female travellers before her, I’m drawn to it all, inspired and engaged!

The Bookseller at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw

Review : This was an amazing look at Ruth Shaw’s life, full of loss and adventure, throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Each chapter ends with a tale from her bookstore that just prove how charming small town life is, how kind Ruth is and how much she loves books and the humans who buy them. PS: We’re planning to visit Ruth’s bookstore when we’re in New Zealand this month!

Best books for traveling food lovers

Looking for the best book about travel AND food? Then this next section is for you! So often a love of travel inspires a love of food or vice versa, as we travel the world eating the best meals . Try not to drool all over these recommendations!

Somebody Feed Phil the Book by Phil Rosenthal

Review : If you’re a fan of the travel TV show Somebody Feed Phil (and you should be!) this is the perfect companion book. Personally, I found the recipes to be pretty advanced for your average home chef but loved all of the photos and essays. Caution: Don’t read while hungry!

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Review : This memoir was a tough read but really resonated with me as a mixed-Asian person. A beautiful exploration of grief, the power of culture and food, and travel from the US to Korea.

Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi

Synopsis : As a young chef, Onwuachi was forced to grapple with just how unwelcoming the world of fine dining can be for people of color, and his first restaurant, the culmination of years of planning, shuttered just months after opening. Notes from a Young Black Chef is one man’s pursuit of his passions, despite the odds.

Review : I really enjoyed Chef Kwame’s story and everything that influenced his cooking, from growing up in the Bronx with Southern US heritage to moving to Africa to live with relatives. He also includes recipes in his memoir, which was a fun touch! And there’s a YA version of Notes from a Young Black Chef which I think younger readers would enjoy.

• Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui

Review : I loved learning about the culture of Chinese restaurants across Canada, as well as Ann’s family history. It was incredibly empowering for me, as a Chinese Canadian, to recognize so many places and dishes from this book. It felt like home!

Taste by Stanley Tucci

Review : Stanley Tucci (or The Tuc, as he’s known in our house) is a great storyteller and his love for food, from his childhood home in New York to moving abroad to Italy with his parents to recreating dishes in his London home during lockdown, shines through in this yummy book.

Best books about traveling the world with kids

While I don’t have kids myself, I love the idea of families travelling together and I hope to do an epic trip with my future family one day. In hopes of inspiring you too, I’ll introduce my contenders for best book for traveling the world with kids!

One Year Off by David Elliot Cohen

Review : As someone who hopes to travel around the world with a future family one day, I’m a sucker for anyone who has done a big trip with their kids. I really enjoyed hearing about the Cohens’ adventures around the world though the book did feel quite dated, as their trip happened in 1996.

Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr

Review : This was the first book I ever read (or listened to, actually) in one sitting. I loved the idea of Anthony moving his family to Rome for a year while he worked on a book. Sometimes the book focused too much on art or nature for my liking, but the sections on daily life in Rome worked well for me.

At Home in the World by Tsh Oxenreider

Synopsis : At Home in the World follows Tsh and her family’s journey from China to New Zealand, Ethiopia to England, and more. And all the while Tsh grapples with the concept of home, as she learns what it means to be lost—yet at home—in the world.

Review : I resonated most with this book when Tsh said, “I was infected by an incurable case of wanderlust but I was also a homebody.” That’s so me! I was so inspired by this family’s journey around the world with their kids and how they didn’t let having kids stop them from travelling. There is quite a bit of spirituality and religion throughout the book (including a smidge of white saviour-ism), but it’s mostly tolerable.

• We Came, We Saw, We Left by Charles Wheelan

Review : Another inspiring family adventure! I really enjoyed how this book not only documented the Wheelans’ travels but also why they wanted to go, how they made the trip possible and the family dynamics throughout.

Falling for London by Sean Mallen

Synopsis : Veteran journalist Sean Mallen was ecstatic when he unexpectedly got the chance he’d always craved: to be a London-based foreign correspondent. Falling for London is the hilarious and touching story of how he convinced his wife and daughter to move to London with him, how they learned to live in and love that wondrous but challenging city, and how his dream came true in ways he could have never expected.

Review : It was really interesting to hear Sean’s take not only on moving to London for a year but also as a foreign correspondent reporting news from around Europe. The only part I couldn’t wrap my head around was his wife and daughter not wanting to come (and boy did they complain about it!). Who wouldn’t want to live in London?

How to Be a Family by Dan Kois

Review : I loved following along as the Kois family lived in four different places over the course of a year, learning how to set up life, parent and become a family in each one. Sometimes the story felt a bit bland but I did like how Dan pointed out both the failures and the wins. His realistic approach (“This trip didn’t change our lives, it was our lives”) really resonated with me.

How to Survive Family Holidays by Jack Whitehall, Hilary Whitehall & Michael Whitehall

Review : If you’re a fan of comedian Jack Whitehall or his travel series, Travels with My Father, you’ll definitely want to pick up this book. It’s a fun listen where the Whitehalls swap family travel stories and lighthearted advice. I recommend listening to the audiobook as each person reads and they even include bloopers and reactions.

Best books on traveling Europe

I think because I lived in Europe and have spent a lot of time travelling there, I’m drawn to travel stories set in Europe. Below are some of the best travel books on traveling Europe – with quite a few dedicated to Paris and France for my francophiles!

Paris in Love by Eloisa James

Review : In this book about a family who moves to Paris for a year, Eloisa shares snapshots from their daily life. While slightly romanticized, I liked the idea of just being dropped into their real life and reading the vivid descriptions of mundane things like buying groceries or walking to school.

The Temporary European by Cameron Hewitt

Review : I really enjoyed this one! Cameron shares essays from his travels through Europe (he’s spent a third of each year there since the 1990’s), as well as stories about working for travel legend Rick Steves, running tours, writing guide books, producing his TV show or being back in the Seattle office. While some essays interested me more than others, I really liked Cameron’s overall travel ethos and enjoyed being transported to Europe with him.

For the Love of Europe by Rick Steves

Review : I couldn’t mention Cameron’s book and not include one by Rick himself! If you’re a fan of Rick Steves or just need some more wanderlust inspiration on all things Europe, this is a great read. However, if you’ve seen every episode of his TV show, you may find yourself reading some of the same stories.

Do Not Go Gentle. Go to Paris. by Gail Schilling

Synopsis : Rattled by fears that she is losing her keys, her looks, her job, and her sweetheart, Gail, 62, rashly announces that she will go to Paris, a dream postponed for 40 years. By the end of her journey, Gail recognizes the joie de vivre beneath the wrinkles of bygone beauty in French women. Now she awakens to her own joy of living and finds that it has no expiration date.

Review : I loved the lesson Gail shared about it never being too late to change your life and go after your dreams, but also to go now because you don’t know how long you have. It was so nice to experience her joy in visiting Paris and travelling through France, even if she had to wait until her 60’s to make it happen.

Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod

Review : In this “American moves to Paris” (yes, that’s a genre!) book, Janice shares how she wrote herself out of her boring office job and made it to Paris. I loved hearing how she made the most of her time abroad and leapt into her new life.

No Baggage by Clara Bensen

Review : I was both horrified and inspired by this story of a brand new couple travelling the world with only what they could fit in a fanny bag. While the premise was cool, some of the book felt a bit dull to read. I did, however, enjoy how they represented mental health.

