travel writing publishers uk

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Best Travel Book Publishing Companies in UK

Showing 8 publishers that match your search.

Genres: History, Law, LGBTQ+, Feminism, Politics, Travel, Biographies & Memoirs, Business, Architecture, Diverse Literature, and Nonfiction

Part of: Bloomsbury > Zed Books

Location: London, GB

Website: https://www.zedbooks.net/

Diversity: Diverse Literature

Accepts unagented submissions

💥 Hit titles

The War on Disabled People

Ellen Clifford

United Queerdom

Pablo Trapero and the Politics of Violence

Douglas Mulliken

Claret Press

Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Diverse Literature, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Jewish Literature, Literary Fiction, Mystery & Crime, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Novella, Politics, Thriller & Suspense, Travel, and Women's Fiction

Website: https://www.claretpress.com/

Yes Book queries - View guidelines →

Stephen Morris

Daisy Chain

Justine Gilbert

Julie Anderson

Quarto Explores

Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Travel, History, and Nonfiction

Part of: Quarto Group > Quarto Explores

Website: https://www.quarto.com/

Yes Book proposals - View guidelines →

The Art of Mindful Birdwatching

Claire Thompson

Maps of the United Kingdom

Rachel Dixon & Livi Gosling

Ten Tales from Tibet

Lhakpa Yeshe

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Oldcastle Books

Genres: True Crime, Mystery & Crime, Thriller & Suspense, Literary Fiction, Biographies & Memoirs, Travel, Fiction, and Nonfiction

Part of: Oldcastle Books Group > Oldcastle Books

Website: http://oldcastlebooks.co.uk/

After Agatha

Sally Cline

A Statue for Jacob

Peter Murphy

UFOs, Aliens, and the Battle for Truth

Quarto publishing group.

Genres: Cookbook, Art, Travel, Biographies & Memoirs, Sports & Outdoors, Architecture, DIY, Math & Science, Picture Book, Nonfiction, and Children's

Emmeline Pankhurst: Little People, Big Dreams

Lisbeth Kaiser

The Complete Grimoire

Lidia Pradas

Martina Slajerova

ACC Art Books

Genres: Art, Architecture, Business, Picture Book, DIY, Cookbook, Travel, Nonfiction, and Children's

Website: https://www.accartbooks.com/us/

David Bowie: Icon

George Underwood

Hugh Nini & Neal Treadwell

Best Buildings Britain

Matthew Freedman

Hardie Grant Publishing

Genres: Cookbook, Sports & Outdoors, Travel, Art, Architecture, Photography, Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction, and Children's

Website: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing

Yes Manuscript entries - View guidelines →

How to Make Anything Gluten Free

Becky Excell

Everyday Magic

Semra Haksever

Wanderlust in Berlin

Julian Tompkin

Medina Publishing

Genres: Islam, Biographies & Memoirs, Photography, Politics, Humor, Travel, Sports & Outdoors, and Nonfiction

Website: https://medinapublishing.com/

A Matter of Luck

James M. Killeen

A Dark and Stormy Night

Blue Jackal and Other Tales From Islamic Lands

Frances Gillespie

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What do book publishers do?

Sure, a book publisher prints and sells your book. But what they do behind the scenes encompasses much more than that. Publishers handle the entire publishing process for books, including: 

• Editing the book, i.e. developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading; 
• Designing the book, i.e. book cover design and any necessary interior book design;
• Promotion and marketing, i.e. writing the book’s blurb, email marketing , setting up media interviews, etc.; and
• Production and distribution, i.e. formatting and distributing hardback, paperback, and ebook versions of the book to stores, both online and brick-and-mortar. 

Note that the structure of publishing companies may differ, depending on their size. Bigger book publishers may be made up of publishing houses which may, in turn, be made up of imprints — each of which will have its own brand identity in terms of the type of books it publishes. 

However, regardless of a publisher’s size, the scope of their work shouldn’t change. Once you sign with a publisher, they will do everything that it takes to bring your book to market. 

What are the most prominent book publishing companies?

If we define success by sheer sales volume, then we might point towards the "Big 5" presses and educational publishers (who rake in a LOT of money). Over the past few decades, these giant publishing companies have merged with and acquired most of the mid-sized publishers in the industry. However, a few still remain. Here are today's biggest book publishing companies:

• Penguin Random House (Big 5)
• Hachette Book Group (Big 5)
• HarperCollins (Big 5)
• Macmillan Publishers (Big 5)
• Simon & Schuster (Big 5)
• Scholastic Corporation
• Pearson Education
• McGraw-Hill Education
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Cengage Learning

Together, these largest publishers dominate the publishing landscape. Countless beloved books come from their imprints, many of which you’ll find in our directory. 

The rest of the publishing landscape is largely made up of small publishers, or independent publishers. Most big publishers don’t directly accept unsolicited submissions without a literary agent — but smaller publishers do, making them a realistic and worthwhile route to publication. 

I have a long list of publishers. What next?

Congratulations! Now take a moment to thoroughly vet every publisher on your longlist. Scams are a dime a dozen in the publishing industry, and you want to make 100% sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate publishing company. Again, we strongly recommend reading this post and Writer Beware to know what red flags to watch out for.

When you’re confident in all of the publishers on your longlist, it’s time for the most nerve-wracking step: submitting your manuscript to them. 

Check out our free resources if you’re feeling daunted by what comes next. Whether you’re learning how to research publishers or how to personalize a submission, we've got you covered.

Free online materials

• How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher In 5 Simple Steps
• Directory of 686 Best Literary Agents
• What Do Agents Do? (And Do You Need One?)
• How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Steps
• How to Personalize Your Query Letters 
• How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal 
• How to Write a Nonfiction Query Letter

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22 Best Travel Book Publishing Companies (Contact Info)

Traveling nourishes the soul and helps us see our lives from a new perspective. But it’s also possible to go on an imaginative journey by reading travel books.

These travel narratives and guidebooks are brought to life by adventurous writers and publishers. Check out this list of top travel book publishers for inspiration and to feed your wanderlust. Complementing our discussion, you’re encouraged to check out my vast directory of publishing entities .

Here are the top travel book publishing companies:

1. lonely planet.

Lonely Planet is a renowned media company, that offers travelers an array of resources including guidebooks, digital content, travel advice, and more. Founded in 1972 by Tony and Maureen Wheeler, the company has become one of the world’s leading publishers in the travel industry, offering information and inspiration to adventurers and explorers around the world. Lonely Planet produces guidebooks known for their comprehensive travel information, including detailed travel guides , practical tips, cultural insights, and recommendations for accommodations, dining, and activities. These guidebooks cover destinations across the globe and cater to travelers with various interests and budgets. Submission guidelines.

“The spider has weaved his web in the Imperial palace; and the owl hath sung her watch-song on the towers of Afrasiab” – The Siege of Valencia

2. National Geographic Books

National Geographic Books is the publishing arm of the esteemed National Geographic Society, a global organization known for its exploration, science, conservation, and education. National Geographic Books is dedicated to producing high-quality publications tailored for both children and adults. These offerings inform, educate, and inspire readers about the world’s wonders, cultures, history, science, and nature. The company has a rich history of documenting and sharing the world’s most captivating stories through its magazines, documentaries, photography, and books. NatGeo Books continues this tradition by publishing a wide range of titles that encompass various genres, including travel, science, history, photography, reference, up-to-date guidebooks, and more. Submission guidelines.

3. Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves’ Europe is a comprehensive travel brand created by Rick Steves, an American travel writer, author, and television personality. The company specializes in publishing European travel guidebooks, along with producing engaging public television series and radio shows. Rick Steves’ guidebooks offer practical advice, cultural insights, and travel tips for various European destinations. These guidebooks are designed to help travelers navigate cities, understand local customs, find accommodations, and make the most of their travel experiences. Submission guidelines.

