I’m a big reader and, nowadays, read all kinds of genres. However, there was a point in my life when all I cared about were travel books. I wanted to travel so bad but had periods when I couldn’t so resorted to travel books for inspiration. I used to go into Daunt Books* A LOT! They used to have flags on the spines of the books to indicate where the book was set so I used to look for the places I wanted to know more about.
Travel books can be the perfect Christmas gift for travel lovers or someone in your life who you want to inspire to get into the travel life. They spark curiosity, inspire adventure and keep wanderlust alive long after the suitcase is unpacked. Whether you’re buying for a backpacker, a solo female traveller or someone who just loves armchair adventures, this list brings together the best travel books. Memoirs, adventures and coffee-table inspiration, mostly written by women and travellers from different backgrounds and corners of the world.
*Daunt Books is a famous bookshop in London that specialises in travel books. They have a few branches around town and the one in Marylebone is actually super popular for being very cool and pretty too!
Why Travel Books Make Perfect Gifts
They’re personal yet universal. A great travel book doesn’t just tell stories about faraway places; it talks about community, cultural differences, humanity, courage, curiosity… From memoirs that explore identity and freedom to tales of courage, discovery and humour, travel writing gives us the world through someone else’s eyes and that’s what makes it such a meaningful gift. Besides being a great source of inspiration!
READ MORE: Best Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers: Useful Gifts for World Travellers (2025)
Best Travel Books to Gift This Christmas
The Border: A Journey Around Russia by Erika Fatland
This is one of the most fascinating and ambitious travel books of the last decade. Norwegian anthropologist and writer Erika Fatland travels through every country that borders Russia, from North Korea to Norway, exploring how proximity to this vast and complex nation shapes identity, politics and daily life. It’s part reportage, part anthropology and entirely absorbing. Fatland’s voice is empathetic and intelligent, and she brings a much-needed female perspective to geopolitical travel writing. Everyone I know who’s read it recommends it (and they’re all people with very different tastes). Besides, if the person you give this to likes it, you’ve got the next few presents sorted as Fatland’s written other equally great books!
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
This is one of my favourite books in life! I LOVE Gloria Steinem! Part memoir, part political history, this book follows Gloria Steinem’s decades of travel not for leisure, but in the fight for equality, justice and social change. Her stories about speaking tours, friendships and spontaneous detours remind us that travel can be activism. It’s witty, warm and deeply moving. Not to mention how inspiring it is to hear of the solo travels of a woman in the 50s!! You can also watch the 2020 film The Glorias (with Julianne Moore and Alicia Vikander) for an on-screen version of her remarkable journey.
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
One of the most enduring philosophical takes on travel, The Art of Travel explores not where we go but how and why we experience it. De Botton blends personal journeys with reflections on artists and thinkers like Baudelaire and van Gogh to show how travel shapes our perception of beauty, self and meaning. It’s a wonderful, reflective read for slow travellers, creatives or anyone who prefers immersive travel to ticking off sights.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s Wild has become a modern classic for a reason. After losing her mother and her sense of direction, Strayed hikes over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone with no real training, too-small boots and a backpack she nicknames “Monster.” It’s raw, honest, emotional and incredibly human. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt lost on the trail or in life. The movie is also pretty good!
Tough Women Adventure Stories, edited by Jenny Tough
This anthology gathers extraordinary true stories from female adventurers around the world: polar explorers, ultra-runners, cyclists and climbers. It’s less about glamour and more about grit, featuring women of all backgrounds pushing boundaries and proving adventure isn’t a gendered pursuit. Perfect for readers who crave challenge and real-life courage.
Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman
When Rita Golden Gelman left her comfortable Los Angeles life behind in her forties to live among locals across the globe, she redefined what it means to be “at home.” Her stories of connection, curiosity and cultural immersion make this one of the most uplifting travel memoirs out there. I actually listened to the audiobook pretty recently and loved it! She was a woman in her late 40s/early 50s who got divorced and went travelling solo in the 80s! She lived in places like Guatemala, Indonesia, New Zealand, Canada… travelling slow and truly connecting with the locals and immersing herself in their culture. Open mind, open heart. Ideal for anyone dreaming of slow, authentic travel.
