Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first big trip, a great travel guidebook can be a game-changer. These carefully curated books offer practical tips, cultural insights, and itineraries to help you make the most of your journey. Here’s a list of must-read travel guidebooks, including some classic destination guides, general travel resources, and a standout budget travel book.

1. How to Travel the World on $75 a Day by Nomadic Matt

Why It’s a Favourite:
Written by popular travel blogger Matt Kepnes, this guide is a must-read for budget-conscious travellers. Matt shares insider tips on saving money while still enjoying authentic travel experiences. From affordable accommodation to finding cheap flights and dining options, this book is packed with actionable advice.

Best For:
Budget travellers, backpackers, and anyone planning long-term trips.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies for stretching your travel budget.
• Tips for navigating different countries on a shoestring budget.
• Inspiring stories from Matt’s personal travel experiences.

2. The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World by Lonely Planet

Why It’s a Favourite:
This visually stunning book offers a snapshot of every country in the world, making it a fantastic resource for inspiration and planning. Each entry includes cultural highlights, must-visit attractions, and a taste of what makes the country unique.

Best For:
Armchair travellers and those looking to explore new destinations.

What You’ll Find:

• Stunning photography from around the globe.
• Fun facts and cultural insights for every country.
• A great way to build your travel bucket list.

3. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton

Why It’s a Favourite:
For those who love quirky, off-the-beaten-path adventures, Atlas Obscura is a treasure trove of the unusual and unexpected. It highlights hidden gems, strange landmarks, and fascinating stories from every corner of the globe.

Best For:
Adventurous and curious travellers.

What You’ll Discover:

• Unique attractions like the glowworm caves of New Zealand and the salt mines of Poland.
• Engaging backstories and cultural trivia.
• A guide to exploring the weird and wonderful.

4. Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

Why It’s a Favourite:
This philosophical and practical guide focuses on long-term travel as a lifestyle choice. It’s not just about where to go but how to embrace the mindset of slow travel and personal discovery.

Best For:
Aspiring nomads and anyone dreaming of long-term travel.

Highlights Include:

• Tips for planning and financing extended trips.
• Inspirational anecdotes from the author’s own travels.
• A focus on meaningful, transformative experiences.

5. Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring by Brett Atkinson, Tim Bewer, and Joe Bindloss

Why It’s a Favourite:
This guide is the ultimate resource for exploring Southeast Asia, offering detailed recommendations for everything from hostels to hidden gems. Known for its practical advice, Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring is tailored to adventurous, budget-friendly travel.

Best For:
Backpackers and solo travellers exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond.

Highlights Include:

• Suggested itineraries for multiple countries.
• Tips for crossing borders and navigating local transport.
• Recommendations for affordable food and lodging.

6. Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List

Why It’s a Favourite:
This book ranks the top 500 travel experiences worldwide, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. It’s an excellent source of inspiration for planning your next big trip or dreaming about future adventures.

Best For:
Bucket list builders and inspiration seekers.

What You’ll Find:

• Rankings of must-visit destinations like the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu.
• Detailed descriptions of each experience.
• Stunning visuals to fuel your wanderlust.

7. The Rough Guide to Iceland by Rough Guides

Why It’s a Favourite:
Known for its rugged landscapes and natural beauty, Iceland is a dream destination for many travellers. This guide provides detailed advice for exploring its geothermal wonders, waterfalls, and charming towns.

Best For:
Adventure travellers and nature lovers.

Key Features:

• Practical advice on road-tripping around the Ring Road.
• Recommendations for glacier hikes and hot springs.
• Tips for experiencing the Northern Lights.

8. Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips by National Geographic

Why It’s a Favourite:
This book is an inspiring compilation of some of the world’s most iconic and extraordinary trips. From scenic drives to epic hiking trails, Journeys of a Lifetime is a visual and informational delight that can help you plan the adventure of your dreams.

Best For:
Dreamers, adventurers, and those planning once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Highlights Include:

• Detailed descriptions of 500 incredible journeys across the globe.
• Practical tips for planning and experiencing these adventures.
• Breathtaking photography to inspire your wanderlust.

9. Culture Smart! Guides

Why They’re a Favourite:
The Culture Smart! series is ideal for travellers looking to understand the customs, etiquette, and traditions of specific countries. These guides go beyond the usual tourist tips to help you engage meaningfully with locals.

Best For:
Cultural enthusiasts and first-time travellers to new regions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Social norms and cultural practices.
• Practical tips for communication and building connections.
• Guidance for respectful travel.

10. Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks by Becky Lomax

Why It’s a Favourite:
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this guide by Becky Lomax covers all 63 U.S. national parks. It includes hiking trails, camping tips, and stunning photography to inspire your adventures in nature.

Best For:
Nature lovers, road trippers, and families.

Features to Love:

• Detailed maps of parks and trails.
• Suggested itineraries for different activity levels.
• Practical advice for packing and navigating park rules.

11. The Art of Slow Travel: See the World and Savor the Journey on a Budget by Bhavana Gesota

Why It’s a Favourite:
This guide is perfect for those who value meaningful, unhurried travel. Bhavana Gesota shares her experiences and tips on how to explore the world mindfully while staying within a budget. It’s a celebration of immersing yourself in the culture and rhythm of each destination.

Best For:
Travellers who want to connect deeply with places and people.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to slow down and travel intentionally.
• Practical budgeting tips for long-term journeys.
• Strategies for embracing authentic local experiences.

---

With these guidebooks in your backpack (or on your e-reader), you’ll be ready to embark on unforgettable adventures. From budget travel hacks to cultural insights and practical tips, these books will guide you every step of the way.

What’s your favourite travel guidebook? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy reading,

Carina

One Girl and the Big World is a travel blog dedicated to sharing inspiring adventures, practical tips, and unique experiences from around the globe—all available for free to readers.

The site is a passion project committed to bringing fresh content to travel enthusiasts everywhere. Donations are welcome to keep the blog running smoothly and cover the maintenance costs. Every contribution, whether big or small, directly supports the continuation of this journey, ensuring that the blog remains a valuable resource for fellow travellers.

Thank you for being a part of this global adventure!