4. Moon Travel Guides

Moon Travel Guides, established in 1973, embarked on a journey with the core purpose of promoting independent, dynamic, and mindful travel experiences. The company’s origins trace back to founder Bill Dalton’s early days, crafting guides on Asia. It is now a part of the Hachette Book Group, one of the so-called Big 5 of Publishing based in New York , NY. They are the foremost publisher of travel guides centered on the Americas while extending their reach to encompass destinations across the globe. At the heart of their endeavor is a dedicated team, comprising seasoned editors, innovative designers, skilled cartographers, and adept marketers. Submission guidelines.

5. Blue River Press

Blue River Press is an independent publishing company in Indianapolis , Indiana, USA. Its hallmark lies in the production of an eclectic array of non-fiction books, that cover a wide spectrum of topics. Founded in 2004, Blue River Press is dedicated to providing readers with informative and engaging titles that span various genres and subject areas. Blue River Press’s catalog includes subjects of sports, health, fitness, historical fiction, education, games, popular culture, travel, regional interest, young adults, and more. They continue to produce insightful books that are popular with a wide audience. Submission guidelines.

6. Broken Column Press

Broken Column Press, nestled in Washington, DC, is a boutique publishing gem with global ties. Focused on Freemasonry, poetry, philosophy, non-fiction narratives, and travel writing, their expertise shines. Yet, they’re not confined and are open to captivating concepts. One of their most notable travel titles includes “Next Life in the Afternoon: A Journey Through Thailand” by Carl E. Weaver. As dedicated curators of the written word, Broken Column Press steers clear of quantity in favor of mastery. A fusion of local roots and global networks, the press redefines literary artistry, one where passion, precision, and exploration converge in timeless narratives. They are currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts from new and previously published authors. Submission guidelines.

7. Torrey House Press

Torrey House Press is an independent, nonprofit publisher based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The press focuses on producing books that explore the intersection of literature, the environment, and social justice. The press is committed to publishing works that inspire an appreciation for the natural world and foster conversations about important societal issues . THP’s catalog includes both fiction and non-fiction titles for the book trade and other diverse range of genres, such as essays, self-help, children’s books, natural history, and poetry, all centered around themes related to the environment, conservation, ecology, and the human relationship with nature. Submission guidelines.

8. Rio Nuevo Publishers

Rio Nuevo Publishers is an independent book publishing company in Tucson, Arizona . The company focuses on producing a diverse range of books that celebrate the history, culture, and landscapes of the American Southwest. With a commitment to high-quality content and visual presentation, RNP aims to educate, entertain, and inspire readers while capturing the essence of the Southwest’s unique heritage. The company is one of the world’s leading publishers of history, art & photography , travel, cooking, and children’s literature. Most of the books they released enrich the literary tapestry of the Southwest region, highlighting its indigenous cultures, historical events, natural wonders, and contemporary life. Submission guidelines.

9. Burford Books

Burford Books is an independent publishing company in Ithaca, New York, that specializes in producing a diverse range of high-quality books across various genres. The company offers readers engaging and informative titles that cover topics such as history, culture, nature, travel, and more. Some of their travel titles include “Cape Horn to Starboard” by John Kretschmer, and “Lapping America: A Man, A Corvette, and the Interstates” by Claude Clayton Smith. The publisher’s catalog includes books that cater to a wide range of interests, from regional histories to adventure travel, from memoirs to biographies, and from cultural explorations to practical guides. Burford Books takes pride in curating titles that provide readers with valuable insights, knowledge, and entertainment. Submission guidelines.

10. Harbour Press

11. Billyfish Books

As an independent nonfiction book publisher in Connecticut , USA, BillyFish Books holds a unique niche in the literary world. They reach readers worldwide, encompassing stories often sidelined by larger publishing giants. The purpose is to forge a connection between talented authors and a community of readers thirsty for inspiration, enlightenment, and entertainment.

In contrast to large publishers, the company thrives as a compact, approachable entity, qualities that infuse their operations with flexibility and accessibility. BillyFish Books has won several awards for its published works like the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Da Vinci Eye Award, and the Eric Hoffer Award. Submission guidelines.

12. Voyager Press

Voyager Press is a well-established Canadian publishing company , with headquarters in West Vancouver, BC, and Blaine, Washington, USA. It specializes in producing a diverse range of high-quality books on various subjects that are visually appealing and informative, catering to a wide array of readers’ interests. The press specializes in manuscripts, photographs, and archives on the subject of Travel & Exploration. Voyager Press publishes books that often feature stunning photography, detailed illustrations, and comprehensive content that engages readers and provides them with in-depth knowledge and insights. Submission guidelines.

13. Bradt Travel Guides

Bradt Travel Guides is one of the world’s leading travel book publishers, winning various prestigious awards for their amazing travel guides. Founded in 1974 by Hilary Bradt, the company has earned a reputation for its commitment to promoting responsible travel and providing in-depth insights into lesser-known regions. Bradt Travel Guides is known for its in-depth coverage of destinations that may not be extensively covered by other travel publishers. The guidebooks often cater to adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and a deeper understanding of the places they visit. Submission guidelines.

14. Tuttle Publishing

Tuttle Publishing is a well-established publishing company in North Clarendon, Vermont, USA, that specializes in producing books on Asian culture, language learning, travel, art, history, and various lifestyle topics. The company has played a significant role in introducing Western readers to the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Tuttle Publishing produces books that often delve into subjects such as language learning, cooking, traditional visual arts, crafts, history, spirituality, and travel. These titles are designed to provide readers with insights into the traditions, practices, and perspectives of various Asian countries and regions. Submission guidelines.

15. Rough Guides

Rough Guides is a prominent travel guidebook and reference publisher that offers expert advice and a wide array of resources for travelers seeking to explore various destinations around the world. Founded in 1982 by Mark Ellingham, the company quickly built a reputation as a top producer of comprehensive and detailed travel guides, providing authentic and reliable information. Their guidebooks cover a diverse range of destinations, from popular tourist hotspots to off-the-beaten-path locales. Rough Guides is designed to provide travelers with practical advice, cultural insights, historical context, accommodation options, dining recommendations, and tips for navigating local customs. Submission guidelines.

16. River Road Press

River Road Press is an independent publishing company in New Orleans , Lousiana, USA. They are known for producing books that celebrate the culture, history, and stories of the American South, particularly the Gulf South region, capturing the essence of this vibrant and diverse part of the United States. Besides travel books, their catalog includes a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, cookbooks, children’s books, and more. Many of the titles highlight the unique aspects of Southern life, from its rich culinary traditions to its distinctive landscapes and cultural heritage. Submission guidelines.

17. Unbound

Unbound is a unique and innovative crowdfunding publishing platform that connects authors with readers to bring books to life. It offers a new approach to publishing that empowers authors to directly engage with their audience and secure funding for their projects. Interested readers can then choose to financially support the project by pledging. Once a project reaches its funding goal, They publish books in a wide range of genres, including literary fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, film history, travel books, science, and more. Submission guidelines.

18. Homestead Publishing

Homestead Publishing specializes in trade book editions that seamlessly blend quality and affordability. This publishing company in Moose, Wyoming boasts of a catalog that spans a range of fiction and nonfiction topics, including travel, hiking and trail guides, maps, natural history, and more. Welcoming unsolicited manuscripts, they particularly invite outdoor and travel enthusiasts to contribute, with a keen focus on hiking, climbing, cycling, canoeing, and mountaineering guides. Among their offerings are Western Americana, and regional and global travel guides, including celebrated national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier-Waterton, and Banff-Jasper. Submission guidelines.

19. Perseus Books

Perseus Books is a prominent and respected publishing division the Hachette Book Group, one of the largest publishing conglomerates in the world. Together with their several imprints including Avalon Books, Basic Books, and the Running Press, they produce a wide array of books such as children’s literature, non-fiction, literary fiction, mystery, true crime, academic, self-help, and more. Headquartered in New York, Perseus Books also has offices in Berkeley, CA, Philadelphia, PA, and Boulder, CO. The imprints under the Perseus Books umbrella often have their unique focus, collectively contributing to a rich and varied catalog. The company does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Submission guidelines.

