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Travel Books to Read Over The Festive Period

Travel Books to Read Over The Festive Period

The holidays don’t have to equate to endless social engagements and gift planning. Some of the most enjoyable moments can be spent reflecting on the year’s achievements or simply relaxing with a good book. Our editors have selected some of their favourite travel-related reads to enjoy throughout the festive season.

A.A. Gill is away (2002)

One of the most revered writers in the food and travel industry, A.A. Gill spear-headed the movement towards community-led tourism. In this collection of some of his most critically acclaimed articles, Gill explores his self-proclaimed concept of travel writing as ‘interviewing places’ from Sudan to California. Read cover to cover or pick a point at any point in the book, which offers a vivid insight into the world that we live in and the vibrant communities that inhabit it.

Voyages: Sidetracked Beyond (2024)

This inspirational book whisks you along on an exploration of some of the most unique adventures across the globe. From running across mountain ranges, to cycling through countries and continents, ‘Voyages’ is an exploration of the most extreme, empowering and undeniably life changing trips, all packed into a beautifully made book that can be consumed from the comfort of your living room. 

AA GILL IS AWAY, 2002 / VOYAGES: SIDETRACKED BEYOND, 2024 Courtesy of Hachette Book Group / Orion Publishing Group, © Sidetracked

Eat, Pray, Love

This soul-searching memoir will take you on a transformative journey across Italy, India and Indonesia – you may have seen the 2010 film. In the book, Elizabeth Gilbert perfectly captures the combination of joy and pain that travel brings – as both a concept and a physical act – offering the perfect tonic to the holiday chaos that encourages reflection and exploration. 

Accidentally Wes Anderson

Accidentally Wes Anderson (2020) and the latest instalment, Accidentally Wes Anderson Adventures (2024), are visual treasures for anyone who loves travel, photography, film – or just some quirky architecture. These books showcase images of stunning sights that resemble the distinct style of filmmaker Wes Anderson. Each page offers a glimpse into hidden gems in destinations around the world, from colourful facades to charming landscapes, which all share Anderson’s cinematic, nostalgic aesthetic. Take the opportunity to admire these charming places over the Christmas period, which no doubt will provide endless inspiration for your next adventure.

EAT PRAY LOVE, 2006 / ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON, 2020

Courtesy of Bloomsbury, © Elizabeth Gilbert / Hachette Book Group © Amanda and Wally Koval

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