Indulge your Wanderlust: Amazing Books About Traveling the World to Read in 2025

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book—especially one that whisks you away to far-off places and bucket-list adventures. I’ve been reading stacks of summer books lately, trying to get a jump on what to recommend to you guys this season. So far, these are the best books about traveling the world to add to your TBR right now.

From sun-soaked villas in Italy to misty beach towns and bustling capital cities, this list is packed with travel-inspired books that deliver equal parts escapism and heart. Whether you’re dreaming of your next big trip or just want a break from the everyday, these summery travel reads will take you on fabulous journeys full of romance, self-discovery, and unforgettable destinations.

So grab your your beach towel, and let’s dive into the best travel fiction to indulge your wanderlust—no boarding pass required.

You may be interested in these reading lists:

1. Beach Reads for summer 2025: the best books to read by the water this season
2. Travel fiction to indulge your wanderlust
3. Adventurous escapes that will transport you around the world
4. Escape to Budapest: a destination specific reading list to inspire your trip to Hungary’s capital city
5. Snowed-in wintery novels for when you’re ready to switch up the vibes

This post includes affiliate links, which means if you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books and products I truly love, and your support helps keep this blog going. Thanks for reading!

1. Love and Gelato, A Heartfelt Journey Through Florence, Grief, and Legacy.

Love and Gelato, what else do you need? This is an emotional young adult novel set in a bucket-list destination. It delivers all the summer-in-Italy feels while exploring grief, love, and a complex family history.

When Lina’s mother becomes terminally ill, her final wish is for Lina to spend the summer in Florence, Italy, where she once attended art school. She shares stories from that time—ones filled with joy, creative freedom, and a mysterious man named Howard. In her final days, Lina’s mom hastily reveals that Howard is actually Lina’s father—a man she’s never met and knew nothing about until now.

With her world turned upside down, Lina agrees to move to the Tuscan countryside near Florence to live with Howard, who now works at—and lives in—a historic cemetery (yep, really). It’s a setting that’s both poetic and slightly eerie, mirroring the emotional heaviness Lina carries. She’s still reeling from her mother’s death, and Florence becomes the backdrop for a transformative summer of healing, connection, and truth-seeking.

🇮🇹 The Setting: A Summer in Florence, Full of Discovery

From historic Italian villas to Vespa rides through cobblestone streets, the Florentine and Tuscan setting is rich, romantic, and fully immersive. The novel captures the dreamlike quality of experiencing a new country while grieving the past. Lina’s journey includes everything from the iconic duomo and nightclubs to family secrets and fresh friendships.

She quickly bonds with Ren, her charming neighbor and half-American classmate, who becomes her guide through the city and partner in uncovering her mother’s story. Their relationship is tender, fun, and built on a foundation of genuine friendship, making it an endearing YA romance. 

The Journal: A Window Into Her Mother’s Past

One of the most powerful elements of the novel is the journal Lina discovers, written by her mother during her own time in Florence. Titled “I Made the Wrong Choice,” it’s both a breadcrumb trail and a doorway into her mother’s young adulthood—her art, her joy, and ultimately the choices that led her away from Howard and into a life Lina never fully understood.

Through the journal, Lina is able to view her mother not just as a parent, but as a young woman full of ambition, confusion, and heart. It’s a rare, intimate look at a mother’s inner world—one many children don’t get to observe, and it’s really cool.

💔 Themes: Grief, Family, and Finding Your Way Forward

This young adult novel has timeless themes that will resonate with readers of any age. This book handles grief and loss with tenderness and realism and it hits so hard 💔. Lina’s grief is powerful, raw and honest— and she shows SO much strength and vulnerability in the way she acknowledges that missing her mother will be ever present. And she confronts this simply, with acceptance. She forges forward, fearfully, and it’s honestly so moving and well written— like I was gutted, idk.. it was really sad. 

The themes of found family, identity, and emotional healing give the novel depth beyond its beautiful setting. And while the romance is pure and authentic, it’s Lina’s evolving relationship with her mother’s memory and family story that truly shine.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Travel Read

✔️ A YA novel set in Italy
✔️ Travel fiction with emotional depth
✔️ A moving story about grief and identity

Love and Gelato is a one of the best travel inspired books for your summer TBR. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the hardest journeys lead to the most healing—and that love, in all its forms, leaves behind a lasting imprint.

2. The Game (Silver Gilt #1), Travel, tennis, and self-discovery collide in this vibrant summer read set against the backdrop of Europe.

The Game by S. R. Grey is a travel-themed coming-of-age novel that mixes family drama, sports, and a European summer escape, a fantastic pick for your wanderlust reading list. It’s the first book in the Silver Gilt trilogy—yes, as in Game, Set, Match (and yes, it’s tennis-themed and I love it).

