The year has witnessed an impressive array of travel-themed literature, making it a perfect time to consider thoughtful gifts for colleagues and clients in the travel industry. As the festive season approaches, several noteworthy titles stand out, appealing to both industry professionals and avid travelers alike.
Among the highlighted books is Delivering the Wow, a memoir by Richard Fain, former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. This engaging account explores Fain’s journey and contributions to the cruise industry, offering insights into how he shaped the company’s direction.
Another notable mention is Calvin Stovall Jr.’s Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era, which sheds light on the vital yet often overlooked contributions of African American hoteliers. For those interested in modern hospitality trends, Edward Mady and Taylor Scott’s respective works, Honing the Human Edge and Give Hospitality, explore the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry.
Leo Le Bon’s upcoming release, Trail Blazing the Unknown: An Adventurous Life (Wanderlust Consulting, 2024), is especially compelling within the travel sector. Known as the "godfather of adventure travel," Le Bon’s autobiography chronicles the founding of Mountain Travel and his captivating treks, including the historic 1966 expedition through Nepal’s Annapurna mountains. This book combines elements of memoir, business strategy, and travel guide.
Conversely, Frank Marini, CEO of Railbookers, presents Staying on Track: Lessons from a Customer-Focused Travel Disruptor (Damianos Publishing, 2024). Marini’s concise volume explores how a focus on customer experience and technology can revolutionize a travel business while detailing Railbookers’ transformative journey pre-, during, and post-pandemic.
Further enriching the adventure theme, Jeff Wilser’s The Explorers Club Presents Letters from the Edge: Stories of Curiosity, Bravery and Discovery (Crown Publishing Group, 2025) connects real-life correspondence to adventures undertaken by 45 Explorers Club members, from polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott to President Teddy Roosevelt and beyond.
For those seeking escapism through railway travel, Everett Potter’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Rides (National Geographic, 2025) is a beautifully illustrated journey through thrilling train rides across six continents. This book captures some of the most exciting train journeys, blending the glamorous and the everyday experiences of rail travel.
Another enriching compilation is South America: An Anthology of Travel Writing, edited by Celia Dillow (Bradt Travel Guides, 2025), featuring a collection of essays highlighting various aspects of the continent from well-known figures like Michael Palin, Jan Morris, and Charles Darwin.
Anticipate the release of a groundbreaking guidebook, Afghanistan, by Untamed Borders founder James Wilcox, the first new guidebook on the country in two decades, set to debut in February 2025.
Additionally, don’t miss African Venice: A Guide to Art, Culture and People by Paul Kaplan and Shaul Bassi (Pennsylvania State University Press, 2025), which delves into the historical connections between Africa and Venice, providing both a travel guide and a captivating narrative.
Lastly, get inspired by the stories of Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip in Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas (Viking, 2025). This delightful book captures the adventures of two great-grandmothers in their 80s, proving age is just a number when it comes to living life to the fullest.
As the holiday season unfolds, these titles offer an excellent opportunity for gifting and exploration, ensuring that the spirit of travel is shared with colleagues and friends alike.
