A good travelling experience is incomplete without books that can become your greatest travel partners. Let’s find some amazing books that can make your traveling more impactful.
Traveling is perhaps the most common hobby that unites us all. Whether an introvert or an extrovert, traveling can offer a great dose of joy to everyone. During the journey, we often find ourselves with a lot of time to kill, whether you are taking a flight, a long bus ride, or a train. You cannot miss out on the taste of traveling in those moments, and books might be the best choice for it. Reading while traveling also offers a special sense of enjoyment and relaxation that makes you more enthusiastic about the trip.
While you can read any kind of books from any genre you like, there are some books on traveling, exploration, and self-exploration based on travel experiences. Reading those books might help to embrace your journey even more. If you are confused about which books to start with, here are some fine recommendations for you.
- 12 Trips in 12 Months – Jen Ruiz
Author Jen Ruiz did a great job in writing this book, which became a bestseller in the market. Just like the same suggests, the book takes readers on a journey of making 12 trips in 12 months, which amounts to going on a trip every month that many of us imagine but are unable to do. The author has successfully done it despite the adversities and social expectations, and that is what makes this book highly inspiring. Ruiz has a great sense of storytelling, which makes her literary work more engaging to read. This book also showcases how interpersonal connections are connected to your travel stories.
- Call You When I Land – Nikki Vargas
‘Call Yu When I Land’ is best known for its soulful composition, which comes from the memoir of Colombian immigrant and Fodor’s Travel Senior Editor, Nikki Vargas. This book is remarkably inspiring, where Nikki shares the global stories of her journey that taught her much in life. Starting from self-discovery, love of cultural exploration, and inspirational women from various countries, the author has offered an invigorating description. It also involves her professional life as she launched a globally revered women’s travel magazine, Unearth Women. Nikki’s content will definitely mesmerize you.
- Not Afraid of the Fall – Kyle James
There is something empowering about this book; the title suggests that perfectly. ‘Not Afraid of the Fall’ by Kyle James is a book about taking the leap of faith that most of us are afraid of. But Traveling does not mean luxury, it is also about putting yourself out of your comfort zone to find your true self again. The book tells the personal story of the author who quit his job with his girlfriend and decided to go out on a global tour. They trekked across 15 countries and 38 cities in 114 days, and all that happened with just two backpacks, smartphones, and support for each. Sometimes we need to do what we are most afraid of; that is what this book is about.
- The Yellow Envelope – Kim Dinan
‘The Yellow Envelope’ is one of the most intriguing stories by Kim Dinan, where the story begins with a simple yellow envelope containing three life-altering rules. These rules set Kim on an extraordinary expedition that she never imagined. With her immense curiosity and courage, the author and her partner begin on an adventurous journey that goes beyond all borders and offers them a new sense of purpose in life. This book is wonderfully written, and there is also a sense of mystery that makes it more captivating.
- The Catch Me If You Can – Jessica Nabongo
Yes, the title of this book can sound similar to the famous con-movie featuring Leonardo de Caprio. However, this story is much different and can be considered an inspiring travelogue by the author. Jessica Nabongo is a revered traveler and a photographer who has traveled around the world, and she is also the first black female traveler to make a record of visiting 195 countries around the globe. The exciting and inspiring stories of her epic feat can be found in this book. Starting from people, food, culture, to the natural beauty of different places, you can find everything in it.
- World Travel – Anthony Bourdain & Laurie Woolever
‘World Travel’ is the New York Bestseller, and it is supposed to be with the philosophic vision of Anthony Bourdain, who is globally renowned for his works and words. Although the book is described as an irrelevant guide, it is one of the most relevant and engaging books on traveling that guides through some of the most fascinating places in the world. Curious traveler Anthony Bourdain shared the memories of his friend Tony, along with beautiful essays and quotes that can change the meaning of traveling for you. This book will make you realize that the most beautiful and enjoyable parts in life are mainly associated with the little moments that you do not actively plan for.