20. Cicerone Press

Cicerone Press is a British publishing company that specializes in producing guidebooks for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in hiking, trekking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities. Founded in 1969 by Walt Unsworth, the press has established itself as a trusted source of practical and informative guidebooks for various destinations around the world. The publisher’s catalog includes a wide range of guidebooks that cover diverse terrains, from mountain ranges to coastal trails. Cicerone Press guidebooks offer detailed route descriptions, maps, elevation profiles, and practical tips for planning and completing outdoor adventures. Submission guidelines.

21. Stones Point Press

Stones Point Press operates as a small press and an independent publisher of remarkable books. They publish a diverse array of literary titles, including short story collections, novels, novellas, business books, WWII letter collections, historical fiction, eBooks, and illustrated children’s books. The company is always on the lookout for new material and ideas but unfortunately does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Visit the company’s website where you’ll uncover a wealth of reviews and reader feedback across the range of titles. Submission guidelines.

22. Menasha Ridge Press

Menasha Ridge Press specializes in producing guidebooks and outdoor-related books for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring the great outdoors. The company is known for its commitment to providing readers with practical, informative, and engaging resources for various outdoor activities. The publishers are particularly interested in publishing books about hiking, backpacking, camping, paddling, biking, wilderness sports, wildlife, cooking, history, dining, worldwide travel, and more. These guidebooks offer detailed trail descriptions, maps, trip planning information, safety tips, and insights into the natural and cultural features of different regions. Submission guidelines.

These exceptional travel book publishing companies are fostering journeys of both exploration and imagination. Each one plays a unique role in bringing the world to readers’ fingertips. Whether it’s through vivid narratives, breathtaking imagery, or insightful guides, these publishers epitomize the diverse tapestry of travel experiences. As you embark on your literary voyage, remember that behind every well-crafted travel book is a team dedicated to creating the essence of adventure. So, flip through the pages, let your wanderlust take flight, and explore the world through the lens of these remarkable travel book publishers. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on publishing companies in Missouri .

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Welcome to Footprint

We are providers of quality, curated information for independent-minded and adventurous travellers. Our sole purpose is to enable our community to have unique travel experiences.

Footprint, as it is today, is based on a relaunch of our Handbook series which was completed in 2017 and this new traveller hub website which was launched in 2018. Footprint has a heritage going back to 1924 when the first edition of our flagship title, the South American Handbook, was published.

We continue to specialize in coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean, but we also have very strong coverage of South Asia and Spain. We do also cover some other destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

In November 2019, Footprint was acquired by  Bradt Travel Guides , bringing together the two largest independent travel publishers in the UK. 

Footprint Travel Expertise

We don’t try and cover the whole world: we’re a specialist team, and we want to be sure that we’re providing the best information we can on destinations that we are passionate about, have experience in and know we’ve researched impeccably. 

We only use expert authors who have an intimate knowledge of the regions they cover, often as a result of having lived in the destination. The result is travel information which is accurate, insightful, practical, and rich with places and attractions simply not covered by other guides. 

The Footprint Difference 

Tread your own path.

Footprint books are written for intelligent travellers looking for a point in the right direction, without being prescribed every detail of a journey. We don’t assume that you’re travelling on a budget, nor that you have an endless budget: we try and include suggestions for travelling on a shoestring, splashing out and a middle ground for everywhere that we include. Providing knowledge, options and choice is key: we recognize that everyone wants something different, so we provide a level of detail to enable you to make informed decisions and choices.

It’s important to us that we include suggestions for getting away from the crowds and avoiding the over-trodden tourist trails, as well as including the essential information on the main sights. Our authors and researchers are encouraged to express opinion.

Our travel information is designed for travellers who are interested in the culture and the essence of a place, as well as seeing the sights and having fun. Our depth of cultural and historical context provides travellers with a true understanding of the places and people they are visiting, whilst encouraging sensitivity towards local communities.

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9 best travel books to inspire your next adventure

From eco-minded ventures, to holidays by train – explore these wanderlust-fuelling titles, article bookmarked.

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A good book is always transportive. Especially a good travel book – which can have you scaling mountains, traversing deserts or exploring tropical islands with the turn of every page. The best travel reads not only make us feel like we’re there with the author, but they make us feel like the journey is our own.

After a couple of years of travel starvation, we are hungrier than ever for globetrotting reading. Even though we’re starting to explore in real life once more, packing up for beach breaks and city weekends, that hunger is difficult to satisfy.

The reality is that, for most of us, there are only so many calendar days in the year for real-life travelling – especially if you’re on a 28-day holiday allowance.

And so, we’ve brought you the list of our current favourite travel reads to inspire your next adventure and satiate your burning wanderlust.

Some are snapshots of a single place, presented in first-person by an enthusiastic author. Others are compendiums of individual essays, perfect if you need more general inspiration. Some employ the idea of travel a bit more broadly, speaking about ways of movement – the journey itself – rather than the destination.

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• 7 best non-fiction books: From historical to self-help titles

How we tested

What our best travel books are not, are guidebooks. While there are many stellar examples of guidebooks around, when choosing our favourite travel books we were looking primarily for inspirational reads, not how-to information. Our best travel books are also not novels. While many fictitious reads are full of colour and insights, we don’t quite consider them “travel books”, as such.

Finally, we looked for a mix of reads that would appeal to different travellers. Not every book on this list will be for you, of course, but that’s OK. Not every destination will be either. That’s part of the joy of discovery.

The best travel books for 2022 are:

• Best overall – The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century, edited by Jessica Vincent: £16.99, Waterstones.com
• Best eco-travel read – Zero Altitude by Helen Coffey, published by Flint: £15.63, Whsmith.co.uk
• Best for family inspiration – Shape of a Boy by Kate Wickers, published by Aurum Press: £16.99, Waterstones.com
• Best for off the beaten track discovery – Islands of Abandonment by Cal Flyn: £8.49, Waterstones.com
• Best for walkers – Where My Feet Fall by Duncan Minshull: £18.99, Waterstones.com
• Best for rail junkies – Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh: £10.99, Waterstones.com
• Best classic – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: £9.99, Waterstones.com
• Best for Nordic adventure – Farewell Mr Puffin by Paul Heiney: £12.99, Waterstones.com
• Best non-guidebook guidebook – Scotland The Best: The Islands: £15.99, Waterstones.com

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The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century, edited by Jessica Vincent, published by Octopus Publishing Group

Best: Overall

Rating: 9/10

If you want a proper adventure from your armchair, this compendium of travel articles by some of the country’s best storytellers will fit the bill. When travel writer Jessica Vincent was grounded during the pandemic she had the brainwave to pull together some of the most inspiring essays published in British media in the past two decades, with extracts from the likes of Conde Nast Traveller , National Geographic Traveller and Suitcase Magazine .

The 30 reads are short – just a few pages each – but big in scope, rushing you along the tracks of a train in Baghdad, tracking snow leopards in Ladakh or sleeping under the stars in Malawi. Destinations are deliberately skewed in favour of the world’s lesser-known destinations and champion some emerging writers, providing bitesized nibbles of places you may never have dreamed of going – until now.

This book is as transportive as they come and yet compact enough for soaking up over a few spare moments on the tube, in the bath or when you’re tucked under the covers before bed.

Zero Altitude by Helen Coffey, published by Flint

Best: Eco-travel read

Rating: 8.5/10

Penned by The Independent ’s very own travel editor, Helen Coffey, this is a personal account of how one frequent flyer became convinced to go cold-turkey on the holiday industry’s biggest convenience: air travel. After years of zooming around on a near-weekly basis, Coffey had a revelation in 2019 when researching a story on flygskam (the Scandi concept of “flight shame”). In short, she realised quite how bad flying is for the environment.

