Books are a great way for kids to learn about places you’ve visited and destinations on your travel bucket list.
My kids will often pack a book or two in their backpacks while we’re traveling. That’s how they pass the time waiting at the airport and on the plane – because there’s only so many movies you can watch before you get bored!
When they were younger, they loved books with colorful pictures, rhyming text, and adventurous characters. Now that they’re in school, they gravitate more to those that teach them about culture, food, history, and art.
Books make great budget-friendly presents. They’re educational, entertaining and don’t require batteries – hurray for quiet activity time! 😉
If you’re looking for book recommendations for a travel-loving child, here are a few of our top “travel” books for kids.
Favorite Travel Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Hello, World! (It’s a Small World) by Disney Book Group
This board book is perfect for young travelers. Based on Disney’s It’s a Small World theme park ride, each page is filled with colorful pictures. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy learning how to say Hello in 10 different languages.
Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy World by Richard Scarry
This book takes you around the world as only Richard Scarry can. Colorful pictures and drawings will keep travel loving children engaged while learning about 33 cities and countries.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
In this timeless classic, the journey is more about life’s rollercoaster ride than visiting any particular place. With rhyming text, funny situations, and entertaining illustrations, this Dr. Seuss book encourages readers to forget about their fears and go explore the world.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
You can’t go wrong with this award-winning book that has entertained children for decades. Young readers will have fun to listening to Madeline’s mischievous antics in perfect rhyme all happening with a Parisian twist. The author’s illustrations add to the hilarity.
Favorite Travel Books for School-Age Kids
This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe
In this book, 7 children from 7 different countries go about their daily activities – like kids playing freeze tag in Japan and kids jumping rope in Uganda. Young readers learn that while there may be slight differences in our traditions, children are basically the same everywhere.
Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams
This book is anything but boring. It’s not about maps, but about all the exciting experiences around the world – including natural wonders, festivals, and celebrations. Fascinating facts and tips for each destination are designed to appeal to both kids and adults.
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World (Lonely Planet Kids)
While this isn’t a book I’d recommend you take on your upcoming trip (it’s quite big), this book is perfect for learning about a destination while you’re in the planning process or counting down to travel day. Packed with photos and interesting tidbits, this book takes readers to 200 countries – perfect for kids who enjoy learning about customs, culture, history, and famous landmarks.
Where’s Waldo? The Totally Essential Travel Collection by Martin Handford
Picture books aren’t just for toddlers and preschoolers. This travel-friendly puzzle book is a collection of several different Where’s Waldo? books. Need to pass the time on a plane, train, car or cruise ship but not interested in reading? This book is for you (or your kids)!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
Learn how to make an apple pie with ingredients from around the world. This fun book takes readers to Italy, England, Sri Lanka and other interesting places while teaching kids about geography. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World also made our list of Books that Teach Kids About Diversity.
Favorite Travel Book Series and Collections for Kids
Good Night Our World by Adam Gamble
The board book series takes children around the globe and highlights different countries – Good Night America
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book
This series of books explores the landscapes, animals, weather, cultures and natural wonders of countries around the world. My kids love these books and will often spend an entire afternoon going from cover to cover. Our copy of National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the World has been read hundreds of times – we might need to purchase a new copy soon!
Hello, World by Ashley Evanson
These beautifully illustrated board books focus on early learning concepts while taking young readers around the world. Learn about shapes while exploring Paris, colors in New York and opposites in London. This series is highly recommended for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Larry Gets Lost by John Skewes
Follow Larry and learn about exciting sights and sounds of cities around the U.S. The Larry Gets Lost series is great for school-age kids while the Larry Loves board books are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Adventures of Bella & Harry by Lisa Manzione
Young readers get to explore the world with Chihuahua siblings Bella and Harry. This picture book series focuses on teaching children about customs, cultures, and famous landmarks of different cities around the world.
A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Book for Kids) by Catherine Aragon
Each book in this scavenger hunt/destination guide series is written to teach children about a specific city or country in a fun and engaging way. Children take a journey through the famous sights of major cities with the added enticement of scavenger hunt missions.
We bought the Mission Rome: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Book For Kids)
Have any kid-friendly travel themed books to recommend? We’re always looking for more books to add to our collection!
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