I may be a Kindle convert, but there’s one type of book I miss as a full-time traveller and that’s coffee table travel books. The large, hardback type with glossy pages filled with wanderlust-inducing photos of exotic locations and descriptions of adventures around the world.
I can’t fit travel coffee table books into my luggage, but I do like giving them as gifts—they are perfect for travel lovers to inspire their next journey.
These are the best travel books that I recommend as gifts for anyone looking for travel inspiration. Some are classics (you can’t go wrong with a Lonely Planet bucket list book), while others are more unusual and will take you off the beaten track.
I’ve included ideas for globetrotting foodies, artists, nature lovers, beach bums, hikers, road trippers, and even kids.
While I’ve included links to the books on Amazon for convenience, I encourage you to support your local book store where possible. You can also find all these books to purchase on the Never Ending Voyage Bookshop.org shop—this website is a non-profit that splits proceeds among independent bookstores.
This post was originally published in November 2018 and last updated in December 2020.
1) Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List 2: The 500 Best Places on the Planet... Ranked
As you’d expect from Lonely Planet, the photography is beautiful and there are interesting details about each place. This second version, published in 2020, is updated to reflect the latest travel tastes and trends.
2) Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders
It’s divided by continent and country and includes over 700 locations with details on how to reach each sight. It inspires both wonder and wanderlust, and even if you don’t make it to any of the places, it’s a fascinating read.
This updated version includes over 100 new places, lots more photos, and 12 city guides.
3) Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places (National Geographic)
There’s a good amount of information about each place including when to go and how to get there, so it’s a useful starting point for planning a trip. Or just enjoy the photos and dream!
4) The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet)
This would be fantastic for someone planning an around the world trip or anyone who wants to learn more about our beautiful world.
There’s also a kid’s version for budding explores aged 8 and up. It’s less photo focused and includes more interesting facts.
5) Ultimate Journeys for Two: Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent
Chapters are organised by interests (mountains, beaches, deserts, lakes etc.), and for each place, there are practical tips and ideas for couple adventures. It’s both informational and inspirational.
6) 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do (National Geographic)
7) Explorers' Sketchbooks: The Art of Discovery and Adventure
It would be an ideal gift for historians, artists, adventurers, and armchair travelers.
8) Lonely Planet's Ultimate Eats
9) The World Atlas of Street Food
10) Beaches
11) Wanderlust: A Hiker's Companion
12) Epic Drives of the World (Lonely Planet)
Also in the series are Epic Bike Rides of the World and Epic Hikes of the World.
13) Van Life: Your Home on the Road
It also includes interviews with solo travellers, couples, and families who are living the van life.
14) The New York Times: 36 Hours USA and Canada
There are also 36 Hour guides to Europe and other regions of the world.
15) 59 Illustrated National Parks: 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service
16) Green Escapes: The Guide to Secret Urban Gardens
17) A Map of the World (Updated): The World According to Illustrators and Storytellers
18) Maps
19) TreeGirl: Intimate Encounters with Wild Nature
As she says, this book is an invitation for you to rediscover your bond with wild nature.
20) Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth (Rough Guides)
21) The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World's 500 Most Colorful Places
A photograph of each destination is accompanied by a brief description and the best time to visit.
22) Travel Home: Design with a Global Spirit
The photos and interviews will give you ideas on how to decorate your own home with global flair.
23) Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America
It includes roundups of unique outdoor accommodations at vineyards, wildlife sanctuaries, hot springs, state parks, and more. These unconventional places to stay are perfect for immersing yourself in nature and escaping everyday life.
24) Wanderlust: A Traveler's Guide to the Globe
It's organised around themes such as the most beautiful lakes, grand national parks, idyllic islands, wine trails, best diving spots, and where to stargaze. It also features unique cultural experiences and festivals around the globe.
25) Humans
In his latest book, the creator moves beyond New York and shares hundreds of photos and stories of the people he met in over forty countries while travelling the world. A moving reminder of how we are all connected.
You can also check out our guide to the 50 best gifts for travelers with ideas for every budget.
Here are some more roundups of my favourite travel books:
- 9 Best Books About Hawaii to Read Before You Visit
- 10 Travel Memoirs to Inspire Your Next Trip
- 15 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan
- 10 Best Books About Iceland to Read Before You Visit
- 12 Books to Read Before Visiting South Africa
What are your favourite travel coffee table books? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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Hi Erin, these coffee table books all look amazing! I love the national geographic book. May have to be on my Christmas list!
I wonder if someone makes a coffee table book of the most unique hostels around the world. I’ve been to so many. There are some amazing hostel designs. Even with the money for a hotel I’d rather explore some hostels just because of the amenities they offer.