“I love to travel, but if I want to escape, I read a book” – Jean Craighead Georges
There are thousands of books about travel out there and it can be hard to decide which one should deserve your attention first. From fictional stories to old and new bestsellers, bucket lists or real-life experience testimonies, the below selection of 60 best travel books is what you need if you are looking for inspiration, escape and wanderlust.
Pick a category and discover 10 books I’d recommend you to take with you across the world or read before setting off on your own adventure. These stories are impactful. They have the power to move, educate and inspire. They give different perspectives on the world, they pique your curiosity, highlight parts of the world you may have never heard of and are also incredible page-turners that will let you relax and escape for a few hours.
So… where do you feel like going today!?
Choose a category and get 10 travel book ideas!
Best Sellers Travel Books
On the Road – Jack Kerouac
“On the Road chronicles Jack Kerouac’s years travelling the North American continent with his friend Neal Cassady, “a sideburned hero of the snowy West.” As “Sal Paradise” and “Dean Moriarty,” the two roam the country in a quest for self-knowledge and experience. Kerouac’s love of America, his compassion for humanity, and his sense of language as jazz combine to make On the Road an inspirational work of lasting importance.“
Down Under: Travels in a Sunburned Country – Billy Bryson
“It is the driest, flattest, hottest, most desiccated, infertile and climatically aggressive of all the inhabited continents and still Australia teems with life – a large portion of it quite deadly. In fact, Australia has more things that can kill you in a very nasty way than anywhere else. Ignoring such dangers – and yet curiously obsessed by them – Bill Bryson journeyed to Australia and promptly fell in love with the country. And who can blame him? The people are cheerful, extrovert, quick-witted and unfailingly obliging: their cities are safe and clean and nearly always built on water; the food is excellent; the beer is cold and the sun nearly always shines. Life doesn’t get much better than this…“
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
“Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.“
Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
“This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. 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.“
In Patagonia – Bruce Chatwin
“With its unique, roving structure and beautiful descriptions, In Patagonia offers an original take on the age-old adventure tale. Bruce Chatwin’s journey to a remote country in search of a strange beast brings along with it a cast of fascinating characters. Their stories delay him on the road, but will have you tearing through to the book’s end.“
Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
“Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild examines true story of Chris McCandless, a young man, who in 1992 walked deep into the Alaskan wilderness and whose SOS note and emaciated corpse were found four months later, internationally bestselling author Jon Krakauer explores the obsession which leads some people to explore the outer limits of self, leave civilization behind and seek enlightenment through solitude and contact with nature.“
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail – Cheryl Strayed
“At twenty-six, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s rapid death from cancer, her family disbanded and her marriage crumbled. With nothing to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to walk eleven-hundred miles of the west coast of America – from the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon, and into Washington state – and to do it alone. She had no experience of long-distance hiking and the journey was nothing more than a line on a map. But it held a promise – a promise of piecing together a life that lay in ruins at her feet.“
The Art of Travel – Alain de Botton
“Few activities seem to promise is as much happiness as going travelling: taking off for somewhere else, somewhere far from home, a place with more interesting weather, customs and landscapes. But although we are inundated with advice on where to travel to, we seldom ask why we go and how we might become more fulfilled by doing so.“
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel – Rolf Potts
“Vagabonding is about taking time off from your normal life – from six weeks to four months to two years – to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Veteran shoestring traveler Rolf Potts shows how anyone armed with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel.“
The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara
“The young Che Guevara’s lively and highly entertaining travel diary, now a popular movie and a New York Times best seller. This new, expanded edition features exclusive, unpublished photos taken by the 23-year-old Ernesto on his journey across a continent, and a tender preface by Aleida Guevara, offering an insightful perspective on the man and the icon.“
Classic Travel Books
Around the World in Eighty Days – Jules Verne
“Pragmatic gambler Phileas Fogg has made a gentlemanly wager to the members of his exclusive club: that he can circle the world in just eighty days, right down to the minute. Fetching his newly appointed French valet, Fogg embarks on a fabulous journey across land and sea—by steamer, rail, and elephant—to win the bet of a lifetime.“
