One of the most effective ways to ignite a passion for travel and inspire teen travelers is through the pages of a captivating book. A compelling story set in a new time or place can whisk young readers away to exciting destinations, kindling their curiosity and sense of adventure.
Whether it’s a bustling city, a serene countryside, or a remote island, each of these YA novels takes the reader on an unforgettable adventure. These stories, rich with vivid descriptions and captivating plots, provide the perfect backdrop for young readers to explore new places and cultures from the comfort of their own home.
From ancient historical settings to modern-day escapades, these books are sure to inspire the travel bug in any teen. As they journey through the pages, they’ll not only encounter exciting destinations but also gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse world we live in. Plant the right seeds now, and who knows?
One day, they might just embark on a real-life adventure of their own, turning the dreams inspired by these stories into a reality. Here are 15 books to inspire teen travelers.
I Conquer Britain by Dyan Sheldon (Britain)
In I Conquer Britain, 16-year-old Cherokee Salamanca dreams of escaping her mundane life in Brooklyn for the historic allure of London. When she swaps lives with British teenager Sophie Pitt-Turnbull, she discovers that reality is far more complex—and thrilling—than she ever imagined.
A Brooklyn teen, Cherokee, spends the summer in Britain with friends of her parents. Her hilarious experiences with culture shock will be a hit for any young adult reader who knows the feeling of being out of place. For even more fun, grab the companion book “Sophie-Pitt-Turnbull Discovers America“, too!
Dogsong by Gary Paulson (Alaska)
Dogsong follows the story of Russel Susskit, a young Inuit boy struggling with the disconnect between his modern life and his ancestral heritage. Guided by Oogruk, the last shaman of his village, Russel embarks on a profound journey with a team of sled dogs to rediscover ancient traditions and find his own path through the echoes of the past.
13-year-old Russel Suskit longs to connect with the ancient traditions of his Inuit ancestors. With Oogruk the shaman’s sled dogs as his companions, he embarks on a 1,400-mile journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This Newbery Honor Book beautifully captures Russel’s adventure as he searches for his true identity.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Paris)
Anna and the French Kiss follows Anna as she is uprooted from her senior year in Atlanta and sent to a charming boarding school in Paris. Amidst the allure of the city and a blossoming friendship with the charming Étienne St. Clair, Anna navigates a year of romantic near-misses and self-discovery, all while hoping for the perfect French kiss.
When Anna is shipped off to spend her senior year in a boarding school in Paris, she is not happy. But Paris, and a young man Anna meets there, might just change her mind about everything!
Peak by Roland Smith (Mount Everest)
Peak (A Peak Marcello Adventure, 1) follows the thrilling story of Peak Marcello, a teenage climbing enthusiast who faces a life-altering decision after being arrested for scaling a skyscraper in New York City. Given the choice between juvenile detention or joining his estranged father’s climbing company, Peak embarks on a high-stakes expedition to climb Mount Everest, where the challenge of a lifetime also comes with dangerous risks and hidden motives.
Peak Marcello is a 14-year-old in trouble. After being arrested for climbing a building in New York City, his father sends him off to climb Mount Everest. This action-adventure story will keep young readers on the edge of their seat!
The Merit Birds by Kelly Powell (Laos)
In The Merit Birds, eighteen-year-old Cam Scott grapples with his anger and disillusionment as he moves from Ottawa to Vientiane, Laos, only to find unexpected solace through friendship and love. As tragedy strikes and Cam is falsely accused of a crime, he must rely on an enigmatic stranger to restore his merit and regain his freedom, navigating a rich tapestry of action, suspense, and humor in a captivating Southeast Asian setting.
Cam Scott is not happy about moving to Vientiane, Laos from his home in Ottawa, Canada. But life in Southeast Asia teaches him a lot about himself and life, especially after Cam finds himself falsely accused of murder!
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (Europe)
New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson’s 13 Little Blue Envelopes offers a funny, heartbreaking, and utterly romantic adventure through Europe as Ginny Blackstone uncovers her late aunt’s past. With a mysterious letter from her deceased aunt and a treasure map of sorts, Ginny embarks on a transformative journey across London, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam, discovering not only her aunt’s secrets but also a new understanding of herself.
Ginny Blackstone lost her Aunt Peg three months ago. So she is surprised to receive a letter from her Aunt (in a blue envelope) that contains $1000 cash for a passport, and a plane ticket. The letter sets Ginny off on an adventure of a lifetime as she travels all over Europe learning about her Aunt, and learning a lot more about herself, too.
The Boy on the Bridge by Natalie Standiford (Russia during the Cold War)
The Boy on the Bridge by Natalie Standiford is a captivating novel set in Cold War-era Leningrad, where a young American student, Laura Reid, falls in love with a Russian artist amid intense political tension. As Laura navigates a world of secret gatherings and hidden dangers, she faces a heart-wrenching decision: stay with Alexei and risk everything, or return to the safety of her life in the United States.
Young Laura Reid gets to spend a semester abroad in Leningrad. But it is 1982, during the Cold War, a time fraught with paranoia and danger. When she meets a young Russian man named Alexei, the intrigue becomes even more intense as Laura faces some very tough decisions.