This read traces her (not always easy) journey to becoming a frequent traveller at “zero altitude”, detailing what she’s learned so far and how she’s managed trips as diverse as the Scilly Isles and Croatia. Coffey manages to weave in the hard-hitting detail in a light manner, which means even when the book is delivering its most serious of arguments – such as the fact that polluting air travel is predicted to double by 2037 – it never feels preachy. Rather, you’ll feel inspired to make a change of your own.

Shape of a Boy by Kate Wickers, published by Aurum Press

Best: For family inspiration

Rating: 8/10

If you think zigzagging in a Cambodian rickshaw or sourcing dinner in Borneo sounds tricky, just imagine doing it with three young boys in tow. Kate Wicker’s funny and moving account of living her mantra, “have baby, will travel”, shows that being a parent doesn’t have to hold you back from exploring the world – in fact, it can even make your experiences richer. Kicking off with a visit to Israel and Jordan in 2000 while pregnant, then rambling through the years and destinations like Mallorca and Thailand with her growing brood of sons – Josh, Ben and Freddie – Wicker details the lessons that they learn from each place, and each other. It makes travelling the world as a family something to get excited about.

Islands of Abandonment by Cal Flyn, published by HarperCollins Publishers

Best: For off the beaten track discovery

Most travel books are about places people want to go. This one is different. It’s about those other, forgotten kinds of places. Places people have fled from, due to catastrophe (for example, Chernobyl), unrest (the Buffer Zone in Cyprus) or shifting politics (communist Harju fields in Estonia); places that have fallen from glory, such as industrial Detroit; and ones that nature has reclaimed, such as Amani botanical gardens in Tanzania.

Author Cal Flyn has meticulously researched the destinations and brings their stories to life through evocative writing. It can make for dark reading at times, but this book makes you realise travel and discovery is as much about the places we choose to avoid as much as it is about those we embrace.

Where My Feet Fall by Duncan Minshull, published by HarperCollins Publishers

Best: For walkers

If you think great travel writing is all about moving through places in another person’s shoes, then you need this collection of essays from 20 writers about the pleasure of putting one foot in front of another. From bustling walks through Karachi with Kamila Shamsie, to rain-soaked treks in Germany with Jessica J Lee, every entry comes with its own unique flavour and makes you realise that this most rudimentary form of transport can be one of the most evocative. Editor Duncan Minshull, who pulled the collection together, has written three books about walking, so he knows a thing or two about it.

Around the World in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh, published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Best: For rail junkies

Does anything really sum up the thrill of travel like a rail journey? Whether you’ve fantasised about chugging your way across Europe or boarding a carriage further afield – say, the Trans-Siberian Express towards Beijing – this account by award-winning travel writer Monisha Rajesh will bring the dream to life. Rajesh’s easy, witty writing style is a big part of the joy, including her descriptions of the (sometimes quirky) characters she meets along the way. If you like this read, you may also want to give Rajesh’s preceding book, Around India in 80 Trains, a read.

Scotland The Best: The Islands

Best: Non-guidebook guidebook

Rating: 7.5/10

While we generally chose to omit guidebooks from this list, we’ve made an exception here – because it’s more of a photography book than anything else. The latest by bestselling travel writer Peter Irvine brings the islands of Scotland, big and small, to life through a collection of unexpected images. Some are snapshots of the big sights, such as the Callanish Stones – a rock formation on the Hebrides older than Stonehenge. Others are far less expected, such as a group of peat cutters or The Butty Bus – a fish and chips takeaway van on Harris.

Chapters are divided by geography. At the end of each one, Irvine lists a handful of his top recommendations of where to eat, stay and walk. But ultimately this is a book that inspires you to discover Scotland’s beautiful corners through your own lens.

The verdict: Travel books

If you want one book to transport you with every turn of the page, it has to be The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century . The fact that the writing is great is only one benefit – the digestible nature and mix of lesser-known destinations makes reading it feel like a proper adventure.

For any travellers who are conscious of our carbon impact – and that should be all of us – Zero Altitude is an eye-opener. Not only is Coffey’s writing style fun and engaging, but it packs in plenty of urgent detail on the impact of our addiction to air travel.

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Happy Publication Day to our author Heather Cooper on the publication of her beautifully written historical romance novel Arresting Beauty published today 30th September 2023.

‘ ARRESTING BEAUTY is a gem.’ Dominic Minghella

Based on true historical events,  Arresting Beauty  follows the extraordinary story of Mary Ryan, who was found begging on Putney Heath at the age of ten by the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Julia takes Mary into her magnificently bohemian household, to be trained as a maid and educated alongside her own sons, before becoming an assistant, muse and model for Julia in many of her pioneering photographs.

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When Julia decides to move to Freshwater in the Isle of Wight, to live close to her great friend Alfred Tennyson, Mary—clever and rebellious—finds herself uncomfortably poised between two worlds—that of a servant girl in one, and in another, artistic assistant to Julia and befriending the likes of Tennyson, battling class and attitudes of the time to fulfil her own goals and perhaps even find love.

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Independent book publisher Beachy Books has partnered with book-to-screen adaptation specialist Pendragon Works, which represents the independent publishing sector, and prominent production companies such as Free@Last TV, best known for Sky’s Agatha Raisin based on the successful M.C Beaton novels. Philip Bell, publisher at Beachy Books, said, “To have the experts at Pendragon Works consider our titles …

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Forest of Dean-based Beachy Books author K.M.S. Latham (pen name of freelance journalist Katherine Latham) will be celebrating the publication of her debut children’s eco-adventure called ‘Ink’ at Bristol Aquarium this half term Saturday 3rd June 10.30am to 3pm. Ink is a tale of adventure, bravery and friendship. It is a chapter book that is …

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The Travel Writing Tribe

Journeys in search of a genre, tim hannigan.

A Financial Times Travel Book of the Year 2021

A writer sets out to find the truth about his own genre, from Orientalism and falsehoods to today’s new voices.

Description

Where can travel writing go in the twenty-first century? Author and lifelong travel writing aficionado Tim Hannigan sets out in search of this most venerable of genres, hunting down its legendary practitioners and confronting its greatest controversies. Is it ever okay for travel writers to make things up, and just where does the frontier between fact and fiction lie? What actually is travel writing, and is it just a genre dominated by posh white men? What of travel writing’s queasy colonial connections?

Travelling from Monaco to Eton, from wintry Scotland to sun-scorched Greek hillsides, Hannigan swills beer with the indomitable Dervla Murphy, sips tea with the doyen of British explorers, delves into the diaries of Wilfred Thesiger and Patrick Leigh Fermor, and gains unexpected insights from Colin Thubron, Samanth Subramanian, Kapka Kassabova, William Dalrymple and many others. But along the way he realises how much is at stake: can his own love of travel writing survive this journey?

The Travel Writing Tribe tackles head on the fierce critical debates usually confined to strictly academic discussions of the genre. This highly original book compels readers and travellers of all kinds to think about travel writing in new ways.

