10 Best-Selling Travel Books Millions Love

What makes this book particularly useful is how it goes beyond typical tourist spots to uncover unexpected gems across all 50 states and Canadian provinces. Joe Yogerst, a seasoned travel writer with decades of experience and multiple Lowell Thomas Awards, brings his deep knowledge and passion to every page, helping you discover everything from Tennessee's world's longest yard sale to central California's sea otter watching spots. You get detailed travel information paired with intriguing state facts that fuel your curiosity and help plan trips tailored to your interests. If you seek a travel guide that balances iconic destinations with quirky, lesser-known experiences, this book is a solid companion for your journeys.

John Steinbeck's decades of experience as a keen observer of American life culminate in this intimate travel memoir. At fifty-eight, he sets out with his poodle Charley to reconnect with the country’s diverse landscapes and people, offering reflections on themes like racial tension, loneliness, and unexpected kindness. You’ll find vivid episodes such as dining with truckers or encountering wildlife in Yellowstone that bring the journey to life, alongside contemplations on what defines the American character. This book suits anyone curious about America’s cultural fabric and those who appreciate narrative travel writing grounded in personal insight rather than tourist highlights.

This personalized travel guide explores step-by-step planning techniques tailored to your unique interests and experience. It combines widely valued travel wisdom with your specific goals, creating a focused journey through essential aspects of trip preparation, from itinerary design to cultural immersion. By aligning content with your background and destination preferences, this book ensures a meaningful learning experience that resonates personally. The tailored approach reveals practical considerations such as timing, budgeting, and local insights, allowing you to build confidence and creativity in crafting memorable adventures. It celebrates the art of travel planning, matching proven knowledge with your specific aspirations to unlock richer, more fulfilling journeys.

National Geographic's Destinations of a Lifetime offers a vivid photographic journey through 225 of the world’s most remarkable places, combining stunning images with practical travel information. This book goes beyond typical travel guides by providing not only breathtaking visuals but also detailed advice on when to visit, where to eat, and what authentic experiences to seek, making it a useful companion for serious travelers. Whether you’re planning a trip to ancient sites or modern cityscapes, this book helps you envision and prepare for your adventure with clarity. Its rich content benefits anyone looking to deepen their travel knowledge and make informed decisions about exploring diverse destinations.

Joe Yogerst's decades of global travel writing and photography have culminated in this vivid guide to North America's top parks, blending stunning National Geographic imagery with practical insights. You get detailed advice on when to visit, what to explore, and how to experience everything from Yellowstone's geysers to Central Park's urban greenery, including expert tips on hiking, biking, and camping. The book's structure—with top 10 lists and insider facts—makes it easy to find both classic landmarks and hidden gems, ideal whether you're planning a family trip or solo adventure. If you're drawn to nature and outdoor activities, this book offers a well-rounded toolkit to make your park visits richer and more memorable.

Thor Heyerdahl's decades of exploration culminated in this vivid recounting of the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition, where he aimed to prove Polynesian settlement originated from South America by replicating the journey on a balsa raft. You learn about the logistics of ancient navigation, survival skills at sea, and the cultural implications of his theory, all detailed through gripping narrative and firsthand observations. The book’s chapters on storm encounters and marine wildlife encounters offer concrete insights into the challenges of oceanic travel. If you’re drawn to adventure travel or historical expeditions, this book gives you a unique window into daring exploration and the spirit that drives it.

This tailored book explores the excitement of accelerating your adventure travel experiences in just 30 days. It covers essential planning, destination selection, and immersive activities that suit your unique interests and background. By focusing on your specific goals, the content reveals ways to efficiently prepare for thrilling journeys, from choosing ideal locations to managing logistics and safety. The personalized approach combines widely valued travel insights with your preferences, enabling a learning experience that feels both relevant and inspiring. Whether you’re new to adventure travel or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this book provides a customized pathway to fast-track your exploration ambitions with clarity and confidence.

When National Geographic compiled this collection, they tapped into decades of travel expertise to bring you 500 distinct journeys spanning every continent and mode of transport. You’ll explore everything from remote horse treks in the Andes to ocean cruises in Antarctica, enriched by stunning photography and practical details like maps and seasonal tips. The book updates classic destinations while introducing 120 new ones, including Cartagena and Transylvania, making it a dynamic companion for travelers hungry for both adventure and cultural insight. If you want inspiration and concrete ideas for planning trips that go beyond the usual tourist paths, this is a solid pick to keep on your shelf.

Dervla Murphy challenges the conventional travel narrative by recounting her 1963 bicycle journey from Ireland to India, weaving vivid observations of diverse cultures with the physical demands of solo cycling. You navigate through her firsthand encounters across Europe, Persia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, gaining insights into resilience, adaptability, and cultural curiosity. Chapters dive into the logistics of long-distance cycling and the nuanced interactions with locals, making it more than a travelogue—it's a lesson in immersive exploration. This book suits those drawn to adventure travel who seek a raw, unfiltered account rather than sanitized tourism stories.

Carrot Quinn's journey from urban disconnection to the stark realities of the Pacific Crest Trail offers a raw, unvarnished look at long-distance hiking. She chronicles not just the physical hardship — blistered feet, dehydration, and exhaustion — but also the emotional challenges of isolation and unexpected camaraderie with fellow hikers. You’ll gain insight into the mental resilience required to push through 2,660 miles of wilderness, plus a vivid sense of the trail’s changing landscapes and the people who inhabit them. This book suits those curious about endurance hiking or anyone seeking a deeply personal account of escaping modern life's confines.

Drawing from DK's extensive expertise in travel publishing, this book invites you to slow down and savor Europe's diverse landscapes through over 150 curated journeys spanning footpaths, bike routes, scenic drives, and waterways. You'll gain detailed insights into iconic spots like the Alps and lesser-known gems such as the Albanian Riviera, with practical details on route difficulty and duration enhancing your planning. The book suits travelers eager to experience Europe beyond the typical tourist pace, offering vivid descriptions and maps that help you immerse fully in each adventure. Its focus on sustainable and leisurely travel makes it a solid choice if you want to explore thoughtfully and at your own rhythm.

National Geographic Maps has compiled a resource that goes beyond typical road atlases by blending detailed cartography with curated travel insights. You'll find up-to-date road maps for all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, complete with inset city maps highlighting key attractions and infrastructure. What sets this atlas apart are chapters dedicated to the top 100 adventure destinations and the 24 most visited National Parks, offering you tangible ideas for your next trip. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or exploring regional highlights, the atlas equips you with both navigational tools and inspiration. It's especially suited for travelers who appreciate combining reliable maps with practical destination guides.