Autumn Reading List for Travel Lovers

Alright, fellow wanderlust souls! The ‘ber months are here, and you know what that means—cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced everything, and the perfect excuse to curl up with a book (or three). Whether you’re planning your next adventure or reminiscing about past trips, this autumn reading list for travel lovers is sure to inspire you and will take you places—without you ever leaving the comfort of your blanket fort. Plus, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Instagram accounts to get you in the fall spirit with all the cozy, moody vibes. Trust me, your feed is about to look so autumn-ready.

So grab your tea, hot chocolate, or mulled wine, and let’s dive into my take on the best autumn reads for travel lovers!!

1. The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

Kicking off this list with a heartwarming gem. The Kamogawa Food Detectives takes you to the beautiful city of Kyoto, where a father-and-daughter duo run a unique detective agency that helps people recover lost memories through food. Sounds deliciously intriguing, right? As a travel and food lover myself, this book really hits the spot—pun intended.

Perfect for: Anyone who loves the magic of food and wants to feel transported to Japan’s serene and beautiful landscapes.

2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Another Japanese gem, but this one comes with a time-travel twist. Set in a small café in Tokyo, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a series of short stories about patrons who are given the chance to travel back in time—but only for the duration of their coffee. It’s quirky, emotional, and makes you ponder life’s little “what ifs.”

Perfect for: Fans of time travel, Japanese culture, and anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking yet cozy read.

3. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Okay, I know it’s not technically a travel book, but hear me out. Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is all about the Danish concept of coziness, and this book will make you want to book the next flight to Copenhagen immediately. Full of tips on how to bring hygge into your life, this book is perfect for autumn when you’re all about cozy nights and warm candles.

Perfect for: Those who want to slow down, embrace cozy vibes, and maybe plan a trip to Denmark to experience hygge in real life.

4. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

What could be more idyllic than a year spent in the French countryside? A Year in Provence is an entertaining memoir by Peter Mayle about his adventures (and misadventures) adjusting to life in Provence. It’s light-hearted, funny, and will absolutely make you crave a croissant and a glass of rosé.

Perfect for: Francophiles and anyone dreaming of an escape to the sunny, wine-filled French countryside.

5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

f you haven’t read Wild yet, what are you waiting for? This memoir of Cheryl Strayed’s solo journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is raw, emotional, and inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that travel isn’t just about the places you go—it’s about finding yourself along the way.

Perfect for: Anyone who needs a little inspiration to face life’s challenges and maybe book a hiking trip- but, like, a shorter one..

6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Ah, The Alchemist, a classic. It’s a timeless tale of a young shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to find treasure—and along the way discovers that the real treasure might not be what he expected. This book is all about following your dreams, which is basically what travel is all about, right? The way I see it, Autumn reading list for travel lovers absolutely needs this book—it’s the epitome of wanderlust and self-discovery.

Perfect for: Dreamers, adventurers, and anyone who believes in the magic of the journey.

7. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Let’s face it—Eat, Pray, Love is the ultimate travel memoir. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, the book takes you on a journey through Italy, India, and Bali as Elizabeth Gilbert finds herself through food, meditation, and love. It’s the perfect autumn read for anyone itching for a little self-discovery.

Perfect for: Anyone who dreams of quitting their job, hopping on a plane, and eating all the pasta in Italy.

Bonus: My Favorite Instagram Accounts for Cozy Fall Vibes

If you want to take your autumn vibes to the next level, these Instagrammers are serving all the cozy, moody, fall goodness your feed needs. Whether it’s misty mornings, warm drinks, or golden leaves, they’ve got it covered:

Shau – @chaptersofshau
For a mix of travel and moody autumn aesthetics, Shau nails it every time. Plus, her photography will have you wanting to cozy up with a book ASAP.

Austin – @austinrutland
Austin’s moody and cozy aesthetic is perfect for the fall season. Expect foggy mornings, warm drinks, and gorgeous landscapes.

Chacen – @_chacen
Moody, cozy, and full of autumnal goodness. Chacen’s feed is basically what fall dreams are made of. Prepare for a flood of cozy vibes.

Zaira Bandeira – @zazuworld
Zaira’s account is a perfect mix of beautiful landscapes, dreamy interiors, and all the fall feels you could want.

Sarah – @sarahwitpeerd
Sarah’s feed is like stepping into a perfectly curated autumnal wonderland. Think golden leaves, cozy sweaters, and that perfect autumn light.

There you have it, friends—my perfect autumn reading list for travel lovers, plus some Instagram inspo to get you in the cozy, moody fall spirit. Whether you’re curled up with a good book, planning your next adventure, or just living vicariously through these pages, I hope you find a little autumn magic wherever you are.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more travel tips, hidden gems, and cozy adventures. And if you missed my previous posts, check out Best Fall Spots in London for Stunning Autumn Foliage and my Food page for a few recommendations around London.

Until next time, stay cozy and keep exploring!