Wanderlost by Jen Malone (Europe)
In Wanderlost, Aubree Sadler’s quiet life in Ohio takes an unexpected turn when she’s thrust into the role of a tour guide for a group of seniors on a whirlwind European adventure. As she navigates through romantic cities and tangled emotions with the tour company owner’s charming son, Aubree’s journey might just help her discover who she truly is.
Aubree Sadler is not a very adventurous person. But when she is convinced to take her sister’s place leading a bus tour through Europe, Aubree has the chance to get in touch with herself in unexpected ways. With numerous challenges and a surprise romance, Aubree’s adventure might just change everything she knows!
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Prague and Marrakesh)
Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone (1)) transports readers to the mystical streets of Prague, where a young art student named Karou discovers a hidden world of monsters and magic. As black handprints appear on doorways and a devil’s supply of human teeth dwindles, Karou's life is upended, leading her into a perilous otherworldly war that will reveal long-buried secrets about her own identity.
Mysterious and magical, this is the tale of a 17 year old art student named Karou. Her global adventure into light, darkness, and love, will thrill everyone who reads it! A New York Times Notable Children’s Book of the Year.
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard (Central America, Mayan Villages, Belizean Islands)
In Wanderlove, eighteen-year-old Bria embarks on a transformative journey through Central America in search of independence and self-discovery, only to find herself on an unexpected adventure with a rebellious backpacker and his outspoken sister. As Bria explores Mayan villages and remote islands, she discovers that moving forward may not be enough to escape her past, leading to a compelling tale of growth and self-realization.
Bria, an adventurous 18 year old, signs up for a tour of Central America. There, she meets Rowen and his sister, Starling, setting off on an adventure through Mayan villages and the Belizean islands. But wherever you go, there you are!
The Alchemist (Global)
Discover the 25th anniversary edition of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho’s beloved masterpiece that blends magic and wisdom into an inspiring tale of adventure and self-discovery. With a new Foreword by Coelho, this edition invites readers to join Santiago on his quest for a worldly treasure that reveals the true meaning of pursuing one's dreams.
This is a classic tale of wanderlust and something to read at every stage of life. The central character is a young boy who learns lessons along the journey. While some content may not sink in, the message is universal.
Wish You Were Italian (If Only Series) by Kristin Rae (Italy)
Wish You Were Italian: An If Only Novel follows Pippa’s unexpected Italian adventure as she ditches her art program to fulfill her summer bucket list in the beautiful cities of Rome and Pompeii. Amidst swimming in the Mediterranean, devouring pizza, and exploring ancient ruins, Pippa finds herself torn between a charming but reckless local and a mysterious American archaeology student.
Pippa isn’t thrilled about the art program she’s supposed to participate in over the summer, but she can’t resist a chance to visit Italy. As soon as she’s able, though, Pippa ditches the program to enjoy an Italian adventure through Rome and Pompeii while learning about love, and herself!
Sophomore Year is Greek to Me by Meredith Zeitlin (Greece)
Sophomore Year Is Greek to Me by Meredith Zeitlin follows high school sophomore Zona Lowell as she is uprooted from her life in New York City and thrust into the heart of Athens for six months. In this witty and heartwarming tale, Zona navigates hilarious escapades, eye-opening revelations, and unexpected family reunions while documenting her experiences with a unique and humorous perspective.
Zona, a high school sophomore, is a happy New Yorker. Suddenly, her father tells her they are moving to Athens, Greece for six months, a move that shakes Zona’s whole life to the core. Hilarious and revealing, Zona’s adventures will captivate your favorite teen!
Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender (Paris)
Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer transports readers to a chillingly dark Paris, where a class trip turns into a heart-pounding mystery. As Colette Iselin unravels a series of gruesome murders linked to a spectral vision of Marie Antoinette, she teams up with a charming local to uncover a deadly secret that puts her own life in jeopardy.
Visiting Paris on a class trip, young student Colette is ready to learn all she can about France. But her trip takes a darker turn when Colette is caught up in intrigue involving murder, chills, and one spooky ghost. This supernatural adventure will have young readers sleeping with the lights on!
Just One Day by Gayle Forman (Europe)
Just One Day by Gayle Forman is a captivating novel that follows Allyson Healey’s unexpected journey when she steps out of her carefully planned life for a spontaneous day in Paris with the enigmatic Willem. This heartfelt story explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of taking risks, offering readers a poignant look at how a single day can change everything.
On the last day of her three-week trip to Europe, Allyson meets Willem, actor and free spirit. With just one day left of her vacation, Willem takes her on an unexpected adventure of a lifetime!
These 15 books to inspire teen travelers are so captivating that adults will find themselves eagerly turning the pages as well! Each story offers a unique glimpse into exciting worlds and new perspectives, proving that the spirit of adventure knows no age limits. Whether you’re a teen looking for your next great read or an adult reminiscing about your own travel dreams, these novels are sure to spark a sense of wanderlust!
Misty
Wednesday 16th of August 2017
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm a sucker for a good book, and I love YA to give my brain a rest. I've only read Peak, on the recommendation of my English-teacher brother.