My Good Life in France by Janine Marsh

Review : This time we have a Brit moving to France! While I didn’t love the writing itself, I did enjoy hearing about Janine’s trials and tribulations with expat life in rural France. I have no desire to renovate my own French barn but I like hearing about it!

Eat, Pray, #FML by Gabrielle Stone

Review : Consider this the millennial version of Eat, Pray, Love, but not as cringe-inducing as the title might make it seem. I really appreciated Gabrille’s honesty as she travelled through Europe to try and heal her broken heart. This reads like you’re sitting down with a girlfriend to chat relationships and travel. Note: There are a few fatphobic lines.

Best fiction travel stories

While memoirs about travel and other non-fiction travel books are my favourite, I know that travel fiction is a great genre too. So if you’re a novel reader, check out these adventurous, fictitious and often romantic travel tales!

• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Review : Rebecca Serle is probably my favourite fiction author so this was a must-read for me! I find her writing to be so good – the perfect mix of evocative and smart without being too pretentious or heavy, but also without going the other way and being too cheesy and cringe-inducing. While a love story, this book is also about the love between a mother and daughter and the love for a beautiful place in Italy.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Review : If you’re looking for a fun and light rom com with a few fun travel stories throughout, this is the novel for you!

The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman

Review : This book hooked me right from the start and I stayed up all night to finish it. It’s all about love, family and Italy. While I did find some of the dialogue a bit cheesy, I loved the descriptions of Italy, the flashbacks and how all of the characters grew.

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

Review : This was a really enjoyable read! I was a bit worried about the dual narrators, as I usually end up preferring one voice over the other, but liked both. While some of the characters bugged me, it was overall a very fun road trip!

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Review : I loved this book, told mostly through letters and the daughter’s perspective, all about a mom who disappears and the adventure to find her. It was super engaging with great writing and a fun mystery element.

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

Review : I loved learning more about Ghana and especially the divide between city life in Accra and rural life in Afi’s hometown, Ho. While I liked Afi’s feminist journey, I wish we saw more of it, as some of her feelings seemed to come out of nowhere. But overall a great read!

Final thoughts: My top 5 best travel books

Out of all of the books about travel I’ve shared above, I decided to narrow it down to my top five best travel books. After much deliberation, my top five (in no particular order) are:

I hope my list of travel reads has inspired you and you have a few new books to add to your TBR. I’d love to know, what’s your favourite travel-related book? 

Looking for more book recommendations? Check out my reading lists:

• What to Read Based on Your Latest Netflix Binge
• 10 True Crime Books for a Truly Spine-Chilling Time
• 15 Books to Help You Escape
• 27 Travel Books that Will Inspire You to See the World

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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Love this list! I’ve read a few, but certainly not all. Thanks for the recs.

Thanks for checking it out, Saskia! Hope you find a good new read!

Great list, Riana! I need to get busy.

Thanks so much, Kellye!

Thank you for the great recommendations! I found this post through a search (…a quest, at this stage, really!) for travel fiction and your “not on my list” books made me read the rest. Exactly what I was looking for, thank you 🙂

Thanks so much, Juliette. Glad to hear the list was helpful. I plan to update it soon with even more recommendations!

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The 16 Best Travel Books to Inspire Wanderlust

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Nothing inspires wanderlust like getting engrossed in a novel about traveling to a foreign land and the adventures that ensue. You can lose yourself in stories of love, heartbreak, redemption, and self-discovery whether you’re traveling abroad or back home planning your next adventure.

We have been traveling on and off for over 10 years, and along the way, we have taken a lot of long flights, train trips, and bus rides. We always make sure we have a good travel book tucked into our bag to get us through the journey. And if one of your friends is heading abroad, a good book with a heartfelt inscription from you on the front cover is a great travel gift !

Here is our list of the 16 best travel books that have inspired our trips around the globe! We hope that they inspire you to start planning your own adventure!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

16 Great Travel Books to Inspire Wanderlust

1. A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisine

By anthony bourdain.

Anthony Bourdain changed the way the world thinks about food. He taught us to embrace all of the strange and unique cuisines across the globe and that some of the best meals are at a tiny plastic table down a random alleyway. Of course, most people are familiar with Bourdain due to his hit travel TV show , No Reservations . What most people don’t realize is that it was actually his take-no-prisoners, tell-all style of writing that launched his TV career.

A Cook’s Tour recounts Bourdain’s dining adventures across Portugal, France, Vietnam, Russia, Morocco, Japan, Cambodia, Mexico, and Spain . He eats a still-beating cobra heart in Hanoi (we’ve done this too!), samples half-formed duck embryos – otherwise known as balut  – in Cambodia (check!), and enjoys a  tagine in Morocco (been there too!).

Bourdain is a great storyteller, and by the end of this book, you’ll be both hungry and eager to plan your next trip.

2. The Beach

By alex garland.

If you’ve done a bit of traveling and can’t seem to get “off the beaten path,” then try giving Alex Garland’s The Beach a read.

Richard is a British backpacker who is disillusioned with the well-trodden tourist circuit of Southeast Asia. While staying in a cheap hotel on Khao San Road in Bangkok, he is given a mysterious map to a beautiful beach, unspoiled by tourism, hidden in the Gulf of Thailand. He befriends a French couple, Françoise and Étienne, and together they set off to find the secret beach.

It’s a tale of paradise found (and lost) with plenty of adventure, romance, betrayal, and cannabis. It’s truly one of the best travel books out there and anyone headed to Thailand for the first time should read it!

3. Marching Powder: A True Story of Friendship, Cocaine, and South America’s Strangest Jail

By rusty young.

Although Marching Powder  was written by Rusty Young, it is really the story of Thomas McFadden, a British drug trafficker who was caught in Bolivia and imprisoned in Bolivia’s San Pedro prison.

San Pedro turns out not to be your typical prison. Inside its walls, you must pay rent for your jail cell and imprisoned drug lords are joined by their wives and children who enter and leave the prison freely. There is also an onsite cocaine manufacturing operation and a small bribe can get you out of (or into) the prison for a day.

Thomas begins running tours of the bizarre prison and they become a staple of the South American backpacker circuit. When Rusty hears about the tours he signs up for a night in the prison. He winds up staying for 3 months in order to document Thomas’ story and life in San Pedro.

We actually tried to visit the San Pedro prison when we were in La Paz, but by that time the Bolivian government had cracked down on the illegal tours.

4. The Cloud Garden: A True Story of Adventure, Survival, and Extreme Horticulture

By tom hart dyke and paul winder.

The Cloud Garden  tells the story of a fearless young backpacker, Paul, and an impetuous botanist, Tom. Together they decide to attempt a crossing of the impenetrable stretch of swamp and jungle between Panama and Colombia known as The Darién Gap. This no man’s land is also full of guerrillas (not to be confused with gorillas) and drug smugglers. It’s not exactly the kind of place you want to go on vacation but Paul is hunting for adventure, and Tom is hunting for orchids.

Unfortunately, just a short way from the Colombian border, they are captured by a paramilitary group and held against their will for 9-months. Their tale is chock full of suspense, wit, and even a bit of Stockholm syndrome.