🌍 The Setting: Berlin, Backpacking, and a Taste of Freedom

Brooke is spending her summer backpacking solo through Europe, trying to outrun the pressing shadows of her past. Most of the story takes place in Berlin, a city buzzing with creative energy, and a rebellious, free-spirited counter culture. It’s the perfect city for Brooke’s search for independence and self-discovery. The narrative also touches on Prague, rounding out the book’s irresistible travel appeal.

This summer escape isn’t about frivolity or iconic instagram worthy photo ops—it’s about identity, healing, and reclaiming her future. The travel descriptions are vibrant and immersive, making this a must-read for fans of books about traveling that feels both adventurous and liberating.

💸 The Premise: Billionaire Daughter with a Broken Past

Brooke is the only daughter of a billionaire family, and her wealth has done little to shield her from devastation. Her mother is controlling and cold, her home life is suffocating, and her past holds a trauma that’s only ever referred to as “the something.” It’s slowly revealed over time and adds a heavy, authentic weight to her journey.

Rather than falling into the typical “poor little rich girl” trope, Brooke feels determined and tough, and her family circumstances are raw and tragic. Her solo trip is less about luxury and more about chasing a dream. And freedom.

🎾 The Tennis Angle: Discipline, Drive, and Carrie Soto Vibes

Brooke is a tennis prodigy, with her eyes once firmly set on a professional career. She’s incredibly disciplined, focused, and strong—mentally and physically. Her love for the sport and the sacrifices it’s demanded remind me of Carrie Soto Is Back, which I loved. If you enjoy sports stories that dive into the psychological side of ambition and resilience, this subplot adds a solid layer of grit to the novel.

💭 Why I liked it:

The Game is vibrant, fun travel read with emotional weight. It captures the exhilarating independence of solo travel, the magic of unexpected friendship, and the aching process of healing. The writing is rich, the pacing is smooth, and the themes hit harder than you’d expect from a book that feels, at first glance, like a carefree rom-com.

✔️ Books about traveling solo
✔️ Tennis-themed fiction with strong female leads
✔️ European summer escapes
✔️ A perfect summer read with substance

I can’t wait to dive into the next two installments, Set and Match. Game was an enjoyable, escapist travel read for 2025.

3. A Heartwarming Journey Through Kyoto – The Perfect Summer Escape

I Love You so Mochi is the perfect book about traveling to provide a literary getaway. Set in Kyoto, Japan— an intriguing and lively city. It’s an uplifting story about family, creativity, and self-discovery, all wrapped in a dreamy, wanderlust-filled adventure.

🌸 The Story: A Spring Break That Changes Everything

Kimi never expected to spend senior year spring break in Kyoto with her estranged grandparents—a family she barely knows due to years of tension between them and her mother. A renowned painter, her mother hopes this trip will push Kimi to refocus on her art and follow in her footsteps. But Kimi’s passion lies elsewhere: fashion—something her mother sees as frivolous rather than a real creative pursuit. Caught between expectation and self-expression, Kimi is struggling with an identity crisis and hoping that this journey to Japan will help her find clarity.

Leaving behind plans with her two best friends, Kimi embarks on a journey that turns out to be far more than just a trip abroad. She soon meets Akira, a cute local boy whose first impression is legendary—he’s literally dressed as a giant mochi mascot (yes, really). With Akira as her guide, Kimi explores the most enchanting sights in Kyoto—from feeding the semi-domesticated deer in Nara to wandering through the bamboo forest, cherry blossom-lined streets, and experiencing Kyoto’s food scene.

👘A Story of Culture, Art, and Self-Discovery

Beyond the bucket-list destination as the setting, Kimi’s time in Kyoto is about more than sightseeing—it’s about reconnecting with her family’s heritage and nurturing her artistic identity. Through heartfelt letters home, Kimi shares the depth of her creativity with her mother, revealing how she finds inspiration in nature’s complexities and Tokyo’s bold street style. Despite her youth, her artistic maturity and vision shine, making this story both deeply personal and universally relatable. Kimi is a great character, strong, vulnerable, and bursting with  creative energy. 

Though the novel briefly touches on generational trauma, particularly in the context of WWII and the cultural divide between Kimi’s mother and grandparents, the overall tone remains lighthearted, uplifting, and full of warmth.