Journey to the Center of the Earth – Jules Verne
“A sixteenth-century cryptogram spurs modern geologist Otto Liedenbrock to embark on the most remarkable human quest ever taken. With his nephew and guide, he leads the descent from a dormant Icelandic volcano into the unexplored realm beneath their feet. There, a vast subterranean ocean, prehistoric creatures, and natural phenomena are but a few of the wonders hidden from all but the boldest eyes.“
Gulliver’s Travels – Jonathan Swift
“Lemuel Gulliver, English surgeon turned ship captain, embarks on four fantastic voyages, each a clash with strange beings and cultures—from the eccentric to the odious. Island by island, he meets the savage but tiny Lilliputians, the hideous Yahoos, a stable of talking horses, a race of decrepit immortals, and the ghosts of Julius Caesar and Homer.“
Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
“When young Jim Hawkins decides to follow a map to buried treasure, he must befriend or outsmart memorable characters such as pirate Long John Silver, Captain Billy Bones, and island man Ben Gunn. Mutinous plans, mysterious deaths, and a tangle of double-crosses keep Jim guessing all the way to the prize.“
Moby Dick – Herman Melville
“Ignoring prophecies of doom, the seafarer Ishmael joins the crew of a whaling expedition that is an obsession for the ship’s captain, Ahab. Once maimed by the White Whale, Moby Dick, Ahab has set out on a voyage of revenge. With godlike ferocity, he surges into dangerous waters—immune to the madness of his vision, refusing to be bested by the forces of nature..“
The Little Prince – Antoine de St Exupery
“Moral allegory and spiritual autobiography, The Little Prince is the most translated book in the French language. With a timeless charm it tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the vagaries of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. His personal odyssey culminates in a voyage to Earth and further adventures.“
West with the Night: A Memoir – Beryl Markham
“Markham was taken to Kenya at the age of four. As an adult she was befriended by Denys Finch-Hatton, the big-game hunter of OUT OF AFRICA fame, who took her flying in his airplane. Thrilled by the experience, Markham went on to become the first woman in Kenya to receive a commercial pilot’s license. In 1936 she determined to fly solo across the Atlantic — without stopping. When Charles Lindbergh did the same, he had the wind behind him. Markham, by contrast, had a strong headwind against her and a plane that only flew up to 163 mph. On 4 September, she took off … Several days later, she crash-landed in Nova Scotia and became an instant celebrity.”
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
“Refusing to be civilized by Southern society or cowed by his drunken father’s lashings, young Huckleberry Finn decides he has only one option left: fake his own death and hop a raft down the Mississippi River. Instead of carrying him far from trouble, though, Huck’s raft delivers him to a place of moral uncertainty.“
The Hobbit – J. R. R. Tolkien
“Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day, to whisk him away on a journey ‘there and back again’. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon….“
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
“One Thursday lunchtime the Earth gets unexpectedly demolished to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. For Arthur Dent, who has only just had his house demolished that morning, this seems already to be rather a lot to cope with. Sadly, however, the weekend has only just begun. The Galaxy may offer a mind-boggling variety of ways to be blown up and/or insulted, but it’s very hard to get a cup of tea..“
Non-Fiction Travel Books
Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town – Paul Theroux
“The master travel writer provides an insightful account of his odysses down the length of Africa, from Cairo to South Africa, aboard a dilapidated bus, ancient train, and rusty steamer, describing the bad food, many delays, discomforts, and dangers of his trip , along with the colorful people and places of the real Africa.“
Blue Highways: A Journey into America – William Least Heat Moon
“William Least Heat-Moon set out with little more than the need to put home behind him and a sense of curiosity about “those little towns that get on the map — if they get on at all — only because some cartographer has a blank space to fill: Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; New Freedom, Pennsylvania; New Hope, Tennessee; Why, Arizona; Whynot, Mississippi“
Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster – Jon Krakauer
“n March 1996, Outside magazine sent veteran journalist and seasoned climber Jon Krakauer on an expedition led by celebrated Everest guide Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of summit day, eight people were dead. Krakauer’s book is at once the story of the ill-fated adventure and an analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end. Written within months of the events it chronicles, Into Thin Air clearly evokes the majestic Everest landscape. As the journey up the mountain progresses, Krakauer puts it in context by recalling the triumphs and perils of other Everest trips throughout history..“
A yellow butterfly on an elephant’s foot: A love affair with Namibia – Lydia Schröder
“ Join Lydia and Anthon, in their old Landie called Henry and journey through Kaokokoland, the extreme north-western corner of Namibia in exotic Africa.
