Recently my husband and I were perusing a bookstore in search of a gift for our nephew. We almost always bribe him with toys (hey we are the aunt and uncle, that’s what we do) but for Thanksgiving we decided on getting him a book instead. After reading to him on our last visit we came to the conclusion that we can get him something practical but have it still be enjoyable. Kenin and I both love reading and we both love traveling. We put together this list of 10 fun travel books to help instill a bit of wanderlust in your kids.

1. National Geographic Kids Beginner’s World Atlas

Every kid needs an Atlas. Why not get them one from one of my very favorite wanderlust inspirers? Learn about the World from the experts at National Geographic.

2. The Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book: Mind-Blowing Stuff on Every Country in the World

Lonely Planet Guides are a staple for me. I love them and consume them voraciously. I had no idea they made books for children. I’m going to have to have a serious chat with my parents as to my ignorance in the existence of these fun books.

3. Alice in Wonderland

Travel doesn’t always have to happen by vehicle. Traveling through the imagination is a very important trait. This is probably the most famous book about traveling through a wonderful world of make believe and also happens to be one of my favorites. Plus everyone needs to occasionally wander down a mysterious rabbit hole.

4.Travel Scratch and Sketch: A Cool Art Activity Book for Budding Artists and Travelers of All Ages

Activity books are fun and sometimes a welcome distraction for a child just starting out on new adventures. It’s a great thing to have in the car or on a long flight to keep your kid entertained without electronics.

5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul
While not all of the books are about travel in this fun series, Greg Heffley does take some fantastic journeys and has some wild adventures in this edition.

6. Time Traveler Inventions: Travel through time and take a peek into the world of scientific & technological inventions

This interactive book invites children to go through different time periods, learning about the invention of the bicycle, the first telephone, the airplane and so much more.

7. Follow That Map!: A First Book of Mapping Skills –

This book teaches kids the basic concepts of maps and how to follow them while still having fun. It’s a great introduction into geography and how maps work and might inspire a few rambling road trips of your own.

8. Little Fox Goes to the End of the World

This adorable book follows a little fox as he travels in his imagination with a little help from his Mum.

9. Kids Travel: A Backseat Survival Kit

In all honesty, I pretty much want this book for myself. It comes With: 6 non-toxic water-based felt-tip pens, 6 skeins of floss, a pair of dice, 1 string loop and 8 foam Parchesi playing pieces for having fun while on that long car ride.

10. And in honor of my nephew Leon who absolutely loves dinosaurs:

Time Traveler Prehistory: Travel through time and take a peek into the Earth’s evolution

Because who doesn’t love dinosaurs?!?!?!

Instead of buying unnecessary toys, or maybe to complement those unnecessary toys, consider getting the kids in your life a book. Learning doesn’t have to be boring and learning about the world teaches kids to do something so powerful, it teaches them to dream!

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