Travel & Travel Writing

Frans Lanting, one of the most widely known and well-respected nature photographers in the world, has taken some of the iconic photographs of the past several decades. Here he collects his best images from Africa, capturing the light and vibrancy of the continent. The images are so astounding they literally calm the spirit. A great gift for photographers, travelers, nature lovers, and those looking to take an African safari of the mind. - Rico

The newest chapter of expatriate and acclaimed cook David Lebovitz’s life in Paris, complete with recipes! “David captures the torturous travails of apartment renovation in the City of Light with humor and acumen. ‘Pas de problème,’ he’s told time and again as the renovation derails. He is as alert to details of parquet and working with a notaire as he is with recipes for tarte tatin and quiche, both included here. This memoir brings fans of David even closer to the happy life he’s built for himself in Paris.” —Jacques Pepin

While there are definitely many examples of the joy of travel to be found here, there are also occasions of suffering and confusion. From the harsh reality of encountering Syrian refugees whilst on vacation in the Greek isles, to the isolation of not knowing the language in a foreign country, the raw experiences shared here are brave and important and make for a truly inspiring read. - Jade

A customer recommended this book to me, and I’m so glad she did! Horwitz and his wisecracking, alcoholic friend follow the same course as the legendary sailor Captain James Cook. Horwitz’s journey helps him strike a balance between admiration for Cook’s achievements, and an acknowledgement of the irreversible catastrophes he unintentionally wrought on the native cultures he encountered whilst circumnavigating the globe. - Jade

Lonely Planet’s Global Beer Tour is the world’s greatest bar hop. For beer connoisseurs and casual beer drinkers alike, Global Beer Tour is an easy-to-follow guide to the best taprooms, bars, and breweries around the world. With crisp pictures and detailed brewery profiles, it gives an intimate depiction of each country’s native beer haven and the local brews in each area that are la crème de la bière. - Sairsha

In 1839, John Stephens and Frederick Catherwood trudged into the Guatemalan jungle in search of some rumored rocks that they had heard might be of interest. What they found forever changed Western understanding of the evolution of civilization. Carlsen weaves the two explorers’ life stories into his telling of how Stephens and Catherwood defied both the unforgiving Central American jungle and the xenophobic society of their time to expose the grandeur and remarkable engineering of the Mayas. - Jade

Each of these essays explores a different area—from San Francisco to Chile—through the lens of a literary figure. One author wandered Lake Geneva, following the path of Lord Byron and company, another road-tripped to learn about Nabokov’s inspiration for Lolita. Truly good travel writing mixed with literary musings—what could be better? - Jax

Geraldine DeRuiter is the first to tell you this is not your normal travel writing book. You won’t get great advice or learn interesting or relevant facts about the places she’s been. You will, however, get story after story of escapades with friends, life lessons, a weird family, and a love that, if you’re lucky, will remind you of your own. I hadn’t read DeRuiter’s renowned blog Everywhereist before, but you can bet I will now. - Jocelyn

British travel writer Richard Grant and his girlfriend move from New York City to an old plantation house near the community of Pluto and immerse themselves in the beauty, charm, and insanity that characterize the people and culture that is the Mississippi Delta. This memoir provides an illuminating perspective on the complexities of race and relationships through the lens of a fascinating story. - Trey

From a 35-mile ride around Crater Lake to 935 miles through South West China, you can open any page of this beautiful book and find an off-the-beaten-path ride somewhere in the world. Half travel guide (including culinary stops and overnight options), half bike-ride prep list, Epic Bike Rides of the World is the perfect combination of information and inspiration. These rides will inspire the adventurer in all of us!   —Megan