Travel has been on my mind lately, but not the kind that involves juggling layovers and a suitcase with a broken wheel. More the kind that begins in your imagination… long before you’ve even opened a suitcase. We’ve been talking about going on a safari, which, for someone who doesn’t exactly consider herself adventurous, feels like a bit of a leap.
That little daydream led me back to books…the kind that spark wanderlust, shifts your perspective, or simply lets you explore the world from a cozy armchair. So today, I’m sharing a few great reads that capture the spirit of travel. No passport is required.
While we’re still in the dreaming phase, I’ve found myself drawn to stories that capture that same spirit of discovery. Not just guidebooks but novels, memoirs, and essays that transport you to far-off landscapes, unfamiliar cultures, and unexpected moments of connection.
Today I’m sharing a handful of books that do exactly that. Some might inspire your next trip. Others are perfect for armchair travel, with a strong cup of tea and a cozy corner. Either way, they’re a beautiful reminder that travel isn’t always about movement…it’s about mindset.
Looking for more books to add to your list? Check out:
Travel Books to Read this Summer
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to the Amalfi Coast, One Italian Summer will whisk you away. This novel follows a woman who heads to Positano after the unexpected loss of her mother. As she grieves, she experiences a surreal journey that blends memory, magic, and Mediterranean views. The coastal setting is lush and dreamy, and you may find yourself googling flights to Italy before you’re done.
The Jetsetters is the kind of book that’s both lighthearted and unexpectedly touching. It follows a dysfunctional family on a Mediterranean cruise—think glittering ports, buried secrets, and some very messy relationships. It’s a smart reminder that travel doesn’t always change us, but it sure has a way of revealing who we are. It was named one of the best books of the year by Esquire.
No one captures a sense of place quite like Elin Hilderbrand, and The Hotel Nantucket is pure summer escapism. The story centers on a newly restored hotel and the people working to bring it back to life. There’s a little mystery, a bit of romance, and that classic Nantucket charm that makes you want to check in and stay awhile. It’s a great beach read—or a cozy one to tide you over until your next seaside escape.
If you enjoy a witty love story, People We Meet on Vacation is just the thing. Poppy and Alex, total opposites and best friends have taken vacations together every year—until one trip goes awry. Now, they’re taking one more trip together, and it’s their chance to finally face what went wrong. Readers find this beach read funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly reflective.
Jean Perdu believes every book has a soul and the power to heal, and he’s made it his life’s work to prescribe just the right story for each customer. But it’s not until he confronts his own past that he embarks on a journey through southern France to begin healing himself. The Little Paris Bookshop feels like a warm cup of tea—perfect for anyone who believes in the quiet magic of books.
Practical, witty, and surprisingly empowering, How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly (founder of The Points Guy) is full of tips to help you travel smarter. Whether you’re new to points and perks or already savvy with miles and upgrades, this book offers an inside look at how to stretch your travel budget, survive jet lag, and tons of other helpful tricks. It’s a helpful resource for anyone looking to make travel easier, more enjoyable, and yes—even a little more luxurious.
With his signature wit and unfiltered honesty, Anthony Bourdain takes us on a global tour in World Travel: An Irreverent Guide. It’s a collection of insights, anecdotes, and travel tips from cities he loved (and a few he didn’t), stitched together with commentary from his longtime collaborator. This isn’t your typical guidebook—it’s more like sitting down with a well-traveled friend who tells it like it is.
With Love from London is a charming story about new beginnings, second chances, and, of course, books. When Valentina inherits a dusty old bookstore from the mother she barely knew, she heads to London to sort through the past—and ends up discovering so much more. If you love stories set in cozy bookshops and hidden corners of cities, this one’s a lovely, comforting read.
Sometimes a journey is less about the destination and more about finding yourself along the way. Wild is Cheryl Strayed’s raw and moving memoir of hiking over a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail—alone, grieving, and deeply unsure of what comes next. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an incredibly powerful one. The rugged landscapes and emotional honesty make it hard to put down, and it might just stir your own craving for the trail.
From Scratch is a heartfelt memoir about love, loss, and healing through food and family. Tembi Locke writes about falling in love with an Italian chef, building a life together, and later returning to his hometown with their daughter after his passing. It’s deeply personal, beautifully written, and rich with sensory detail—especially the scenes in the Sicilian countryside.
Beautiful Ruins opens in a tiny coastal village in 1960s Italy and weaves through Hollywood, Edinburgh, and present-day America, following characters who are all somehow connected by one pivotal moment. The writing is rich, the pacing is layered, and the setting is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s one of those books that’s both entertaining and unexpectedly moving.
The View from Lake Como is a thoughtful read that explores how Italian culture—especially around Lake Como—values aesthetics, tradition, and the art of making. If you’re drawn to the quieter pleasures of life and the idea of living with intention, you’ll find this little book surprisingly profound. It’s available for pre-order here, but it officially releases on July 8.
More Travel Books to Read this Summer
What’s on your reading list these days? I’d love to know which books have taken you somewhere unforgettable. I’d also love to hear about any adventures you’ve had that you highly recommend.