We love to travel with our kids. Okay … rephrase. We love to travel, and our kids have to come with. But they do love it! Our favourite way to travel is road trips because we firmly believe that it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey too. Whilst we are travelling on our long road trips, the kids spend a lot of time reading, both books and on their devices. I thought I would do a round-up of the best travel books for kids.

It’s that time of the year to start buying gifts and personally, I’m a huge fan of books as gifts. It always feels like a worthwhile investment both in terms of their education and the entertainment factor.

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We have enjoyed long road trips up and down Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and all around South Africa itself too. Since we moved from South Africa to the UK we have continued our love of road trips with our kids. We’ve explored North Wales, Scotland and England. (Ireland, we’re coming for you!) In August we spent two weeks touring Europe too. I think we visited 9 countries in 12 days. It was epic.

You could say we are experienced at road trips with kids. Check out my top tips on what to pack for a road trip with kids!

One thing I know for sure is that kids get bored! My husband and I often joke that we should have just bought a (much cheaper) panel van instead of a mini-van to travel around in because our kids spend much of the journey with their noses stuck in books or on their tablets! Such is life, and we can’t change that, however, what we can do is try to ensure that what they are watching and reading is not only entertaining but educational as well.

The Best Travel Books for Kids

Here are my top recommendations for travel books for kids that will inspire and entertain them. They are perfect not only while travelling but also when we are waiting at home for their next adventure!

Here’s a list of travel-themed books that cater to children aged 6-9 years old.

  1. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
    • Join Max on a wild, imaginative adventure to the Land of the Wild Things.
  2. “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans
    • Follow the fearless Madeline and her friends as they embark on adventures in Paris.
  3. “The Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne
    • A series filled with time-travelling adventures that take siblings Jack and Annie to various historical and geographical locations.
  4. “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne (adapted for young readers)
    • Join Phileas Fogg on his epic journey around the globe in this classic adventure.
  5. “Thea Stilton and the Dragon’s Code” by Thea Stilton
    • The Thea Sisters travel to China to solve a mystery in this engaging and educational series.
  6. “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper
    • A classic tale of determination and belief as a little blue engine conquers a mountain to deliver toys.
  7. “Pippi Longstocking” by Astrid Lindgren
    • Join Pippi, an unconventional and strong-willed girl, on her humorous and eccentric adventures.
  8. “Flat Stanley” by Jeff Brown
    • Follow Stanley after he becomes flat and experiences the world in a whole new way.
  9. “Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne (adapted for young readers)
    • Explore the depths of the Earth with Professor Otto Lidenbrock and his companions in this classic adventure.
  10. “The Adventures of Tintin” series by Hergé
    • Join Tintin, the intrepid reporter, and his loyal dog Snowy as they travel the world, solving mysteries and uncovering secrets.

These books are sure to ignite the wanderlust in young readers and inspire a love for exploration and diverse cultures. Happy reading! 📚✨

Travel books for children ages 10 – 12 years old:

  1. “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan
    • While primarily focused on mythology, Percy’s adventures often take him to various locations, introducing readers to different mythological landscapes.
  2. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart
    • Follow four gifted children as they embark on a perilous mission to save the world, encountering mysteries and puzzles along the way.
  3. “The Secret Keepers” by Trenton Lee Stewart
    • This captivating novel follows a boy who discovers a magical watch that grants him the ability to become invisible, leading to an exciting adventure.
  4. “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein
    • A group of kids participates in a library lock-in game, solving puzzles and clues to escape the eccentric Mr. Lemoncello’s library.
  5. “The 39 Clues” series by various authors
    • Join siblings Amy and Dan Cahill as they travel the world, solving clues and uncovering the mysteries of their powerful family.
  6. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
    • While not strictly a travel story, this heartwarming tale about a gorilla in captivity offers unique perspectives on life and friendship.
  7. “The Penderwicks” series by Jeanne Birdsall
    • Follow the Penderwick sisters on their various adventures, including vacations and summer escapades.
  8. “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making” by Catherynne M. Valente
    • A whimsical fantasy adventure that takes a girl named September to a magical land filled with unique characters and challenges.
  9. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
    • Join Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg’s father.
  10. “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick
    • While not a traditional travel story, this visually stunning book follows Hugo, an orphan, as he unravels the mystery of a broken automaton and discovers his own connections.

These books offer a mix of adventure, mystery, and fantasy, making them perfect choices for young readers exploring the world through literature. Happy reading! 📚✨

General Travel Books for Kids – Maps and facts

Learn a Language Travel Books for kids

Inspiring young readers to explore the world through stories of adventure and culture, these travel books for kids aged 6 to 12 can spark curiosity about far-off places and even motivate them to seek experiences like learning from a korean language tutor before planning international trips.

I can’t help but feel the excitement of young minds ready to explore the world through the pages of these delightful books. Whether it’s a whimsical trip to far-off lands or a heartwarming tale set in their own backyard, these reads are sure to spark the wanderlust in every little adventurer.

So, here’s to the countless bedtime stories that will transport them to magical realms and ignite their curiosity about the vast wonders of our planet. Happy reading and may these tales inspire a lifetime of exploration for the young explorers in your life! Safe travels, both in books and beyond! ✈️📚🌍