If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys easy mornings with a cup of coffee, a beautiful collection of travel books could be the ideal accent for your coffee table. These books will fill your home with stories of faraway places you could visit without leaving your couch. Here’s a list of five must-have travel books that should be on your coffee table.

Our Top 5 Picks

Joie By Ajiri Aki

Peruse Joie, written by Ajiri Aki, and prepare to be captivated by the French way of life. From throwing a warm apéro to flâneuring through the streets like a local, the author—an American living abroad—shares her wisdom and tips on how to savor the little things in life in Paris. Beautiful photos, funny stories, and helpful tips on making your home a happier place are all throughout the book. Joie by Ajiri Aki is the ideal coffee table travel book to bring a grin to your face and make you fantasize about Paris.

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America By Matika Wilbur

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America highlights the rich history and enduring spirit of the Native American people. Matika Wilbur, a member of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes, spent ten years traveling the nation. She met with and took photographs of members of more than five hundred Native American Tribal Nations that have received federal recognition. Hundreds of modern-day Native Americans share their experiences of identity, sovereignty, religion, culture, and more in this captivating book that also features stunning photos.

African Adventures: The Greatest Safari on Earth By Aline Coquelle

If you dream of a spectacular adventure into the African wilderness and its diverse cultures, go no further than African Adventures: The Greatest Safari on Earth. Photographer and author Aline Coquelle is well-known for her photos of the continent’s natural beauty and inspiring cultures. Author Deborah Calmeyer, a safari specialist from Zimbabwe and founder of ROAR AFRICA, chose four iconic African experiences. Featuring Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, the Great Migration, and mountain gorillas, she meticulously planned their sequence for this book. This travel book also introduces each nation’s creative history and modern art through the stories and artworks of local designers, conservationists, and artists.

Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy And Street Style By Shantrelle P. Lewis

Stunningly illustrated by Shantrelle P. Lewis, Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style explores the worldwide phenomenon of black dandyism. This travel book highlights the many unique ways that Black men from all over the globe use fashion to express themselves and fight prejudices. Featuring scenes from the Afrobeat movement in Lagos, Nigeria to the hip-hop scene in New York City, this book is a must-have. It beautifully captures the explosive colors, colorful patterns, and imaginative stances of this subculture’s dazzling style. The book also includes interviews and essays that put Black dandyism’s cultural and historical origins and its significance into perspective. 

The New Black West By Gabriela Hasbun

Gabriela Hasbun’s The New Black West is an enthralling photo essay that looks into the Black rodeo culture. The book honors the history and variety of Black cowboys and cowgirls in the United States. It includes vivid color photographs, stories, and quotes from those who attend the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Oakland, California. The book explores the Black rodeo community, showcasing their style, talent, and history. It also covers the origins and purpose of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, named after the renowned cowboy and performer.