Fodor’s Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Travel Books

Michael Politza’s book of photographs from across the world is an heirloom book–something so beautiful, that you’ll want to pass it down to future generations. Part inspiration and part education, The World takes readers on a journey through landscapes and cities across the earth, showing us what a beautiful world we live in.

From the creators of the highly popular Cabin Porn book comes a new release that takes us inside some of the coziest places on the planet–this is peak hygge right here. Perfect inspiration for the winter holidays, this book will remind readers to unplug, get off the grid, and find a cozy place of their own, anywhere in the world.

With a special foreword by Pete Souza (Obama’s White House photographer), this new volume of Ansel Adams photographs will bring readers inside the world of one of America’s most beloved National Parks. The beautiful black-and-white photos, shot mostly in the 1930s and 1940s, are inspiring works of art that show the incredible and iconic sights of Yosemite, like Mariposa Grove, Cathedral Peak, and more.

This epic tome of a coffee table book is a perfect gift for both IRL adventurers and armchair travelers. Incredible photos show us the most incredible corners of the universe, from ancient ruins to bustling marketplaces to remote wilderness. It’s an encyclopedia of travel inspiration that will have you adding to your bucket list.

Fodor’s writer Kristine Hansen has published a cookbook for everybody’s favorite food: cheese, glorious cheese. While cheese is already a near-perfect food in its natural state, this cookbook will take your cheese obsession to the next level with recipes for the perfect mac ‘n cheese, cheesecake, and more. Highlighting local artisanal creameries in Wisconsin, it’s truly a love letter to that state.

In Return to Sender, Paul Kelly pairs John Hinde’s romantic, oversaturated postcards from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s Ireland with corresponding contemporary photographs for a unique then-and-now look at Ireland. Kelly traveled across the country to photograph the same spot where the original shots were taken to illustrate how Ireland’s urban and rural landscapes have changed or, in some cases, haven’t changed at all in the past few decades. Great gift for the Hibernophile (yes, that’s what you call an Ireland-lover; you’re welcome!)

Inspired by a trip the author took to New York with her parents when she was 12, each page of this book focuses on a part of the city—Chinatown, Queens, Greenwich Village, Harlem—with illustrations that highlight what can be seen in each area from food and street art to landmarks and iconic city symbols (yellow taxis, hot dog carts, and street performers). It’s the perfect book to prepare little ones for a trip to the Big Apple, or even to show a niece or nephew where you live.

The Pacific Northwest is perhaps America’s foodie capital, where you’ll find an incredible array of seafood, international influences, and fresh harvest bounty. Naomi Tomky’s new cookbook brings the flavors of the Pacific Northwest to your kitchen, with recipes, photos, and tips that will inspire you to cook up a seafood feast–and show you how to get that perfect crispy salmon skin.

Children ask a lot of questions…about everything. This book looks to answer questions about what’s happening underground in places like the Great Plains, the Amazon Rainforest, the Sahara desert, and the London Underground. With more than 80 flaps to lift, children will love the surprise elements and parents will love that kids are engaged.

Well, of course, we had to plug our own books. But these guidebooks are something special. Written by local insiders, Fodor’s Inside Guides take travelers on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood trip through the world’s coolest cities–Brooklyn, Berlin, Lisbon, Nashville, and Paris. Pocket-sized for easy transport but cute enough to be displayed on a shelf, this set of illustrated guides is a great addition to any travel lover’s library.

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