7 best traveling books

Traveling books, often referred to as travel literature or travelogues, are a genre of literature that encompasses written works about journeys and experiences in various places, including within the United States. These books provide readers with insights into the destinations, cultures, and adventures of the authors as they explore the world. Here's what you need to know about traveling books related to the United States:

  1. Diverse Topics: Traveling books covering the United States can range from personal memoirs of cross-country road trips to in-depth explorations of specific regions, cities, or natural wonders. Some authors focus on historical or cultural aspects of the country, while others emphasize outdoor adventures or culinary journeys.

  2. Authors and Perspectives: Traveling books are authored by a diverse range of individuals, including professional travel writers, journalists, adventurers, and everyday people who embark on unique journeys. Each author brings their own perspective and storytelling style to their travelogue.

  3. Exploration of Culture and History: Many traveling books delve into the cultural and historical aspects of the United States, providing readers with insights into the country's past and present. These books often explore themes such as immigration, regional traditions, and the social fabric of American society.

  4. Destinations: Traveling books can focus on specific destinations within the United States, such as major cities like New York, San Francisco, or New Orleans, as well as lesser-known towns, national parks, and scenic routes.Some authors may even write about their experiences traveling through all 50 states.

  5. Adventure and Outdoor Exploration: Some traveling books are centered around outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, camping, and exploration of natural landscapes. These books often capture the beauty and challenges of the American wilderness.

  6. Culinary Journeys: Food plays a significant role in travel literature, and many authors document their culinary experiences as they sample regional dishes, visit local markets, and interact with chefs and food artisans across the United States.

  7. Travel Tips and Recommendations: Traveling books often include practical information, tips, and recommendations for readers who may be planning their own trips to the same destinations. These can include advice on accommodations, transportation, and must-visit attractions.

  8. Photography: Some travelogues are enhanced with photographs that provide visual context for the author's experiences. These images can help readers better envision the places and people described in the book.

  9. Inspirational and Informative: Traveling books can be both inspirational and informative, encouraging readers to explore new places and gain a deeper understanding of the world. They can serve as valuable resources for trip planning or simply offer armchair travel experiences.

  10. Timelessness: While some travelogues are contemporary, others have become classics that continue to resonate with readers over time. These timeless books capture the essence of a particular era and place, making them enduring works of literature.

Traveling books related to the United States offer a diverse and rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and insights into the country's landscapes, cultures, and histories. Whether you're planning a trip or simply looking for an engaging read, these books can provide a window into the beauty and complexity of the United States.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best traveling books on the market
  

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

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States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

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Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

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Product features

Acadia National Park

Named after the French settlers who were expelled from Atlantic Canada by the British, Acadia is the nation’s easternmost national park and one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise each day.One of the nation’s most beloved parks, Acadia protects a patch of coastal Maine where the north woods tumble down to meet the wild Atlantic. The first national park east of the Mississippi River sprawls across half of Mount Desert Island and all of several smaller landfalls. For generations, it’s been the place where New Englanders escape into nature and learn to cherish the wild side of Down East.

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

Universe

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The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet)

Lonely Planet

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The Travel Book

A Journey Through Every Country in the World.

From Flavorwire:

'A journey through every country in the world' is the theme of this epic coffee table book and, indeed, it is. Get your red pen and Post-it notes prepared to spend hours flipping through photos and facts about every single country and region on the globe, from Barundi to Saint Lucia. It’s light-hearted and gorgeous, showing off the best of every nation. If you don’t salivate over this enormous wishlist, you might not have wanderlust after all.'

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

'It's Lonely Planet's ambitious, alphabetized tribute to more than 200 countries and their customs. A whopping 448 pages, this coffee table book provides two pages of info (and images) per country - regardless of size - and showcases destinations that don't always receive their fair share of ink and airtime. The succinct travel tips and smatterings of trivia allow the reader to quickly get the gist of a country.'

From Bookpage:

'This weighty tome provides photographic and textual coverage of every nation and commonwealth on the planet, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Each destination is covered in a colorful two-page spread featuring photos, both small and very large, which capture glimpses of local terrain and cityscapes, but which more keenly focus on indigenous people, flora and fauna, and cultural customs. The accompanying text efficiently whets the appetite of the prospective world traveler with once-over-lightly discussion of peak travel periods and things to do, incisive tidbits about the character of the country, an instructive phrase or two in the native language, and a small map delineating key areas and urban centers... Perhaps no less astonishing is the book's price tag, since this kind of pictorially opulent coffee-table item often costs twice as much.'

Wanderlust: A Traveler's Guide to the Globe

Moon Travel

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Fodor's The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West: with the Best Scenic Road Trips (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel

Based on 537 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Fully Redesigned

Packed with color coded icons and beautiful images to help you easily plan your next adventure.

Comprehensive

Itineraries, maps, travel tips, and other special features to acquaint you with the destination and provide honest recommendations to help maximize your time.

More Color Photos

The new Experience chapter provides the perfect mix of photos and the best of the best lists to fuel your wanderlust.

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