We are often told by friends and family not to go somewhere because it is too dangerous. For the most part, we go anyways and discover friendly people and fun adventures. But this travel novel is an example of what happens when you push your luck just a little too far!

5. Shantaram

By gregory david roberts.

Shantaram is an epic saga of loss, hope, faith, and redemption. The protagonist is a convicted Australian bank robber who escapes prison and flees to Mumbai, India (called ‘Bombay’ at the time) to build a new life. Along the way, he works as a slum doctor, drug dealer, passport forger, weapons smuggler, and Bollywood actor.

While some of the events mirror the author’s life, much of the story is obviously fiction or at least significantly embellished. It’s a beautiful read full of gang fights, romance, and impossibly heroic moments. A bit like the main character in your own Bollywood movie.

While many of our book recommendations are quick reads, Shantaram is almost 1,000 pages. It’s the perfect travel novel if you have an extremely long bus ride or flight ahead of you.

6. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

By bill bryson.

A Walk in the Woods  recounts Bill Bryson’s attempt to hike the entire 2,100 miles of America’s Appalachian Trail with his overweight, chain-smoking friend, Stephen Katz. Along the way, they meet a host of interesting thru-hikers and develop a begrudging appreciation for the beautiful and fragile wilderness of the United States.

Bryson has a great sense of humor and all of his books will make you chuckle, though this one makes a particularly great gift for hikers. Many people prefer his travel novel about Australia, In a Sunburned Country,  but I have a soft spot in my heart for A Walk in the Woods. Perhaps because I grew up in East Tennessee, just 20 miles from the Appalachian Trail.

7. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values

By robert m. pirsig.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is much more than just a travel book. It tells the story of a man and his son on a cross-country motorcycle trip from Minnesota to California. The book deviates from the main storyline quite often to delve into philosophical pondering (which is the real focus of the book).

It’s an incredibly interesting book if you have an interest in eastern philosophy or if you just want inspiration for a motorcycle trip across the US . Although according to the author, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance “should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen Buddhist practice. It’s not very factual on motorcycles, either.”

8. Papillon

By henri charrière.

Papillon is the “autobiographical” story of Henri Charrière. He is a French safecracker wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to a life of hard labor on the penal colony of Devil’s Island (French Guiana). The ensuing tale spans 14 years and involves numerous jailbreak attempts – some successful, some not.

There is a question as to how much of the novel is true with some critics claiming it is about 90% fiction. Regardless, Charrière is a great storyteller and the book became an immediate success upon its release in 1969. It has since been translated into 21 languages and made into a movie three times.

9. Round Ireland with a Fridge

By tony hawks.

You’ve probably had a few too many drinks and made a ridiculous bet with your friends before. And you probably woke up the next morning with a hazy memory of the terms of your silly bet and never actually followed through with it. In the book  Round Ireland with a Fridge , Tony bets a friend that he can hitchhike around the circumference of Ireland with a refrigerator in one month.

He realizes the foolishness of this claim when he wakes up hungover the next morning. But rather than take the easy way out, he decides to give it his best shot. So with his trusty mini-fridge in tow, he sticks out his thumb and heads off on an adventure that turns him into a national hero.

It’s a hilarious tale that will have you believing in the kindness of strangers and the luck of the Irish!

10. The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison

By warren fellows.

Warren Fellows was a drug smuggler who trafficked heroin from Thailand to Australia and got caught. This book is not meant to proclaim his innocence. In fact, Fellows makes it clear that he was guilty (but mainly unlucky).

Fellows is given a life sentence in Bangkok’s notorious Bang Kwang prison. His account of the living conditions and punishment that he endured for over a decade makes prisons in the USA look like 5-star hotels.

It may be obvious to you at this point that I am very intrigued by foreign prisons. So intrigued, in fact, that I actually visited an inmate in Bangkwang prison during a trip to Bangkok in my youth. It turned out to be far less interesting than I was expecting and a bit strange as the inmate wanted me to deliver cryptic messages to people around Bangkok. Better to just stick to reading about them…

11. Heart of Darkness

By joseph conrad.

Heart of Darkness  was written over a century ago but still remains a fascinating read. It’s the tale of Charles Marlow, a riverboat captain and ivory transporter obsessed with the “blank places on the earth”. Otherwise known as those areas that are unmapped and uncivilized.

He journeys up the Congo River in Africa in search of the mysterious ivory trader, Krutz. Marlow’s trip into the heart of the African continent is full of vivid imagery and shines an uncomfortable light on the practice of imperialism in the 19th century.

While the story takes place in Africa, this book was the inspiration for the cult classic movie Apocalypse Now set in Vietnam (it’s also the namesake for one of the best new breweries in Saigon ). Whether you’re headed to Africa or Southeast Asia, this is a classic quick read.

12. Travels with Charley: In Search of America

By john steinbeck.

In Travels with Charley , John Steinbeck recounts his 1960s road trip around the United States with his French Poodle, Charley. Steinbeck was nearing the end of his life and wanted to see America one last time. So he bought a GMC pickup truck, outfitted it with a camper named Rocinante (after Don Quixote’s horse), and set off on his epic journey to rediscover the country he spent his life writing about.

It’s best to not take the story as an actual autobiography. His older son later remarked that “Steinbeck was at heart a novelist” who would never let the truth get in the way of a good story. And it is a great story. In fact, it’s one of the best travel books for anyone planning an American road trip .

13. The Alchemist

By paulo coelho.

Recommending The Alchemist  may be a bit cliché. However, it’s one of the best travel books in the world for good reason. The Alchemist is the quintessential traveler’s tale of learning to listen to your heart and following your dreams.

Santiago is a young Andalusian shepherd who decides to give up his flock of sheep and journey to Africa in pursuit of his personal “treasure” which he believes is at the Pyramids. Along the way, he loses everything he owns (a few times), meets a king, falls in love, and much more.

The Alchemist is a quick, easy read and is a great place to start if you’re looking for a little travel inspiration.

14. The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World

By lonely planet.

Lonely Planet’s The Travel Book is not actually a travel novel. It’s a brief overview of every country in the world. Each entry includes beautiful photos, fun facts, and a few key phrases in the local language. Lonely Planet describes it as “850 images. 230 countries. One complete picture.”

At approximately 450 pages, the Travel Book is huge and heavy. So you certainly wouldn’t want to bring it along on your trip. But it’s the perfect coffee table book to help you find inspiration to plan your next exotic vacation.

15. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

By joshua foer, dylan thuras, and ella morton.

If you prefer visiting obscure destinations overstaying in 5-star hotels,  Atlas Obscura  is the perfect travel book for you! “Inspiring equal parts wonder and wanderlust”, this oddball travel book details 700 of the most bizarre sites around the world.

It’s another book that is better suited for the coffee table at home than your suitcase. But, flipping through the Atlas Obscura will definitely make even the most content homebody curious about visiting some of these off-the-beaten-path adventures.

16. Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes

By alastair humphreys.

Alastair offers a fresh take on the concepts of travel and adventure in his book Microadventures . He believes that you can take the spirit of a great big adventure and squeeze it into a short time period with a small budget.

