10 Amazing Travel Photography Books

It’s been a long two years, in which your travel bucket list has probably gotten longer by the minute. So much to see, so little time (and so many confusing travel restrictions). Luckily, there’s an almost equally comforting alternative to travel – no passport or plane ticket required. These stunning travel photography books will transport your wandering soul to any corner of the world, with any destination literally at your fingertips. Whether you’re starting to plan your next escape or just love a bit of visual inspiration, you’re in the right place. Just pick where you want to go. First stop: the bookshop.

Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan – After spending over a decade travelling throughout  Rajasthan, photographer and writer Christine Chitnis put together her 200+ photographs into a richly hued aesthetic and storytelling of Western India. From fuchsia fabrics in a sari to blue architectural designs and bright yellow and orange spices in marketplaces, Patterns of India explores the beauty of Rajasthani culture through its diverse patterns and using as a common thread its most vibrant colours: royal blue, sandstone, marigold, ivory, and rose.

Venice Deserted – Photographers Luc and Danielle Carton have been living in Venice since 2007, but it was during the 2020 lockdown, when the city was almost completely deserted, that they were able to capture some of their most beautiful visuals. From serene canals and empty gondolas to breathtaking views of the Palazzo Ducale and St. Mark’s Basilica, they photographed the ‘Floating City’s’ most beautiful sights, both iconic and lesser-known, providing a window through which to admire Venice without its infamous crowds.

Kinfolk Travel: Slower Ways to See the World – The team behind slow-living-focused magazine Kinfolk recently published their latest book, Kinfolk Travel, a visual guide to slow, authentic and mindful journeys. From expert tips on planning more meaningful trips, to stunning visuals to inspire your next adventure, it’s just the thing if you’re looking to form a deeper connection with each new place you visit. Every turn of the page reveals an inspired experience, from an art walk in Mumbai, to hiking in Massachusetts, a train journey from Oslo to Bergen, and much more.

Vanishing Cuba – Award-winning documentarian and travel photographer Michael Chinnici sums up his many trips to Cuba in a compelling collection of over 300 photographs and stories (both in English and Spanish) of the streets, the people, the culture and the soul of this Latin American island. With a ‘Silver’, ‘Deluxe’ and ‘Reserve’ edition, Vanishing Cuba traces the country’s changes over the past 60 years of isolation, while presenting stunning visuals of its cities and landscapes, as well as showcasing the spirit of its people. From beautiful essays written by Chinnici’s Cuban friends, to his own authentic, honest photographs, it’s an inspiring visual journey, page after page.

Living in Morocco – If you can’t go to Morocco, it can easily come to you. This photobook, created by visual artist and journalist pair Lisl and Landt Dennis, is not only a traveller’s entry ticket to the country’s most iconic sites and spectacular views, but also an inspiring guide for designers and artists alike. From the famous Majorelle Gardens and La Mamounia Hotel, to Morocco’s traditional architecture, arts and crafts, you’ll feel a deep-seated connection with the rich culture and lifestyle of this vibrant country, from the coast to the desert. Heads up: It might inspire you to transform your home into a modern Moroccan kasbah.

Aotearoa – For the armchair traveller heading south, you’ll want to keep this book close. Famous Kiwi photographer Craig Potton, along with other photojournalists, share their most spectacular landscape photos of New Zealand in Aotearoa (the country’s name in the Māori language). Discover Queenstown’s famous attractions, take a boat ride in the incredible Milford Sound, spend the day in Tasman Bay or visit the iconic Hobbiton. Perfect if you’re interested in exploring the charm of New Zealand’s urban centres, its multi-coloured beaches or its wild outdoors, or simply want to leaf through stunning photographs of the country from the comfort of your couch.

Climbing Rock – Photographer François Lebeau has spent a large part of his career capturing rock climbers in action around the world. Climbing Rock is a novel-format photography book that shows his best work, focused solely on rock climbing across North America – from the Bugaboos in Canada to Yosemite and Chattanooga in the US, and all the way to Potrero Chico in Mexico. All climbing spots are categorised by season, making it easier for avid climbers to find the most unique landscapes at any time of the year, while also including photos of climbers resting and lounging, plus showcasing different textures found in nature, and more. Whether you’re planning your next vertical expedition or just want a nice aesthetic for your coffee table, your search is over.

Brassaï: Paris la Nuit – Visit a 1930s City of Lights, when it shined the brightest – at night. Famous Hungarian photographer Gyula Halász, better known as Brassaï, was living in the city when he fell in love with Paris and photography all at once. While residing in the historic neighbourhood of Montparnasse, he spent his nights capturing the essence of Paris under the streetlights, fog and rain – and the result is poetic, black-and-white magic. An empty Pont Royal, Notre Dame’s gargoyles, parties in Rue de Lappe… it’s definitely a must if you’re looking to see the French capital from a more authentic and less cosmopolitan perspective.

Street Art Africa – Besides its incredible wildlife, haunting deserts and fascinating tribal societies, the African continent is also home to some of the richest street art cultures in the world. If you’re thinking of embarking on a different kind of African expedition, this photographic book might be a good starting point. The tome intersperses interviews with active African artists among captivating photographs of street artwork from over 200 leading artists, including the famous Murais da Leba – a 6,000-square-foot wall covered in graffiti in Angola. All photographs were taken by Johannesburg-based artist, documentarist and photographer Cale Waddacor. 

The Bonds We Share – If you can’t pick just one destination, travel the whole world through the lens of Glenn Losack. This 240-photograph book captures the soul of every culture within its covers, from how people around the globe express their beliefs to how they connect with one another. Losack finds the true colours of every population he visits, and transforms their daily struggles into a visual message of hope and compassion. An inspiring and thought-provoking addition to your photo library, with a bonus: a portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales go to the Doctors Without Borders organisation.