Books to Read on Your Travels in 2025

As we are blessed to be a part of another year, bursting with the energy of fresh resolutions, one goal often finds its way to the top of many lists: read more. And why not? Reading isn’t just a pastime—it’s a gateway to new worlds, fresh perspectives, and boundless imagination. It enriches our understanding of diverse cultures and philosophies, offering a unique blend of escapism and self-discovery. But for travelers, books are more than companions; they’re portals that transform mundane airport waits or long train rides into journeys of the mind, often as thrilling as the destination itself.

Come, let’s combine the joy of travel with the magic of storytelling. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on a road trip, passing time on a flight, or soaking in the quiet of a beachside retreat, the right book can enhance the adventure. Here’s a curated list of six must-reads that promise to ignite your love for reading and make it an unshakeable habit. 

The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World by William Dalrymple

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From the Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning historian William Dalrymple, The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World takes readers into the heart of India’s historical legacy. With evocative descriptions, the book reveals how ancient India, a hub of creativity and innovation, shaped the cultural and technological foundations of the modern world.

This book tops the bestseller list in Asian history on Amazon—a rich and engaging narrative peppered with vibrant stories. Dalrymple's meticulous research and masterful storytelling bring every page to life. As Dalrymple’s book highlights, many of the breakthroughs in science and mathematics —such as zero invention—were foundational to human progress and continue to shape the modern world. His exploration of history transcends mere facts, offering an immersive experience that vividly illuminates the landscapes and lives that have profoundly influenced our world.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is a profound and engaging look at the human experience, viewed through the lens of therapy. Written by a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author, the book offers an insightful glimpse into how therapy works and the psychology behind it. With a blend of depth and humor, Gottlieb takes readers on a journey that is as enlightening as it is relatable.

The book is filled with lines that resonate long after you have read them. Two standouts include: “The only way to get to the other side of the tunnel is to go through it, not around it,” and “Most big transformations come about from the hundreds of tiny, almost imperceptible, steps we take along the way.” Whether you’re seeking to better understand mental health or are on your own healing journey, this is a book you should never miss.

Why We Travel by Ash Bhardwaj

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Sometimes, the most memorable reads are those that are brief yet leave a lasting impression, and Ash Bhardwaj’s Why We Travel is precisely that kind of book. This short but impactful work is a reflective journey into the heart of what drives us to explore the world. Through a seamless blend of real-world adventures and the inner landscapes of the mind, Bhardwaj offers profound insights into the essence of life and the true motivations behind our wanderlust. Each page is a reminder that travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the personal growth and meaning we discover along the way.

Bhardwaj captures the transformative power of travel beautifully, writing, “Of all the experiences that travel has given me, it has most enriched my life by becoming the pathway to knowing myself and others.” The author encourages readers to reflect on their journeys' deeper psychological motivations and what we hope to get out of them.

James by Percival Everett

Named a 'Book of the Year' by The Observer, The Times & Sunday Times, The Guardian, Daily Mail, Independent, The Telegraph, Financial Times, The Irish Times, Time, and The New Yorker, James by Percival Everett is a literary triumph that reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) through the lens of a slave’s untold perspective. By giving Jim, an enslaved man, his own voice, Everett crafts a narrative that challenges historical silences and confronts themes of race, identity, and power.

Satire lies at the heart of Everett’s storytelling, bringing depth to his exploration of serious themes. In one memorable exchange between Jim and Miss Watson, the two share a laugh—though for entirely different reasons. Jim’s laughter mocks the arrogance of White assumptions about a slave’s relationship with literature, while while Miss Watson is convinced that she was foolish to think that Jim would enter Judge Thatcher’s library. James is a timeless masterpiece depicting the power of language as it weaves a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

Love for Imperfect Things by Haemin Sunim

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Some books feel like a warm hug—one that you desperately need. Haemin Sunim’s Love for Imperfect Things is one of those books. It is a gentle and inspiring guide to self-acceptance and self-care. With his signature wisdom and kindness, Sunim emphasizes that embracing your flaws is the first step toward building compassionate and meaningful relationships with those around you. The core objective of the book is how to accept yourself in a world striving for perfection. 

One of the most powerful messages comes early in the book: “From now on, before going along with what others wish you to do, please listen to the voice inside you, telling what you truly want.” Simple yet profound, this sentence encapsulates the essence of the book’s wisdom. Filled with thought-provoking insights, Love for Imperfect Things offers readers encouragement and solace, helping them find joy in loving themselves, their lives, and the people in them.

Conclusion

As we are in the first month of 2025, there's no better time to set a travel goal that not only takes you to new places but also expands your mind. The right books can transform your journeys, turning mundane moments into opportunities for growth and reflection.