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Down time between trips is difficult for any avid traveler. While the need for adventure will undoubtedly call out to you during these periods, here are 10 United States travel-themed books that will feed your appetite for travel until you can get back out there for yourself!
Travels with Charley: In Search of America
John Steinbeck’s classic travelogue chronicles a road trip that he made across the United States with his dog Charley. Steinbeck manages to paint a vivid picture of America in 1960 and takes readers along on a memorable adventure, from small town to big city and all of the natural beauty in between. Although critical at times, what ultimately comes forth is Steinbeck’s undeniable love for this country — a feeling that any advocate of United States travel can identify with.
Can you think of a better way to experience the United States than by searching for a dog named Momo hidden in various scenes around the country? I didn’t think so. Together, photographer Andrew Knapp and his faithful border collie bring a fresh perspective to both famous landmarks and off the beaten path locations. If you liked finding Waldo, you’ll love finding Momo.
Where to Go When: The Americas
“Where to Go When” is the ultimate vacation planner, highlighting the most spectacular places in North, Central and South America and the best time to visit each one. Written by a team of travel experts, the title brings more than 130 destinations to life with informative narrative and stunning photography.
I’ve visited many destinations in this book during the recommended times and can personally vouch for the expertise of the authors. I even discovered events that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about, like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.
Certainly by now nearly everyone has heard of the immensely popular blog, Humans of New York. Brandon Stanton has spent years roaming the streets of New York, brilliantly portraying each subject’s personality in his photographs and pairing them with captions that offer a glimpse into these humans lives. His work reminds me of what has become one of my favorite things about travel: the people I’ve met and the stories they have to share. Just like the landscape of America, the people are unique and diverse — get out there and meet them!
Rand McNally USA Road Atlas 2018
For me, every adventure starts with studying a map. From scenic routes along stretches of coastline, both east and west; to forests, mountains, and prairies; and through small towns and big cities — a road atlas is essential to dreaming up your next great adventure.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Depicting a true murder mystery that occurred in the beautiful Southern city of Savannah, Georgia, The New York Times best states that “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil might be the first true-crime book that makes the reader want to book a bed and breakfast for an extended weekend at the scene of the crime.” From the quirky real-life residents to the description of key landmarks, this book brilliantly captures the essence of Savannah and will most certainly leave you wanting to experience it for yourself.
Charleston & Savannah: Moon Guide Book
This travel guide holds a special place in my heart, as Charleston & Savannah were the destinations of my first ever solo trip. As a newbie to travel planning, this book was essential in creating a memorable trip that led to my falling in love with both of these Southern cities. Planning a visit to Charleston or Savannah? This guide book is a must!
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Wild explores a woman’s difficult path through the wilderness as she confronts her drug addiction, divorce, and mother’s death. Cheryl Strayed shares her journey of hiking more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon, to Washington State. A truly inspirational story that would motivate anyone to leave it all behind and hit the trail!
Follow Me To: A Journey around the World Through the Eyes of Two Ordinary Travelers
The Follow Me To project became an Instagram sensation in 2012, with photographer Murad Osmann creatively allowing viewers to experience the world from his vantage point. In each stunning image, Osmann is led to a new location by his girlfriend, Nataly Zakharova. While the book contains images from all over the world, there is also a section dedicated to several locations throughout the United States.
Roadside attractions are synonymous with the classic American road trip. You’ve seen them before: an alligator-shaped building, the world’s largest pistachio, literally a giant Jolly Green Giant, the list goes on and on. America has no shortage of these wonderfully unique, colorful, and often gigantic monuments. Thanks to photographer John Margolies, who spent over three decades and drove more than 100,000 miles documenting these fascinating structures, you can enjoy a bit of Americana from the comfort of home or plan your next roadside attraction themed adventure.
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