Travel has a special allure! Whether it’s the thrill of exploring a new city or the serenity that comes with a walk through nature, travel offers a treasure trove of experiences and life lessons. But sometimes, we can’t just pack our bags and go—life happens, right? That’s where the magic of a good travel book comes in.
A compelling narrative can transport you to places far and wide, all from the comfort of your reading nook. And if you’re a seasoned traveler, there’s always room for new ideas and perspectives to spice up your next journey.
So, I’ve scoured bookshelves, reminisced about my own travel experiences, and even revisited some old favorites to compile this list of must-read travel books. From epic solo quests to photographic feasts for the eyes, these titles cover the whole spectrum.
Related: Best Audiobooks for Road Trips.
Travel Books
If you’re looking to wanderlust from your living room or plan your next big adventure, keep reading. There’s a journey here for everyone—no passport required.
1. In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson
In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson takes readers on an entertaining journey through Australia. He introduces the reader to the sun-drenched landscape and its friendly inhabitants, as well as its abundant variety of wildlife – some of which can be quite dangerous. Throughout his travels, Bryson marvels at Australia’s diverse beauty and culture and shares his witty observations with the reader.
2. Lady Long Rider: Alone Across America on Horseback, by Bernice Ende
Bernice Ende’s extraordinary journey on horseback across North America began in 2005 when she was 51. Since then, she has ridden over 29,000 miles across the Great Plains, Southwest deserts, Cascade Range and Rocky Mountains – all alone. In 2014-2016, she made history by becoming the first person to make a single coast-to-coast and back ride, garnering accolades from the Long Riders’ Guild and admiration from those she encountered.
3. Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places, by National Geographic
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places, by National Geographic is a photographic tour of some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. This book features vivid images taken by National Geographic’s world-class photographers, in addition to captivating text. The photographs offer insight into natural wonders, man-made marvels, and a variety of cultural attractions from ancient sites to iconic cities.
4. Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook, by Anthony Bourdain
Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook, by Anthony Bourdain is an entertaining book that takes aim at some of the biggest names in the foodie world. With his trademark wit and irreverence, Bourdain offers up biting criticism of celebrity chefs, Top Chef winners and losers, and more.
5. Love, Africa: A Memoir of Romance, War, and Survival, by Jeffrey Gettleman
Love, Africa: A Memoir of Romance, War, and Survival by Jeffrey Gettleman is a captivating story of both passion and pain. The tale follows the main character’s journey from a 19-year-old college student to a seasoned war correspondent for the New York Times’ East Africa bureau. Along the way, the reader is taken through a range of emotions as Gettleman’s two loves – Africa and his girlfriend – compete for his affections. With vivid accounts of life in different parts of the world, Love, Africa is both an emotional coming-of-age story and a fascinating memoir that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of love, adventure, and finding yourself in unexpected places.
6. The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small, by Kath Stathers
The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small, by Kath Stathers is an inspiring travel guide inviting readers to build experiences that will last a lifetime. The book contains over 300 captivating photographs and information on the best places to visit around the world.
7. 100 Drives, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to Do, What to See, by Joe Yogerst
This book is an essential guide for anyone planning a road trip across the United States and Canada. It provides 100 classic and off-the-beaten track drives, along with detailed maps, itineraries and activities to experience along the way. From an exploration of Northwest vineyards to a winter wonderland on Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, travelers are sure to find something of interest.
8. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster, by Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster is a gripping and harrowing detailed account of the deadliest season in the history of Everest. On assignment for Outside Magazine to report on the growing commercialization of climbing Mount Everest, Krakauer, an accomplished climber himself, made his ascent as a client of Rob Hall, the most respected high-altitude guide in the world. As Krakauer reached the summit, a storm began to roll in, taking with it six of his fellow climbers and forcing him into an exhausting and dangerous descent that he would not soon forget.
9. 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do, by National Geographic, Joe Yogerst
This comprehensive travel guide from National Geographic and Joe Yogerst showcases the best travel experiences in every U.S. state and Canada’s provinces and territories. From national parks to dude ranches, beaches to out-of-the-way museums, this book provides readers with detailed information about each destination as well as fascinating facts about each area—perfect for any traveler eager to explore the U.S. and Canada!
