Travel coffee table books not only make for eye-catching decor but also offer endless inspiration for your next adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a travel lover or simply want to bring the world into your home, here are some of the best travel coffee table books that will ignite your wanderlust.
- 1. Destinations of a Lifetime by National Geographic
- 2. The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small by Kath Stathers
- 3. Let’s Get Lost: The World’s Most Stunning Remote Locations by Finn Beales
- 4. The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World by Lonely Planet
- 5. Beautiful World by Lonely Planet
- 6. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
- 7. Vogue on Location: People, Places, Portraits by Editors of Vogue
- 8. Great Escapes by Taschen
- 9. USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder by DK Travel
- 10. Journeys of a Lifetime by National Geographic
- 11. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz
- Why Travel Coffee Table Books Make Great Gifts
- More Travel Coffee Table Books
LITERARY TRAVEL
Reading Retreats
Join us on our next reading retreat and explore literary travel destinations with a group of like-minded book lovers.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using a link, but at no cost to you. I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book as well as Everand, Spotify, and Bookshop.org where available.
1. Destinations of a Lifetime by National Geographic
National Geographic’s Destinations of a Lifetime is a masterpiece that takes readers on a visual journey across 225 of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Best for: those who travel for the views
From ancient ruins and majestic mountains to bustling cities and serene beaches, this book offers stunning photography and insightful descriptions of each location.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming of far-off places, this book is sure to inspire.
2. The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small by Kath Stathers
If you’re someone who loves creating bucket lists, The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small is packed with adventures ranging from once-in-a-lifetime journeys to smaller, unique experiences you may not have considered.
Best for: those who travel for experiences
The book features diverse activities across the globe—from hiking the Inca Trail to trying new foods at local markets—making it the perfect source for travel inspiration.
3. Let’s Get Lost: The World’s Most Stunning Remote Locations by Finn Beales
Let’s Get Lost by Finn Beales showcases some of the most isolated and awe-inspiring places on Earth, offering a look at serene, untouched landscapes where nature reigns supreme.
Best for: those who like to get off the beaten path
From the rugged cliffs of the Faroe Islands to the tranquil deserts of Namibia, Beales’ stunning photography captures the essence of wilderness and solitude.
Each remote location is accompanied by personal stories, so you discover each place at a deeper level.
4. The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet’s The Travel Book is a comprehensive visual guide to every country in the world, making it an essential addition to any traveller’s coffee table.
Best for: country counters
Each country is represented with stunning photographs and fascinating facts, giving readers a glimpse into diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions.
It’s a great way to explore new destinations and start planning your next global adventure.
(By the way, I’m not a country counter and I explain why here.)
5. Beautiful World by Lonely Planet
Beautiful World by Lonely Planet showcases some of the most striking and picturesque places on Earth. There are also versions specifically for Japan and Australia:
Best for: travel photographers
From awe-inspiring landscapes like Patagonia’s towering peaks to vibrant cityscapes, this book is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our planet.
6. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
If you’re interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations, Atlas Obscura is the ultimate guide to the world’s hidden wonders.
Best for: travellers who love the quirky, bizarre & unique
This book uncovers the strangest, most mysterious, and little-known places on Earth, offering a fresh perspective on travel. There’s also a Wild Life edition:
From bizarre natural phenomena to quirky museums, Atlas Obscura will make you want to pack your bags for the most unusual adventures.
7. Vogue on Location: People, Places, Portraits by Editors of Vogue
Travel, but make it fashion. Vogue on Location is a stunning collection of travel photography from the fashion world’s most iconic magazine.
Best for: travel and fashion lovers
This book offers a glimpse into the glamorous lives of the world’s top models and celebrities as they travel to breathtaking locations for photo shoots.
With a mix of fashion, culture, and adventure, this book will transport you to some of the most exotic and luxurious destinations.
8. Great Escapes by Taschen
The Great Escapes series by Taschen offers a visual tour of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts, and retreats.
Best for: luxury hotel lovers
Whether you’re dreaming of a stay in a tropical villa or a secluded mountain lodge, these books offers a look at the ultimate travel experiences for those who love indulgence and style.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys luxury travel or simply appreciates beautiful architecture and interior design.
9. USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder by DK Travel
For anyone with a passion for the great outdoors, USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder by DK Travel is a breathtaking exploration of America’s most iconic natural landscapes.
This travel coffee table book features detailed photography and comprehensive information on the country’s national parks, from the vast wilderness of Yellowstone to the towering cliffs of Yosemite.
Best for: nature lovers
Each section of the book highlights the unique beauty, wildlife, and activities available at each park, making it an invaluable resource for nature lovers and adventurers planning their next trip into the wild.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone who loves to marvel at the wonders of nature, this book is for you.
10. Journeys of a Lifetime by National Geographic
Journeys of a Lifetime by National Geographic is an epic compilation of 500 of the world’s most unforgettable trips.
Divided by type—mountains, coasts, desert escapes, historic pilgrimages, and more—this book is a treasure trove of ideas for every kind of traveller. It covers everything from classic road trips and scenic rail journeys to luxury cruises and epic hikes.
Best for: travel planners
Alongside breathtaking photography that only National Geographic can deliver, you’ll find practical advice and travel tips to help you plan your next great adventure.
Whether you’re looking to experience the Northern Lights, visit the temples of Kyoto, or explore the Galápagos Islands, Journeys of a Lifetime will inspire you to dream big.
11. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz
A global bestseller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz is the ultimate travel bucket list for those who want to explore the world’s most incredible destinations.
From iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt to lesser-known gems like the hilltop villages of Italy or the coastal towns of New Zealand, this book covers the best that the world has to offer.
Best for: travel dreamers
With informative descriptions, travel tips, and stunning photography, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is perfect for both seasoned travellers and those just starting to plan their global adventures.
Why Travel Coffee Table Books Make Great Gifts
Travel coffee table books are more than just decorative items—they’re a window to the world.
Whether you’re gifting one to a fellow traveller for Christmas or another special occasion, or adding it to your own collection, these books can inspire, educate, and transport readers to distant lands.
They offer a blend of art, culture, and storytelling, making them the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for travel.
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More Travel Coffee Table Books
From adventure-packed itineraries to serene landscapes, the best travel coffee table books offer a chance to see the world through stunning photography and fascinating stories.
Let me know if you own any of these travel coffee table books or have any others to recommend in the comments section below.
read around the world
Travel Book Journal
One page per country, so you can record the books you’ve read, review them in detail, and customise the page.
More Travel Book Ideas
For more bookish ideas, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