He challenges everyone to get out of their comfort zone. Even if it’s just spending the weekend camped on a nearby hillside or taking a swim in a lake close by. You don’t have to book a plane ticket to experience adventure, sometimes it’s waiting for you right in your own backyard!

What’s your favorite travel book? Tell us in the comments so we can add it to our list!

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Nick took his first solo trip abroad to Ireland and Scotland when he was just 19. Since then he has visited over 70 countries around the world (plus 45 states in the USA). He coupled his passion for travel photography with Val’s passion for writing and thus Wandering Wheatleys was born. He now lives in Asheville with his two rambunctious kids, Humphrey and Wilhelminha. Besides photography, Nick loves eating the weirdest food he can find in a country (sheep’s brain currently sits in first place) and making Val get up an hour before sunrise to make sure he gets “the good light”.

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12 thoughts on “the 16 best travel books to inspire wanderlust”.

These are amazing books on the list that I noted everything except for the Alchemist as I’ve been reading that a lot of times already, it’s my favorite travel book that’s why. Although I am passionate about travel books, I’ve never heard the rest of the list so this is a good information for me. I will definitely start with “A Cook’s Tour” by Anthony Bourdain, that got me interested more.

Being passionate about books from childhood, books have always been the wings that fueled my travel imagination. Many of the places that I visit today are places that I have already visited through the books that I have read. This is an awesome list of books. I have read quite a few of them. my all time favourites are Papillon and The Alchemist.

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Lonely Planet The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World Paperback – October 27, 2011

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229 countries & destinations to explore, 817 beautiful images to inspire - this international best seller features 100% all NEW images and text.

Bigger, brighter and bolder than ever, the second edition of Lonely Planet's definitive travel pictorial has been revised and updated to be even more inspiring than the last. The Travel Book captures the essence of every country on the planet through stunning photographs and atmospheric text. User-friendly A-to-Z coverage and double-page spreads of every country make this book a total delight - and an amazing gift. Includes cultural insights, key facts and maps. Also available in hardback, mini edition, and children's Not For Parents: The Travel Book - cool stuff to know about every country in the world!

"It just reminds me how much of the world there is still to see" - Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet founder, 145 countries visited and counting ...

'At a time when the world feels as if it's becoming a larger, more divided and increasingly impossible place to understand, let alone discover, The Travel Book is a reminder that the world is truly an amazing place.' The Age (Melbourne, Australia)

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet.

About Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places where they travel.

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2012 and 2013 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category

'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times

'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)

*#1 in the world market share - source: Nielsen Bookscan. Australia, UK and USA. March 2012-January 2013

• Reading age 3 years and up
• Print length 447 pages
• Language English
• Dimensions 9.13 x 1.1 x 12.01 inches
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date October 27, 2011
• ISBN-10 1741794439
• ISBN-13 978-1742200798
• See all details

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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1742200796
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 2nd edition (October 27, 2011)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 447 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1741794439
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1742200798
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 years and up
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.4 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.13 x 1.1 x 12.01 inches
• #2,800 in Travel Pictorial Reference Books

About the author

Lonely planet.

With over 150 million guidebooks in print, Lonely Planet is a trusted source for any traveler. Since our inception in 1973, we've inspired generations of travelers to discover amazing places and enabled curious travelers to get off the beaten paths to appreciate different cultures and become agents of positive change.

Customer reviews

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 73% 16% 7% 2% 1% 1%

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Customers say

Customers find the country setting beautiful with beautiful pictures of places and people. They also appreciate the useful info and insights on travel. Readers say the book is fun to go through and makes a great gift.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the country setting of the book beautiful, with beautiful pictures of places and people. They also appreciate the little blurbs about each country and travel-related info.

"...Each country or province has its own spread, complete with color photos , high-quality glossy paper and interesting information...." Read more

"...This thing is HUGE...which I really like. The pics are beautiful and the information for the most part is very specific...." Read more

"...I like the quick overview of each country but I wish that the pictures were more noteworthy- sometimes they are just of a group of local residents..." Read more

"...The page includes a map and beautiful pictures of places and people in the country...." Read more

Customers find the book has lots of useful info, is helpful for creating an itinerary, and is an encyclopedia of the world. They also say it provides a quick overview of each country, including what to see and do. Customers also mention the book is great for travelers, armchair travelers, and students that would like to know.

"...complete with color photos, high-quality glossy paper and interesting information . I have no complaints about this book...." Read more

"...a year long backpacking trip, and this book is a perfect jumpoff for creating my itinerary ...." Read more

"THIS BOOK is fabulous, an encyclopedia of the world ...." Read more

"...This book is a great way to get excited about traveling . It gives a little blurb about each country and some travel related info...." Read more

Customers find the book fun to read, with good facts about every country. They also say it brings back pleasant memories.

"...the beauty of cultures across the globe, this book is a fun resource to have lying around ...." Read more

"...The pages are thick, the pictures are bright, and the content is fun and helpful ." Read more

"...'ve been everywhere, this is still your book, as it will bring back many pleasant memories ...." Read more

"This is such a fun coffee table book ! I almost wanted to keep it for myself instead of giving as a gift..." Read more

Customers find the book a great gift.

"... It's a great gift as well." Read more

"...It's a rather large book. Great present for someone who wants or loves to travel." Read more

"Awesome book and a great gift idea for anyone that loves to travel the world!" Read more

"...Makes you want to travel more! Good value for money. Great coffee table book and gift ." Read more

Customers are impressed with the craftsmanship of the book. They mention that they are amazed by the beautiful quality of the photography.

"...or province has its own spread, complete with color photos, high-quality glossy paper and interesting information...." Read more

"...This exceptional production is surely not just another coffee-table book, but rather a beautiful exposition of the earth's most interesting places." Read more

"...loves it... I skimmed through it when it arrived and was amazed by the beautiful quality of the book and photography within it..." Read more

"wonderful book. beautifully printed . amazing pictures. nice destinations...." Read more

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The 15 Best Travel Books for Inspiring Your Next Big Trip

From fiction to memoirs to guidebooks, these escapist reads will have you booking a plane ticket in no time.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

For many of us, books were our first way to travel the world. As children, we went to imagined locations like Narnia and the land of wild things; as teenagers, we went to real life destinations like East Egg and the Salinas Valley. Every one of us owes some small part of the savvy adult travelers we are today to the traveling we did in our mind’s eye, way back when.

Now that shots are in arms, many of us are eager to resume traveling—the real kind, that is. "Travel more" might even be your New Year's resolution. If you haven’t decided which parts unknown to explore just yet, or you’re still socking away funds for the trip of a lifetime, we're here to help. We’re encouraging you to get back to basics by turning to those trusty books once again. We’re here with a rough and ready syllabus of travel reading for anyone looking to travel responsibly, imaginatively, and exuberantly.

Lee Boudreaux Books Less, by Andrew Sean Greer

In Less , an unforgettable comic novel, we meet Arthur Less, an aging writer embarking on a madcap global adventure in an effort to outrun heartbreak. Less’ travels take him everywhere from Berlin to Paris, a ski chalet in Morocco to a Christian writing retreat in Southern India, all of it a sparkling satire of Americans abroad, as well as a bittersweet travelogue of the heart’s vagaries. Greer masterfully blends absurdity, heartache, and pure, unfettered, laugh-out-loud joy, proving definitively that yes, literary novels can have happy endings. 

