In need of a good book for your next trip? For all of the book-loving travelers, or traveling book nerds, here are my recent picks for what to read – from classics to new to coming-to-the-big-screen. These aren’t about travel per se, but they contain an element of culture, history, and exploration that most travelers will appreciate.

I’ve read and recommend every one of these! There’s a bit of adventure in each, and I think they’re great reads for any audience. I’ve included my comments below, but click through to read the official summary of each on Amazon.

True Stories & Memoirs

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Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah of the Daily Show had quite a different upbringing from the life he lives today. Born into apartheid South Africa as a child of a black woman and white man, his birth was literally a crime. This has just been announced as an upcoming film, but it’s definitely worth a read before the movie comes out. Trevor Noah’s wit and comedy shine through in his writing, while also educating readers on the interesting history of South Africa.

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A House in the Sky: A Memoir by Amanda Lindhout
Although a bit of a difficult read due to the sincerity of the content, this is one of the best books I’ve read in recent years. Adventure traveler turned journalist, Lindhout tells the story of her kidnaping in Somalia and all she endured while being held hostage for 460 days. It may be a cautious tale for risk takers, but the author’s passion for other cultures was so relatable and eloquently told.
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Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard
A great beach read – this is a sort of Parisian Eat, Pray, Love but with emphasis on the “eat”. If you love Paris, you’ll love this love story.
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Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
The story was made popular by the Reese Witherspoon movie, but in print form it really hits home for those looking for an adventure to help find yourself, whether in California or abroad.
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Fiction

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Paris by Edward Rutherfurd
Although a work of fiction, this and Rutherfurd’s other novels (such as New York) follow generations of history, interwoven with families living through the changes of the city from generation to generation. It’s a long book, but truly educational and entertaining for history buffs who want to travel in time.
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The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Sometimes it’s rewarding to go back to the classics! Hemingway’s elegant way of describing a landscape transports you to the Running of the Bulls in Spain in 1926 and this book is a vacation in itself.
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The Vacationers by Emma Straub
This was listed on several lists for top beach reads since it was published in 2015. The plot is admittedly not action-packed, but it’s an easy read worth a look for the dreamy descriptions of Mallorca.
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Have any to add to this list? Read any of these? Let us know in the comments below!