Best General Travel Reference Books of 2025

National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition is an essential guide for anyone planning a road trip across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. This atlas includes up-to-date road maps for all 50 states, with inset maps that detail major cities and popular attractions. What sets this atlas apart is the inclusion of detailed maps and recommendations for the top 100 destinations for adventure, as well as the top 24 most visited national parks. The heavy-duty spiral binding and clear plastic cover ensure durability and easy reading. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for travelers seeking adventure on the open road.

National Geographic's "50 States, 5,000 Ideas" is a must-have for any traveler. This beautifully illustrated book covers the best travel experiences in every U.S. state and Canadian province, from popular national parks to off-the-beaten-path museums and attractions. Each entry provides detailed travel information and interesting facts about the state, making it the perfect guidebook for planning your next adventure. With over three decades of experience, author Joe Yogerst's expertise shines through in the book's well-researched content. Overall, "50 States, 5,000 Ideas" is a comprehensive and unique travel guide that's perfect for anyone looking to explore North America.

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small is a unique travel book that contains a collection of 1,000 life-affirming adventures across the seven continents. The book is organized by longitude and latitude, making it easy for travelers to plan their dream vacations. The recommendations cater to all ages and interests, from extreme sports to culinary delights. The guide is packed with over 300 remarkable photos and information on the best beaches, museums, monuments, islands, inns, restaurants, and mountains at every longitude. The Bucket List is a valuable reference and a wonderful gift for digital nomads, recent grads, sabbatical planners, and adventuresome retirees.

Rick Steves Iceland is a comprehensive guidebook for travelers looking to explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Iceland. The book offers a variety of itineraries, from 24-hour layovers to two-week trips, and includes Rick Steves' expert advice on how to get the most out of your time and money. With tips on beating the crowds, avoiding tourist traps, and connecting with local culture, this guidebook is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Iceland. The book also includes detailed maps, a packing list, and a historical overview. Overall, Rick Steves Iceland is an essential resource for anyone looking to explore this beautiful country.

The Rick Steves Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary is a must-have for any traveler heading to Italy. This book offers a comprehensive guide to the Italian language, including key phrases for everyday situations, a dictionary, and tips for small talk. The book also includes a tear-out cheat sheet for continued language practice. Rick Steves, a renowned travel expert, has spent over four months a year exploring Europe since 1973. This book is informative, concise, and practical, making it an essential item for any traveler's pocket.

The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet) is a comprehensive guide that takes readers on a journey through every country in the world. The fourth edition features all-new profiles for each country, complete with details on when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about the country's culture. The book is filled with stunning photography that depicts life in each nation, accompanied by colorful and detailed mapping. This 416-page hardback package is an excellent gift for travel enthusiasts and will undoubtedly inspire wanderlust.

Fodor's Best Road Trips in the USA: 50 Epic Trips Across All 50 States is a comprehensive guidebook for travelers seeking adventure on the road. The book features detailed maps, itineraries, and recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, and more. It also includes historical and cultural insights to provide rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography, and more. The book is designed with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone planning a road trip across the United States.

The Most Scenic Drives in America, Newly Revised and Updated: 120 Spectacular Road Trips is a comprehensive trip planner and travel guide that offers an all-in-one solution for those who want to explore the most picturesque routes in North America. The book features stunning full-color pictures and detailed maps, making it easy to plan a road trip in any region. The newly added drives in Canada's most stunning destinations are a bonus. The Star Routes feature, which highlights shorter but especially scenic roads, is also a plus. This Reader's Digest travel guide is a must-have for any traveler who wants to experience the beauty of North America's byways.

"World Travel: An Irreverent Guide" is the final book by the late Anthony Bourdain, which offers readers an introduction to some of his favorite places around the world, including practical advice on how to get there, what to eat, where to stay, and what to avoid. The book also includes essays by friends, colleagues, and family that tell deeper stories about a place, as well as illustrations by Wesley Allsbrook. For those who love traveling or just want to experience the world through Bourdain's eyes, "World Travel" is a must-read. Overall, it's a bittersweet reminder of the unique and insightful perspective Bourdain brought to the world.

Rick Steves Pocket Amsterdam is a must-have guidebook for anyone planning a short stay in the city. The book provides six detailed tours and walks that showcase Amsterdam's essential sights, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, plus neighborhood walks through the Red Light District, Jordaan, and the historic city center. The book also offers strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money, day-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time, and practical trip-planning tips. With its colorful, portable, and slim design, it is perfect for exploring on-the-go. Overall, this is a fantastic guidebook that provides valuable insights into Amsterdam's history and culture.