Best Pacific West United States Travel Books of 2026

The Milepost is the ultimate guide to traveling in Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta. With mile-by-mile descriptions of over 15,000 miles of road, the guide details accommodations, camping, fishing, gas stops, restaurants, attractions, and services. It also includes maps, photos, and suggested itineraries to help travelers plan their trips. The 2023 edition is the 75th anniversary of the guide, which was first published in 1949. The Milepost is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the northern regions of North America.

The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed is an outstanding guidebook that offers an in-depth look at everything there is to see and do on the island. The 13th edition is written by Andrew Doughty and provides honest, unbiased reviews of restaurants, hotels, and activities. The book includes driving tours, maps, and clear, concise directions to hidden gems such as deserted beaches, tropical jungles, and water-filled lava pools. What sets this guidebook apart is the up-to-date information available on their website and smartphone app, with over 70 resort reviews and detailed aerial photos. Overall, this is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Kaua'i.

The Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook is an excellent travel guide for anyone planning a vacation to Maui. The 11th edition offers a comprehensive and humorous guide to the island's best attractions, from secluded beaches to hidden waterfalls. The book is unique in that it was written by a resident who personally and anonymously reviewed every aspect of the island over the course of a year. The guide also includes the best maps available and frank recommendations on places to avoid. Overall, this is a must-have guidebook for anyone looking to make the most of their Maui vacation.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and a powerful memoir that tells the story of a young woman who embarks on an eleven-hundred-mile solo hike after losing everything. Driven only by blind will, she hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State, and she does it alone. The book captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

Hawaii the Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook is a comprehensive and humorous guide to everything there is to see and do on the Big Island. The book is compiled over a year by residents who personally and anonymously review every facet of the island. From pristine beaches to delicious places to dine, this book provides accurate and up-to-date information that is not available in most travel titles. The book also includes driving tours that let you structure your trip your way. Overall, this is a candid and brutally honest guidebook that is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the Big Island.

Lei Aloha takes readers on a colorful journey into the world of lei-making and Hawaiian culture. With vibrant photography and flower inspirations, the book shares the history of lei and the community behind it. Author Meleana Estes, a stylist and lei expert, continues her grandmother's legacy by creating intricate and stunning lei. Each chapter features a grouping of flowers and lei, along with anecdotes about their history and uses. The book also showcases vintage mu’umu’us, lush tropical gardens, and graceful hula dancers. Lei Aloha is a beautiful celebration of Hawaiian traditions and the art of lei-making.

Fodor's Essential Italy 2023 is a comprehensive guidebook that simplifies the trip-planning process for travelers. The book includes multiple itineraries, detailed maps, and beautiful photos to help readers make the most of their time in Italy. The guidebook offers honest recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, and more. It also provides historical and cultural insights to give readers rich context on the local people, art, architecture, cuisine, wine, music, geography, and more. The book is a must-have for anyone planning on visiting Italy and nearby European countries.

Fodor's Essential Portugal is an ultimate guidebook for travelers who want to explore the best of Portugal. Packed with detailed maps, itineraries, and recommendations, this book is a valuable tool for simplifying your trip-planning process and making the most of your time. The guidebook is filled with historical and cultural insights, as well as special features on Portugal's castles, fortified cities, and gothic churches. Local writers provide honest recommendations on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and activities. Overall, Fodor's Essential Portugal is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful country.

Fodor's The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises is the ultimate travel guidebook for anyone planning a cruise to Alaska. This comprehensive guide is packed with expert recommendations, detailed reviews of all the cruise lines and their ships, and more than 22 maps to help you navigate the area confidently. The guide also includes beautiful color photos, trip-planning tools, and practical tips on everything from when to go to saving time and money. The book's historical and cultural insights provide rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography, and more. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning a cruise to Alaska.