Coffee table books are my achilles heel. I live in a modestly-sized apartment in Boston where space comes at a premium, but I will never deny myself the joy of a beautiful travel-inspired tome. I’ll collect them until my shelves are full, until they serve as impromptu nightstands, until every kitchen cabinet overfloweth and, yes, until they cover my coffee table itself. I simply can’t stop collecting them, and the books given to me by others are especially nostalgic—is there any gift more elegant?
A good travel coffee table book not only inspires with its contents, but also offers aesthetic appeal (hence why they’re all over my home), and serves as a conversation starter. They’re a beautiful gift, and a symbol that travel isn’t necessarily a checklist of places you’ve been, but a state of mind about how you choose to live. Have I been to Greece? Not yet. But am I willing to fill my home with books about its ancient ruins and sun-drenched isles? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for some of the best travel coffee table books out there to give (or to receive) this holiday season and beyond, here’s where to start.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Megan Spurrell.
The beautiful exteriors of our national parks have been well documented a thousand times over, but what about the interiors? This fresh concept of a book lushly photographs 10 historic lodges across America—from Crater Lake Lodge to The Ahwahnee in Yosemite—offering up some of the best homegrown hygge and #cabinporn you’ll find anywhere.
Should we all just…move to Paris? Tastemaker Ajiri Aki makes French living look positively delightful in this gorgeous book. It covers so many topics, from why you should always buy yourself flowers just because, to the importance of actually using the good china, to making the argument for serving Champagne in coupe glasses. For the Francophile in your life, there’s no better book to gift them this season.
For those of us not lucky enough to make the long journey out to the UNESCO-protected beach town in Brazil, this book depicts all the barefoot luxury and luxe gypsy living embodied by Trancoso’s most iconic hotel. It’s clear from these pages that Uxua is a beautiful exercise in sustainability. Furniture and art pieces are handcrafted, food is fresh and locally sourced, and profits are reinvested in the local community. This book might just change the way you look at hotels.
Photographer and Tokyo resident Andrea Fazzari takes us on a journey through Tokyo’s iconic spots and hidden gems in this Assouline book, the latest addition to its signature Chic Series. This is a city we’ve seen represented countless times, but Fazzari brings a new
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Sydney is not the easiest city to get around, but its public transport network is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving. But by far, the best way to enjoy getting around Sydney is by taking a ferry or water taxi whenever possible.
A festive holiday like Thanksgiving calls for the kind of cocktail that induces nothing short of delight—and not just because it makes dealing with ornery family members much easier. After all, a traditional Turkey Day menu is filled with once-a-year dishes so why not pair them with a equally exceptional (and seasonal) drinks that work perfectly with the feast?
Whether flying across the world, road-tripping down the coast, or embarking on a bucket-list train ride, a cozy travel blanket is a must-have for any and all upcoming trips. What’s more, the best travel blankets are designed to keep you warm and comfy while on the go—and there are dozens of options to choose from. To determine which one is best for you, consider your individual needs. For example, if you’re going camping or spending lots of time outdoors, look for one made with durable stain- and water-resistant materials like polyester. Other options—such as super-soft cashmere, breathable cotton, and ultra-warm fleece—abound.
The birthplace of tequila and mariachi music, Guadalajara plays a big part in Mexico’s cultural identity. Yet while Mexico City and Cancun pulse with visitors year-round, the capital of the west-coast state of Jalisco has retained a laid-back charm. Its streets are a mixture of grand colonial cathedrals, vendors slathering chilli sauce onto tortas ahogadas (‘drowned sandwiches’) and a sprinkling of galleries and brunch spots. And with the 11th Gay Games — an international sporting competition for LGBTQ+ athletes — being co-hosted here (along with Hong Kong) in November, there’s a fresh global focus on Guadalajara.
While Instagram has long been the hotspot for influencers posting their luxurious travels to faraway destinations, TikTok is slowly dominating this space. The hashtag for "travel" videos has amassed over 220 billion views.
October is one of my favorite months in New York City. Here, you get a mix of chilly fall days and unexpectedly warm temperatures, plus the leaves change into vibrant hues of orange, yellow and red. With many schools on fall break, there are plenty of tourists in town checking out that delightful Central Park foliage (and staying at the best hotels in the area) and, for me, it's one last chance to hold onto the city before it really gets cold.
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) last week officially recognized its five-year anniversary. The NVMM is proud to carry out its mission of honoring and sharing the stories of all Veterans in their own words from every service branch and from every era in our nation’s history, while inspiring everyone to greater service in their own communities. To celebrate, the NVMM invites guests to experience its beautiful and moving space, including the new Impact Gallery, Group Tour entry photo collage and Volunteer Wall, with special $5 admission on Fridays only, beginning on Friday, October 27, and extending through the end of 2023.
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