Last Updated on March 29, 2021

Reading about new places and learning about the people, the culture and the history of a country is a great way to satisfy your wanderlust.
Reading about a place through the eyes of someone else, whether it be a fictional account or a reflective piece of non-fiction written by a newcomer, is for me the best way to really get a feel for a destination and the people who live there.
In this article, I have chosen a favourite book set in different countries around the world.
Why don’t you join me as we go around the world in 80 books?

Best books from countries around the world
Australia
In a sunburned country
by Bill Bryson
Although this book was written in 2000 it is still my favourite book written about Australia. Bryson with his trademark humour explore the continent meeting all sorts of interesting people (and creatures) along the way.
Botswana
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series
by Alexander McCall Smith
A wonderful series of books set in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. The stories follow the life and investigations of Botswana’s foremost lady detective Mma Ramotswe.
A wonderful and gentle introduction to this beautiful country and its people and culture.
More – Best books about Botswana to read before you visit
BEST TRAVEL BOOKS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Read your way around the world with my selection of the best books (both fiction and non-fiction) about (or set in) various countries across the globe.
My selections also include general travel books, books for those who loves maps, atlases, trains and all sorts of other topics for travelers everywhere.
TRAVEL BOOKS ABOUT (OR SET IN) THE UK
A selection of both fiction and non-fiction books about the UK and regions/areas or cities.
9 Best Books about England to Read Before you Visit
A wonderful selection of books about England including some of the classic reads everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.
Top 10 England travel guide books to help plan your trip
A selection of the best guide books about England. Included in this curated list are travel guides for history lovers, garden lovers, foodies and more.
9 books about Northumberland to read before you visit
A selection of books set in or about the beautiful northern England county of Northumberland.
The best Lake District books to read before you visit (fiction and non-fiction)
If you are planning to visit the Lake District in England this selection of books about the area will provide you with lots of inspiration for your trip!
25 Books about Scotland (including travel/historical & more)
A selection of best travel books set in Scotland or about Scotland. Includes fiction and non-fiction titles.
BEST TRAVEL BOOKS SET IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
This is my collection of posts with recommended best travel books for European countries including France, Iceland and Croatia amongst others.
10 must-read books about France (or set in France)
With a slight focus on Paris this selection of great books to read about France will have you planning that trip asap!
Best books about Switzerland
Having both lived and worked in Switzerland (and visited numerous times over the last 30 years) this is my selection of the best books about the country to read before you visit.
Top 9 best books about Norway (or set in Norway)
Are you visiting Norway or want to learn more about the country? This selection of fiction and non-fiction books about (or set in) Norway will provide you with inspiration.
Best books about Croatia (or set in Croatia)
Growing in popularity Croatia is one of our favourite European destinations. Check out this selection of both fiction and non-fiction about Croatia.
A selection of books about Italy (fiction/non-fiction/travel)
My selection of the best travel, fiction and non-fiction books about Italy. Lots to read before your visit to Italy - inspiration and more to help you plan your trip.
A Collection of the Best Books about Denmark
If you are planning to visit Denmark this selection of books will provide you with lots of inspiration for your trip.
The Best Iceland Books
A selection of the best fiction and non fiction books about Iceland. Perfect for preparing for your visit or to find out more about Iceland.
BEST BOOKS SET IN ASIAN COUNTRIES
My selection of the best travel, fiction and non-fiction books set in a variety of Asian countries.
Best Books about Vietnam to Read Before You Visit
Read about the history of Vietnam in my selection of books about Vietnam. My selection includes fiction, non-fiction and travel books about Vietnam.
Top 7 Best Books about Cambodia
My choice of the best books to read about Cambodia including fiction and non-fiction books.
BEST BOOKS SET IN AFRICA
A selection of best travel books including fiction, non-fiction and guide books about various countries in Africa.
10 best South African books to read before you visit
A selection of must-read books about South Africa - essential reading for anyone interested in visiting the country.
BEST BOOKS SET IN NORTH AMERICA
A selection of guide books, fiction and non-fiction books about (or set in) North America.
10 non-fiction books about Canada to read before you visit (or move there!)
My favourite books about (or set in) Canada to inspire you to visit or to help you plan your trip. This selection includes all sorts of books about Canada.
BOOKS ABOUT AUSTRALIA
So many amazing books to read about Australia - included in my posts are book lists about Australian animals as well as general travel guide books and non-fiction titles to enjoy.
Top 18 Books about Australia to Read Before Visiting Down Under
This is my ultimate selection of great books to read about Australia.
7 Awesome books about Australian Animals
Do you want to learn more about Australian animals? This selection of great books are a perfect way to find out about some of the most iconic animals on the planet.
BEST BOOKS FOR A RANGE OF TRAVEL RELATED TOPICS
All my travel related book posts which are not country specific.
My top 12 best atlas books (and the most unusual)
A selection of the best atlas books for travelers who love maps. This list includes some unusual books for any travel lover.
Best Travel Coloring Books to Inspire Wanderlust
Whether you are looking for a coloring book with a travel theme to provide you with some wanderlust or to take with you on your travels this selection of travel themed coloring books will provide hours of fun.
Gift Guide: the Best Travel Books to Inspire Wanderlust
Updated regularly this selection of the best travel books to inspire wanderlust will have you booking that next trip!
Top Gift Guide: Top 10 Books on Trains all Train Lovers will Love
A selection of books for railway lovers.
Around the World in 80 books
A round-up post focusing on all my book posts about countries around the world.
TRAVEL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
My selection of the best travel books for children.
Gift Guide - Best travel books for children of all ages
A selection of great travel books for kids of all ages.
Best kids books about London for all ages
A selection of books for children all about London. This includes books to read with little ones as well as activity books for older children.
Top 25 Books about Australian Animals to Share with Children
This is the perfect list of books for children of all ages to share about Australian animals. These are all books familiar to children in Australia and a great way to teach kids all over the world about Aussie animals.
Travel inspiration from around the world
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our disclosure for further information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.