You’ll travel through endless desert landscapes, visit thundering waterfalls and stumble upon polar bears in the Skeleton Coast. You might even kiss a crocodile. You’ll chat to Queen Elizabeth of Opuwo and lose yourself in the loves and lives of forefathers and friends. Doc Anthon will entertain you with anecdotes from his medical practice and Lydia, an architect will take you on-site visits into rural Namibia.”
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia – Paul Theroux
“First published more than thirty years ago, Paul Theroux’s strange, unique, and hugely entertaining railway odyssey has become a modern classic of travel literature. Here Theroux recounts his early adventures on an unusual grand continental tour. Asia’s fabled trains — the Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Frontier Mail, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Mandalay Express, the Trans-Siberian Express — are the stars of a journey that takes him on a loop eastbound from London’s Victoria Station to Tokyo Central, then back from Japan on the Trans-Siberian. Brimming with Theroux’s signature humor and wry observations, this engrossing chronicle is essential reading for both the ardent adventurer and the armchair traveler.“
Turn Right at Machu Picchu – Mark Adams
“In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artefacts and credit for finding the great archaeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent..“
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk – Ben Montgomery
“Emma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as the first person—man or woman—to walk it twice and three times and she did it all after the age of 65. This is the first and only biography of Grandma Gatewood, as the reporters called her, who became a hiking celebrity in the 1950s and ’60s. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance and very likely saved the trail from extinction. Author Ben Montgomery was given unprecedented access to Gatewood’s own diaries, trail journals, and correspondence. He also unearthed historic newspaper and magazine articles and interviewed surviving family members and hikers Gatewood met along the trail. The inspiring story of Emma Gatewood illustrates the full power of human spirit and determination.“
The Lost City of the Monkey God – Douglas Preston
“Few activities seem to promise is as much happiness as going travelling: taking off for somewhere else, somewhere far from home, a place with more Since the days of conquistador Hernán Cortés, rumours have circulated about a lost city of immense wealth hidden deep in the Honduran interior. Indigenous tribes speak of ancestors who fled there to escape the Spanish invaders and warn the legendary city is cursed: to enter it is a death sentence. They call it the Lost City of the Monkey God. In 1940, swashbuckling journalist Theodore Morde returned from the rainforest with hundreds of artefacts and an electrifying story of having found the City – but then committed suicide without revealing its location.“
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road – Kate Harris
“A brilliant, fierce writer, and winner of the 2019 RBC Taylor Prize, makes her debut with this enthralling travelogue and memoir of her journey by bicycle along the Silk Road—an illuminating and thought-provoking fusion of The Places in Between, Lab Girl, and Wild that dares us to challenge the limits we place on ourselves and the natural world.“
The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice – Colin O’Brady
“Colin O’Brady’s awe-inspiring memoir spans his triumphant recovery from a tragic accident to his gripping 932-mile solo crossing of Antarctica. Honest, deeply moving, filled with moments of vulnerability—and set against the backdrop of some of the most extreme environments on earth, from Mt. Everest to Antarctica—The Impossible First reveals how anyone can reject limits, overcome immense obstacles, and discover what matters most.“
Coffee table travel books
Before They Pass Away – Jimmy Nelson
“This historic volume showcases tribal cultures around the world. With globalization, these societies are to be prized for their distinctive lifestyles, art and traditions. They live in close harmony with nature, now a rarity in our modern era. Jimmy Nelson not only presents us with stunning images of customs and artefacts but also offers insightful portraits of people who are the guardians of a culture that they–and we–hope will be passed on to future generations in all its glory. Nelson’s large-plate field camera captures every intricate detail and fine nuance for posterity. What’s more, this splendid pageantry is set against a vivid backdrop of some of the world’s most pristine landscapes.“
