Best Travel Books: Perfect for Vacations and Road Trips

In 1960, American writer John Steinbeck embarked on a journey with his dog Charley to gain a deeper understanding of his country, the United States. Traveling over 16,000 kilometers across thirty-four states in his caravan, Steinbeck experienced a wide range of sensations and encounters. He met truck drivers, farmers, and various other people, forging connections with his fellow Americans. Through this journey, he succeeded in grasping the fears and hopes of his compatriots.

A classic of travel literature and one of the best travel books that every travel-loving journalist should read is Bruce Chatwin’s “In Patagonia.” Chatwin was a writer of exceptional insight and poetic prose, renowned for his storytelling abilities. First published in 1977, “In Patagonia” remains a timeless masterpiece. In this book, the author traces his family origins and embarks on a journey to Patagonia in South America. Throughout his exploration, Bruce Chatwin delves into the landscape and its inhabitants, interweaving his journey with profound personal reflections.

In her autobiographical novel, Elizabeth Gilbert recounts how she leaves behind her divorce, past relationships, and emotional crises to pursue her own happiness. She embarks on an extended journey to reconnect with herself, visiting Italy, India, and Indonesia—three regions that symbolize different stages of her inner exploration.

Few experiences rival the thrill of traveling to distant places. Yet, why do we often find ourselves disappointed with the actual journey? In “The Art of Travel”, Alain de Botton explores the joys and frustrations of travel. Delving into aspects like airports, exotic carpets, and hotel minibars, this witty and insightful book uncovers the motivations, expectations, and hidden challenges that accompany our adventures around the globe.

In his debut travelogue, renowned travel writer Paul Theroux transports readers to the heart of Africa. Throughout his journey, he travels by bus, canoe, cattle truck, military convoy, train, and ferry, unveiling both the dangers and the sheer joy of traversing this unpredictable continent. From the bustling city of Cairo in Egypt to the vibrant streets of Cape Town in South Africa, Theroux’s narrative captures the essence of an extraordinary adventure.

Travel writer and author of “A Walk in the Woods,” Bill Bryson explores Australia, one of the driest, flattest, hottest, most desiccated, infertile, and climatically aggressive continents. Despite these harsh conditions, Australia teems with life, much of it quite deadly. In fact, the country has more creatures capable of killing you in unpleasant ways than anywhere else.

During his travels in Australia, Bill Bryson quickly fell in love with the country. The people are cheerful, outgoing, resourceful, and always willing to help. The cities are safe and clean, the food is excellent, the beer is cold, and the sun almost always shines.

Among the best travel books is this brilliant blend of fiction and autobiography. Jack Kerouac’s exhilarating novel captures the rhythms of 1950s underground America. Sal Paradise, a young innocent, joins his hero, the mystical traveler Dean Moriarty, on a breathless, exuberant journey across the United States. Their hedonistic search for release and fulfillment through drink, sex, drugs, and jazz transforms into an exploration of personal freedom and a test of the limits of the American dream.

Among the best travel books is this compelling story that captures the terrors and pleasures of a young woman who defied all odds on a journey that drove her to madness, strengthened her, and ultimately healed her. At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. Following her mother’s death, her family disintegrated, and her marriage quickly fell apart.

Four years later, with nothing left to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven solely by sheer willpower, she set out to walk over a thousand miles along the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State, alone. This solo trek of eleven hundred miles rebuilt the young woman who had been reeling from catastrophe.

In this book, Burton Holmes (1870-1958) chronicles his extensive travels, inviting readers to explore the world during the Belle Époque, a time predating air travel, radio invention, and the photographic and cinematic revolutions.

From the grand boulevards of Paris to the Great Wall of China, and from the construction of the Panama Canal to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906, Holmes captures the essence of cities such as Paris, Beijing, Delhi, Dubrovnik, Moscow, Manila, Jakarta, and Jerusalem through his stories and photographs.

Raynor finds herself homeless and jobless, and learns that her husband is terminally ill. In a bold decision, they opt to leave everything behind and embark on a 630-mile journey along the UK’s South West Coastal Path, stretching from Somerset to Dorset. With scarce funds for food and only the essentials on their backs, they traverse landscapes of cliffs, sea, and sky. Along the way, they recount diverse encounters and challenges that transform their journey into a profound and singular experience. This true story of resilience highlights the therapeutic influence of the natural world.

This is one of the best travel books for your coffee table. National Geographic takes the reader on a photographic tour featuring hundreds of large images showcasing the world’s most spectacular destinations. Through stunning and highly visual photographs, this book will inspire you with tangible ideas for your next great trip as a travel journalist.

Accompanied by evocative text, these images present a wealth of visual wonders: ancient monoliths, picturesque islands, stunning works of art, electrifying cityscapes, white sand coastlines, rainforests, ancient cobblestone streets, and both classic and innovative architecture.

Packed with specific information on amenities for each location, “Destinations of a Lifetime” offers everything you need: when to go, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do to ensure the most enriching and authentic experience.

This is one of the best travel books available. The renowned Lonely Planet has compiled a wealth of advice and information on every country in the world, enhancing your global knowledge. “The Travel Book” includes details on when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about each country’s culture through its films, music, food, and drink.

Each text is accompanied by stunning photographs that capture the essence of each country. These visuals represent life in each nation, from photographic portraits of people to beautiful landscapes and vibrant street scenes.

NYT Explorer: 100 Trips Around the World presents journeys to exotic destinations from fresh perspectives. Narrated in first person, each itinerary is illustrated with postcard-perfect photographs to capture the unique character of every destination. Whether embarking on a culinary adventure in Mexico City, a historical and contemplative train journey through Siberia, or a solo getaway in Paris, these are among the best travel books available. The experts from the New York Times guide readers with practical information, personal insights, and vibrant color photographs that vividly capture the essence of each place.

This is one of the best travel books that showcases the beauty and diversity of Europe through its ancient wonders and iconic capitals. Explore its rich cultures and myriad charms, featuring artistic masterpieces, architectural marvels, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Featuring 130 itineraries curated by experts from the renowned New York Times 36 Hours column, the book captures the essence of diverse destinations. From wine tastings in Burgundy and flamenco art in Seville to the historical allure of Cyprus and the serene ambiance of Copenhagen, each journey offers a unique perspective on Europe’s allure.