10. The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream, by Paulo Coelho
In “The Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho weaves an enchanting tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy on a quest for a worldly treasure. The 25th-anniversary edition adds a new layer of depth with a forward by the author himself. This modern classic combines elements of magic, mysticism, and wisdom as it takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery. As Santiago travels, he learns invaluable life lessons about the importance of listening to one’s heart, seizing opportunities, and following omens—guiding readers to the ultimate treasure of following one’s dreams.
11. Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips, by National Geographic, George Stone
Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips, by National Geographic and George Stone, is an updated 10th anniversary edition that explores the best trips of National Geographic’s legendary travel writers from around the globe. With 16 new pages and updated information throughout, this book offers diverse options for travelers including trekking, mountain biking and more.
12. World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, by Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever, is a comprehensive guide to the world’s most enchanting locations. Through vivid descriptions and insider advice, readers are invited to explore places visited by Bourdain, such as New York City, Borneo, Buenos Aires, Paris, Shanghai, Tanzania, and Oman’s Empty Quarter.
13. The Art of Travel, by Alain De Botton
The Art of Travel, by Alain De Botton, is a book that explores the pleasures of travel and gives readers the tools to extract maximum satisfaction from their journeys. Drawing on his own experiences as well as insights from great writers and thinkers such as Baudelaire, Wordsworth, Van Gogh, Alexander von Humboldt, and Xavier de Maistre, de Botton offers readers an exploration of the motivations and rewards of travel.
14. Rick Steves Paris, by Rick Steves, Steve Smith, Gene Openshaw
Rick Steves Paris, by Rick Steves, Steve Smith, and Gene Openshaw is a comprehensive guide to exploring the city of Paris. With this book, travelers can get the most out of their time and money while visiting the City of Lights. It features top sights like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles, along with off-the-beaten-path gems.
15. Moon USA State by State: The Best Things to Do in Every State for Your Travel Bucket List, by Moon Travel Guides
Moon USA State by State: The Best Things to Do in Every State for Your Travel Bucket List, by Moon Travel Guides, is a comprehensive guide that gives travelers insight into the unique personalities of each state in the US, from Washington DC to Puerto Rico. The book offers a top 3 list of experiences for each state, unforgettable outdoor adventures — like visits to national parks, hikes to waterfalls and volcanoes, and more — road trip ideas, local flavors from coast to coast, historical background, lesser-known local favorites, a foldout poster map with checklists to track your adventures, and much more.
16. Let’s Get Lost: the world’s most stunning remote locations, by Finn Beales
Let’s Get Lost: the world’s most stunning remote locations, by Finn Beales, is an inspirational and awe-inspiring collection of over 200 spectacular shots of remote and beautiful places taken by some of instagram’s most talented photographers. The book showcases a range of stunning landscapes, from off-grid coastal views, rugged mountain landscapes and majestic forests to expansive wildernesses, and tells the stories behind these remarkable locations.
17. Blue Highways: A Journey into America, by William Least Heat-Moon
William Least Heat-Moon’s Blue Highways: A Journey into America is a travelogue of his journey across the United States and its backroads. He set out with a desire to explore small towns that are mostly unknown and rarely get on maps, such as Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; New Freedom, Pennsylvania; New Hope, Tennessee; Why, Arizona; and Whynot, Mississippi. Throughout the book, he encounters many different people who share their stories and reveal a unique portrait of American life—from the story of an old man living in rural Virginia to the tale of an immigrant family in Oklahoma trying to make it in a new country.
18. The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World, by Lonely Planet
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World, by Lonely Planet is an ultimate guide to exploring the world. It profiles every United Nations-approved country in the world, as well as a few more principalities and dependencies, with detailed information on when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about the country’s culture. This comprehensive guide is accompanied by 850 images, including photographic portraits of people, beautiful landscape photographs and vibrant street photography – giving you a truly complete picture of each location.
19. Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel, by Rolf PottsÂ
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel, by Rolf Potts is an essential guide for aspiring long-term travelers looking to get the most out of their journey. The handbook provides extensive information on the practicalities of taking extended periods of time away from one’s normal life, including financing, selecting a destination, dealing with adversity and eventually re-assimilating back into life at home.
Final thoughts
In a world increasingly driven by screens and virtual experiences, the books on this list remind us of the raw, visceral pleasure of packing a bag and setting off for an unknown destination. Whether you’re a seasoned globe-trotter or someone who prefers armchair travel, these titles offer more than just stories; they’re like little compasses for the soul.