- Home Sweet Anywhere – Lynne Martin
This is a highly inspiring story about the travelers who reunited after 35 years and decided to focus on their intense wanderlust. This book by Lynne and Tim Martin shows how life can happen at any place where you are, instead of looking for it in other places. They sold their house and all possessions to start their life from square one as they wanted to live abroad and never look back. The Martin couple embarks on an epic global tour that includes everything, from pyramids to pizza. It is not just a travel story but also shows the value of living fully in your present instead of worrying about the future.
- Here We Go – Eleanor Hamby & Dr. Sandra Hazelip
Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip are two beautiful grannies with their irresistible love for traveling. Both of them are quite popular around the world through social media platforms, and there are plenty of fans who can vouch for this book. This book can offer you a handful of life lessons inspired by their late-in-life friendship. This is not just daring but also emphasizes the fact that age is just a number and you are just making excuses. Both of the grannies have traveled to more than 20 countries since they started world touring after turning 80. Perhaps, the heart of a traveler always remains young and evergreen.
- Around the World in 80 Trains – Monisha Rajesh
Just like the quirky name of this book has major similarities with ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, the story also provides an epic global adventure, written by Monisha Rajesh. It shares a story of more than 45,000 miles traveled via trains. The author Monisha embarked on this expedition with her fiancé Jem, and they have traveled through various countries, including Mongolia, North Korea, Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, and many others. This book can be called a blend of constant movement and mayhem as the pair is constantly moving from one place to another while building friendship and sharing stories with others. This endearing story will make you fall in love with life again.
- Abroad in Japan – Chris Broad
This is a memoir from Englishman Chris Broad, who landed in a rural village in northern Japan. While he was questioning his life and considering it the biggest mistake of his life, it soon grew on him, and the man witnessed a massive transformation within. He has no idea of the Japanese language, and he found teaching there quite troublesome. He wondered if he would become the quickest-fired English teacher in history. However, the author manages to live there and continue his life despite cultural differences. His perseverance paid off, and life in Japan is shared in a creative and hilarious manner through his iconic memoir.
- America the Beautiful? – Blythe Roberson
One of the Millennial generation’s funniest writers, Roberson, has offered a hilariously engaging travel story through this book that mostly takes place in different places in America, and thus, the title. The author used her dad’s Prius to travel around the country, including mega-popular parks, ocean-side beaches, Pacific Coast Highway, the southwestern desert, and many others. The book shows America through a different lens, along with a fair reflection of the author’s own life, where she struggles with abstinence and learns to cope with it while staying away from the comfort of home. This book will help you look beyond the Instagram stories.
- Lights to Guide Me Home – Meghan J. Ward
‘Lights to Guide Me Home, Meghan’ is a unique book by author Meghan J. Ward, which also showcases some of her life’s major milestones. Starting from Costa Rica to Nepal, Rapa Nui to Malta, the authors travel around every corner of the country while carving out their identity and individuality amidst family expectations. She is also a mother and has responsibilities to her children. But she is also the wife of an ambitious travel and landscape photographer. Balancing among all, Megan showcases the importance of traveling in life, which offers a different meaning to life. Mountain lovers and people who love beaches; everyone can enjoy this book.
- From Scratch – Tembi Locke
‘From Scratch’ is a heartfelt memoir by Tembi Locke about love, loss, family, and healing. It recounts her relationship with her Italian husband, Saro, their life together, and his battle with cancer. After his death, Tembi and their daughter travel to Sicily, where she reconnects with Saro’s family and discovers comfort through food, tradition, and community. Blending vivid storytelling with recipes, cultural reflections, and emotional honesty, the book explores resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love, showing how grief can gradually transform into hope, belonging, renewed purpose, and lasting gratitude.