Harper Perennial Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walter

Dreaming of a holiday on the Italian Riviera? Look no further than Beautiful Ruins , Walter’s luscious novel of midcentury Italy and contemporary Hollywood. Beautiful Ruins opens in 1962, when Pasquale, the young proprietor of a ramshackle inn on the Ligurian coastline, encounters Dee Moray, a beguiling American starlet. Pasquale soon learns that Dee’s stay at the inn is just a pit stop on the way to Switzerland for medical treatment, but it’s more than enough time for a wistful intimacy to form between them. On a Hollywood backlot many decades later, a disillusioned development assistant encounters an elderly Italian gentleman seeking answers about an actress he met long ago. Lavishly imagined and shimmeringly told, Beautiful Ruins is a fantasia of treachery and romance, showcasing a seminal American writer at the height of his powers. 

Catapult Rough Magic, by Lara Prior-Palmer

At age 19, Prior-Palmer discovered “the world’s longest, toughest horse race”—the Mongol Derby, a breakneck thousand-kilometer race through perilous Mongolian wasteland, designed to recreate the horse messenger system developed by Genghis Khan. The heavily televised race sends riders like Prior-Palmer through a punishing landscape of woodlands, wetlands, mountains, dunes, and steppes. In this sensual, spiritual memoir, Prior-Palmer recounts her grueling journey through immense physical hardship, and her surprising transformation from underdog to the race’s first female champion.

Little, Brown and Company How to Be a Family, by Dan Kois

Ever dreamed about uprooting your family for one life-changing, globe-trotting year? Kois did exactly that, and lived to tell the tale. Disillusioned with the screen-heavy grind of parenting two pre-teen girls in Washington D.C., Kois and his wife spirited their daughters away to seek new kinds of togetherness in New Zealand, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and small-town Kansas. The product of their travels is this heartwarming memoir, wherein Kois meditates on parenting, community, and the parts of who we are that follow us, no matter how far we go.

Back Bay Books Blue Highways, by William Least Heat-Moon

Following two devastating personal losses, Heat-Moon set out across America on a road trip, hewing only to the country highways marked in blue on his atlas. Blue Highways will transport you to a lost place and time: blue collar America in the early eighties, as seen through truck stops, greasy spoons, and majestic landscapes. Sleeping in the back of a Ford pick-up and traveling wherever the winds blow him, Heat-Moon sketches vibrant portraits of strangers and communities, all while making an unforgettable voyage of self-discovery. 

St. Martins Press-3PL Stranger on a Train, by Jenny Diski

“If you want to see what this nation is all about, you have to ride the rails,” Colson Whitehead wrote in The Underground Railroad . Diski puts this principle to the test in Stranger on a Train , a travelogue meets memoir about her experience of seeing the United States by AmTrak. In these meandering pages, Diski unpacks the decline of American railways, recounts fateful meetings with fellow travelers, and excavates the lingering wounds of her past, proving that wherever we go, there we are. 

Riverhead Books Memorial, by Bryan Washington

At Memorial ’s center are two complicated men: Benson, a Black daycare teacher, and Mike, a Japanese-American chef. Benson and Mike’s years-long live-in relationship is on the rocks, with each one of them too apathetic to rekindle their romance or to end it. As Mike puts it: “We fight. We make up. We fuck on the sofa, in the kitchen, on the floor. I cook, and cook, and cook.” Their companionable stasis is turned upside down when Mike receives news that his estranged father is dying in Japan just as his mother Mitsuko arrives on their doorstep, forcing Benson and Mitsuko to become unlikely roommates in Mike’s absence. Come for Memorial 's bittersweet story of love, care, and what it means to be home, but stay for the novel's mouth-watering culinary travelogue, featuring everything from Japanese comfort food to Houston TexMex. 

Vintage Disappearing Earth, by Julia Phillips

At the center of this bewitching novel set in remote Russia is the mysterious disappearance of two young girls; around that fulcrum turns a maelstrom of social, ethnic, and gendered tension magnified by the crime. Phillips evokes a tight-knit community riven by loss, as well as an unreal landscape on the edge of the earth, replete with tundras, volcanoes, and startling, foreign beauty.

Mariner Books Dark Star Safari, by Paul Theroux

Veteran travel writer Theroux’s finest work is Dark Star Safari , an unputdownable account of his high-octane journey from Cairo to Cape Town. Traveling by bus, canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train, Theroux traverses the African continent, all while encountering locals, aid workers, and tourists along the way. Richly observed and meticulously reporting, Theroux paints both a heartening and harrowing picture of Africa: a place of political turmoil, exhilarating change, and staggering beauty.

A Long Petal of the Sea, by Isabel Allende

From a titan of literature comes an epic novel that opens in 1930s Spain, where a pregnant widow makes a harrowing pilgrimage over mountains and oceans to escape civil war. Bound to her deceased lover’s brother in a marriage of convenience, she settles in Allende’s native Chile, where she builds a new home while reconsidering her relationship to the home she left behind. In this transporting novel of journeys and homecomings, Allende is as transcendent and life-affirming as ever, locating joy even in the refugee experience and light even in the darkness.

Eland Publishing Full Tilt, by Dervla Murphy

In 1963, adventurer Dervla Murphy packed a pistol, boarded a bicycle, and set out from Dunkirk to reach New Delhi. In  Full Tilt , a memoir composed of her daily diaries, Murphy chronicles her grueling overland journey through Europe, the Middle East, and central Asia, where she encountered vibrant remote cultures and spectacular landscapes. From dinner with the Pakistani president to firing her pistol in a few tense moments, Murphy’s action-packed journals are an ode to traveling alone and the spirit of adventure.

White Lion Publishing Hidden Places, by Sarah Baxter

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to get off the beaten path, look no further than Hidden Places , a lavishly illustrated guidebook highlighting some of the world’s best-kept secrets. Many of the places contained here are difficult to access, like a remote village in alpine Austria with a population of 39 people, or secreted away by their ancient makers, like the rock-cut underground churches of Lalibela. Whether you want to hike through craggy mountain passages or glimpse the ancient world, Hidden Places celebrates the road not taken.

Vintage The Art of Travel, by Alain de Botton

Plenty of travel writing concerns itself with where to go, what to do, and how to do it all “the right way.” But what about the why of it all? Enter The Art of Travel , a meandering meditation on why we travel and how it changes us, in which de Botton juxtaposes his own observations with the wisdom of great philosophers. Reflecting on travel’s disappointments, trials, and rewards, de Botton reveals how we fulfill and find ourselves along the way.

Between The Lines Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World, by Anu Taranath

Consider this conundrum: traveling abroad is one of the best ways to expand our thinking about inequity, power, and the long legacy of colonialism, but if we’re not careful, our crash landings into new communities can emphasize the very power and privilege we seek to dismantle. Taranath’s bible for the conscientious traveler offers invaluable tips for exploring the world with care and respect, providing tools for navigating discomfort and fostering mindfulness. Don’t set foot on a plane without first digging into this vital guidebook.

