A great book has the power to transport us. However, in the case of a great travel book, this is more in the literal sense rather than the metaphorical. At KE we believe that reading travel books, whether that be fiction, non-fiction, guides or photo journals, is the perfect way to get excited about your next trip and provide inspiration on what destinations want to discover next. Through vivid storytelling and detailed descriptions, these books can make readers feel as though they are embarking on the journey themselves. The best travel reads capture the essence of a place and its culture, providing a sense of escapism and inspiring adventure.

Here are a list of 10 must-read travel books for someone who has travelled everywhere, with the aim of inspiring them to embark on their next adventure.

Where My Feet Fall: Going for a Walk in Twenty Stories – Duncan Mishull

“Where My Feet Fall: Going for a Walk in Twenty Stories" is a captivating anthology that celebrates the act of walking through the diverse perspectives of twenty different authors. Each story in this collection offers a unique and personal exploration of the simple yet profound act of taking a walk. Readers will find themselves immersed in a wide range of landscapes, experiences, and emotions as they follow the footsteps of the writers on their journeys. From urban strolls to wilderness hikes, these narratives capture the transformative power of walking and its ability to connect us to the world around us. "Where My Feet Fall" is a delightful and thought-provoking ode to the art of wandering on foot.

Africa is Not a Country - Dipo Faloyin

So often, Africa has been depicted simplistically as a uniform land of famines and safaris, poverty and strife, stripped of all nuance. In this bold and insightful book, Dipo Faloyin offers a much-needed corrective, weaving a vibrant tapestry of stories that bring to life Africa’s rich diversity, communities, and histories.

Bradt Travel Guides

A Bradt travel guide is perfect if you’re interested in visiting countries that are less travelled to— written by experienced travellers with fantastic insider tips. Bradt Travel Guide Books has a reputation as the “World’s leading independent travel publisher.” They are also a great India travel guide company. Some unique destinations include Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, the Galapagos Islands, and Cape Verde. But don’t worry, Bradt Guides also has a British series for those interested.

The Story of Scandinavia – Stein Ringen

A magisterial account of Scandinavia, its people and its culture from the Vikings to the present day, Ringen's definitive volume highlights the tensions and enmity between its nations that still lurk under the surface of co-operation.

Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica’s Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night – Julian Sancton

In August 1897, the voyage of the Belgica began with high hopes of becoming the inaugural scientific expedition to reach the pristine expanses of the South Pole. However, fate had other plans, and the ship found itself ensnared in the unforgiving grip of the Bellinghausen Sea's icy embrace. This unfortunate turn of events sentenced the crew of the Belgica to an arduous Antarctic winter, enduring months of perpetual darkness under the Antarctic sunless sky.

The Only Way Is West: A Once In a Lifetime Adventure Walking 500 Miles On Spain's Camino de Santiago – Bradley Chermside

“The Only Way Is West: A Once In a Lifetime Adventure Walking 500 Miles On Spain's Camino de Santiago" is a memoir and travelogue written by Bradley Chermside. The book chronicles the author's extraordinary journey along the Camino de Santiago, a renowned pilgrimage route in Spain. Walking over 500 miles, Chermside shares his experiences, challenges, and encounters with fellow pilgrims as he embarks on this epic adventure.

In Patagonia - Bruce Chatwin

"In Patagonia" is a renowned travel book written by British author Bruce Chatwin. First published in 1977, this book is a captivating and poetic exploration of Patagonia, a vast and remote region at the southern tip of South America. While it is often categorised as a travel book, "In Patagonia" transcends traditional travel writing, blending elements of biography, memoir, and fiction.

Beyond Possible – Nimsdai Purja

Chilled by the glacial winds and lung-burning temperatures, Beyond Possible charts the incredible journey of an elite soldier who conquered 14 of the world’s toughest peaks in six months.

Lonely Planet Jordan (Travel Guide) – Jenny Walker and Paul Clammer

Lonely Planet's Jordan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Dive kaleidoscopic coral gardens in the Red Sea, channel Lawrence of Arabia and stay at a Bedouin camp at Wadi Rum, and watch the sun set over the honeycombed wonder of Petra - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Jordan and begin your journey now.

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

"The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small" is a comprehensive and inspiring travel book compiled by the team at Lonely Planet. It offers a vast array of travel experiences from around the world, ranging from grand adventures to smaller, more accessible escapades. This book is a celebration of the world's most thrilling and enriching activities and destinations, designed to ignite the wanderlust in readers and help them create their own travel bucket lists.