- Someday, Now – Tembi Locke
‘Someday, Now’ is another great book by Locke, who is also a New York Times bestselling author. In this story, she returns to Sicily to spend an emotional summer that is breathtakingly beautiful. This book embarks on the next chapter of her life and offers the perfect sequel to its poignant starter. Tembi is one of those authors whose writing can make you cry, and that is probably because you are feeling too emotional, vulnerable, and happy at the same time. Her literary creations are highly engaging and capable of captivating readers of all ages.
- Born a Crime – Trevor Noah
A lot of you already know Trevor Noah for his sensibility and speech. ‘Born a Crime’ turned Noah into a bestselling author in the New York Times. This book showcases how his life transformed from South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show with a simple act of taking birth. This is a memoir of a coming-of-age guy who went through a ton of adversities just to enjoy his days of freedom as an authentic person who is not afraid to talk about the sensitive issues of life. The book is somewhere in the middle of hilarious and serious, which makes it a great read for everyone.
- A House in the Sky – Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett
‘A House in the Sky’ is a gripping memoir by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett that recounts Lindhout’s 460-day captivity after being kidnapped in Somalia. The book follows her journey from an adventurous young traveler to a hostage enduring extreme hardship, fear, and uncertainty. Through remarkable resilience, imagination, and hope, she survives unimaginable conditions while holding onto her humanity. Richly written and deeply moving, the memoir explores courage, forgiveness, and the lasting effects of trauma, offering a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the determination to rebuild a life after profound suffering.
- What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
‘What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding’ is a witty and candid travel memoir by Kristin Newman. Rather than following a traditional path of marriage and family, Newman spends her twenties and thirties exploring the world, embracing new cultures, friendships, and romantic adventures. Through humorous and insightful stories from countries across Europe, South America, Asia, and beyond, she reflects on independence, self-discovery, and personal growth. The book celebrates choosing an unconventional life, encouraging readers to value curiosity, meaningful experiences, and authentic connections while redefining what happiness and fulfillment can look like on their own terms.
- Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert is a globally renowned female author who not only writes about traveling but also offers the spirit of women’s empowerment and feminism. Most of her books and stories are based on female protagonists, and every individual can find themselves through the characters, even guys. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ is a popular book by this widely celebrated author, where a woman drops her marriage and begins her pursuit of worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and what she really wanted out of life. There is also a movie adaptation based on this book, where you can see Julia Roberts as the central character. It is a great book about self-exploration and finding yourself again.
- A Trip of One’s Own by Kate Wills
‘A Trip of One’s Own’ is an engaging travel memoir by Kate Wills that explores the joys and challenges of travelling alone as a woman. Blending personal experiences with history, cultural insights, and interviews, Wills examines why solo female travel has often been discouraged and celebrates the women who defied convention to explore the world independently. The book reflects on confidence, freedom, safety, and self-discovery, offering practical wisdom alongside entertaining stories. Warm, thoughtful, and inspiring, it encourages readers to embrace adventure, trust themselves, and discover the transformative power of travelling on their own.
- The Bookseller at the End of the World – Ruth Shaw
‘The Bookseller at the End of the World’ is a warm and deeply personal memoir by Ruth Shaw. Set around her tiny bookshops in New Zealand, the book weaves together stories of customers, literature, and Ruth’s extraordinary life, including love, loss, resilience, and adventure. Through heartfelt reflections and memorable encounters, she reveals how books can comfort, connect, and transform lives. Rich with humor, honesty, and compassion, the memoir celebrates community, second chances, and the healing power of storytelling, offering readers an uplifting reminder that hope and kindness can often be found in the most unexpected places.
- Picnic in Provence – Elizabeth Bard
Traveling and food go side by side, and a travel book can be even more engaging when it talks about various exotic cuisines. Elizabeth Bard’s ‘Picnic in Provence’ is the perfect example of depicting the strong connection between food and travelling. Straying from recipes for stuffed zucchini flowers, fig tart, and honey and thyme ice cream, this book offers a delicious depiction of French Food before Americanizing it. This showcases a family’s passion for cooking and how a chef initiates the journey into classic Provencal cuisine. The book showcases how every region can have an effect on you based on the food you eat there.