Three Rivers Press Footsteps, by the Editors of The New York Times

For so many of us, great literature is our first introduction to the destinations that will loom large on our "must visit" list. We fall in love with a place through a writer’s eyes, then vow to go there one day ourselves. In this anthology of bite-sized essays, contemporary writers do just that, retracing the footsteps of their favorite authors to reveal the cherished places that shaped their work. From Dashiell Hammitt’s San Francisco to Marguerite Duras’ Saigon, each gemlike essay reveals a new shade of a story and a setting. 

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100 Travel Ebook Ideas You Can Start Writing Today

Travel is one of the hottest and most exciting niches out there, bursting with lucrative opportunities for you.  

Whether you’re a travel blogger seeking an extra income stream, a digital nomad with incredible stories to share, or an aspiring ‘authorpreneur’ ready to make your mark – the travel world is your playground.  And eBooks are your golden ticket to sharing your travel wisdom and expertise with the world.  

From the town you call home to the farthest corners of the globe, people are always on the hunt for new places to explore. They crave the inside scoop on both hidden gems and popular Instagrammable destinations. If you can help travelers explore smarter, cheaper and get more out of their vacations, there’s an eager audience waiting for you.  

But in a crowded travel eBook market, how do you stand out? Well, it all starts with a brilliant idea.  So, here are 100 awesome travel ebook ideas you can get started on today, wherever you are – or wherever you’ve been – in the world. 

The Travel & Ebook Markets 

Both travel and eBooks remain big business. Globally, the online travel market is forecast to reach over $658bn in 2024 and continue to rise to nearly $808bn by 2028. 

Since that pandemic dip in 2020/21, the market has increased steadily as people regain their desire to see the world. 

When it comes to eBooks, the market is also healthy, with the value projected to reach around $22bn this year: 

What this means for you is that if you can find a great eBook idea that taps into the right travel sub-niche, you could be on your way to success as a self-published author. 

100 Travel Ebook Ideas 

To get you started, we’ve listed 100 great ideas for your first (or next) travel eBook . We’ve divided our list into categories, so you can find the right fit for you.  

These ideas are meant as jumping-off points to give you some inspiration. Feel free to give them your own spin to create something unique in the travel space. We’ve also left gaps, so you can fill in your own destination. 

When planning your eBook, think about your relationship with travel and how you can use it to add value to other travelers. That might be in-depth knowledge of a place or some awesome hacks to help people pack for a trip or stay connected on the road. 

Before we start, don’t forget that where you live is an interesting destination for other people. So, if you’re wondering if you can find success in the travel niche from home – you can! 

In fact, giving people an insider’s or local’s look at a particular place is a great way to show off your expertise and build a community as a travel content creator . 

With that, let’s hit the road… 

Travel style  

This first section is all about how people travel, as much as the actual destination. It’s also about trip planning. So, if you’ve got experience putting trips together, you can use this as the basis for an eBook. 

As you’ll see from our list, this section covers a wide range of options. This includes the sizable “workation” or digital nomad niches.  

If you’re reading this from a beach or sidewalk café somewhere enjoying the perks of a digital nomadic lifestyle, you can make extra money helping others do the same. 

This section also draws on your expertise in a certain type of travel, such as solo adventures or traveling with young children. 

Ebook topic ideas: 

• Top hacks for trip planning on a budget 
• A solo traveler’s guide to… 
• How to travel the world with young children 
• The best gap year ideas (for over-30s, etc.) 
• 5* luxury travel in… (South East Asia, Central America, etc.) 
• Adventure travel for nervous newbies 
• Ideas for volunteering overseas 
• How to get the most out of your digital nomad visa 
• Plan the perfect workation 
• How to make money (legally) during your travels 
• How to teach English as a second language overseas 
• How to see… on $50 a day (pick a typically expensive destination) 
• Top tips for staying safe as a solo traveler 
• The ultimate guide to packing for a round-the-world trip 
• Stay connected while off the beaten track (travel tech hacks) 
• Make your next trip more eco-friendly  
• Avoid these mistakes when visiting… 
• Best locations for budget travel 
• Stay healthy while traveling to…  
• Top round-the-world itineraries for… (based on budget, length of trip, etc.) 

Destinations  

This section puts the place first, helping people to get more out of travel to a part of the world. You might focus on a region, country, city or even a street (such as Bourbon Street or the Las Vegas Strip).  

As well as things to see, you can look at accommodation and side trips. Remember that lots of destinations have been well covered, so if you want to focus on one of these, you’ll need to find a fresh angle.  

You might also find success doing a deep dive into a lesser-known destination. Travel lovers are always looking for someplace new to explore.  

Shine a light on a place that doesn’t get many tourists and you can become the go-to expert on this destination. 

• Best hotels / B&Bs in… 
• A guide to homestays in… 
• Spend a week in… (a 7-day itinerary) 
• Best LGBTQ+-friendly destinations 
• Best child-friendly destinations 
• Best dive bars in…   
• Cool side trips from… 
• Experience… like a local  
• What to do in… (when it rains) 
• Get off the beaten track in… 
• First-timer’s guide to…  
• 48 hours in…. 
• The 50 best things to do in… 
• See… for free (a guide to the best no-cost activities in a place) 
• Social/cultural etiquette in… 
• Historical… (a guide to a destination through its history) 
• Undiscovered… (new spin on a familiar location, like Las Vegas’ Arts District) 
• The best cafés in… 
• Enjoying summer destinations in winter (and vice versa) 
• The ultimate guide to… (Mardi Gras, Pride Month, Oktoberfest, etc.) 

Need inspiration? Check out Marielena Travels on Whop – she’s a content creator who celebrates all things related to Guatemala: 

Activities/interests

This section focuses on what people do when they’re away from home. Whether a hobby or a lifestyle, your eBook can help travelers to enjoy what they love. 

This can be a great sub-niche as it offers plenty of content opportunities and the chance to build a focused community . Of course, it helps to share the interest, so you can offer real value and personal insight. 

Your eBook can focus on any level of expertise, from people just getting into yoga or photography, etc., all the way to seasoned snowboarders or wine experts looking for their next adventure. 

• The best budget yoga retreats 
• A guide to the best skiing (and apres ski) in… 
• A foodie’s guide to…. 
• The best street food in… 
• A guide to film/TV locations in… 
• A literary tour of… 
• The best independent bookstores in… 
• How to plan a creative writing retreat 
• An art-lover’s guide to… 
• Essential music festivals  
• A wine-lover’s guide to… 
• The best places for wildlife photography 
• Great stargazing/astronomy locations 
• Luxury spas in… 
• Plan a wellness retreat in… 
• Coolest snowboarding locations 
• A guide to the best art galleries/museums in… 
• The best adrenaline sports locations 
• The best surfing locations 
• Climb your first mountain (everything from locations to packing for the trip) 

Sometimes, the journey can be the destination. So, this section is all about getting to places and getting around while you’re there.  

This may not be as cool as finding the best bars or street food but it’s an essential part of travel. It can also be a giant hassle, so if you can make the journey smoother, you’ll find an audience. 

This topic has the potential to be quite dry, so think of ways to make it more exciting. It might be a quirky tone, cool photography or combining it with another topic. 

