Five travel books for your summer reading list
As summer 2025 begins, there’s no better time to cozy up with a great travel book that sparks your wanderlust and fuels your travel dreams for the year ahead. 📚 ⛱️
On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer
Rick Steves
In this throwback travel diary, a young Rick Steves explores Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond in the 1970s. With tales of getting lost, train-hopping, and culture shocks, it’s a fascinating look at the journey that shaped one of the world's best-known travel writers.
The Living Mountain
Nan Shepherd
This masterpiece of nature writing by Nan Shepherd describes her journeys into "the high and holy places" of the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. Composed during World War II, Shepherd's manuscript lay untouched for almost four decades, nearly lost to time, before it was finally published.
In the decades since, audiences and critics of all generations have embraced it as a classic, an enduring testament to the magnificence of mountains and our communion with the environment.
The Invention of Amsterdam: A History of Europe's Greatest City in Ten Walks
Ben Coates
From its humble fishing village beginnings to the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, this guide blends quirky history with a travelogue that takes you through Rembrandt paintings, hidden courtyards, WWII memorials, and vibrant street life. A perfect read for anyone who loves Amsterdam.
Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum
Elaine Sciolino
A former New York Times Paris bureau chief offers an intimate exploration of the Louvre, blending art, history, and behind-the-scenes stories. This immersive journey introduces the curators, artisans, and restorers who make the museum come alive.
Whether visiting in person or simply an art enthusiast, this book makes the Louvre feel personal and vibrant.
The Blue Book: A Must-See, Can't-Miss, Won't-Forget Guide to Nantucket
Elin Hilderbrand
From the best oysters to the perfect beach towel, this guide from the Queen of the Beach Read lets you explore Nantucket like a local.
With charming illustrations and insider recommendations, it’s the ultimate resource for experiencing the island's best offerings.