10 Great Coffee Table Books Every Travel Planner Needs (2026)

For every travel planner who dreams of exploring the world, having the right coffee table books is crucial. These beautifully illustrated books serve not only as a source of inspiration but also as a reservoir of practical travel tips, cultural insights, and stunning photography. Whether it's for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or just a thoughtful gift, these coffee table books make perfect presents for anyone with a passion for travel. Ideal for sparking wanderlust, they can help travel enthusiasts plan their next adventure. Here are ten captivating coffee table books that should be on every travel planner's shelf, elevating their planning experiences and igniting their passion for discovering new horizons.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die
A timeless classic for travel lovers, this guide highlights must-visit places coupled with mesmerizing photographs, serving as both a travel planner's resource and inspiration.
1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die (1,000 Places to See in the United States & Canada Before You)
$17.19
1,000 Places to See Before You Die: Revised Second Edition
$15.06
1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List
$16.99
1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die
$16.43
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders
Perfect for those who love discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, this book reveals unusual and fascinating places worldwide, making it an ideal gift for adventurous planners.
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid
$11.99
Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide (Atlas Obscura)
$30.99
Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders
$21.37
The Official Amazing Race Travel Companion: More Than 20 Years of Roadblocks, Detours, and Real-Life Activities to Experience Around the Globe
$9.99
Where the Wild Things Are
This enchanting book guides readers through breathtaking wild landscapes and natural wonders. Its incredible photography and storytelling will captivate any nature lover or adventure seeker.
My Mom
$7.39
Ex Libris: 100+ Books to Read and Reread
$0.00
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
$19.25
Where the Wild Things Are: A Caldecott Award Winner
$12.49
National Geographic's Journeys of a Lifetime
This book showcases extraordinary trips and adventures across the globe. It's packed with tips and stunning imagery to inspire your next journey, quintessential for any travel enthusiast.
Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations
$33.92
Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe
$30.79
Food Journeys of a Lifetime 2nd Edition: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe
$24.92
Drives of a Lifetime 2nd Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Road Trips
$37.20
Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip
This nostalgic journey along America's Route 66 captures the essence of road tripping with striking photographs and stories, making it a delightful gift for those who cherish classic travel.
Route 66: Ghost Towns and Roadside Relics
$16.99
Greetings from Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip Back Through Time Along America's Main Street
$16.19
Route 66: Memories from America's Highway
$11.99
Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition
$18.70
The Ultimate Guide to Adventure Travel
Ideal for thrill-seekers, this guide provides comprehensive coverage of adventure travel routes worldwide, ensuring an adventurous planner can find their next exhilarating trip.
Kauai Travel and Adventure Guide: The Ultimate Shortcut to Thrills, Beauty, Culture, and Authentic Experiences (Travel and Adventure Guides)
$0.00
Oahu Travel and Adventure Guide: The Ultimate Shortcut to Thrills, Beauty, Culture, and Authentic Experiences. (Travel and Adventure Guides)
$15.99
Maui Travel and Adventure Guide: The Ultimate Shortcut to Thrills, Beauty, Culture, and Authentic Experiences (Travel and Adventure Guides)
$15.99
The Independent Adventurer: The Ultimate Guide to Safe, Fun & Fulfilling Solo Travel Adventures
$0.00
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World
This exhaustive visual guide offers insights into every country around the globe, featuring stunning images and cultural highlights, making it a perfect reference for any travel planner.
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet)
$32.99
Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life
$21.49
Let's Get Lost: the world's most stunning remote locations
$19.89
The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small (Bucket Lists)
$23.42
Vacationland: True Stories from Painfully Earnest Postcards
This quirky book takes a humorous look at traditional vacation postcards. Its charming art and wit offer a fun twist to the typical travel narrative, ideal for light-hearted planning.
What are the Chances (Love in Vacationland Book 2)
$3.99
Vacationland
$16.95
Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches
$0.00
Chesapeake's Western Shore: Vintage Vacationland (Images of America)
$20.74
The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big and Small
This comprehensive guide provides a road map for creating unforgettable experiences. It inspires readers to curate their ultimate travel bucket list with notable adventures worldwide.
The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small (Bucket Lists)
$23.42
National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World With Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime
$17.50
Our Bucket List Adventures: Plan Your Life Dreams as a Couple and Celebrate Your Favorite Memories
$14.59
Our Bucket List Adventures: A Journal for Couples (Activity Books for Couples Series)
$7.99
The Art of Travel
This book encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of travel and the experiences it brings through introspective essays and stunning visuals, making it a thoughtful gift for any travel planner.
Frommer's Rome, Florence and Venice 2024 (Frommer's Travel Guides)
$18.92
The Art of Travel
$16.95
The Art of Slow Travel: See the World and Savor the Journey On a Budget [An Unusual Travel Guide]
$14.99
The Art of the Travel Journal: Chronicle Your Life with Drawing, Painting, Lettering, and Mixed Media - Document Your Adventures, Wherever They Take You
$13.92

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes coffee table books a good gift for travel planners?

Coffee table books offer stunning visual inspiration, practical insights, and cultural highlights that help travel planners fuel their creativity and plan memorable trips.

Are these books suitable for beginners in travel planning?

Yes, all of these books provide valuable information and inspiration, making them accessible and beneficial to both novice and experienced travel planners.