A well-chosen coffee table book isn’t just décor; it’s an invitation to explore faraway places from the comfort of your home. With stunning photography and compelling narratives, travel coffee-table books serve as a visual escape and a conversation starter too.
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Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply indulging in a bit of armchair travel, these books transport you to exotic destinations.
Here are some of the best travel coffee table books to inspire your wanderlust:
1. “Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places” by National Geographic
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places by National Geographic is a visual feast for travel lovers and armchair explorers alike. This book is currently taking pride of place in my living room!
This incredible travel coffee table book showcases some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.
With vivid photography, the book highlights stunning locations, from the lush jungles of Costa Rica to the vast plains of the Serengeti.
2. “The Travel Book” by Lonely Planet
A true masterpiece for any travel enthusiast, The Travel Book features over 230 countries and territories, each represented by vivid photographs and fascinating facts.
It’s a globe-trotter’s dream, filled with awe-inspiring images that offer glimpses of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife from every corner of the planet.
3. “Unforgettable Journeys: Slow down and see the world” by DK Travel
Have you ever imagined walking the Camino de Santiago, cruising down Route 66, or travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway? While it might seem like a cliché, sometimes the journey truly matters more than the destination. What better way to discover the world than by traversing through it?
If setting out on an adventure is on your bucket list, but you don’t know where to start, Unforgettable Journeys will have you lacing up your hiking boots, hitting the road or taking to the high seas.
4. “The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small” by Kath Stathers
A perfect choice for those who want to fuel their sense of adventure, The Bucket List compiles a thousand once-in-a-lifetime experiences from across the globe.
With stunning visuals, it’s both a dream book and a guide for anyone itching to start ticking off their travel list.
5. “Earth from Above” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
This iconic collection of aerial photography by Yann Arthus-Bertrand showcases the world from a unique perspective.
With beautiful images of landscapes, cities, and nature from above, this travel coffee table book offers a fascinating look at our planet’s beauty, often in ways that words cannot capture.
6. “Lonely Planet’s Dream Trips: 225 Ultimate Travel Experiences”
Lonely Planet’s Dream Trips: 225 Ultimate Travel Experiences is a collection of stunning photography and descriptions of some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
This book highlights 225 unforgettable travel experiences, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves to explore the world, whether you’re planning your next trip or simply enjoying a bit of armchair travel.
7. “101 Weekends in Europe” by Lifestyle Inspiration
101 Weekends by Lifestyle Inspiration is an eye-catching coffee table book that offers an inspiring collection of short European travel destinations for quick getaways.
From serene countryside retreats to buzzing city escapes, it covers a diverse range of places perfect for a weekend trip.
With beautiful photography and thoughtful insights, it provides inspiration for those who want to explore new destinations in a relaxed, weekend format.
8. “Let’s Get Lost: the world’s most stunning remote locations” by Finn Beales
Let’s Get Lost, curated by acclaimed travel and lifestyle photographer Finn Beales, offers a beautiful visual escape. It has more than 200 breathtaking images of remote and beautiful destinations.
For the adventurous spirit, this book invites you to venture beyond the usual routes and discover the most exceptional natural landscapes on our planet.
9. “Wanderlust Mediterranean: Exploring Trails Along the Mediterranean Sea” by Cam Honan
The Mediterranean region features some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, including soaring mountain ranges, vast forests, deep valleys, and rugged coastlines.
The Mediterranean, stretching from Spain to Jordan and including Italy, Greece, and more, is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
In Wanderlust Mediterranean, long-distance adventurer Cam Honan guides us through some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in Southern Europe and beyond.
This journey encompasses France, Portugal, the Balkans, Morocco, and other countries along the Mediterranean Sea.
10. “Lonely Planet You Only Live Once: A Lifetime of Adventures for the Explorer in All of Us”
Experience your best life with this guide to over 250 travel adventures and start planning a lifetime of exploration.
No matter how much time you have – whether it’s an hour, a day, a week, a month, or a year – discover how to make the most of every precious moment.
This is your guide to living life to the fullest, from watching the sunrise on the summer solstice to camping off-grid or climbing a volcano.
Final Thoughts on Travel Coffee Table books.
A travel coffee table book is more than just a beautiful addition to your living room; it’s a window to the world.
Whether you want to be inspired by exotic destinations, get lost in captivating stories, or simply marvel at beautiful photography, these books will spark your wanderlust and fuel your dreams of faraway places.
Which one will you place on your coffee table next?
FAQs About Travel Coffee Table Books
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel coffee table books.
A: A travel coffee table book is a large, visually captivating book that showcases the beauty of various destinations around the world. It typically features stunning photography, interesting facts, and inspiring stories about different places, cultures, and landscapes, making it perfect for casual browsing and conversation.
A: While travel coffee table books are often displayed for their aesthetic value, they also offer rich content for exploration. They allow readers to virtually visit new destinations and learn about different cultures, providing inspiration for future travels or simply sparking wanderlust from home.
A: While travel coffee table books offer some practical insights, they are not typically detailed travel guides. Instead, they focus on capturing the beauty and essence of a place through photography and storytelling, often highlighting the emotional experience of travel rather than providing in-depth travel information or itineraries.
A: 100%! Travel coffee table books make excellent gifts for anyone who loves to travel, explore new places, or appreciate art and photography. They’re thoughtful, visually impressive, and can inspire wanderlust in those who may not have the opportunity to travel as frequently.
A: When selecting a travel coffee table book, consider the recipient’s interests and the style of their home decor. Some books focus on specific regions, such as Europe, Asia, United States or Africa, while others may focus on particular aspects of travel like road trips, nature, or adventure. Choose one that aligns with your tastes or travel aspirations.
A: Many travel coffee table books provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and geography of the places they feature. While they may not offer in-depth guides, they are informative in capturing the essence of a location and its unique characteristics, often encouraging deeper exploration.
A: Travel coffee table books are often displayed on living room tables, bookshelves, or entryway consoles. Arrange them in a way that highlights their stunning covers, or use them as part of a chic curated display that showcases your love for travel. They make an excellent focal point for any room.
A: The price of travel coffee table books can vary widely. Some are affordable, while others -especially those with high-quality photography, large formats, or limited editions – can be more expensive. It’s best to shop around based on your budget and the quality of the book.
A: Of course. Many travel enthusiasts love to collect travel coffee table books as a way to build a visual library of the world. You can curate a collection based on specific regions or types of destinations (for example islands) or even seek out rare or vintage editions to add a personal touch to your collection.
A: Travel coffee table books are ideal for armchair travellers. They provide a way to experience the beauty and wonder of new destinations from the comfort of your own home. These books can transport you to exotic locations with vivid photography and stories that ignite a sense of adventure.
Related Reading for historical travel coffee table books.
- Non-Fiction Books about Travel, By Travellers
- 30 Best Travel Books Every Traveller Must Read
- 10 Inspiring Reads by Solo Female Travellers
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Travellers
- 10 Marvellous Novels Set in Puglia, South Italy
Pinterest pins for travel coffee table books.
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General Travel Resources:
Booking.com is the best site for hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for tours and activities.
Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
See my Travel Resources page for a full list of helpful booking links.
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