- Somebody Feed Phil the Book – Phil Rosenthal
This book is based on the popular Netflix series that gained much attention from the audience. This book by Phil offers the ultimate collection of recipes, stories, and behind-the-scenes images from the famous show ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ on Netflix. Since the travel show gained much attention from the audience, people wanted to learn the recipes. The book is well written, but the recipes could be a little complex for you as an ordinary home chef. There is only one disclaimer that you should not read this book while being hungry, as the pages can get salivated.
- Laugh More – Debbie Travis
‘Laugh More’ is an uplifting memoir by Debbie Travis that reflects on finding joy, resilience, and purpose through life’s unexpected challenges. Drawing on personal experiences, family stories, and lessons learned over the years, Travis encourages readers to embrace optimism, laughter, and meaningful connections. She shares thoughtful insights on ageing, friendship, courage, and appreciating everyday moments with gratitude and humour. Warm, candid, and inspiring, the book reminds readers that happiness is often found in small acts of kindness, self-acceptance, and maintaining a positive outlook, even during difficult times, while living life with confidence and curiosity.
- Crying in H Mart – Michelle Zauner
The author of ‘Crying in H Mart’, Michelle Zauner, is one of those Asian American Kids who grew up in Eugene, Oregon. While in school, the author was struggling to keep up with her mother’s high expectations. Staring from her painful adolescence to her days of comfort while living with her grandmother in her tiny apartment in Seoul, the story shares the importance of food at every stage of life. Later on, the mother and the daughter bonded through late-night snacking, and there is nothing more satisfying than that. This book has its poignant and happy moments, and they are all an integral part of life.
- Notes from a Young Black Chef – Kwame Onwuachi
No matter which domain or job it is, black people are always deemed from the glory, but not with Chef Onwuachi, as he is one of the best in the scene. The chef Kwame Onwuachi became an author to share some kitchen notes with the readers, and ‘Notes from a Young Black Chef’ can become the perfect companion for cooking and traveling. The book also showcases how unwelcoming the world of fine dining is when it comes to people of color. The chef finally opens his first restaurant after years of silent grinding. This is not a book about cooking, but it is about following your dreams.
- Chop Suey Nation – Ann Hui
‘Chop Suey Nation’ is a fascinating blend of travel writing, food history, and cultural exploration by Ann Hui. Travelling across Canada, Hui visits small-town Chinese restaurants to uncover the stories behind a uniquely Canadian dining tradition. Through conversations with restaurant owners and reflections on immigration, identity, and belonging, she reveals how these family-run businesses have shaped communities for generations. Rich with humour, empathy, and historical insight, the book celebrates resilience, cultural adaptation, and the power of food to connect people, preserving an important yet often overlooked chapter of Canadian history. It is a must-read for everyone who loves food.
- Taste – Stanley Tucci
Award-winning actor Stanley Tucci is renowned for his dynamic skills, and being a food enthusiast is one of his greatest talents. ‘Taste: My Life Through Food’ is an engaging memoir by Tucci that celebrates the central role of food in his life. Blending personal stories with family recipes, travel experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments from his career, Tucci reflects on childhood meals, Italian heritage, marriage, parenthood, and his recovery from cancer treatment, which temporarily affected his sense of taste. Written with warmth, wit, and honesty, the book explores how food strengthens relationships, preserves memories, and shapes identity. It is a heartfelt tribute to cooking, hospitality, and the enduring joy of sharing meals with others.
- One Year Off – David Elliot Cohen
Just like a title for the book suggests, we all seek a long time off from life, as it has turned quite busy, and work leaves very little time for ourselves. Getting a year off from work can make many things happen, especially when it comes to travelling. A fair depiction can be found through this book by Cohen, where the author embarks on a serendipitous journey around the globe along with his wife and three children. Of course, there are mishaps as not everything goes as planned, but isn’t that the beauty of life? It is full of enjoyment and learning through this book, inspired by real-life experiences.