Amaze – Cristina Mittermeier
“In Amaze, Mittermeier elicits our wonder and awe at the natural world and the labyrinth or “maze” of navigating a sustainable existence. The book combines two series: “Enoughness” and “The Water’s Edge.” The first draws out Mittermeier’s philosophy for a mindful and sustainable way of being in the world. Bringing together photographs from some of the most isolated corners of the earth, the book shows wild animals, remote landscapes, and indigenous peoples–challenging the cult of material wealth and proposing alternatives for a meaningful and sustainable connection to our environment, each other, and ourselves.“
Born To Ice – Paul Nicklen
“SeaLegacy co-founder, National Geographic photographer, acclaimed ocean conservationist, and TED Talks favorite, Paul Nicklen traces his extraordinary love affair with the polar regions in his most recent book, Born to Ice. His powerful images of iconic arctic and antarctic wildlife and scenery, coupled with his inspiring photographic storytelling, blends ethereal beauty of the icy landscape with a compelling call to action. Combining some of his most extraordinary photographs with personal experiences — learning and inspirational–this stunning Paul Nicklen photo compendium is both a remarkable collection of nature photography and a passionate rallying cry to stand up, have a voice, and enact positive change for our planet.“
Escape – Gray Malin
“Collecting breathtaking images, journal entries, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Escape explores Gray Malin’s enduring drive to capture life’s joyful moments. These awe-inspiring images of exotic locales from around the world are a celebration of light, shadow, and absolute bliss. Whether trained on the snowy mountains of Aspen, the dry plains of Namibia, or the warm sun of Bora Bora, Malin’s sharp eye highlights the exuberant colors and striking forms that make each location so unique. Featuring more than 22 destinations across 11 countries, the book also includes highlights from Malin’s conceptual photography, offering a comprehensive look at the photographer’s desire to showcase the beauty he sees in the world. From remote islands to major cities, Escape captures the spirit of dozens of unbelievable vacation spots—and will inspire every lover of travel and exploration to plan an escape of their own.“
The World at Night: Spectacular photographs of the night sky – Babak Tafreshi
“See the full beauty of our night sky revealed as never before in over 200 photographs from around the world. Bringing together the images of over 40 photographers across 25 countries, be astounded by the lights of the night sky in some of the darkest places on earth; discover the beauty of galaxies, planets, and stars; view great celestial events; and see some of the world’s most important landmarks against the backdrop of an incredible nightscape.“
Earth View: Extraordinary Images from the Landsat NASA/USGS Satellites – Tim Dedopulos
“Using images from NASA’s Landsat satellite program, Earth View takes you on a journey of discovery around the globe, revealing in stunning detail the extraordinary geological features, manmade structures, and natural wonders that can only be seen from above. Reaching across all continents, and including the most remote glaciers, volcanic fields, shifting sands, and frozen wastelands, it inspires a fresh perspective of our world.“
The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries – Massimo Listri
“From the mighty halls of ancient Alexandria to the coffered ceilings of the Morgan Library in New York, human beings have had a long, enraptured relationship with libraries. Like no other concept and like no other space, the collection of knowledge, learning, and imagination offers a sense of infinite possibility. It’s the unrivalled realm of discovery, where every faded manuscript or mighty clothbound tome might reveal a provocative new idea, a far-flung fantasy, an ancient belief, a religious conviction, or a whole new way of being in the world.“
Blue Planet II – James Honeyborne
“Our understanding of ocean life has changed dramatically in the last decade, with new species, new behaviours, and new habitats being discovered at a rapid rate. Blue Planet II, which accompanies an epic 7-part series, is a ground-breaking new look at the richness and variety of underwater life across our planet. With 300 breathtaking photographs and stills from the BBC Natural History Unit’s spectacular footage, each chapter brings to life a different habitat of the oceanic world.“
