We may not be able to travel where we want to yet, but that doesn’t mean we can dream about it. Here are some of our favorite new travel books that we’re taking to the beach:

We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year by Charles Wheelan

This is the true story of how Charles Wheelan, his wife, and three teenagers quit their lives for a year to travel the world on a budget. Wheelan writes about how they pulled it off, how much it cost, and whether or not it turned out to be a good idea. There are flesh-eating bacteria, the anguish of home-schooling teenagers in hotel rooms, sneaking out of a town in Peru ahead of the police, getting separated in Columbia without cell phones, and so much more. This is a fun and funny page-turner that will alternately have you wishing you were there and feeling grateful that you weren’t. 

A Table in Paris by John Donohue

Whether you’ve been to Paris or are just dreaming of travel, John Donohue has given Francophiles a gift. A Table in Paris is a virtual journey through quaint neighborhoods, hidden gems, iconic museums, and beloved cafes and restaurants. The author involves the reader in the journey by providing space to make a Paris bucket list, note food memories, and make notes for the next trip to the City of Light. If you love Paris, this book is a treat. 

Where Should We Camp Next? By Stephanie Puglisi

Millions of Americas have discovered or rediscovered camping in the last year. Where Should We Camp Next features more than 300 of the best camping and glamping spots in the country. The Puglisi family are camping and RV experts who have done the legwork of scouting some of America’s best places to pitch a tent or park a van. The book includes nearby attractions, the best regional cuisine, and the best activities in or near each location. If you’re planning your summer travel, you’ll love this book. 

Owls of the Eastern Ice by Johnathon Slaght

The perfect book for those 100% humidity days, the story follows field scientist Johnathon Slaght through the freezing, unforgiving Russian wilderness as he searches for the elusive Blakiston’s Fish Owl, the world’s largest owl. Slaght’s first sighting of the owl was by chance but seeing it changed the course of his life. This is the story of his five-year journey to study this mysterious and rarely-seen bird. Slaght’s adventures are filled with nail-biting episodes, from crossing a thawing river in the dark to drinking vodka with mystics and Amur tiger encounters. If you enjoy audiobooks, it’s an even better listen. 

Women in Sunlight by Frances Mayes

If you’re a fan of Under the Tuscan Sun, you’ll enjoy Mayes’ latest work of fiction. Four American strangers decide to have one last adventure in Italy before settling down in their new retirement community. Within days of arriving, they begin to realize there are more adventures to be had. We follow the women as they rent a house, learn Italian, navigate a foreign culture, and discover that they have plenty of enthusiasm and passion left. 

World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

A collection of nature essays, Nezhukumatathil takes readers on a journey through the world and her life, sharing lessons learned from animals such as peacocks, red-spotted newts, Mexican walking fish whale sharks. The author’s insatiable curiosity, wisdom, and optimism are nurturing and inspiring.