Dec 4

Dec 4 Travel Books For Kids

Introducing kids to the idea of traveling is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Through stories—before they even board a plane, step onto a train, or buckle into a car seat—young readers learn that the world is vast, varied, and full of wonder. Travel books offer a magical gateway: they teach kids that there is a big world waiting for them, full of new cultures, landscapes, foods, languages, and experiences. Before children ever leave home, reading opens their minds to curiosity, empathy, and adventure. And when children eventually do travel, these books help them approach each destination with excitement rather than fear.

Today, I’m sharing a roundup of travel books for kids that inspire wanderlust and cultivate a love of exploring. Some are guidebook-style (yes, even kids can get their own version of Lonely Planet!), some are beautifully illustrated picture books that highlight countries around the world, and others follow fictional characters on global quests. Together, they help kids picture themselves as travelers—curious, brave, and open to discovering all the world has to offer.

14 Travel Books For Kids

Before diving into the list, let’s take a moment to talk about how reading and traveling are connected—and why this matters for young readers. The more we encourage kids to read about travel, the more we give them the tools to understand (and appreciate) people and places beyond their daily life. Reading builds cultural awareness long before children ever pack a suitcase.

This connection also boosts kids’ confidence. A child who has read a travel story about Paris or Kenya or the Grand Canyon steps into a new environment with less uncertainty and more curiosity. Parents often ask for ways to raise brave, flexible kids who love trying new things—and one of the easiest ways to start is by letting them explore the world through travel books. Paired with other genres like kids mystery books, travel stories deepen imagination, build critical thinking, and reinforce that the world is full of wonder waiting to be uncovered.

Books can be the very first passport.

How Are Reading And Traveling Related

Reading Builds Imagination

When children read travel books, they imagine new settings, new people, and new experiences. This kind of imaginative play helps kids think beyond the familiar and prepares them to enjoy new places when they actually visit. A book set in Tokyo or Rome becomes a safe space to explore cultural differences and similarities. Through stories, kids picture what a city might look like, what food might taste like, or what languages might sound like. Reading gives them mental “practice”—which makes real travel more exciting and less intimidating.

Reading Encourages Curiosity About the World

Curiosity is at the heart of both reading and travel. Books spark questions: Why does this monument matter? What holidays do people celebrate here? What animals live in this place? When children learn to ask these questions through reading, they naturally bring the same curiosity into their travels. Travel books—especially those created by Lonely Planet or global authors—help kids discover that there are countless ways to live a beautiful life.

Reading Develops Empathy Across Cultures

When a story follows a child from another part of the world, young readers step into someone else’s shoes. They feel their joys, challenges, traditions, and routines. This cultural empathy is deeply important for travelers. Kids who understand cultural diversity through reading are more likely to approach travel with kindness, openness, and respect. Travel becomes more than sightseeing—it becomes connection.

Reading Makes Travel Less Scary

Even adults know that travel can feel overwhelming: airports, new foods, different languages, unfamiliar customs. Kids feel this too. But when children read about destinations before visiting, they arrive already having a sense of what to expect. They recognize landmarks from the pages of books, making the real-life experience feel comforting and familiar. Reading reduces uncertainty—and boosts excitement.

Reading Inspires Lifelong Learning

Travel encourages lifelong learning, and so does reading. When kids fall in love with travel through books, they begin a journey of continuous discovery. A child who reads about the pyramids may later become fascinated by archaeology. A kid who devours books about different cultures may grow up interested in languages or global history. Books help kids see the world as a place worth understanding.

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What Are The Best Books About Travel For Kids

Below is a mix of picture books, early readers, chapter books, and guide-style books—each one selected because it introduces travel in a meaningful, engaging way. Parents often ask for books for kids that encourage a sense of adventure, and this list captures the very best of that spirit.

The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid

Created by the team behind Atlas Obscura, this book blends travel, science, and geography to showcase some of the world’s most surprising places. Kids can learn about glowworm caves in New Zealand, a treehouse village in Costa Rica, or the world’s largest crystal cave in Mexico. It sparks curiosity in a way that encourages kids to see the world as extraordinary.

