Top 10 Travel Books of 2025

Travel has always been more than just a physical journey. It’s a way to expand our horizons, challenge our perspectives, and discover new parts of ourselves. This year’s selection of best books about travel captures that essence perfectly, offering readers the chance to explore the world through the eyes of those who have traveled it in unique and meaningful ways.

On the Hippie Trail by Rick Steves

Rick Steves is no stranger to travel writing. Known for his guidebooks on European destinations, he also penned On the Hippie Trail, a memoir of his transformative journey along the iconic Europe-to-South Asia overland route. In 1978, at just 23 years old, Steves embarked on a 3,500-mile trek from Istanbul to Kathmandu, passing through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The book includes original journal entries and color photos from the trip, showcasing a young traveler discovering new cultures and ideas. His reflections on the disparities between the first and third worlds, as well as his awe at landmarks like the Taj Mahal, highlight the profound impact of this journey.

Route 66: The First 100 Years by Jim Ross and Shellee Graham

Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” has long symbolized freedom and adventure in America. Route 66: The First 100 Years celebrates its history, from its opening in 1926 to its peak in the mid-20th century. Authored by Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, both longtime advocates for the highway, the book explores its cultural significance, including the motor courts, neon signs, and roadside attractions that once dotted its path. With vintage photos, essays from local experts, and chapters like “Revolutionizing Travel” and “Hard Times,” this book offers a nostalgic look at how Route 66 shaped communities and influenced American culture.

The Size of the World: Once Around Without Leaving the Ground (30th Anniversary Edition) by Jeff Greenwald

Jeff Greenwald’s The Size of the World is a groundbreaking account of his 1990s journey around the world without using airplanes. Now updated for its 30th anniversary, the book reflects on an era before smartphones and the internet, when travel was more challenging and required careful planning. Greenwald’s nine-month trip took him through 27 countries, covering nearly 30,000 miles. Along the way, he faced obstacles that tested his resilience, but also found moments of deep reflection and connection. His online travel blog, one of the earliest of its kind, offered a glimpse into his experiences, from visiting Paul Bowles in Morocco to rescuing a baby snow leopard in Tibet.

Things Become Other Things: A Walking Memoir by Craig Mod

Craig Mod’s Things Become Other Things is a meditative exploration of walking as a form of self-discovery. During Japan’s pandemic shutdown in 2021, he embarked on a 300-mile journey along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. The resulting book blends personal reflection with observations on Japan’s aging population, disappearing villages, and natural disasters. Conversations with locals, including fishermen and traditional coffee shop owners, add depth to the narrative. While the book features black-and-white photos, Mod also released a companion photo collection titled Other Thing, which showcases the beauty of his journey.

Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life by Noraly Schoenmaker

Noraly Schoenmaker’s Free Ride recounts her solo motorcycle journey across 25 countries, from northern Iran to the Netherlands. Spurred by the end of a long-term relationship, she set out to find healing and new experiences. Her story is filled with challenges—steep mountains, lack of infrastructure, and border crossings—but also moments of kindness and discovery. Schoenmaker’s optimistic and straightforward prose offers a glimpse into life on the road, making this book a compelling read for anyone seeking inspiration.

Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home and Belonging by Tara Roberts

Tara Roberts’ Written in the Waters is a powerful blend of memoir, travel, and history. Inspired by a photograph of underwater archaeologists documenting slave trade shipwrecks, Roberts spent six years diving with Diving With a Purpose, exploring sites in Senegal, Costa Rica, Thailand, and St. Croix. Her journey not only sheds light on the African diaspora but also explores her own identity as a Black woman. Through personal stories and historical accounts, the book highlights the lasting impacts of the slave trade and the search for belonging.

Adventures in the Louvre by Elaine Sciolino

Elaine Sciolino’s Adventures in the Louvre transforms one of the world’s most famous museums into an accessible and engaging experience. As a former New York Times Paris bureau chief, Sciolino offers practical tips and insider knowledge, guiding readers through the museum’s vast collections. From rare artifacts in the Consultation Room to hidden corners of the original fortress, her book provides a fresh perspective on the Louvre’s treasures, making even the most overwhelming spaces feel approachable.

This Beautiful, Ridiculous City: A Graphic Memoir by Kay Sohini

Kay Sohini’s This Beautiful, Ridiculous City is a heartfelt graphic memoir about finding home in New York City. Born in Kolkata, she grew up idolizing the city through literature and media. After escaping an abusive relationship, she made the leap to New York, where she rebuilt her life. Through vivid illustrations and storytelling, the book contrasts her Indian upbringing with her experiences in the city, capturing the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.

How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly’s How to Win at Travel is a practical guide for travelers of all levels. As founder of The Points Guy, Kelly shares expert advice on maximizing travel rewards, navigating airline loyalty programs, and dealing with travel challenges. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, this book offers actionable tips and insights. Beyond travel, Kelly emphasizes the importance of making smart financial decisions, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to travel smarter.

Edge of the World: An Anthology of Queer Travel Writing edited by Alden Jones

Alden Jones’ Edge of the World is a powerful anthology of queer travel writing. Featuring 16 diverse voices, the book explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals traveling around the globe. From Pride events in Mexico to navigating cultural expectations in Ukraine, the essays offer a mix of humor, heartache, and hope. This collection is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the many ways travel can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.