Table of contents

PART ONE THE QUEST(IONS)

1. The Long White Track 2. Naming Fathers 3. A Letter to the Editor 4. In Berlin

PART TWO THE TRAVEL WRITING TRIBE

5. Belated Travellers 6. The Travel Writer Who Disappeared 7. A Class of Their Own 8. Lucky Man 9. The Travellee-Reader 10. Beside the Blackwater 11. Flying Pigs

PART THREE ACROSS THE BORDER 12. Collateral Damage 13. To the East 14. On the Couch 15. Journalism Between Equals 16. Letting the Scholar Speak 17. Upstream, Downstream 18. Winterreise I 19. Winterreise II Epilogue: The Death of the Author

Afterword: Travel Writing in the Age of Covid-19 Acknowledgements Notes Select Bibliography

‘The travel industry might be beginning to emerge from crisis, but travel writing still finds itself on shaky ground, wracked with guilt over carbon emissions and the echoes of colonialism, and with its relevancy (and sales) increasingly challenged by digital alternatives. Hannigan explores the past and searches for a future for the genre, interviewing celebrated practitioners, including Dervla Murphy and William Dalrymple.’ — Financial Times (Travel Book of the Year 2021)

‘Travel writing used to be dominated by Old Etonians with colonialist tendencies; but [Tim Hannigan’s] well-researched critique shows that the ‘travellees’ are writing back.’ — The Guardian

‘[A] deft piece of genre-hopping.’ — The Telegraph

‘A timely look at the genre – why we travel, and why and how we write about it.’ — Irish Independent

‘An excellent and thought-provoking book. […] what could have been a scholarly theoretical discourse is thoroughly enlivened by Tim Hannigan’s decision to turn it into a travel odyssey.’ — Times Literary Supplement

‘The pleasure of The Travel Writing Tribe comes from Hannigan’s diligent efforts to get to the bottom of it all — setting off on trains and planes, sometimes roughing it at hostels, on mini-adventures to meet travel writers and record interviews. The result is, effectively, a “travel book” about “writing about travel”.’ — The Critic

‘Taking the genre back to its origins … Hannigan turns the concept on its head in his quest to hunt out travel writers themselves.’ — Geographical Magazine

‘Meticulously researched and written with endearing humility.’ — Lucy Popescu, New Humanist

‘A timely book amid this pandemic, which has exacerbated the inequities between those that can move and those who can’t. [ The Travel Writing Tribe ] appears to be the first of its kind aimed at the general reader, and does a comprehensive job of collecting the myriad perspectives already percolating on the subject.’ —  Mekong Review

‘[A] lucid and illuminating book.’ — Money Control

‘Much more than a who, what and why of travel writing, Tim Hannigan’s book is a meditation on why we travel and our need to travel and experience other places. Essential reading in the age of lockdown and Instagram.’ — Nicholas Walton, author of  Singapore, Singapura and  Genoa, ‘La Superba’

‘Is travel writing dead? No, claims Hannigan, as he embarks on an intriguing quest to discuss the genre with its practitioners. His lucid study offers an intelligent and entertaining examination of its key aspects, including authenticity, gender, reception, practices and purpose.’ — Barbara Schaff, Chair of British Literature and Culture, Georg-August University Göttingen, and author of Handbook of British Travel Writing

‘ The Travel Writing Tribe walks the tightrope between travel writing, memoir and essay without skipping a beat. Interrogating a genre long critiqued for exoticizing the Other, Hannigan masterfully and engagingly illustrates how and why travel writing continues to fascinate.’ — Rune Graulund, Associate Professor in the Department for the Study of Culture, University of South Denmark, and co-editor of Postcolonial Travel Writing: Critical Explorations

Tim Hannigan is a writer and academic, and the author of several narrative history books, including A Brief History of Indonesia and the award-winning Raffles and the British Invasion of Java . He holds a PhD from the University of Leicester. He was born in Cornwall and lives in Ireland.

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Team Wanderlust | 13 November 2019

Get paid to travel: how to become a travel writer.

Time on your hands? Use it to explore turning your dream job into reality, with advice and guidance from industry experts Lyn Hughes, Bill Bryson, William Gray and Jonathan Lorie...

Want to be a travel writer? Then prepare to be loathed. The idea that someone goes to exotic places for free – and then gets paid to write about them – is too much for many to take.

“You’ll never convince friends you are going abroad to work,” explains freelance travel writer Liz Edwards . “They’ll make constant reference to your ‘holidays’.”

But while free trips, global travel and your name in print sound glamorous, there are down sides.

It’s hard work, hugely competitive and – unless you are the second Bryson – you won’t earn much. Roving overseas with a notebook, a deadline and a pack of other journalists can also take the fun out of travelling altogether. It's certainly no holiday.

Not put off? Read on to find out how you can get this dream job.

Can you do it?

Travel writing from a cliff at sunset (Shutterstock)

You can – but you need to be self-motivated and flexible. You need to have good ideas and be able to sell them.

You need to manage living on a pittance and be willing to spend time away from home at short notice. You need to be writing a lot, for practice, not just for potential publication.

“Write to your passion,” says Don George , author of Lonely Planet’s How to be a Travel Writer  guide. “Marry your own passion with a publication’s editorial interests and you’ll maximise your chances – knowledge and passion can sway an editor.”

“You need to be able to string two words together,” adds Jonathan Lorie , course leader of Travellers’ Tales , “but beyond that, what really matters is your attitude. Be persistent, reliable and believe in what you’re doing. Be prepared for rejections, and keep playing the numbers game until your number comes up.”

What kind of writing?

Travel writing comes in many forms: guidebooks, first-person features, practical articles, 500-page novels. You should be reading all types and taking notes, suggests Jonathan Lorie: “Read as much as you can to pick up tricks from the experts.”

Many immediately think of lengthy destination pieces, but this is the area where competition is most fierce.

“Don’t necessarily begin with big features,” suggests Wanderlust  editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes . “Scour publications for spots where you could supply something with a travel spin. It could be a news piece, a contribution to a regular column or a quirky filler.”

What makes a good writer?

Your writing will need an original angle and an interesting tone (Dreamstime)

“A basic error with travel writing is assuming everybody’s interested," advised Bill Bryson in an interview with Don George. “ You have to work from exactly the opposite assumption: nobody is interested. Even your wife is not interested. You have to somehow make it so that they become interested.” 

No one wants to hear about your last holiday. It’s not enough that you had a good time – you need a focus and you need to tell the reader something new.

“Know what the point of your article is,” says Don George. “What exactly are you trying to convey to the reader?” You need an original angle and an interesting tone.

The first line is key. It should draw the reader in to an engaging opening, middle and equally good end. “A good travel feature transports you to the destination. You should be able to see it, hear it, smell it,” says Lyn Hughes.

Don’t underestimate accuracy. Writing beautiful prose is no good if the facts are wrong. “Double-check your text for accuracy, especially with foreign names and words,” says Jonathan Lorie. “And don’t make things up: you only embarrass an editor once.”

How to get published

It's never too late to start writing (Dreamstime)

The UK has several dedicated travel magazines and newspaper supplements. But also think laterally – there are around 10,000 magazines in the UK. Many women’s titles have travel sections, or you could try Saga magazine , Which Caravan , Country Walking ... the list goes on.

Familiarise yourself with each publication so you are pitching the right style of article on the right topic. “Know the publications you want to write for,” reiterates Don George. “Read each issue from cover to cover. Try to put yourself in the editor’s head.”

Before approaching any publication, read its contributor guidelines, which are usually on the website. Some may not accept any unsolicited articles, others may have strict rules about submissions.

Find out the name of the editor or relevant section editor so your submission hits the right desk/inbox. Addressing your email to ‘The Editor’ (unless that’s the specified approach) shows a lack of effort.

Check whether your target publication prefers proposals or completed article submissions. Proposals should be snappy and attention-grabbing. If you’re sending an article, make sure it includes a synopsis of the piece, a word count, your contact information and details of any available photos. 

“If you’re pitching an idea to an editor, keep it (just) long enough to give them an idea of your angle and style, but short enough so they don’t get bored,” advises Liz Edwards. A hundred words should do it.

Lyn Hughes adds:  “ Think about the subject line of your email. With so many proposals hitting our in-boxes, you have to make sure that yours gets opened and read. Your subject line is your marketing tool. It should sum up what the topic of the article is and which destination it is. Your email is much more likely to be opened and read if the subject line is relevant to the publication.

For instance, if the publication runs a city break feature called ‘ First 24 hours  in . .. ’ , and you were pitching an idea for it, your subject line might say ‘24  hours in Matera, Italy – European City of Culture 2019 ’. ”

Then you need patience. Most publications receive hundreds of unsolicited submissions every week. It could take months before you hear back – if at all. In the meantime, keep practising.

