Our Favorite Travel Books

A trip just isn’t complete without a good book to enjoy during your down time. Books are also a wonderful entry point to explore a new destination, culture, cuisine – you name it! In this article we’ve listed some of our favorite travel books to inspire you on your adventures. Keep reading to find out our top picks for your travel library!

~Whitney’s Picks~

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

I read this book prior to my study abroad trip in France. It was actually required reading by our professor – and I can see why. The way Mayle describes the French countryside makes you want to hop on a plane immediately and dive right in to the food, the culture, and the beauty that is France. A must read for anyone looking to get into the spirit of a European adventure!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book is considered a modern classic. It tells the story of a shepherd boy who ventures out on a magical journey of self-discovery. The Alchemist is a story that, above all, encourages us to follow our dreams. Which makes it a perfect companion for your own quest.

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day: Third Edition: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter by Matt Kepnes (Nomadic Matt)

Matt Kepnes has spent over a decade traveling the world and recording his learnings on his award winning blog Nomadic Matt. In his book, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, he details the essentials of how to travel on a budget. I would highly recommend this book for travel newbies and seasoned expats alike. I read it after many years of being an expat and learned a ton! 

***Whitney’s Tip*** My number 1 tip for reading while on vacation is to invest in an e-reader such as the Kindle. I absolutely love the feel of real printed books, but I can fit my all of my favorite travel books on my Kindle. No more choosing “The Book” for my trip. Now I can bring them all!

~Jocelyn’s Picks~

1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

I was given this book by one of my greatest travel buddies nearly 15 years ago and my original copy (which is pretty beaten up now) is still my go to travel book. Of course there are more than 1000 places to see but with so much information out there now online, this book is a good place to start. It highlights some famous places but also includes many lesser known places. It’s the perfect starting point for any trip. I’m using it right now to get ideas for my upcoming trip to Nepal!

How to Become a Global Citizen: The Guided to Relocating Abroad by Allison Zucco

I have to admit, I’m a little biased on this one because it was written by my childhood best friend, but it’s truly a fantastic resource for anyone considering the move abroad. It provides you with everything you need to know about what it takes to relocate internationally, from setting goals, to dealing with family, to embracing the cultural differences you’re bound to experience in your new home. And the best part is that it’s written with anecdotes and real stories to make it fun and relatable. Definitely a quick read that can set you up for success abroad.

The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.

Now this may seem unconventional to have on this list but hear me out. Whether you’re traveling alone or looking to make some new friends on the road, you’re bound to have some long plane rides, bus trips or “sit around and wait” moments. This book has a ton of thought provoking, conversation starting questions which can really come in handy in all sorts of social circumstances while traveling. Even if you’re totally solo, you can ask these questions to yourself and have some really great stuff to think about. Like this one…Would you rather spend a month on vacation with your parents or put in 4 weeks of uncompensated overtime at work? Think about it 🙂

***Jocelyn’s Tip*** Did you know that if you have an e-reader, there are a lot of free or VERY cheap books out there? In fact, there are 30+ classics that are out of copyright that Amazon has created free Kindle versions of. Building a great library of your favorite travel books doesn’t have to cost a ton!

*Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. Therefore, at no cost to you, we may make a small commission if you click through to purchase.