Now is the time for crafting your resolutions and setting the stage for a remarkable new year.

For those ready to become frequent flyers in the upcoming year, our curated reading list features ten exceptional books that will ignite your wanderlust and serve as invaluable companions on your journeys. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical travel tips, or a deeper understanding of the world, these books have got you covered.

So, gear up for a year of adventures and let these literary companions be your guide to a 2024 filled with exploration!

1. Venice: The Remarkable History of the Lagoon City

Should the enchanting canals of Venice be your calling, look no further. This history book delves into the lives of the city’s diverse inhabitants — women and men, noble and common, rich and poor, spanning Christian, Jew, and Muslim. But it’s more than a history lesson; it’s an immersive experience, guiding you through the labyrinth of Venice’s past, from its intricate canals to an empire stretching from Northern Italy to the eastern Mediterranean.

In the pages of Romano’s masterpiece, Venice comes alive, inviting you to explore its rich tapestry and create your own connection with this extraordinary city.

Buy Venice: The Remarkable History of the Lagoon City by Dennis Romano

2. Eliza Scidmore: the Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees

Dreaming of strolling through Washington DC, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom come March’s end? Pay homage to the remarkable woman whose vision brought Japan’s signature trees to America’s capital city. Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees is the story of a remarkable woman and her life

Join the journey of this fearless maverick as she transforms a vision into reality, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Washington, DC.

Buy Eliza Scidmore: the Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees by Diana P. Parsell

3. Totality: The Great Northern Eclipse of 2024

Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, when the total solar eclipse, will paint the skies across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Are you ready to witness this cosmic extravaganza? This book is your essential guide to making the most of this celestial wonder.

Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse chaser or a first-time observer, Totality promises to be your indispensable companion, sharing the science, wonder, and the mysteries of the cosmos. Don’t just watch the eclipse; immerse yourself in its magic with the insights and expertise found within the pages of this captivating guide.

Buy Totality: The Great Northern Eclipse of 2024 by Mark Littmann and Fred Espenak
 

4. Facing the Sea of Sand

For the daring souls looking for an adventure of epic proportions, envision the journey across a colossal sea of sand that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, dominating most of Northern Africa. Yet, believe it or not, the Sahara wasn’t always the arid desert we know today.

Embark on a captivating exploration of the Sahara in a journey that goes beyond the shifting dunes. Discover the tales of those who once inhabited the fringes of the desert and the ingenious ways they navigated its challenges. Whether you’re gearing up for a real-life expedition or seeking a mental getaway, this book unveils the gripping narrative of the intricate links between two worlds.

Buy Facing the Sea of Sand by Barry Cunlife

5. Dublin Tales

Dublin, a city steeped in literary allure, has etched itself into the pages of some of the world’s most celebrated works. A harmonious blend of rich history and contemporary vibrancy, Dublin beckons millions with its warmth and character each year.

Dublin Tales weaves together stories that are vibrant, evocative, humorous, and diverse—each a unique dance with Dublin’s history, culture, cityscape, and its people. Spanning the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, these tales offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives that will kindle a profound connection with the city and its storied past.

Buy Dublin Tales edited by Helen Constantine, Prof Eve Patten and Dr Paul Delaney

6. Sand Rush

This summer, dive into the history of Los Angeles’ transformation into a coastal metropolis with Sand Rush. Unveiling the secrets behind the iconic shorelines of Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu, this book exposes the reality behind the pristine sands seen in films and television. This engaging title takes you on a journey through the major planning and engineering project that not only constructed the city’s shores but also shaped the lives of its residents.

Sand Rush is more than a history lesson; it’s a compelling narrative of reinvented seaside leisure and the triumph of modern bodies against the backdrop of LA’s sprawling beaches. Immerse yourself in the stories of ordinary city-dwellers and witness the profound impact of this coastal metamorphosis.

Buy Sand Rush by Elsa Devienne

7. Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands

As you set your sights on the adventures of 2024, why not let Queen Victoria be your guide? Immerse yourself in the daily musings of the monarch as she captures not only the serene family holidays at Balmoral Castle but also her sovereign journeys as the “Royal Tourist” around Scotland, Ireland, and the British Isles.

Complete with authoritative texts, historical context, maps of the Queen’s travels, and a cast of characters that bring her world to life, this book is more than a journey through history—it’s an opportunity to travel through time with one of the most significant figures of the Victorian era. Let Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands be your royal guide to the captivating landscapes and stories of the British Isles.

Buy Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands by Queen Victoria, Edited by Margaret Homans, Joanna Marschner, and Adrienne Munich

8. Hopped Up

If you’re planning a pilgrimage to the heart of beer culture or seeking the lively atmosphere of your local Oktoberfest celebration, Hopped Up is your passport to the global beer meccas, from Munich’s Oktoberfest to the bustling streets of Tsingtao and the iconic pints of Guinness in Ireland.

Embark on a frothy adventure through the history and economy of beer and brewing around the world. From precapitalist times to the present, explore how virtually every country boasts its own iconic brew, whether it’s Budweiser in the United States, Corona in Mexico, Tsingtao in China, or Heineken in Holland. Unravel the surprising commonality among these labels — a light, crisp, clear Pilsner lager — and the tale of its journey as a product of Western cultural imperialism.

Buy Hopped Up by Jeffrey M. Pilcher

9. Atlas of the World

Navigate the world with confidence using Oxford’s Atlas of the World, the singularly authoritative atlas updated annually to guide your journeys and adventures. This indispensable atlas provides crisp, clear cartography that vividly captures the urban landscapes and natural wonders across the globe.

For the curious explorer and the meticulous planner alike, the Atlas of the World is not just a map—it’s an uncommonly beautiful volume offering a diverse collection of information to enhance your travel experience in 2024. Chart your course with confidence, armed with the insights and visuals that only the most authoritative atlas on the market can provide.

Buy Atlas of the World

10. The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations

With a delightful blend of humor and adventure, Dr. Kurtz shares invaluable insights on crafting your perfect trip, igniting excitement before departure, and fully immersing yourself in a new culture while disconnecting from the technological ties of home. Learn how to cherish and share your travel moments, seamlessly re-enter your daily life upon return, and weave the secrets of happy travel into every day. The Happy Traveler is your passport to a more fulfilling and joyful travel experience.

Buy The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations by Jaime Kurtz

Feature image by Piviso via Pixabay.

Lindsey Stangl is a marketing assistant at Oxford University Press.