Visual Atlas of the World – National Geographic
“National Geographic’s visual atlas of the world will delight and inspire history lovers, current event buffs, and cartography fans alike. From spectacular space imagery to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this stunning book showcases the diverse natural and cultural treasures of the world in glorious colour. Featuring more than 200 fascinating maps, 350 new photos, and state-of-the-art cartography and satellite imagery, this is an essential reference for families, travellers, students, librarians, and scholars. Each page, created in collaboration with the world’s premier scientists, geographers, and cartographers, is packed with up-to-the-minute information, making this book the most beautiful and authoritative visual atlas available today..“
Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan – Christine Chitnis
“Patterns of India is a visual experience that offers intimate insights into the diverse and richly hued Western Indian culture. Colour is the thread that binds the vast country together, defining every aspect of life from religion and politics to food and dress. Organized by the five dominant colours royal blue, sandstone, marigold, ivory, and rose, this book explores how deeply colour and pattern exist in a symbiotic relationship and are woven into every part of the culture. “
Inspirational stories
Humans of New York – Brandon Stanton
“Now an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, Humans of New York began in the summer of 2010 when photographer Brandon Stanton set out to create a photographic census of New York City. Armed with his camera, he began crisscrossing the city, covering thousands of miles on foot, all in an attempt to capture New Yorkers and their stories. The result of these efforts was a vibrant blog he called “Humans of New York,” in which his photos were featured alongside quotes and anecdotes. Surprising and moving, printed in a beautiful full-colour, hardbound edition, Humans of New York is a celebration of individuality and a tribute to the spirit of the city.“
She Explores: Stories of Life – Gale Straub
“Beautiful, empowering, and exhilarating, She Explores is a spirited celebration of female bravery and courage and an inspirational companion for any woman who wants to travel the world on her own terms. Combining breathtaking travel photography with compelling personal narratives, She Explores shares the stories of 40 diverse women on unforgettable journeys in nature: women who live out of vans, trucks, and vintage trailers, hiking the wild, cooking meals over campfires, and sleeping under the stars. Women biking through the countryside, embarking on an unknown road trip, or backpacking through the outdoors with their young children in tow.”
Alone Time: Four seasons, four cities and the pleasures of solitude – Stephanie Rosenbloom
“Rising to the challenge, travel writer Stephanie Rosenbloom explores the joys and benefits of being alone in four mouth-watering journeys to the cities of Paris, Istanbul, Florence and New York, in four seasons. This is a book about the pleasures and benefits of savouring the moment, examining things closely, using all your senses to take in your surroundings, whether travelling to faraway places or walking the streets of your own city. Through on-the-ground observations and anecdotes, and drawing on the thinking of artists, writers and innovators who have cherished solitude, Alone Time illuminates the psychological arguments for alone time and lays bare the magic of going solo.“
A Year Off: A story about travelling the world – and how to make it happen for you – Alexandra Brown
“A Year Off is one part memoir, one part travel essays and one part travel guide, documenting the story of Alexandra and David Brown, a couple who decided to take a year off from their jobs and ‘regular lives’ to travel the world together after only knowing each other for four months. This inspiring book is for all the dreamers, would-be adventurers and endearingly practical professionals looking to scratch the travel itch. With many gorgeous photographs and actionable travel advice, A Year Off captures all the beauty and magic of the wanderlust spirit, guiding readers on how to take the same leap and showing them just how doable a journey this type of round-the-world travel is.”
