Our Favourite Books

Our favourite books have always been a big part of how we travel — not just in planning, but in dreaming. While travel guides are great for the logistics, inspiration often comes from unexpected places. A novel set in a charming village, a memoir of someone’s journey across a country, or a deep dive into the history of a region can all spark that sense of curiosity and wonder. Fiction, non-fiction, essays, even cookbooks — they each offer a different lens through which to see the world. Here are some of our favourite books that have inspired our travels, shaped our itineraries, or simply kept us company along the way. Click on any book to buy from Amazon!

Don’t forget to check out our Travel Must Haves for ideas on what to take to make your long trip easier!

In Ruskin’s Venice: The Stones Revisited, photographer Sarah Quill pairs excerpts from Ruskin’s The Stones of Venice with her contemporary images, creating a compelling visual guide that bridges past and present.
A lush and vibrant detective series following Gabriel Allon, a master art restorer and sometime officer of Israeli intelligence. Stories are set against the backdrop of the beauty of some of the most beautiful European cities.
See You in the Piazza, Frances Mayes takes us off the beaten path through thirteen Italian regions, uncovering local secrets, hidden gems, and the everyday magic only a true insider can reveal.
In Mexican Days, Tony Cohan expands on his classic On Mexican Time, venturing beyond San Miguel de Allende to explore a changing Mexico, driven by wanderlust and the pull of new stories.
Magical Venice is a stylish guide for modern travelers, with must-see highlights, themed photo spreads, and walking routes through each district. It reveals Venice’s hidden charm—from grand palaces and quiet piazzettas to local cuisine, museums, and artisan traditions.
Chasing a Croatian Girl is Cody McClain Brown’s witty tale of adapting to life in Croatia after falling for a local woman. From cultural quirks to family dynamics, he humorously uncovers the charm of Croatian life beyond the postcards.
Another true account of murder, this time in Florence, Italy. A dark, but gripping read flush with the beauty of this beautiful and historic city.
A murder in Savannah is the backdrop of this true story. Lush and dripping with Southern vibes this book inspired our trip there. A visit to the Mercer-Williams House; the scene of the crime. A fascinating and entertaining read!
Another fantastic read from John Berendt this time set in the floating city of Venice. Theater, Mafia, a raging inferno of a fire all come together in an intriguing and intense read. Inspired our visit to the beautiful island of Murano to see the renowned workshop of Archimede Seguso.
The retelling of the classical story of Circe. An intoxicating and powerful epic. Loved it!
A classical retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War. Beautifully told in very approachable voice. An excellent page turner!
The classic story of the most feared woman in mythology – Medusa. We follow her life from a young girl through to the young woman whose assault by Poseiden so enraged the Goddess Athena that she cursed Medusa in the cruelest way. Just an excellent read.
An in-depth look at the differences of wine regions throughout the world and the influence those differences have on the taste of the wines produced there. An essential reference for those who are passionate about wine, and a must read if you are travelling to wine regions and visiting their regional wineries.
A collection of classical tales focusing on the women who usually play side roles in the much larger myths, and legends. Told with humour. these stories are engaging, funny, and sometimes sad. A must for fans of this genre.
When an American journalist heads to Mexico to cover a high-stakes duel between two legendary matadors, he finds himself drawn into a much deeper story; one that traces the roots of his own Mexican heritage.
A 15,000 mile motorcycle journey from the northernmost tip of Scotland to the southernmost tip of South Africa. A fun and dramatic read sure to inspire some FOMO in motorcyle riders.
Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Photography by Richard I’Anson offers practical, jargon-free advice for capturing stunning travel shots. Updated for today’s gear, it covers everything from smartphones and DSLRs to drones and GoPros — perfect for beginners and seasoned photographers alike.
In 1940, as France fell to Nazi occupation, the German army quickly set its sights on one of the country’s most treasured assets — its wine. But French winemakers weren’t about to let their cellars be emptied without a fight. Their story has long flown under the radar, but this remarkable chapter in history is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Since his first visit in 1964, Nooteboom has returned to Venice time and again, capturing its beauty through quiet alleys, canals, and hidden corners. Blending personal reflection with cultural homage, he brings the city’s timeless art, architecture, and spirit vividly to life.
An ecelectic collection of curious and unusual destinations. It’s set up geographically which is super convenient. I always take a read through of upcoming trip destinations to see if there is anything super nichy and unique to visit.
An eye-opening look at the destruction that took place in the Classical world with the rise of monotheism and Christianity. As our eyes turn towards our next trip, this has become very interesting to me!
A lush and vibrant deThis is beautifully written account of author Anthony Doerr’s year in Rome with his wife and two newborn twin sons. Rome absolutely comes alive in his vivid and detailed storytelling. We’ve been to Rome several times and this one makes us want to go back all over again!
These books are like our travel BFFs—always updated, packed with solid advice, and full of inspiration. They help us figure out the best neighborhoods to stay in, what not to miss, and how to piece together a great itinerary whether we’ve got a couple of days or a few weeks.