A word from a pro... William Gray

William Gray and friend in Madagascar (William Gray)

Award-winning travel writer and photographer William Gray is a contributing editor for Wanderlust . So, how did he do it?

“I painted lots of peoples’ houses to save for my first big trip: eight weeks back-packing in Kenya. Nothing was published, but I did learn how to keep a journal. A year later (after a self-funded trip to Australia) I had one small feature accepted in Trailfinders' free magazine.

"The trip probably cost me £3,000, but I was chuffed to bits with the £75 fee for the article. I began proposing features to regional papers and less well-known magazines. Then came a lucky break – a contract to write a book on coral reefs and islands. It helped me get my first travel commission in a national paper.

“You’ve got to treat travel writing like a business. I may only travel for a few months each year – the rest of the time I’m pitching proposals, negotiating free travel with airlines and tour operators, writing copy and generally plugging away at PR.”

Top tip: “It’s like getting into a hot bath. Don’t jump straight in! Hold on to that full-time job while you build contacts and a portfolio of published work in your spare time. ”

More travel writing advice from the pros:

How to start your own travel blog, 10 top tips for perfecting your travel writing, 5 writing mistakes to steer clear of, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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10 of the best travel books

We may not be able to venture far right now, but these travel books, from classics to comic travelogues, take us on journeys around the world Share your favourites in the comments below

Venice by Jan Morris

Recent reports suggest the now-quiet canals of Venice are at their clearest for 60 years, with swans spotted in recent days. The city, of course, has always had a touch of fantasy about it. “Venice is a cheek-by-jowl, back-of-the-hand, under-the-counter, higgledy-piggledy, anecdotal city,” writes Jan Morris in this 1960 masterpiece . “She is rich in piquant wrinkled things, like an assortment of bric-a-brac in the house of a wayward connoisseur, or parasites on an oyster-shell.” The book pens a portrait of a city thick with atmosphere and stuffed with history, conjuring an intoxicating sense of place with Morris’s trademark wit and wisdom. Faber

Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City by Guy de Lisle

Canadian cartoonist Guy de Lisle is no standard travel writer – and his books are far from standard travelogues. Using simple, unfussy, comic-strip illustrations, he recounts his first-hand experiences of living in some of the world’s knottiest destinations, from Myanmar to North Korea. The result is a series of graphic memoirs that brilliantly juggle the subtleties and oddities of being a stranger in a strange town. Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City is the product of a year-long stay in the region and, over the course of more than 300 pages, tries to make sense of somewhere rarely less than complex. Jonathan Cape

Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy

Few travel writers of any era compare to Dervla Murphy. Now in her late 80s, she’s been responsible for dozens of travel books , dwelling on destinations as varied as Cuba, Laos, Romania and Cameroon. Her 1965 debut remains her best known work, and tells the account of an astonishing solo bicycle expedition to Delhi. “Within a few weeks my journey had degenerated from a happy-go-lucky cycle trek to a grim struggle for progress by any means,” she writes, before encountering wolves, broken ribs and heat exhaustion. She also packs a .25 pistol, and has more than one cause to use it. Eland

The Crossway by Guy Stagg

This searingly honest account of an on-foot, 10-month journey from Canterbury to Jerusalem found its way onto more than one awards shortlist following its publication in 2018, and for good reason. Guy Stagg, a self-proclaimed non-believer and non-hiker, undertakes the trek as a form of self-healing, following years of coping with depressive thoughts that “stung and reeled”. If the pretext is downbeat, the journey itself is an odyssey, encountering memorable characters and a rippled patchwork of different cultures and beliefs. Almost unbelievably, he sets off from Kent in the dead of winter, requiring a crossing of the Alps in snow. And he writes like a dream. Picador

Stranger on a Train: Daydreaming and Smoking around America with Interruptions by Jenny Diski

After spending three weeks crossing the Atlantic on a cargo ship (“at night, the rabble of stars demanded to be watched”), Jenny Diski travels around the perimeter of the USA by rail . The joy of the book lies as much in her portrayal of characters she encounters en route as the immersive detail of the country she’s passing through. Or, as she writes, “it is much more as if America is passing through you, what you are, what you’ve known”. Part-memoir, and written around 20 years ago, Stranger On A Train captures an America that still feels familiar – albeit with cigarettes in place of smartphones. Virag

French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France by Tim Moore

Few writers since Bill Bryson have nailed the comic travelogue as well as Tim Moore. Dogged in pursuit of an adventure, he’s pedalled the former Iron Curtain on an East German shopping bike, walked the Camino de Santiago with a donkey and, most recently, crossed the USA in a breakdown-prone Model T Ford. He’s also properly, consistently funny, as evidenced in 2001’s French Revolutions , which sees him attempt to cycle the entire course of the Tour de France. The acknowledgement in the title pages (“The Tour de France press office, without whom none of this would have been difficult”) sets the tone for a hugely entertaining read. Yellow Jersey

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon: A Journey Through Yugoslavia by Rebecca West

Readers get evangelical about this vast book, originally published in two volumes, which ostensibly describes Rebecca West’s travels through what was then Yugoslavia in 1937 . It is, however, far more than just a keen-eyed journal. Gathering up centuries of history and blending them with her own often piercing observations, West uses the book to paint a deep and intricate picture of a region on the brink of the second world war. The New York Times has called it a “masterpiece of history and travel”, while Time magazine would later describe West as “indisputably the world’s number one woman writer”. Canongate

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town by Paul Theroux

“All news out of Africa is bad. It made me want to go there…” So run the opening words of Paul Theroux’s 2002 classic, Dark Star Safari . Written more than two decades after his first long-distance travelogues, and some four decades after living in Africa as a young teacher, the book follows Theroux on a compelling, north-to-south journey down the continent. The narrative doesn’t shy away from harsh judgements – in Kenya “tourists yawned at the animals and the animals yawned back”, while aid workers also come in for some barbed criticism – but the people and landscapes he encounters are portrayed so vividly you can almost feel the equatorial heat from the pages. Penguin

Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-mile Adventure by Monisha Rajesh

Monisha Rajesh has form when it comes to rail travel. This globe-straddling journey is the follow-up to 2010’s well received Around India In 80 Trains , and sees her undertake a 45,000-mile (72,000km) journey through Europe, Asia and North America. Her gift for detail means characters, as well as places, are brought to life. And from a high-altitude ride into Tibet to a trans-Canadian epic – not to mention a homecoming trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express – the book does a fine job of affirming the things, large and small, that make rail travel such an absorbing way of seeing the world. Bloomsbury

A Short Walk In The Hindu Kush Eric Newby

“CAN YOU TRAVEL NURISTAN JUNE?” With this 1956 telegram – sent by disillusioned London fashion executive Eric Newby to a diplomat friend – begins an engrossing, at times comical, mountaineering journey into Afghanistan. The pair lack anything like the requisite climbing experience, but undergo a brief training period in Wales before travelling to the unforgiving peaks of Asia, with the aim of conquering the 5,800-metre Mir Samir. Newby’s prose is sharp and lively throughout , drawing the reader into remote villages and the “spiky and barren-looking” Hindu Kush, where hardships (and a chance hillside encounter with steely adventurer Wilfred Thesiger, who sneers at their air-beds) await. HarperCollins

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19 Top Travel Book Publishers

By Katrina Kwan

Are you looking for a list of travel book publishers for your manuscript?

This post will help you.

Below you’ll find 19 top travel book publishers that accept submissions.

1. Santa Monica Press

Santa Monica Press was founded in 1994 by Jeffrey Goldman, who holds a BA in English from UCLA. They publish books about a wide range of non-fiction topics including travel, popular culture, film history, photography, humor, biographies, and more. Some of their travel titles include books like “Creepy Crawls: A Horror Fiend’s Travel Guide” by Leon Marcelo, “Destination: Cocktails – A Traveler’s Guide to Superior Libations” by James Teitelbaum, and “Exotic Travel Destinations for Families” by Jennifer M. Nichols and Bill Nichols.

