It’s often said that books let us escape to far off places, and that sentiment couldn’t be more true of a good travel book. You don’t need a big budget or weeks of vacation time — just a love of learning and a healthy imagination.
Of course, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip we can help with that too! Here are some titles to inspire you:
535 Best Beaches from Fodor’s
If you’re thinking winter getaway or daydreaming about a beach escape, this themed guide offers the top spots across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. While everyone’s idea of the perfect beach may be a little different, there’s enough variety to please everyone — from the dramatic cliffs of Acapulco to the best sunny spots in Florida. If you happen to get tired of swimming and soaking up the sun, the guide also offers tips on what else to see and do in the area — plus planning tips and beach safety advice.
1000 Ultimate Sights from Lonely Planet
Looking for the “Weirdest Beaches” or “Most Astounding Ego Trips”? If you love the lists in Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel series, this book will keep you coming back. Remember, it’s “sights”, not “sites”: the selection is more than just natural and man-made wonders. You’ll also find quirky things to experience too — like “Most Oversized Animals” and “Most Amazing Natural Phenomena”. Get to know some new places, and see some old favourites cast in a new light.
The book’s predecessor, 1000 Ultimate Experiences, has even more lists of unusual things to see and do.
Greatest Journeys from Lonely Planet
While not a travel guide per se, the images and stories give you a feel for over 70 of the greatest journeys you could embark upon. You’ll find a mix of the historic and modern — from ancient trade routes to the Grand Tour to the classic Route 66. If you’re inclined to go, each section has helpful suggestions to help you plan including essential experiences, shortcuts and detours. Staying put? The “Armchair” section offers movie suggestions to experience the sites. The book won’t fit in a stocking or backpack — plenty of room is needed for all those pictures — but will make a welcome addition to any library.
Visions of Earth from National Geographic
Admit it: we’ve all “ooohed” and “ahhhed” over National Geographic’s stunning photography online and in its magazines. This book collects the best images from the company’s extensive archives and widely popular “Visions of Earth” feature. However, before you say you’ve seen it all before, there are plenty of previously unpublished works too. The variety includes not just the amazing scenery you associate with the magazine, but also memorable people and moments captured in time.
Can’t get enough? National Geographic’s previous title, Visions of Paradise, may have you packing your bags.