My Thoughts: A Must-Read for Travel & Art Lovers

This book is immersive, with wanderlust imagery of Kyoto and the surrounding areas. The portrayal of Kyoto is very authentic, they hit the big tourist attraction but also give us a sneak peak into student life, the food scene and so much culture. I loved the inclusion of Kimi’s creative process and finding herself as an artist. Although this is a young adult novel, the themes are still timeless and inspiring. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms in Kyoto or simply looking for a heartfelt summer read, this novel will entertain and uplift you.

4. An Irish Summer: A Love Letter to Ireland

If you’re craving a travel-inspired novel that feels like a summer abroad, this is one to add to your TBR. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, character growth, and books that transport you to beautiful destinations, this story is a love letter to Ireland wrapped in a heartwarming travel romance.

Chelsea’s world is shaken up when she suddenly loses her job at a Boston hotel. The owners selling the property, and she’s left not only jobless but homeless—and scrambling for options. As a consolation, they recommend her for a job at their sister’s popular hostel. The catch? It’s in Galway, Ireland, a million miles away from her best friend, family and the city she’s always called home.

Begrudgingly, Chelsea heads to Ireland—not because she wants to, but because it’s slightly better than moving back in with her parents. She’s heartbroken to leave Boston and unsure what to expect from her summer abroad at the Wanderer hostel. When she arrives, she’s unimpressed, homesick, and emotionally checked out. But despite her gloom, she quickly finds herself surrounded by an eclectic, close-knit crew of international hostel staff who have turned the Wanderer into their home and chosen family.

Chelsea’s time in Galway has an expiration date. She spends her free time applying to jobs back in Boston, driven to re-assemble her former life. 

🧡 Cue the Travel Romance

 Enter Collin—the Wanderer’s bartender, tour guide, and all-around charming Irishman. He’s smitten with Chelsea from the start, but there’s just one small problem: she doesn’t really like Ireland. But Collin? Loves his country.

What unfolds is a slow-burn, opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers romance with all the filled with playful banter, cultural contrasts, and undeniable chemistry. Determined to win her over—not just romantically, but to the soul of his homeland—Collin becomes Chelsea’s unofficial guide to Ireland. Through them, we get to experience the country in vivid detail:  hidden gems, dramatic landscapes, local sports, folklore, and rich cultural traditions.

✈️ Travel Book That Transports You

But beyond their budding romance, this book is an irresistible love song to Ireland itself. The setting is so exceptionally drawn, you’ll feel like you’re exploring alongside them—wandering windswept cliffs, and sipping pints in cozy pubs.

Collin is magnetic—the classic golden-retriever guy with an infectious joie-de-vivre. His “live in the moment” outlook could honestly fill a mountain of fortune cookies. Chelsea, meanwhile, is a little harder to warm up to. Her attachment to Boston—and persistent resistance to embracing the magic around her—can feel frustrating at times. Still, her emotional hesitation helps create meaningful tension and grounds the story in real-world struggle and transformation (although, personally, I could not relate).

Final thoughts on Irish Summer

The tone of the novel is young, free-spirited, and brimming with wanderlust. It perfectly captures that feeling of a fleeting but unforgettable summer abroad, wrapped in peachy sunsets, dewey green hills, and the friendships that change you forever. Maybe I’m biased—I studied abroad and romanticize it constantly—but this book feels like that kind of memory. Timeless, golden, and steeped in nostalgia.

At its heart, this is a lighthearted, heartwarming novel about the transformative power of travel, and self-discovery. It’s not just a romance—it’s a celebration of Ireland’s soul-stirring beauty, and It’s one of those books that make you want to pack a bag and book a ticket immediately.

5. The Secret Cove in Croatia – A Sun-Soaked Summer Escape on the Adriatic

This novel is exactly the kind of sun-soaked escape you want in your beach bag—delightful, lighthearted travel fiction set in a swoon-worthy destination

Part of the Romantic Escapes series, The Secret Cove in Croatia works as a standalone—but TBH, the series name alone had me on board. And when I saw that this one was set in Croatia? Immediate add to cart. The coastal European setting, the glittering Adriatic, the promise of summer romance—I snatched it up. 

⛵️ The Story: an Enviously Luxurious Adventure

Maddie joins a luxury charter yacht as a last-minute deckhand, thanks to a referral from her friend, whose brother Nick is an unlikely guest aboard the yacht. Maddie expects to find an ally in him—someone with a humble background like her. But from the second she meets him, he’s trying way too hard to fit in with the crew of wealthy socialites and his own obnoxious model girlfriend, Tara. And Maddie? She’s not impressed.

As Maddie starts her job catering to the whims of the elite, it’s clear she doesn’t belong in their world. She’s confident, self-aware, and authentic —but even so, the snide remarks and superficial drama from the guests start to wear on her. Nick isn’t faring much better. He’s falling into their shallow patterns and letting Tara, drag him around like a freshly castrated puppy.