Elsewhere: One Woman, One Rucksack, One Lifetime of Travel by Rosita Boland
Irish journalist Rosita Boland reflects on decades of solo travel through places like Bali, Antarctica and Pakistan, all while exploring what it really means to belong. Her writing is beautifully honest, not about picture-perfect moments, but about solitude, risk and connection. It’s one of those rare travel books that makes you stop and think, a quiet masterpiece about finding meaning in movement. I love the cover too!
Miss-Adventures: A Tale of Ignoring Life Advice While Backpacking Around South America by Amy Baker
Quite a few years ago I went to a travel event where Amy Baker talked about her book and read excerpts of it and it made me purchase it straight away! I love hearing foreigners talk about their travels in South America. Funny, self-deprecating and unapologetically honest, Baker’s travel memoir follows her chaotic, hilarious journey across South America after quitting her job in London. Expect misadventures, moments of self-discovery and lots of laughter. This is a fantastic gift for readers who love humour with their wanderlust.
The Wrong Way Home by Peter Moore
I LOVED this book! Remember I said there was a time all I read were travel books? This was part of that phase! A cult classic in travel writing, Peter Moore’s The Wrong Way Home documents his overland trip from London to Sydney (in the 90s!), deliberately avoiding air travel. It’s full of wit, vivid cultural observations and a sense of curiosity that feels timeless. Perfect for anyone who dreams of long, meandering travel rather than quick holidays.
It also got me a bit obsessed with overland travel for a while…it’s a real dream of mine to do one. Last time I was in Brazil I actually saw the yellow bus from one of those overland tours in my little hometown!! I can’t remember the name of the company that has that yellow bus as it was so long ago I was looking it up but I did find this one touring Brazil* and stopping by Terê on the way to the cute, historical Ouro Preto. I should do a post about that city…would you like to know more about Brazil? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or want to know about any particular cities.
Most recently I came across Celine, a German traveller who was going SOLO from Germany to Japan overland. Have you seen her? I got obsessed all over again!
*I don’t know this company, I’ve never travelled with them. If you’re interested, please check directly with them and travellers who have gone with them before.
Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo
Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to travel to all 195 recognised countries, brings together her global journey with stunning photography and reflections on identity, privilege and connection. Her storytelling challenges stereotypes about who gets to travel and how. A striking, inspiring book that deserves a permanent spot on any traveller’s shelf.
Sola: One Woman’s Journey Alone Across South America by Amy Field
Less polished and more personal, Sola follows a solo journey through South America filled with moments of courage, loneliness and joy. It’s an honest look at what it really means to travel alone as a woman: the good, the bad and the transformative. Great for readers who prefer raw authenticity over Instagram fake-perfection.
Michel the Giant: An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie
Originally from Togo, Tété-Michel Kpomassie’s journey to Greenland is one of the most extraordinary in travel literature. After reading about the Arctic as a teenager, he dreamed of experiencing it for himself and, years later, he did! Becoming one of the few Africans to live among the Inuit. His memoir captures culture shock, curiosity and connection with humour and grace. It’s an insightful, deeply human exploration of travel from a non-Western perspective and an essential read for anyone who wants to see the world through a truly different lens.
Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands by Mary Seacole
Written in 1857, this autobiography of Mary Seacole — a Jamaican-British nurse, entrepreneur and traveller — is a groundbreaking piece of history. She writes with humour, grace and vividness about her journeys through the Caribbean, Central America and the Crimea. A brilliant gift for history lovers and those looking to diversify their bookshelf.
A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe, edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick and Christina Henry de Tessan
This collection brings together women’s travel stories from across the world, from India to Iceland. Each story captures a different kind of courage — from navigating solo travel to redefining belonging. It’s ideal for someone who loves bite-sized stories they can dip in and out of.
Why We Travel: 100 Reasons to See the World by Ash Bhardwaj
A newer release that mixes insight and inspiration, Ash Bhardwaj’s book explores what drives us to explore. Each chapter reflects on a different reason, from curiosity and connection to healing and growth. It’s uplifting without being preachy and makes a thoughtful, easy-to-gift read for any traveller who wants to understand the “why” behind their wanderlust.
Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews
Part travel, part history and part philosophy, this book celebrates women who found freedom and self-expression through walking. From Romantic poets to modern adventurers, Wanderers traces how movement and exploration have shaped women’s independence. A thoughtful, literary pick for travellers who prefer hiking boots to heels.
Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust by Karen Gershowitz
A lively, self-aware memoir from a woman who’s spent decades travelling the world solo. Gershowitz shares funny, messy and heart-warming encounters across 90 countries while exploring what drives our desire to keep moving. Perfect for a friend who’s always planning their next trip.
Dark, Salt, Clear: Life in a Cornish Fishing Town by Lamorna Ash
Lamorna Ash’s lyrical debut dives deep into the Cornish town of Newlyn, blending memoir, anthropology and travelogue. She moves there to live among the fishermen, learning about community, belonging and the rhythms of coastal life. It’s beautifully written, rich in sensory detail and reflection and perfect for readers who prefer quiet, contemplative travel books that reveal as much about people as they do about place. Besides, Cornwall is a magical place and a great setting for a book!
Women Travel Solo: 30 Inspiring Stories of Adventure, Curiosity and Self-Discovery
This anthology features a variety of women from around the world telling their stories of travelling alone, from finding empowerment in India to hiking through Patagonia. It’s encouraging, diverse and affirming, making it the perfect gift for anyone considering their first solo adventure.
The Virago Book of Women Travellers, edited by Mary Morris and Larry O’Connor
This beautifully curated anthology spans centuries of female travel writing. You’ll find voices ranging from Victorian explorers to 20th-century adventurers, all redefining what exploration meant in their time. It’s a wonderful choice for readers who love history, literature and travel combined.
Inspirational and Coffee-Table Travel Books to Gift
I don’t know about you but I can’t get enough of travel coffee table books. I mean, I can as I don’t have the space 😂 but I’m always mesmerised by some of them… these are just some of my favourites. Perfect for someone who loves aesthetics, big maps and beautiful photography or someone who’s not yet a traveller and you want to inspire.
The Travel Book (Lonely Planet)
A visual feast that features every country in the world, complete with gorgeous imagery and cultural snippets. It’s a classic for travel lovers and a brilliant conversation piece for any coffee table.
Offbeat (Lonely Planet)
For travellers who love discovering the unexpected, Offbeat spotlights hidden gems and under-the-radar destinations worldwide. It’s full of beautiful imagery and quirky, thoughtful travel ideas that go beyond the usual tourist trail.
Unforgettable Journeys (Lonely Planet)
A stunning collection of 200 extraordinary trips around the world, from epic road adventures to serene rail rides and mountain treks. Each journey includes gorgeous photography and practical details — ideal for planning or just dreaming.
Stunning Iceland: The Hedonist’s Guide
A visually striking book that explores Iceland’s wild beauty through luxury stays, design-led hotels and offbeat experiences. Perfect for those who love rugged landscapes but also appreciate good wine, sleek interiors and long soaks in geothermal pools.
Sustainable Travel (Lonely Planet)
For travellers who care about the planet as much as the destination, Sustainable Travel offers smart, practical advice for travelling responsibly — from reducing your carbon footprint to supporting local communities. It’s insightful, beautifully designed and an inspiring reminder that wanderlust and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Atlas of the Invisible by James Cheshire and Oliver Uberti
This stunning book uses infographics and data visualisation to show how the world works — from migration and climate change to cultural patterns. It’s thoughtful, educational and strikingly beautiful.
Kinfolk Travel: Slower Ways to See the World by John Burns
For lovers of slow travel, minimalism and design. Kinfolk Travel is both a coffee-table beauty and a philosophy manual on experiencing places mindfully.
Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh
Part adventure, part meditation on modern travel, Monisha Rajesh’s account of circling the globe by train is full of insight and humour. It also brings important representation as she shares the world through her lens as a British-Indian woman traveller.
Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval
Not your traditional travel book, but a playful photographic journey through real-world locations that look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. A perfect gift for photographers, design lovers or anyone with a taste for whimsy.
How to Choose the Right Travel Book Gift
Think about the traveller you’re buying for. For the dreamer, choose something visual like Kinfolk Travel or The Travel Book. For the adventurer, Tough Women Adventure Stories or Wild will hit home. The solo traveller will love Tales of a Female Nomad or Sola. And for history and identity enthusiasts, Catch Me If You Can or Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole add important perspective and representation.
Final Thoughts
Travel books aren’t just about the places but also about the people behind the journeys. Each of these reads offers something unique: courage, humour, introspection or simply the reminder that the world is wide and waiting. This Christmas, skip the novelty travel mug and give the traveller in your life a story that inspires them to keep exploring, whether that’s across continents or within themselves.
