The First Great Adventure
Almost everyone can remember the first book that made the world feel bigger. Long before children explore distant places, they discover them through stories that spark curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of adventure. Here's why the first great adventure often begins with a book.
The World's Most Charming Bookstore Cats
What is it about bookstores and cats that feels so perfectly right? Join Travelreads as we meet some of the world's most beloved bookstore cats and celebrate the independent bookstores where stories—and a few unforgettable feline hosts—make every visit a little more magical.
The Simple Joy of Getting Lost in a Bookstore
In a world that rarely slows down, bookstores offer something increasingly rare: the chance to wander, discover, and follow curiosity wherever it leads. Explore why getting lost among the shelves is one of travel—and life's—greatest pleasures.
The Open Road and The Open Book
There is a particular kind of restlessness that belongs equally to the traveler and the reader. It is the feeling that the world is larger than the one you currently occupy, and that somewhere, just beyond the next page or the next horizon, something worth knowing is waiting.
New Orleans: A City That Feels Like a Novel
New Orleans has inspired generations of writers because the city already seems to contain the elements of a novel: unforgettable characters, dramatic settings, competing histories, and stories unfolding on every street. Through the work of Tennessee Williams, John Kennedy Toole, Anne Rice, Sarah M. Broom, and others, this literary journey reveals how books can deepen the experience of visiting one of America’s most distinctive cities.
Women Who Write the World: A Literature of Restless Women
From Dervla Murphy cycling solo through the Himalayas in 1963 to today's leading voices, women have long been writing the world with a clarity and candor the genre needs. This roundup features three books to add to your shelf, three writers worth following, and The Best Women's Travel Writing, Volume 13—the perfect summer read.
Beauty in Your Backyard: Why I Looked for Adventure Everywhere Except Home
When Jackie and Mark bought The Beast, a vintage, six-wheel army lorry sight unseen off the internet, they planned the ultimate overland adventure to Mongolia with their four dogs. But when COVID-19 slammed shut international borders – it abruptly rerouted their dream.
Books to Spark a Love of Reading for Kids
Getting kids to love reading doesn't have to be complicated. It's really about finding the right books and making reading feel fun instead of forced. When a child discovers a story that grabs them, reading stops being homework and starts being something they actually want to do.
The Best Six Books for Exploring New York City
New York City sparks the imagination long before a traveler arrives. Its neighborhoods, characters, and energy have inspired countless writers, and the right books can make any visit richer, more personal, and more memorable.
Extraordinary Travel Writing by Extraordinary Women
Travel writing has long been dominated by male voices, but some of the most compelling and honest accounts of the world come from women who've ventured far beyond the familiar. These amazing five books offer something rare: perspectives that challenge assumptions, reveal hidden corners of the world, and remind us why we read about places we may never go.
Why Travelreads is Obsessed with Readaways (And You Will Be Too)
Travelers are rewriting the rules of vacation planning in 2026, trading packed itineraries for peaceful escapes centered around books. The rise of Readaways, literary-themed vacations designed for unwinding with a good book, is reshaping how people plan their time off.
Travel Smarter: 4 Game-Changing Books That Unlock Savings
Whether you're dreaming of European backpacking trips, luxury getaways on a budget, or simply wanting to stretch your travel dollars further, the right knowledge can unlock incredible savings. These four outstanding books reveal creative strategies for affordable travel and make perfect gifts this holiday season for the wanderlust enthusiasts in your life.
Beyond the Headlines: 5 Travel Books That Show Real Life in the Middle East
When we think about the Middle East, our minds often jump to conflict and political unrest. But what about the baker opening his shop each morning, families sharing tea on rooftops, or students studying amid uncertainty? These stories matter just as much.
The Story Behind Japan's Extraordinary 1954 Travel Guide
This particular book, published in 1956 by the Japan Travel Bureau, tells an extraordinary story. At over 850 pages thick, this wasn't just a guidebook. It was a declaration of hope, an act of pride and courage, and perhaps most importantly, an invitation extended to a world that had every reason to turn away.
Around the World in Five Books: Exploring Cultural Diversity Through Travel
Travel opens doors to new worlds, new people, and new perspectives. But sometimes the most transformative journeys don’t involve passports or airports—they happen when we lose ourselves in a great book. Travel writing can transport us to places we’ve never been, giving us a front-row seat to cultural traditions, histories, and everyday moments that shape life in every corner of the globe.
Six Recommended Books to Inspire A Road Trip
Discover our blog featuring some great books on road trips. We've compiled stories that capture the essence of highway adventures, from classic novels to modern travelogues. Whether you're planning a cross-country drive or enjoying vicarious travels, these books will fuel your love for the open road and the freedom it represents.
The Rise and Fall and Future of Travel Guidebooks
This blog post explores how travel guidebooks are at a crossroads, facing stiff competition from digital alternatives. Neither traditional guidebooks nor current smartphone apps fully meet travelers' needs, pointing to a significant opportunity for innovation in the industry.
Discover Jimbocho: Tokyo's Tsundoku Heaven
Jimbocho, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward, is renowned as the city's "Book Town." With over 170 bookstores, it's a paradise for book lovers. The district's history as a literary hub dates back to the late 19th century, creating a unique intellectual atmosphere that attracts students, locals, and tourists alike.
The Best Books That Capture the Magic of Train Travel
This blog showcases books that celebrate the enchantment of train travel, ranging from Paul Theroux's epic travelogues and Agatha Christie's classic mystery to modern global rail adventures. These works both capture the unique perspectives offered by rail journeys and inspire readers to embark on their own train-bound explorations.
Discover Morocco: Must-Read Books
Here find our recommendations on books that offer rich insights into Moroccan culture, history, and daily life for those planning a trip. These reads provide cultural context and practical understanding, helping visitors approach their journey with greater awareness and appreciation for this wonderful country.