There’s obvious tension and satisfying comfort to be found between Maddie and Nick. While their initial encounter was fraught, they strike a quiet acceptance that they’re the odd ones out. Slowly, though, they start to see each other differently and maybe their common ground will bring them together while the yacht sails from one glamorous Croatian island to another.

🌊 The Setting: Coastal Croatia Steals the Show

This novel absolutely celebrates the European summer vibes. The Adriatic coast setting is immersive and dreamy, filled with warm sandy beaches, cliffside villas, and star-studded beach clubs. The writing truly captures the magic of island-hopping along the Dalmatian coast, making you feel like you’re right there with them—mojito in hand, wind in your hair.

The characters face dive into stark cliché (yes, the rich guests are as unbearable as you’d expect). They embody some obtuse stereotypes and are pretty one-dimensional. However, the stunning backdrop of Croatia carries the novel. It’s all about the contrast—between superficial excess authenticity.  And, Maddie loves art— the artistic angle adds some much needed substance to the novel that I really enjoyed. 

💬 Why I recommend it: Light, Fun, and Filled With Wanderlust

The Secret Cove in Croatia isn’t trying to be deep or emotionally wrenching—it’s meant to be fun, flirty, and fabulously scenic, and on that front, it absolutely delivers.  I’d recommend this novel of those in the mood for:
✔️ Travel inspired Books set in beautiful international destinations
✔️ Yacht life + summer love + stunning scenery
✔️ A feel-good, escapist travel reads like a vacation

The setting is lush and the summer-in-Europe energy is off the charts. It’s perfect for your next beach read or armchair adventure.

6. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

An amazing, powerful historical fiction novel set in Belgian Congo—perfect for readers who crave travel-inspired fiction with emotional depth and a strong sense of place. Or perfect for readers that love excellent stories.

Okay, so this might not technically qualify as a beach read—it’s not lighthearted, and the themes are serious, even tragic at times. But it absolutely fits the bill for summery books about traveling the world. And quite honestly? The Poisonwood Bible is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I will never not recommend it. It’s truly a masterpiece, and IMHO, Barbara Kingsolver’s best book.

🌍 The Story: A Family Transplants Their Faith—And Falls Apart

The novel begins in 1959, when Nathan Price, a fiery (zealot?) Baptist missionary, uproots his wife and four daughters from Georgia to live in the village of Kilanga in the Belgian Congo. Each chapter is told through the distinct voices of the daughters—Adah, Leah, Rachel, and Ruth May—as they reflect on their time in Africa from both past and present perspectives.

From the moment they arrive, the Price family is overwhelmed by culture shock. Gone are the comforts of modern American life, replaced with jungle bugs, rustic food, and the extreme strain of adapting to a resource-scarce environment. Their religious upbringing is tested in new and uncomfortable ways. Some of the girls adapt. Some rebel. And their father? He becomes increasingly harsh, obsessive, and fanatical (completely awful).

🤯 What Makes It So Powerful?

What I love about this novel is the historical and cultural context is a mirror for a taxing family story. The Congo becomes more than a setting—it’s a living, breathing character. The book explores Western colonialism, privilege, and resilience with unflinching and brutal honesty, all while giving each narrator an incredible voice. The political climate of the time reflects the evolution of the the Price family.

While Nathan’s unraveling is a little disturbing, the daughters’ stories are filled with moments of, wit, and even levity. The sisters beautifully written, particularly Adah and Leah, sharp and observant twins, one with an impactful disability. The tone is never overly sentimental, but deeply moving.

✈️ Why It Belongs on a Travel Reads List

This isn’t a story about sightseeing—it’s a story about being immersed in a place so unfamiliar it shakes your worldview. It’s a story about how travel—and dislocation—changes you. The Price family doesn’t just visit the Congo; they are irreversibly transformed by it- in the harshest ways. The Poisonwood Bible is a must-read for anyone and everyone. 

✨ Why You’ll Love The Poisonwood Bible

✔️ Emotional, character-driven storytelling
✔️ A vivid setting with harsh stakes
✔️ Books about traveling the world and cultural immersion

This novel is tragic, adventurous, gritty, and unbelievable. Even if it’s not your typical beach read, it’s one of the best travel-inspired books you’ll ever experience. Read it, let’s talk about it. If you add me on Goodreads, we honestly can form a support group over this book.

If you’re looking for inspiration for you Sumer TBR, I recommend any of these wanderlust books about traveling the world. I enjoyed these travel reads a lot, and I hope you’ll find a relaxing escape into inspiring settings. Thanks for reading!