Lonely Planet Kids: The Travel Book

This is one of the best travel books for kids who love facts, geography, and beautifully designed pages. Lonely Planet created a kid-focused version of its signature travel guide, featuring every country in the world with kid-friendly fun facts, illustrations, and cultural insights. Expect bright visuals, easy-to-read text, and lots of “Wait, did you know…?” moments.

Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski

This oversized, beautifully illustrated map book gives children a global overview in a visually stunning way. Each country’s map includes animals, foods, famous people, and cultural icons. It’s the kind of book kids can spend hours flipping through. Parents love it because it blends art and education seamlessly.

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche

A creative way to teach kids about architecture, climate, and cultural customs. From yurts and treehouses to adobe homes and Victorian mansions, this book explores how people live around the globe. It’s not strictly a travel book, but it expands children’s understanding of the world—and encourages curiosity about different ways of life.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas

For families who travel domestically, this is a perfect introduction. It highlights each state with maps, cool facts, roadside attractions, and fun activities. Kids can follow along during real road trips or simply explore from home. It’s educational, colorful, and a great resource for young explorers.

The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé

Tintin travels the world solving mysteries, exploring ancient ruins, and uncovering global conspiracies. These graphic novels have inspired generations of young travelers. Each story takes place in a different location, teaching kids about geography while keeping them entertained with action and humor. They pair nicely with posts like the one on famous children’s authors.

This Is Series by Miroslav Sasek

A timeless series of illustrated travel books highlighting major cities like This Is Paris, This Is New York, This Is London, and more. These books show kids what makes each place unique—architecture, traditions, history, and culture. Sasek’s illustrations feel vintage yet fresh, making them perfect for kids who love picture books.

Barefoot Books World Atlas by Nick Crane

This beautifully illustrated atlas covers continents, climates, cultures, landscapes, and landmarks. It’s particularly great for kids ages 6–10, encouraging them to understand how geography connects us. The illustrations are warm and inviting, and the pages are filled with fascinating facts.

Lonely Planet Kids: City Trails Series

This series offers fun, kid-friendly guides to cities like New York, London, and Tokyo. Instead of focusing on typical tourist attractions, they highlight offbeat and quirky places. Kids love the doodle-style illustrations and scavenger-hunt feel. Parents love that it encourages deeper engagement with real destinations.

All Aboard! National Parks by Haily and Kevin Meyers

A colorful introduction to American national parks through rhyming words and bold illustrations. Whether your family visits Yosemite, Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon, this book gives kids a sense of natural beauty and excitement. It’s ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.

Around the World in 80 Tales by Saviour Pirotta

A beautiful collection of folktales from different cultures, showing kids the global nature of storytelling. While not a travel book in the traditional sense, it develops an appreciation for places around the world through narrative tradition. Perfect for bedtime reading.

Where in the World? Search and Find by Paula Bossio

Part puzzle book, part travel adventure, this one encourages kids to “travel” through iconic global locations by spotting hidden items. It’s playful, interactive, and helps build visual awareness.

Lonely Planet Kids: Sticker World – Travel

A creative sticker activity book where kids design their own hotel, create airport layouts, arrange luggage, and craft travel scenes. It encourages imaginative travel play and builds familiarity with travel logistics in a fun, gentle way.

Follow That Map! by Scot Ritchie

This picture book teaches kids the basics of reading maps—directions, symbols, landmarks, and routes. It’s a great foundation for understanding geography. Kids help follow characters as they navigate cities, forests, and oceans.

Travel has the power to change kids’ lives—and books help them access that power no matter where they live or how far they travel. When children read stories about other countries, meet characters from different cultures, or explore landmarks on the page, they start to see the world as an exciting place full of possibilities. Whether you're raising future travelers, explorers, or global thinkers, travel books open the door.

If your kids also enjoy adventure-driven stories, I highly recommend pairing these books with genres like kids mystery books. Together, they’ll help expand imagination, build critical thinking, and deepen a lifelong love of reading.

For even more ideas on authors your kids might enjoy, you can explore my list of famous children's authors.

Travel begins long before the trip.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting this blog and the books I recommend! I may have received a book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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