Santa Monica Press is currently accepting unsolicited submissions by regular mail and email . They ask that you review their submission guidelines before sending your manuscript off to be considered. You should include a cover letter with a brief summary of your book, an approximate word length, and why you believe your book would be a good fit for their publishing company. You should also include a table of contents, two sample chapters, any photographs or illustrations you intend on including (if any), and a short list of titles you think your book is comparable to. Be sure to check out their website for more details!

2. Old Harbour Press

Old Harbour Press is a newly established, small independent publisher based out of Greenville, North Carolina. Their most recent title is called “Silk Armor” by Claire Sydenham. Their aim is to expand their catalogue of fiction and non-fiction titles, and are especially interested in books about contemporary travel and cross-cultural literature.

Old Harbour Press is currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts and is actively seeking new writing talent . If you’re interested in working with the team at Old Harbour Press, they ask that you send a query letter either via regular mail or email . You should include a brief synopsis of your book, a few sample chapters, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (if sending via mail) in order to receive a response.

3. Homestead Publishing

Based out of Moose, Wyoming, Homestead Publishing publishes books about a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction topics, including travel, hiking and trail guides, maps, natural history, and more. Some of their recently published books include “A Field Guide to Yellowstone’s Geysers, Host Springs and Fumaroles” by Carl Schreier and “Indian Lodge: Fire Stories” By Frank Bird Linderman.

The team at Homestead Publishing is currently accepting unsolicited submissions, but you’re strongly encouraged to review their submission guidelines before proceeding. You should include a cover letter that provides a brief synopsis about your book, provide information on your intended audience, a chapter-by-chapter outline of your book, one or two sample chapters, a brief author bio, and an SASE.

4. Rio Neuvo Publishers

Rio Nuevo Publishers was founded in 1990 by Ross Humphreys and Susan Lowell in Tuscon, Arizona. They have produced several award-winning books about topics like travel, arts and crafts, nature, spirituality, and more. Some of their most notable travel books include titles like “Death Valley: Hottest Place on Earth” by Roger Naylor, “Mighty Colorado River: From the Glaciers to the Gulf” by Jim Turner, and “Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide” by Fran Kosik.

They are currently open to accepting submissions from prospective authors, but ask that you send a query letter first so they can determine if your book would be a good fit. You should include in your query a short description of your book’s topic, the word count of your manuscript, an author’s resume detailing any previous books published, and any related credentials. Queries can be sent via regular mail, along with an SASE. For more information, you can review their submission guidelines here .

5. Torrey House Press

Based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, Torrey House Press is an independent book publisher of both fiction and nonfiction trade titles. They aim to produce books that will help enrich and educate their readers, expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Some of their titles include “Revisioning the West” by Kur Repanshek, “Desert Cabal” by Amy Irvine, and “River of Lost Souls” by Jonathan P. Thompson.

Since Torrey House is a small publishing company, they only publish eight to ten books every year, so competition is very high. They are currently accepting submissions by authors and literary agents, and ask that you allow between four to six months for a response due to high submission levels. You should include a synopsis of your project, why you believe it would be a good fit among Torrey House Press’ catalogue, a brief author bio, titles you believe your project is comparable to, and any information on your intended market. To submit, you can use their online submission form .

6. New York Review Books

New York Review Books is a publisher that works closely with the New York Times . They love to publish works of high-quality non-fiction. Some of their travel titles include “Curiosities of Paris” by Dominique Lesbros, “The Broken Road” by Patrick Leigh Fermor, and “The Little Bookroom Guide to New York City With Children” by Angela Hederman.

The New York Review Books unfortunately does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, but are willing to consider projects that have literary representation. If you’re an author who has a literary agent, you can have your representative send a query on your behalf via email . All unrepresented work will not be reviewed.

7. Menasha Ridge Press

Menasha Ridge Press has been producing entertaining and highly-educational books for over thirty-five years. Based out of Birmingham, Alabama, they are particularly interested in publishing books about the outdoors, wildlife, worldwide travel, wildlife and more. Some of their featured titles include “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Boston” by Lafe Low and Helen Weatherall, and “Best Tent Camping: Arizona” by Kristin Olmon Phillips & Kelly Phillips.

They are currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts about adventure, nature, and wilderness sports activities. If you’re interested in having Menasha Ridge Press consider your manuscript, all you have to do is send a cover letter via email or mail. They ask that you review their submission guidelines before proceeding. If you are sending your submission by regular mail, please be sure to include an SASE to receive a response.

8. Oolichan Books

Oolichan Books is an independent book publishing company based out of Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Their catalogue includes a wide range of books topics, including titles about travel. Some of their notable travel books include “Crocodiles and Ice: Journey into Deep Wild” by Jon Turk, “Cuba Unspun” by Rosa Jordan, and “Bears Above the Valley” by Mike McPhee and Mark Gallup.

They are unfortunately not accepting unsolicited manuscripts at this time, but do welcome works from represented Canadian authors, in search for new fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction projects. If you’re a Canadian author who has a literary agent, you can have your agent reach out via mail to send a query on your behalf.

9. Potton & Burton

Potton & Burton is an independent publishing company based out of New Zealand, which also happens to be the country’s largest independent publisher. They publish books about adventure and the outdoors, children’s books, art and culture, history and biographies, and much more! They’ve published titles like “Arthur’s Pass: A Guide for Mountaineers” by Graeme Kates, “Backcountry Ski-Touring in New Zealand” By Shane Orchard, and “Great Walks of New Zealand” by Craig Potton and Shaun Barnett.

They are currently accepting submissions for non-fiction books. If you’re interested in working with Potton & Burton, they strongly urge you to review their submission guidelines before proceeding. If you intend on including any pictures or illustrations, they ask that you send copies for review, as original content will not be returned. They will work closely with authors that they feel have tons of publishing potential, and will even assist in the editing, design, layout, production, publicity, sales, marketing and distribution of your book.

10. Broken Column Press

Broken Column Press is based out of the Washington, DC area. They are an independent publishing company that specializes in poetry, philosophy, travel narratives, and non-fiction narratives. One of their most notable travel titles includes “Next Life in the Afternoon: A Journey Through Thailand” by Carl E. Weaver.

They are currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts from new and previously published authors. Be sure to review their submission guidelines before sending them a query letter. Be sure to send either one chapter or the entire completed manuscript of your book for consideration. You can submit your project by email or regular mail.

11. Haus Publishing

Haus Publishing was founded in London, England in 2003 by Barbara Schwepcke. They have a wide selection of travel writing in their catalogue, including books such as “Palermo” by Robert Alajmma, “Mumbai to Mecca: A Pilgrimage to the Holy Sites of Islam” by Ilija Trojanow, and “An Armchair Traveller’s History of Beijing” by Jonathan Clements.

They are currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts directly from authors, but ask that you review their submission guidelines before sending your manuscript. You should include a cover letter that provides a brief overview of your book’s topic, as well as an author bio, the complete manuscript, and the first three chapters of your manuscript for review. Due to high submission volume, they ask that you permit them up to three months to reply to your submission. Submissions can be sent via email .

12. Allison & Busby

Based out of London, England, Allison & Busby is an independent publishing company that was founded in 1967. They publish books of fiction and non-fiction, including true crime, food and cooking, writer’s guides, historical books, and books about travel. Some of their latest travel releases include “Reflections of Sunflowers” by Ruth Silvestre and “Hot Sun, Cool Shadow” by Angela Murrills.

They are always on the lookout for new material, but unfortunately do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. They are, however, willing to consider work from authors that have literary representation. If you’re an author with a literary agent, you can have them reach out to Allison & Busby’s editorial team to send a query letter on your behalf. For more information, feel free to check out their submission guidelines .