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage – Alfred Lansing
“In August 1914, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton boarded the Endurance and set sail for Antarctica, where he planned to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. In January 1915, after battling its way through a thousand miles of pack ice and only a day’s sail short of its destination, the Endurance became locked in an island of ice. Thus began the legendary ordeal of Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men. When their ship was finally crushed between two ice floes, they attempted a near-impossible journey over 850 miles of the South Atlantic’s heaviest seas to the closest outpost of civilization.“
The Snow Leopard – Peter Matthiessen
“One September, the writer and explorer Peter Matthiessen set out with field biologist George Schaller to journey 250 miles through the Himalayas to the Crystal Mountain on the Tibetan plateau. They wanted to study the wild blue sheep, the bharal, but also hoped to see the snow leopard, a creature so rarely spotted as to be nearly mythical. The Snow Leopard is not only an exquisite book of natural history but an extraordinary account of an inner journey; a ‘true pilgrimage, a journey of the heart.”
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail – Bill Bryson
“In the company of his friend Stephen Katz (last seen in the bestselling Neither Here nor There), Bill Bryson set off to hike the Appalachian Trail, the longest continuous footpath in the world. Ahead lay almost 2,200 miles of remote mountain wilderness filled with bears, moose, bobcats, rattlesnakes, poisonous plants, disease-bearing tics, the occasional chuckling murderer and – perhaps most alarming of all – people whose favourite pastime is discussing the relative merits of the external-frame backpack.“
Horizon – Barry Lopez
“Taking us nearly from pole to pole – from modern megacities to some of the earth’s most remote regions – Barry Lopez gives us his most far-ranging and personal work to date. Spanning decades of travel, Horizon describes journeys to six regions of the world: from Western Oregon to the High Arctic; from the Galápagos to the Kenyan desert; from Botany Bay in Australia to finally, unforgettably, the ice shelves of Antarctica.“
Born to Run – Christopher McDougall
“At the heart of Born to Run lies a mysterious tribe of Mexican Indians, the Tarahumara, who live quietly in canyons and are reputed to be the best distance runners in the world; in 1993, one of them, aged 57, came first in a prestigious 100-mile race wearing a toga and sandals. A small group of the world’s top ultra-runners (and the awe-inspiring author) make the treacherous journey into the canyons to try to learn the tribe’s secrets and then take them on over a course 50 miles long.“
Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert Pirsig
“One of the most influential books written in the past half-century, Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a powerful examination of how we live and a breathtaking meditation on how to live better. Following a father and his young son on a summer motorcycle trip across America’s Northwest, it is a story of love, fear, growth, discovery and acceptance. Both personal and philosophical, it is a compelling study of relationships, values, and eventually, enlightenment – resonant with the confusions and wonders of existence..“
Bucket lists book
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places – National Geographic
“NatGeo takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization’s world-class photographers. These images, coupled with evocative text, feature a plethora of visual wonders: ancient monoliths, scenic islands, stunning artwork, electric cityscapes, white-sand seashores, rain forests, ancient cobbled streets, and both classic and innovative architecture. Loaded with hard service information for each location, Destinations of a Lifetime has it all: when to go, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do to ensure the most enriching and authentic experience.“
Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small – Kath Stathers
“We all have things we’d like to do—one day—but work, family, school, money, and responsibilities get in the way. This invaluable guide to fun, fantastic, and life-affirming activities features an eclectic range of ideas such as self-improvement, sports-related endeavours, natural wonders, cultural experiences, culinary delights, and more. From glassblowing in the Czech Republic to swimming with dolphins in New Zealand, The Bucket List is the perfect gift for the passionate traveller—an around-the-world, continent-by-continent listing of beaches, museums, monuments, islands, inns, restaurants, mountains, and more.“
1,000 Places to See Before You Die – Patricia Schultz
“Patricia Schultz curates the world. When she published the original 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, she created not only a new kind of travel book but also a new way of thinking about our experiences and interests. The book itself is a thing of beauty, an oversize feast of more than 1,000 all-new photographs and 544 pages, every spread and page designed to showcase these mesmerizing photographs and hold just enough of Schultz’s lively text that we know why it is we’re looking at them. It is a perfect gift for every traveler, every fan of the original, every dreamer whose Instagram feed is filled with pictures of places near and far.”
Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary – National Geographic
“National Geographic’s dazzling photography book of visual wonders, shot by some of the world’s finest photographers, reveals a world very few will have the chance to see for themselves. This New York Times bestseller features striking images of places, events, natural phenomena, and manmade heirlooms seldom seen by human eyes. It’s all here: 30,000-year-old cave art sealed from the public; animals that are among the last of their species on Earth; volcanic lightning; giant crystals that have grown to more than 50 tons; the engraving inside Abraham Lincoln’s pocket watch. With an introduction by National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez, whose work has taken him from the Peruvian Andes to the deepest caves of Papua New Guinea, Rarely Seen captures once-in-a-lifetime moments, natural wonders, and little-seen objects from the far reaches of the globe.“
Ultimate Travelist: The 500 Best Places on the Planet…Ranked – Lonely Planet
“Lonely Planets Ultimate Travelist is a compilation of 501 of the worlds most unmissable sights and attractions And it has been ranked by Lonely Planets global community of travel experts so big names such as the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal battle it out with lesser-known gems for a prized place in the Top 10 Insightful write-ups inspiring photography lavish production and a fold-out chart on which to tick off the top sights make this the only bucket list you’ll ever need.“
Epic Hikes of the World – Lonely Planet
“With stories of 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries, from New Zealand to Peru, plus a further 150 suggestions, Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of the World will inspire a lifetime of adventure on foot. From one-day jaunts and urban trails to month-long thru-hikes, cultural rambles and mountain expeditions, each journey shares one defining feature: being truly epic.“
Epic Drives of the World – Lonely Planet
“Buckle up for the next instalment in our ‘Epic’ series and the follow-up to Epic Bike Rides of the World. Epic Drives of the World, a beautiful hardback, showcases 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth, from classic routes in America, Australia and Europe, to incredible adventures in Asia and Africa. Organised by continent, each route features a first-hand account, awe-inspiring photographs, illustrated maps and practical advice on when to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to eat. From Hawaii’s Hana Highway and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Road, to Utah’s National Park Circuit and Germany’s Black Forest High Road, Epic Drives of the World will inspire any motorist to hit the open road.”
Best In Travel 2020 – Lonely Planet
“This annual bestseller ranks the hottest, must-visit countries, regions, cities and best value destinations for 2020. Drawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet’s staff, authors and online community, we present a year’s worth of inspiration to take you out of the ordinary and into the unforgettable. As self-confessed travel geeks, we regularly ask ourselves: where are the best places in the world to visit right now? It’s a very hotly contested topic at Lonely Planet and generates more discussion than any other. Best in Travel is our definitive answer. We also reveal how well-planned, sustainable travel can be a force for good: for the environment, for local people and for yourself – and include ways to help lower your carbon footprint and protect the areas you visit on your travels. “
Where To Go When – Lonely Planet
“Where To Go When, the ultimate trip planner for every month of the year, is a beautifully illustrated book that is both practical and inspiring. For every month of the year, it presents 30 recommendations of destinations that are at their best during each month, whether due to their climate, or value or because there’s a lot going on. The suggestions feature every flavour of travel experience from culture-rich city breaks and tropical beach holidays to adventurous road trips and wildlife-watching expeditions. Every corner of the planet is covered so you’ll find out when the best time to see mountain gorillas is or to go shopping in Paris.”
The 100 Best Places on Earth 2020 – Rough Guide
“From iconic favourites like the Grand Canyon to up-and-coming destinations like Tiblisi, this stunning photography collection willl inspire even the most intrepid traveller. Over 150 high-quality images bring the 100 places to life, spanning atmospheric hilltop pagodas, dramatic mountain scenery, and sparkling urban citiscapes. Lively descriptive text accompanies each entry, capturing the destination’s spirit and exactly what makes it so special. Organized geographically by region, the book reaches every corner of the world, with each place carefully selected by Rough Guides’ experienced team of authors and editors.“
Let us know in the comments section below, what’s your favourite travel book!
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About the Author
Jen is the Funder, Author & Photographer behind Talesfromthelens.comJen has lived for the past 15 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling in Latin America, North America, and Europe. She has visited more than 65 countries and set foot on every continent in the world! She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
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