TRAVEL BOOKS MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT

Looking for a gift that's both thoughtful and easy?  Look no further than books!  Books are a thoughtful and easy present for any occasion, and for any age.  Not only are books affordable and simple to send, but they also offer a personal touch that shows you truly care.  For those who love travel, a book can bring inspiration for a future adventure or act as a perfect souvenir from a past trip.  From stunning photo collections to the perfect travel-related novel to must-read travel-writing memoirs, we've got you covered with our top recommendations for travel books that make the perfect gift. 

The Perfect Present for the New Graduate

Books make a simple and heartfelt gift for the recent high school or college graduate.  This is a time of new beginnings and a chance to explore new horizons.  For a present for those about to embark on a trip, please search for our recommendations on the best travel guide and travel books by location.
​Oh, the Place's You'll Go
Dr. Seuss' ode to life, and the perfect gift to inspire graduates of all ages.
The Beach
A backpacker in Thailand discovers a secret and supposedly idyllic beach.
Lost in Planet China
An American's honest and hilarious adventure traveling across China.
In Xanadu
A modern day crusade to retrace Marco Polo's travels to find Xanadu.

The Gift of Travel Writing

The mission of this website is to celebrate all forms of travel writing and travel literature.  Travel brings the opportunity to dream and discover, and that passion can be captured through a great book.  Here are four of our absolute top recommendations for someone who loves travel.
A Cook's Tour
Global adventures from the inspiring and funny late Anthony Bourdain.
A Walk in the Woods
The story of Bill Bryson's quest to hike the Appalachian Trail.
The Great Railway Bazaar
The story of Paul Theroux's epic train voyage across Europe and Asia.
The Innocents Abroad
The classic travelogue from the legendary writer Mark Twain.

Coffee Table Book Recommendations

Some of the best travel books are found in bite-sized forms.  Nothing better to sit on a coffee table or nearby bookshelf to occasionally open and peruse.  Coffee table books make a great present, and one that people will enjoy over and over.  Here are four of our top recommendations.
The Travel Book
Lonely Planet's literal journey through every country in the world.
Destinations of a Lifetime
National Geographic makes it easy to visit 225 of the world's most amazing places with this beautiful book.
Humans of New York
Heartfelt interviews with real people from New York City, from one of the most popular blogs of all time.
Stunning Photographs
Another amazing coffee table book from National Geographic that people will peruse from cover to cover.

Travel Novel Gift Ideas

Sharing a quality novel is almost always a meaningful present, especially when connecting around shared experiences.  Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or dreaming of your next getaway, these novels will transport you to far-off lands and immerse you in unforgettable cultural experiences. We have a whole section dedicated to great fictional travel books, but here are a few of our best recommendations.
Shantaram
An extraordinary novel about a convict's escape into the slums of India.
The Alchemist
A spiritual story of a shepherd boy searching for worldly treasure.
The Prince of Tides
A dreamy novel set in South Carolina from best-selling author Pat Conroy.
Memoirs of a Geisha
The fictional autobiography of a Japanese geisha living duriing WWII.

Travel Books for Kids

One of the biggest casualties of the days of ubiquitous smartphones is reading.  It is just too easy to reach for a screen, rather than a book, something that in our opinion will have real repercussions on our younger generations.  A travel-related gift might be a good way to extract the inspiration and excitement that comes from a great book.  Find the right book for the right age group in our section dedicated to travel books for kids or pick from one of these recommendations.
Toot & Puddle
One of the best children's book series, featuring one pig who lives to explore the world.
Journey
The first of three beautiful wordless storybooks, drawn by Aaron Becker.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
A great story & movie, featuring a boy who lives in a rail station in Paris.
Inside Out & Back Again
A National Book Award Winner featuring a young girl fleeing Vietnam to live in the United States.
image links to Amazon

Cookbooks for Travelers

Cookbooks are the perfect gift for that special travel lover in your life.  As Anthony Bourdain taught us, food is an important part of every culture, an integral part of the travel experience, and a great way to connect with local people.  With the right cookbook, explorers can bring home more than just memories - they can bring home recipes and experiences from their travels as well.  One of our favorites is Tasting the World... One Country at a Time by Nicole J O'Donnell.
image links to Amazon

The Perfect Honeymoon Gift

National Geographic understands the connection between travel and romance, showcased in The World’s Best Romantic Destinations.  This stunning hardcover coffee table book is filled with beautiful images of 50 of the world’s most perfect vacation-for-two spots, with sections divided into seasons to help plan that dream trip.  National Geographic makes it easy to dream… white sand beaches in Mozambique, secret gardens in Paris, exotic jungles in Costa Rica, the canal-laced medieval city of Bruges, beautiful ocean views in Big Sur, twisting alleys in Morocco, and walks through temples in Bhutan.  This is an excellent source of inspiration for honeymoons and anniversary trips, and a great gift for Valentine’s Day.