Best Travel Books for Kids: Top Picks for Young Explorers
Family trips are all about making memories, but we all know keeping little ones happy on long journeys takes more than snacks and screen time. That’s where these travel-themed books come in.
Whether your child wants to record their adventures, learn about new places, or enjoy some creative fun en route, these picks are educational, engaging, and parent-approved.
All books below are available on both Amazon UK and Amazon US, and they have been chosen based on quality, value for money and great reviews.
1. Kids' Travel Journal
by Peter Pauper Press | Ages 7–12
This colourful, interactive journal is perfect for young travellers who want to plan their trip, record memories, and keep little mementoes safe in the back pocket. Includes fun facts, puzzles, and space for drawings and photos.
2. The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids
by Rob Taylor | Ages 6–9
Designed to span four different holidays, this journal is packed with prompts and mini activities to help kids reflect on their travels in a fun, creative way. Great for longer trips or repeat little adventurers!
3. The Travel Book (Lonely Planet Kids)
by Malcolm Croft | Ages 8+
A big, beautiful book packed with fascinating facts about 200 countries — from food and festivals to local customs. Each country has its own full page, and the vibrant illustrations make it super engaging for curious kids.
4. ZOOI Busy Board Montessori Toy
by ZOOI | Ages 1–4
A colourful, interactive felt board packed with zippers, buttons, buckles, and more to keep little hands busy on the go. Great for developing fine motor skills during flights or long drives.
5. Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters
by Marc Martin | Ages 5–8
An imaginative, beautifully illustrated book that takes kids on a journey to 15 places around the world. Each page is full of fun details that inspire curiosity about cultures, nature, and daily life.
6. Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure
by Catherine Aragon | Ages 7–12
Turn a family trip to Paris into an interactive adventure! This clever book helps kids discover landmarks and culture through clues, missions, and fun facts.
7. Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night?
by Brianna Caplan Sayres | Ages 2–5
A gentle rhyming bedtime story about how planes, just like kids, rest after a busy day. Ideal for travel-loving toddlers who adore anything with wings.
8. Kids' Travel Guide – France & Paris
by Sarah-Jane Williams | Ages 8–12
A cross between a fun facts book and a travel diary, this guide introduces French culture, language, and landmarks in a child-friendly way. Plus, it includes journal pages so kids can reflect on what they see and do.
9. 100 Paper Planes to Fold and Fly
by Sam Baer | Ages 6–12
This one is a massive hit with kids and parents alike! Choose your design, tear out the sheet, fold, and fly. Simple fun that’s perfect for airports, hotels, or rainy days.
10. Mission Rome: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure
by Catherine Aragon | Ages 7–12
Similar to the Paris version, this engaging guide helps kids explore Rome’s famous sites through missions and questions. It’s like sightseeing with a game built in!
Prefer To Travel Light?
If you have limited space but would still like your child to read on their travels, I highly recommend you consider purchasing an Amazon Kindle.
Our daughter recently bought a Kindle for her little brother to take on his travels and he loves it! We now take it everywhere with us.
There are thousands of books available to buy on the Kindle store, but even better you can get many of them FREE with a monthly subscription to Amazon Kids or Amazon Unlimited for all the family. These are usually very reasonably price. Check here for up to date prices.
If you or your child has difficulties reading or you would like your child to be able to listen to books as they lie in bed at night. An Audible book may be better for you , with a monthly subscription from Amazon Audible, you will have access to thousands of audible books for all the family.
Final thoughts
Whether your child dreams of faraway places or just needs something fun for the journey, this collection of travel books brings the world to them in an exciting, age-appropriate way.
From toddler-friendly board books to interactive travel journals and global fact books, there’s something here to inspire every little adventurer.
They are easy to pack, educational, and thoroughly entertaining. These books are a must for any family on the go.
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