Travel and tourism books to read in 2025
If your stuck for travel inspiration, love exploring or want to live vicariously through some fantastic writers this article includes some brilliant books you can pick up around our shop.
1. Around The World In 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh
Manisha and her partner Jem explore an international network of passenger trains beginning at London's St. Pancras station. Their adventure's on this efficient, low-emission mode of transport takes them well beyond the parameters of europe; to Mongolia, Canada, Russia and strikingly North Korea among others. Around The World In 80 Trains has been deemed Traveller Book of the Year by the National Geographic and is widely acclaimed, hailed 'Delightful' by the Spectator. Manisha takes T. S Eliot's famous quote, 'The journey not the arrival matters,' to the next level and she recounts with wit and captivating anecdotes.
2. In Search of Berlin by John Kampfner
The Sunday Times Bestseller, Kampfner's In Search of Berlin is a must-read before visiting the city or to learn about Europe's most important city. The text cover's 800 years of Berlin's history, from Industrial Powerhouse, to the rise of Nazi terror and now the contemporary European utopia that has attracted a melting-pot of 180 Nationalities. Kampfner was a young journalist in East Berlin, inspired to write about what became of his home town. Berlin is a city like no other, but it's history lies on the surface. This book is a triumph in portraying Berlin both from the ground and through history.
3. Southampton in 50 Buildings by Garth Groombridge
Living in a city doesn't prohibit the ability to explore it. There is always a new corner to turn or story to learn. Groombridge shows us the hidden gems that stood through heavy bombing by the Luftwaffe in World War II and some modern feature buildings that you could walk past a hundred times and never have realised the depth of its history and importance to our city. Beautiful Banks, tutor remnants and even Bitterne Park Clocktower are among buildings discussed in great detail. This book is a wonderful way to add some fresh perspective to weekend walks or morning commutes.
4. Metropolitain: An Ode to The Paris Metro by Andrew Martin
Martin has written the first English history of the Paris metro for the general reader. His passion and excitement towards trains is explicit in his comprehensive exploration of Paris below ground. The Economist has praised Metropolitain as 'An eclectic blend of engineering and travelogue, urban planning and anecdote... a sincere love letter.' Paris is so culturally rich and the city's elegance extends to every corner. Consider picking up this incredibly interesting read.