First-hand accounts of notable journeys or experiences are valuable. So, if you’ve traveled on the Trans-Siberian Express or are an expert on car-free travel, think about turning that into an eBook and other travel content. 

 Ebook topic ideas: 

• Plan the ultimate road trip in… 
• A self-guided walking tour of… 
• See… by public transport 
• Hacks for stress-free long-haul flights 
• See… without a car (focus on car-heavy destinations, like LA) 
• Plan your first RV trip 
• How to get upgraded/bumped to first class (for free) 
• Conquer your fear of flying 
• Polar exploration/cruises (Antarctica / Arctic) 
• Road trips without a car (Route 66 by Greyhound, etc.) 
• See… by train (tips on the best routes, etc.) 
• Guide to overland border crossings 
• Plan your first backpacking trip 
• Hiking… (by country or region) 
• Cycling… (by country or region) 
• See… by motorbike 
• Personal account of… (The Ghan, Thai sleeper train, Halong Bay cruise, etc.) 
• The best stopover/layover tours 
• Tips for finding cheap travel deals (flights, tours, etc.) 
• Guide to budget airlines/regional travel 

Specialty travel

Our final category basically includes everything we haven’t already covered. This section aims to get you thinking beyond the obvious to look at all the types of travel and travelers out there. 

Some of these ideas are quite niche, so will have a limited audience. However, they do offer an opportunity to become an expert and build an audience in a less-served area of travel. 

This section is also about jumping on trends, such as unplugged travel, as well as evergreen topics like specialty trip planning (e.g. destination weddings and staycations). 

• A guide to glamping in… 
• Accessible… (a guide to destinations for people with impairments) 
• Celebrate… like a local (a guide to local festivals and events) 
• Live the nomadic life (for people who want to live on the road) 
• The best hostels for over-30s in… 
• Stay social while traveling solo (tips on safely meeting others overseas) 
• Plan a bachelor/ette weekend to remember in… 
• Plan the perfect romantic getaway in… 
• Plan the perfect staycation (vacationing at home) 
• A guide to traveling with your pet in… 
• The ultimate guide to destination weddings in… 
• Plan a 5* honeymoon on a budget 
• Taking your first trip with a child (for new parents) 
• A vegan’s / celiacs guide to… (traveling with dietary restrictions) 
• How to handle homesickness while on a round-the-world trip 
• Traveling with elderly relatives 
• The best cultural exchange programs 
• Unplugged/digital detox travel (traveling without mobile devices) 
•  Off-grid travel 
• Novel places to stay (treehouses, ice hotels, castles, etc.) 

Tips for Travel Ebook Success 

Now you’ve got some ideas for your eBook, here are a few top tips for bringing it to life and reaping the rewards: 

Plan your content 

Take time to plan out your eBook sections and content. Think about what you want to say and divide your ideas into easy-to-digest sections which flow. 

Look at other eBooks which are similar to yours to see what works and what you can do better. 

Also, don’t forget about design and proofreading. You want your eBook to be as professional as possible. There are lots of AI-based and other tools to help.  

Beware of relying on AI for writing and editing your eBook. As well as quality issues, you want to avoid generic content, especially in the travel niche where readers value personal experience. 

Use quality images 

People love seeing aspirational and inspirational photos in travel content. So, make sure yours pass the “Insta-worthy” test. 

Most smartphones have good photography capabilities so you don’t need to splash out on a fancy camera. However, you might want to check out photo editing software, such as Piscart or Adobe Express. 

Overall, while the travel niche is potentially lucrative, you need to make sure you stand out (for all the right reasons) in this crowded space. 

Build a community 

Travel eBooks usually complement other offerings, such as a blog , social media, and forums. Focus on building a community , which then lets you springboard into multiple revenue streams. 

Here’s an example from TravelCraft , which has built a subscription-based planning service right here on Whop. 

Find a Home for Your Travel Business on Whop 

Inspired to get started on your first (or next) awesome travel eBook? Great. But how do you turn that “million-dollar” idea into actual dollars? Welcome to Whop.

Here, you can create a like-minded community of travel buffs and sell your eBooks (and anything else) through your very own whop – your home on the internet. Your whop is as flexible and scalable as you want it to be… and it’s just a couple of clicks away. 

So, join our other entrepreneurs who are making their dreams come true by sharing their love of travel with the world – and raking in a tidy profit.  

Find your idea and get started selling on Whop today – your all-in-one travel platform for creating and growing your perfect online business.

Rob Truslove

Make your first dollar on the internet.

Start your business for free, no credit card required.

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Capture Priceless Memories with this Kids Travel Journal Printable (Free PDF Template)

Keeping a kids travel journal is not just a great way for your kids to remember the details of their trip, but it also captures those precious memories that may later be swept away in the fog of time.

Your kid’s travel journal will become an heirloom more precious than any other souvenirs you can bring back from your trip. Plus, a journal is an excellent way to keep the kiddos entertained during road trips, long plane rides, and other inevitable travel downtime!

While any old notebook or journal works, if you want to encourage kids to keep track of their experiences, you need to provide some travel journal ideas.

Kids Travel Journal Printables

One thing I’ve learned from my daughter is that writing is easier for kids if they are given a writing prompt.  To design these travel journal pages, I talked to my girl about what things she likes to remember from her travels and what types of prompts might make journaling easier.

With her input I put together the following kid travel journal printable pages–including a cover, pre-trip overview page, daily travel journal templates, and a trip recap page. So if you are looking for a DIY travel journal for your kids, look no further!

With this free printable travel journal cover, your child can personalize their journal with their name, indicate where on the map they are going, and record the dates of the trip.

Just click here to download the free PDF of the  kid travel journal printable cover .

I’ve also put together a page that your kiddo can fill out before you leave for the trip or on the plane or in the car en route to your destination.

Click here to download the PDF

There are also pages that can be copied for each day of your trip. This page lets your child record the date, location, weather, and how they felt that day. There are also sections for recording what they did that day, the best thing they ate, something they learned, and a word to capture the essence of the day.

Download daily trip report pages.

Lastly, there is a trip recap page to capture the high points of the trip and their overall feelings and rating about the trip.

Download trip recap page PDF.

Before you leave just print out the number of pages you need and staple it, bind it, or put it in a pocket folder with room to save ticket stubs, programs, and more.

If you prefer, you can also download all the pages as one downloadable, printable PDF kids travel journal file here.

When on the road, don’t wait until the meltdown at bedtime to think about writing in journals. Stick it in your day bag along with some crayons and pencils and use it as a way to keep kids entertained while waiting to be served at restaurants or other downtime throughout the day.

By the way, if you really want to get your kids involved in the travel planning as well as the travel journaling, use these vacation planner worksheets for kids !

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: August 21, 2024

51 thoughts on “Capture Priceless Memories with this Kids Travel Journal Printable (Free PDF Template)”

Many thanks! Sincerely appreciate the free downloads. Your time & talent is appreciated.

These look fab, I’ve pinned to print off in the pre-holiday panic

Thank you for creating theses pages We3Travel, they are beautiful! I’m just seeing this while on a trip in Spain without printing facilities, but will be using thes on our next trips!

I’m so glad you like them! Have a great trip. We loved visiting Spain a few years ago.