- Four Seasons in Rome – Anthony Doerr
It is time to create your ‘Roman Empire’ with this amazing book by Anthony Doerr. It is an evocating, engaging, and enjoyable depiction of the timeless beauty of Rome that appears to be different in every season. The book is a collection of day-to-day wonderment of living, writing, and taking care of two boys in a foreign city. The book focuses on art and nature, which makes Rome look more beautiful rather than just an accumulation of structures. It is a well-written book that might just spark your spirit for your next Euro trip.
- At Home in the World – Tsh Oxenreider
‘At Home in the World’ is an inspiring travel memoir by Tsh Oxenreider that chronicles a year-long journey around the world with her husband and three children. Visiting diverse countries and cultures, the family embraces slow travel, homeschooling, and meaningful local experiences instead of rushing through destinations. Through thoughtful reflections, Oxenreider explores themes of home, family, curiosity, and personal growth, showing how travel can broaden perspectives and deepen relationships. Warm, reflective, and practical, the book encourages readers to seek adventure, appreciate cultural diversity, and discover that a true sense of home can be found anywhere.
- We Came, We Saw, We Left – Charles Wheelan
‘We Came, We Saw, We Left’ is a humorous travel memoir by Charles Wheelan that recounts the author’s year-long journey around the world with his wife and teenage children. Combining entertaining anecdotes with practical travel insights, Wheelan reflects on the rewards and challenges of long-term family travel, from navigating unfamiliar cultures to coping with unexpected setbacks. Along the way, the family gains a deeper appreciation for history, diversity, and one another. Witty, insightful, and relatable, the book celebrates curiosity, adaptability, and the unforgettable experiences that come from exploring the world together as a family.
- Falling for London – Sean Mallen
This is an amazing literary creation by veteran journalist Sean Mallen that offers a more captivating depiction of England’s famous city, London. Blending personal stories, history, and cultural observations, Mallen explores the city’s iconic landmarks, hidden corners, traditions, and the experiences that shaped his connection with London. Through humour, curiosity, and affection, he reveals how the city’s character, people, and history continue to inspire visitors and residents alike. The book is a heartfelt tribute to London’s enduring appeal, offering readers an entertaining and insightful journey through the streets, stories, and spirit of one of the world’s greatest cities.
- How to Be a Family – Dan Kois
Travelling with your family often comes with a lot of responsibilities, but that does not mean it is not fun. Author Dan Kois embarks on an epic journey with his family, and they live in four different countries for a period of one year. The book shows how a father is frustrated yet determined to find a new way to be a family even when life goes upside down. This book definitely has an essence of travelling, but that does not overlap with the idea of focusing on family when you are living in different places at different times of the year. This is a book that everyone would enjoy reading.
- We’ll Always Have Paris – Jennifer Coburn
‘We’ll Always Have Paris’ is a heartfelt travel memoir by Jennifer Coburn about a transformative journey through Europe with her daughter. Following the loss of her husband, Coburn sets out to create meaningful memories and strengthen their bond by travelling together through cities filled with history, culture, and beauty. From Paris to other European destinations, their adventures become a way to heal, reconnect, and embrace new experiences. The book explores love, grief, motherhood, and the power of travel to bring joy, perspective, and renewal while blending humor, emotion, and vivid descriptions of places and people.
- Paris in Love – Eloisa James
Here is another exciting book based on real-life experience in Paris, which is also considered to be the city of love and romance. The author of this book, Eloisa James, took a leap of faith for this exceptional journey where she sold her house, quit her job, and moved to Paris. The author moves to the new city of romance and shares her daily experiences through this amazing book. With vivid descriptions and attention to detail, it is a must-read for everyone.