13. Arcade Publishing

Arcade Publishing was founded in 2010 as an imprint publishing house of Skyhorse Publishing in New York, New York. Some of their travel titles include books like “Charleston: A Good Life” by Ned Brown and Gately Williams, “Provence” by Lawrence Durrell, and “Swimming with Crocodiles” by Will Chaffey.

They are currently open to receiving book proposal submissions for books about adventure and travel, nature and science, and books about food and wine. They ask that your book proposal include a brief query letter, a short synopsis of your project, an annotated table of contents, some information on your intended market, one or two sample chapters, and a brief author bio that includes any relevant experience. For more information about their submission guidelines, click here .

14. BillyFish Books

Based out of Pueblo West, Connecticut, BillyFish Books has won awards for their books like the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Da Vinci Eye Award, and the Eric Hoffer Awards. Their most notable series, The Expedition , is based on the true story of the first human-powered circumnavigation of the world. They are happy to consider manuscripts that have been submitted by literary agents, but are also happy to consider independent authors. They ask that you include in your query the title of your manuscript, a brief synopsis, a short author bio and a list of any previously published works. You can contact them through their online submission form .

15. Blue River Press

Blue River Press was founded in 2004, based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. They specialize in non-fiction titles about sports, fitness, popular culture, travel, and more. They’re currently hoping to expand their travel titles catalogue and are actively seeking new book proposals. If you’re interested in working with Blue River Press, you can send your book proposal via email or refer to their about us page for more information.

16. Allen & Unwin

Allen & Unwin is an Australian publishing house that produces roughly 250 new titles every year. They aim to publish books intended for all ages, including children’s fiction and non-fiction, young adult fiction, and adult literary nonfiction. Some of their titles include “Travel and Working Holidays” by Samantha Koch, and “Imagine that – The History of Travel Rewritten” by Michael Sells.

They are currently closed for non-fiction travel submissions, but will reopen for manuscripts come January 2019. They highly encourage you to check back soon, and in the meantime review their submissions guidelines .

17. Burford Books

Based out of Ithaca, New York, Burford Books is an independent book publisher that specializes in nonfiction topics like food and wine, gardening, and adventure travel. Some of their travel titles include “Cape Horn to Starboard” by John Kretschmer, “Lapping America: A Man, A Corvette, and the Interstates” by Claude Clayton Smith, and “Walking the Jungle” by John Coningham.

Burford Books loves to discover new and talented authors who have a strong narrative voice and refreshing new ideas. They are currently accepting queries directly from authors, so it’s not necessary to have literary representation message Burford Books on your behalf. You can send them a query letter via email . Be sure to include a brief synopsis of your book, an approximate word count, and a brief author bio to introduce yourself.

18. Buzzword Books

Buzzword Books is an Australian publishing company that specializes in producing ebooks about thrillers, mystery, crime, travel, and self-help. Some of their titles include “Travelling with Mr Shwe” by Pam Scott, and “The Phillippines on $40 a Day” by M.D.S. Prabu. Submissions are unfortunately closed at this time , but they highly encourage you to check back at a later date.

19. Cachuma Press

Based out of California, Cachuma Press is known for their books about natural history, travel and gardening in the California region. Some of their titles include “Death Valley and the Northern Mojave: A Visitor’s Guide” by William C. Tweed and Lauren Davis, and “California’s Eastern Sierra: A Visitor’s Guide” by Sue Irwin. If you’re interested in working with the team at Cachuma Press, and have literary representation, you can have your agent send a query letter on your behalf via email . If the editorial team is interested in your submission, you can expect to hear back promptly.

Do you know of any other travel book publishers? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!

K. Z. Kwan is a freelance writer based out of Halifax, Canada.

About / Contact

With an emphasis on travel books and long-form travel literature, host Jeremy Bassetti talks with the world’s most inspiring travel writers about their work and about the business and craft of travel writing in this award-winning podcast and website.

The podcast is distributed on all major podcasting platforms and its episodes have been featured in publications like The Daily Telegraph , South China Morning Post , and Lit Hub . Some episodes and articles are included in university curricula.

In addition to the podcast, the website features travel writer profiles, book reviews, and articles related to the wider world of travel writing.

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Bronze Award in the 28 th  Annual North American Travel Journalists Association Awards Competition .

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About Katie Wood Travel Editor, Writer and Presenter

Award-winning Freelance Journalist & Broadcaster

• Holds a Fellowship from the Royal Geographical Society
• Former Travel Editor for ‘ The Sunday Times’ newspaper (Scottish edition)
• Former Travel Editor for four other UK national newspapers .
• Regular contributor to ‘The Herald ‘ – the most-read quality paper in Scotland
• Regular contributor to ‘Luxury Lifestyle Magazine’
• Written on worldwide travel for thirty seven years
• Travelled to over 140 countries on all continents
• Winner of ‘ Best Destination Feature on France ‘ in 2015 from the French Tourist Board
• Winner of ‘Best Travel Feature 2019 ‘ Wall Street Journal’
• Author of  ‘Best new Travel Guide of 1984’ from British Society of Authors
• Years of TV presenting, script writing and producing on prime time TV on travel programmes such as  ‘Wish You Were Here’ and ‘Scottish Passport’.

Following a Masters  degree in English at Edinburgh University, and coming ‘Top Student of the Year’ in a subsequent ‘Communication Studies’ diploma, Katie identified a market in travel writing and set off round Europe with a backpack for 18 months, travelling to 26 countries in Europe and North Africa.

Three months after returning she had a contract from Penguin Books and was writing her first book, the award-winning best-seller ‘ Europe by Train’ .

Within a year, it was dubbed ‘The Inter Railer’s Bible’ and was in the Top Ten Best Selling non-fiction books in the UK, and went on to be translated into five languages. She continued to research and write guidebooks for the next 25 years, going on to publish a further 38 titles.

She also worked as Travel Editor on guidebooks for HarperCollins Publishers .

As a resident ‘travel expert’ on BBC radio and national TV, presenting travel programmes followed in the career path, seeing Katie working on travel classics such as ITV’s ‘ Wish You Were Here’ and devising the concept of; writing scripts for, and lead-presenting  in ITV Scotland’s BAFTA-nominated travel series ‘ Scottish Passport’ .

In the 1990’s Katie supplemented writing around 100 articles of her own per year by undertaking Marketing Consultancy work for bodies such as British Airways , the British Tourism Authority , Visit Scotland and the  European Union DGXXIII Dept of Tourism. This ranged in content from market identification and analysis for new products, to environmental tourism assessments, writing and designing brochures and tourism literature, and advising on P.R. and promotional campaigns.

As a Travel Editor for the Daily Express Newspaper Group ( Daily Express , Sunday Express , Daily Star , Sunday Star , OK! Magazine ), she was responsible for writing, editing, commissioning and running the travel pages over various titles in the group. Previous to that, she worked as the London-based Travel Editor for the UK’s best-selling newspaper –  The Sun   –   and before that, as a writer for The Daily Telegraph .

Her freelance travel writing has been regularly published in The Times , The Sunday Times , The Scotsman , The Guardian , Wall Street Journal,  Daily Telegraph, The Independent , The Daily Mail and numerous other newspapers and consumer magazines, such as The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire ,  Elle , Scottish Field, and Ideal Home .

She also wrote a column on Health & Beauty for The Daily Mail ( https://www.dailymail.co.uk ) for five years.

‘ Europe by Train’ ran for over 20 years, and was updated annually. As well as making it into the Top 10 non-fiction books sold in the UK, it was also translated into five languages and sales ran into hundreds of thousands.

• Scottish Field Magazine
• The Daily Mail
• The Guardian Newspaper
• The Sun Newspaper
• The Sunday Mail
• The Sunday Post
• The Sunday Times

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