Bestsellers
Specialty Travel
Adventure
General
Tourist Destinations & Museums
Travel
U.S. Travel Books
Discover the World of Specialty Travel Books
Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or simply love reading about extraordinary journeys, specialty travel books offer an exciting window into the world’s most unique destinations and experiences. At ThriftBooks, you can buy used specialty travel guidebooks, memoirs, and expedition planning guides that inspire and inform. This collection brings together the best specialty travel books and guides—perfect for explorers, dreamers, and armchair travelers alike.
Why Choose Specialty Travel Books?
Specialty travel books go beyond the average guidebook. They delve into niche destinations, extreme environments, and fascinating cultures, often through the lens of unforgettable personal stories. Whether you’re searching for expedition and adventure travel planning guides or gripping first-hand accounts of survival, these books help you:
- Discover off-the-beaten-path destinations and travel experiences
- Plan expeditions with expert advice and detailed guides
- Find inspiration through real-life adventure and survival stories
- Explore unique cultures, natural wonders, and historical journeys
Adventure & Survival: True Stories from the Edge
If you’re drawn to the thrill of real-life adventure, this collection highlights some of the most compelling survival stories and expedition narratives available. These books not only recount heart-pounding journeys but also reveal the resilience and determination of those who push the limits of human endurance.
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer tells the unforgettable story of Chris McCandless, who walked alone into the Alaskan wilderness, seeking a life of raw adventure and self-discovery. Perfect for readers intrigued by the quest for meaning off the grid.
- Into Thin Air also by Jon Krakauer, offers a gripping first-person account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster—an unflinching look at the perils of high-altitude climbing and the human spirit in crisis.
- Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales examines what separates survivors from those who don’t make it, blending science, psychology, and true tales of survival. If you’re fascinated by the “why” behind who survives, this is a must-read.
- Touching the Void by Joe Simpson recounts a harrowing mountaineering accident in the Peruvian Andes, exploring both the physical and mental endurance required to survive against all odds.
- Adrift by Steven Callahan shares the author’s astonishing 76-day struggle to survive alone on a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean—a testament to ingenuity and willpower.
- The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz tells the extraordinary true story of a group’s escape from a Soviet Gulag and their treacherous trek across Siberia to freedom, inspiring readers with courage and perseverance.
- The Endurance by Caroline Alexander chronicles Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition and the survival of his crew after their ship became trapped in ice—one of history’s most epic tales of leadership and endurance.
Expedition and Adventure Travel Planning Guides
For those who want to embark on their own journeys, specialty travel guidebooks offer invaluable advice on planning, preparation, and execution. While many books in this collection focus on real-life accounts, several provide practical insights for planning your own expeditions or adventure travel:
- Over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen is essential reading for anyone fascinated by epic voyages. This detailed account of Magellan’s circumnavigation provides both historical perspective and a blueprint for perseverance in the face of the unknown.
- Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens offers a captivating blend of memoir and field guide, sharing practical lessons learned from years spent researching wildlife in Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Ideal for readers interested in nature, conservation, and the logistics of remote travel.
- If you're inspired to tackle your own ultra run or outdoor challenge, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall explores the secrets of the world’s best endurance runners and the joy of running wild, offering both motivation and practical insights for adventure athletes.
Memoirs & Personal Narratives: Travel Beyond the Map
Specialty travel books also capture deeply personal journeys—stories of transformation, discovery, and connection. These memoirs invite readers to experience the world through the eyes of adventurers, explorers, and everyday people who dared to pursue the extraordinary.
- Into the Wild and Into Thin Air both capture the drive for personal meaning through adventure, highlighting the risks and rewards of venturing off the beaten path.
- The Long Walk is not just a tale of survival, but also a journey of hope and humanity across continents.
- Adrift and Touching the Void are gripping reminders of the strengths—and vulnerabilities—found in the solitude of nature.
- If you're inspired by stories of connection with the natural world, Cry of the Kalahari offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of remote fieldwork.
Choose the Best Specialty Travel Books and Guides for You
With so many paths to explore, how do you select the right specialty travel book? Consider your interests and reading goals:
- For adrenaline and survival: Try Into Thin Air, Touching the Void, or Deep Survival for edge-of-your-seat true stories.
- For exploration and historical journeys: Over the Edge of the World and The Endurance bring historic expeditions to life.
- For running and outdoor sports: Born to Run inspires with tales of endurance athletes and the pursuit of adventure.
- For nature and wildlife lovers: Cry of the Kalahari offers an immersive look into the wilds of Africa.
- For readers who love memoirs: Into the Wild, Adrift, and The Long Walk offer deeply personal, transformative journeys.
Don’t forget, you can buy used specialty travel guidebooks at ThriftBooks for less, making it easy to build your own adventure library or find the perfect gift for a fellow travel enthusiast.
Expand Your Horizons: Other Types of Specialty Travel Books
This collection also features books on:
- Outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and ultra-running
- Natural wonders, wildlife, and environmental exploration
- Cultural journeys and historic pilgrimage routes
- Remote, extreme, or seldom-visited destinations
- Practical guides for adventure travel planning and logistics
Explore topics like wilderness survival, solo journeys, and the intersection of travel and personal growth. With specialty travel books, your next adventure starts on the page—whether you’re preparing for a real expedition or simply exploring the world from your favorite reading chair.
Start Your Specialty Travel Reading Adventure
At ThriftBooks, we believe the best specialty travel books and guides inspire curiosity and courage. Whether you’re fascinated by true tales of survival, seeking expert advice for your next expedition, or looking to immerse yourself in the world’s wildest places, you’ll find your next great read here. Browse our full collection of specialty travel books to discover new stories, plan unforgettable journeys, and fuel your love of exploration.
Ready to set out? Browse, choose, and buy used specialty travel guidebooks today—and let your next adventure begin.
