15 Top-Rated Travel Books for Kids: Spark Their Wanderlust! (With Recommended Age)

Books are fantastic for daydreaming about your next family holiday, getting ready for an upcoming trip, or simply immersing yourself in the holiday spirit. We all know that travel is an incredible teacher. It opens up new worlds, fuels our kids' curiosity, and exposes them to different cultures, places, and ideas. Books have this incredible power to transport young minds to faraway lands while snuggling up in their favourite reading spot on the road with their family. So, get ready to explore 15 excellent travel books for kids that will ignite their wanderlust and plant the seeds of a lifelong love for adventure.

1. "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss (Recommended Age: 3-7):
   Kickstart your child's journey into the world of exploration with this timeless masterpiece by Dr. Seuss. Its catchy rhymes and lively illustrations encourage little ones to embrace the thrill of discovery and reinforce their ability to overcome any hurdle.

2.  "Maps" by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski (Recommended Age: 5-10):
   "Maps" is a visual feast that whisks children on a globe-trotting adventure. Overflowing with detailed illustrations introduces them to various countries, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks, serving up a smorgasbord of intriguing facts.
3. "Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans (Recommended Age: 4-8):
   Tag along with Madeline, the spirited Parisian girl, as she embarks on delightful escapades in this beloved series. With its enchanting illustrations and captivating narratives, this book paints a charming picture of Paris and the wonders of globetrotting.
4. "The Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book: Mind-Blowing Stuff on Every Country in the World" (Recommended Age: 8 and up):
   Brimming with jaw-dropping facts, gorgeous photographs, and gripping tales, this comprehensive guide takes young explorers on an exhilarating journey across all continents. It acquaints them with diverse cultures, renowned landmarks, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
5. "This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World" by Matt Lamothe (Recommended Age: 6-9):
   Experience a day in the life of seven children from different corners of the world, offering a glimpse into their everyday routines, customs, and traditions. This beautifully illustrated book fosters empathy and appreciation for cultural diversity.
6. "Journey" by Aaron Becker (Recommended Age: 4-8):
   In this wordless picture book, a young girl embarks on an extraordinary adventure with her magical red crayon. Overflowing with stunning illustrations prompts young readers to weave their own tales and explore limitless possibilities.
7. "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift (Adapted for Young Readers) (Recommended Age: 9-12):
   This enduring classic, adapted for younger readers, trails Gulliver's fantastical voyages to strange lands and encounters with peculiar creatures. It fires up the imagination and offers a delightful mix of adventure and satire.
8. "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Recommended Age: 8 and up):
   A timeless classic cherished by readers of all ages, "The Little Prince" transports young readers on an emotional journey across different planets. This spellbinding tale imparts profound insights about life, friendship, and love.
9. "The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker" by Jessica Courtney-Tickle (Recommended Age: 4-8):
   Introduce your little ones to the mesmerizing world of ballet and classical music through this interactive book. Its delightful illustrations and accompanying music bring Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" to life, inspiring young readers to delve into the performing arts.
10. "My Family Travel Map" by Lonely Planet Kids (Recommended Age: 7-12):
    Ideal for budding geographers, these interactive maps lets children learn about various countries, cultures, and landmarks while charting their own travels. It fosters a sense of adventure and curiosity. You can get these maps, for example, for Europe, Australia, and North America
11. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak (Recommended Age: 4-8):
    Join young Max as he sails to an island teeming with wild creatures in this beloved children's classic. Its imaginative storytelling and evocative illustrations capture the spirit of exploration and the wonder of the unknown.
12. "You Wouldn't Want to Be a Pyramid Builder!: A Hazardous Job You'd Rather Not Have" by Jacqueline Morley (Recommended Age: 8-12):
    This engaging series delves into different historical periods and professions humorously and educationally. "You Wouldn't Want to Be a Pyramid Builder!" whisks readers off to ancient Egypt, revealing the challenges and marvels of the era.
13. "The Expeditioners" by S.S. Taylor (Recommended Age: 9-12):
    For young readers with an appetite for adventure, "The Expeditioners" trails the thrilling escapades of three siblings as they search for their missing father in a world of concealed maps and untold secrets. This action-packed series is bound to captivate young minds.
14. "Islandborn" by Junot Díaz (Recommended Age: 5-9):
    This vibrant picture book narrates the story of Lola, a young girl who embarks on a journey to unearth her family's roots in the Dominican Republic. With its colourful illustrations and heartfelt narrative, it celebrates heritage, identity, and the power of imagination.
15. "Swallows and Amazons" by Arthur Ransome (Recommended Age: 9-12):
    Set in England's scenic Lake District, this classic adventure novel chronicles the thrilling summer exploits of the Walker and Blackett children as they sail, camp, and explore the wilderness. It sparks a sense of wonder and the joy of outdoor exploration.

Books can remarkably transport young readers to far-off lands and kindle their spirit of adventure. The 15 travel books above offer captivating stories, cultures, and destinations. From the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to the historical wonders of ancient Egypt, these books will ignite your child's wanderlust, nurture their curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love for exploration. So, grab a book and embark on an incredible journey. Bon voyage!