For many, travel is a luxury. While many of us would love to travel full-time, it isn’t always possible. Sometimes we have to stay home, dreaming of our next trip. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite travel coffee table books that will inspire you to plan your next trip, or cook a delicious meal that transports you to a foreign land. Food, architecture, and culture show us our differences, yet also reinforce how connected we truly are. Turn the pages of these beauties and immerse yourself in diverse cultures around the world.
Dame Traveler
A former registered nurse turned full-time traveler, entrepreneur and photographer, Nastasia Yakoub created the first online community for independent female travelers on Instagram (@DameTraveler). With over half a million followers, Dame Traveler, her eponymous book, features photos from female travelers who are not afraid to think and live outside the box.
This picture perfect compilation celebrates these women with a collection of 200 stunning photographs, accompanied by detailed descriptions. In addition, the book features tips and advice for solo travelers, making this one of our favorite travel coffee table books.
Patterns of India
Christine Chitnis took her first trip to India to explore her husband’s heritage more than a decade ago. She found herself photographing the beauty she saw all around her and now, she shares that in Patterns of India. Offering a glimpse into the diverse and richly hued culture of Rajasthan, the book is organized by the region’s five dominant colors: royal blue, sandstone, marigold, ivory and rose.
With history and culture-based essays woven throughout the stunning photographs of architecture, markets, cuisine, art, textiles and everyday life, Patterns of India immerses you in the sensorial beauty of India from the comfort of your own home.
The Baja California Cookbook
Forget what you think you know about Mexican food. The Baja California Cookbook explores the vibrant gastronomy of Mexico’s Baja California region. Just south of San Diego, the region boasts a Pacific coastline and a burgeoning Valle de Guadalupe wine region (that has often been referred to as the Napa Valley of Mexico).
In this cookbook, dive into 60 recipes that range from casual street food options, such as Grilled Halibut Tacos and Chicharrones, to more refined dishes like Grilled Steak in Salsa Negra and Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa. Learn about the purveyors and chefs that make this region special. Take notes and plan a trip of your own, or sit back and bring the spirit of the region into your home with these vibrant dishes.
My Tiny Atlas
Inspired by the @TinyAtlasQuarterly Instagram account, My Tiny Atlas is also curated by Emily Nathan. Organized thematically by things like vistas, sunsets, city streets and urban life, the book takes you to every continent and all corners of the world.
From familiar destinations like Buenos Aires to far-flung locales like the Arctic Circle, Tanzania and Mongolia, My Tiny Atlas is chock full of wanderlust-inspiring images that evoke an authentic sense of place. Discover the real people, mouth-watering food, bustling streets, architectural gems and other details that make you feel like you’re actually experiencing a destination
Friuli Food and Wine
In Friuli Food and Wine, the focus is on ‘Frasca Cooking from Northern Italy’s Mountains, Vineyards, and Seaside.’ Arguably one of the most diverse regions in Italy, Friuli is a melting pot of cultures. Located in Northeast Italy and bordered by Slovenia, Austria and the Adriatic Sea, Friuli’s food and wine scene is unique and worth a closer look.
This cookbook will change what you know about Italian cooking and inspire you to go off-the-beaten path to explore this quiet and humble region of Italy.
-Michelle Martin