My Daughters School (Palm Valley Elem) shared this for as a summer activity! I am so glad they did!! this is exactly what I was looking for for my 8 year old! she needs the writing prompts! I am going to add them to a journal and add a few “pockets” for her to add ticket stubs etc

That’s great!! I made this a few years ago and I feel like I should update it but glad it still works for others!

Love your travel pages, but they would not print for me. Am taking my 10 yr old grand and parents to the Jersey Shore in July and making a list of crafty and fun activities to do with her. Since your pages won’t print, they have still given me an idea of making a simple journal with her and use your ideas as prompts for her to write and sketch. Thanks for the cool ideas.

I’m so sorry to hear they wouldn’t print for you. Were you able to download them or did you have trouble accessing them?

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Florida's Official Tourism Website Quietly Scrubs 'LGBTQ Travel' Page

Breaking News Reporter, HuffPost

Florida’s official tourism website has quietly scrubbed a page promoting local LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations, in what has been widely interpreted as another in a long series of steps meant to intimidate, persecute and marginalize the LGBTQ+ community under the state’s conservative governor, Ron DeSantis.

VisitFlorida.com’s “LGBTQ Travel” section ― which featured links to the state’s “top 10 gay beaches” and information about LGBTQ chambers of commerce and LGBTQ road trips ― was last documented as being operative in mid-April by the internet archive site Wayback Machine, as first reported by NBC News on Monday.

“SUNSHINE FOR ALL,” the page had declared when it was active. “There’s a sense of freedom to Florida’s beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities ― a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance.”

An official reason for the page’s removal was not immediately clear. Representatives with Visit Florida did not respond to HuffPost’s calls and emails seeking comment. The website’s calendar of events still includes listings for upcoming LGBTQ-themed events across the state.

Visit Florida is not a government agency, but it receives public funding in a public-private partnership with the state legislature, which has worked to strip and limit LGBTQ+ rights throughout the state under DeSantis’ leadership.

These policies include the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law (which was recently amended under a settlement), as well as laws regarding public school bathrooms, books and children’s sports. Indirectly, there was also a recent summer ban on cities lighting up bridges at night with colors other than red, white and blue, after a county commissioner objected to a rainbow display on a Tampa Bay bridge, as The Washington Post reported .

Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida ― which issued a travel advisory last year for the state, as did other civil rights organizations ― said the removal of the tourism page “is yet another deliberate step in making Florida a hostile environment for LGBTQ people.”

“It sends a clear message to LGBTQ tourists and residents to ‘Get Lost,’” Smith said in a statement to HuffPost on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, a survey of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and abroad found that these travel warnings negatively affected their plans to visit the state. Just under half the people surveyed said they’d cancel or reconsider their visit.

The survey ― published by the IGLTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association ― also found that 53% of respondents said they would not attend an LGBTQ+ event in Florida because of the state’s laws and policies.

Worldwide, about 47% of those surveyed perceived the Sunshine State as somewhat unwelcoming or very unwelcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers. Within the U.S., 80% of respondents said the same thing.

When asked what might prevent them from visiting the state, an overwhelming 84% of respondents cited DeSantis’ statements or legislative priorities. The same percentage cited the state’s unfriendly laws and policies toward LGBTQ+ people.

From Our Partner

More in queer voices.

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These 20th century travel icons have disappeared, but I'll never forget

Technology may have made travel more efficient, but there is still plenty to be nostalgic about.

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Who remembers paper airline tickets? I’d forgotten all about them till I was digging in a drawer recently and found a faded memory of 20th-century travel. The emotions I felt as I held it in my hand! That bittersweet sensation of handing over all my hard-earned cash for a flimsy book of paper coupons printed with secret codes that could only be understood by people in the airline industry. I would clutch that precious thing tight like a Wonka golden ticket. It was my key to the world. God help me if I lost it.

And then suddenly, in 2008, they simply ceased to exist. They were a hassle, for sure, but I can’t help feeling a little nostalgic. As with many of the trappings of old-school travel, what they lacked in convenience they made up for in character-building experiences.

On my first trip overseas I took all the essentials. A money belt (I still have one) and a fat wad of travellers’ cheques, because there was no safer or more convoluted way of accessing cash overseas. Like almost everything in the olden days, getting money involved a complex strategy. Carrying huge amounts of cash was inadvisable. So instead there were fancy cheques that required a functioning bank and willing staff to convert them into actual dollars. Or rupees. Or zlotys. Whatever. Getting your hands on ready funds could take at least half a day. Now there are apps and online banking and ATMs and pay-wave purchases. What a world.

I have similar poignant recollections of booking train tickets via India’s mind-numbing railway bureaucracy (allow at least one whole day). And buying Lonely Planet guidebooks to scour hotel listings and then picking up the phone to make a booking, racking up outrageous IDD call charges in the process. The best bit? Arriving bone-tired at your destination in the dead of night to find the hotel has no record of your reservation and you have nowhere to stay.

Communications, generally, were medieval as recently as the 1990s. I can still remember having to book a Christmas trunk call a day in advance, then fronting up at the appointed hour to a glass-walled booth and waiting patiently until an actual human operator would patch the call through to Australia.

Other things that were painful but necessary rites of passage:

● Reconfirming flights. Often in person. And if you forgot to do it, or couldn’t get through to the airline, good luck getting on that plane.

● Fronting up to embassies and consulates to plead your case and hand over cash for a visa. All those lost hours spent slumped in plastic chairs under flickering fluorescent lights waiting for your number to ding up on the digital queue. E-visas are a genius invention.

I’m old enough to remember when it was A-okay to smoke on flights and airlines thought it made sense to divide single cabins into smoking and non-smoking sections. We were all smokers back then.

I miss disembarking ferries in Mediterranean ports and being met by locals clasping signs saying “Room for rent”, then following total strangers to their homes and leaving as lifelong friends. The ritual’s largely been killed off by the internet and EU regulations, but I was pleased to see recently that it persists at the beach resort of Ksamil in Albania.

American Express coined the catchphrase “Don’t Leave Home Without It” for their travellers’ cheques, but there are so many other packing essentials, most now obsolete, that I associate with that era. Among them: water-purification tablets (bottled water was a luxury). Reef oil (remember sunburn?). And my Sony Sports Walkman radio-cassette player for music-on-the-go. So modern.

I miss being able to walk through an airport without running the gauntlet of duty free. And going through security without having to disrobe and dehydrate and unshoe and unsheathe every electrical item. And being able, on very special occasions, to go into the cockpit for take-off or landing. I think the last time I had the thrilling privilege was on a Fiji Airways flight in the late ’90s when I sat with the pilots as the plane soared above the Pacific archipelago bound for LA. Obviously that practice ended a few years later.

Perhaps the thing I miss the most is mail. Emails and instant messages are nice but nothing beats the joy of turning up to poste restante at the Bombay Amex office after two months offline to find 42 – 42! – letters waiting for me. Just one of the joys of travel that’s been lost to us forever.

STRANGER THINGS

One thing I still cherish in this age of mass travel is arriving somewhere so remote that I’m treated like an alien from outer space. Granted, I’m funny looking, but being the odd one out is always a buzz.

Originally published as These 20th century travel icons have disappeared, but I'll never forget

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