Top Travel Books for Tweens and Teens

Teenagers are just as important when it comes to traveling. In fact, their interest can make or break a trip, so globetrotting parents should consider getting them hooked on traveling by buying some of the top travel books for tweens and tweens! Between enthralling novels like Harry Potter to keep them busy during a long flight to nonfiction books like The Diary of Anne Frank to give them historical context, there are so many worthwhile travel books for tweens and teens on the market. Luckily, we rounded up some of our favorites to make the process easier for you next time you’re wondering which of these top travel books for tweens and teens would be best for your child! 

Give the Gift of Education! Shop Kids Discover Online!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

If you’re planning a vacation to Paris with a tween or teen, they may enjoy this sweetly romantic novel about a high school girl attending boarding school in the City of Lights. Buy it now

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This best-selling YA novel follows a young girl navigating life in World War II Europe. While a bit of a bigger novel at over 600 pages, this book is sure to educate your teens about what life was like in Europe, specifically Germany, in the 1930s. Buy it now

The Harry Potter Series

The iconic story of Harry Potter by JK Rowling is sure to delight your kids – especially if you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom! Each fat volume is sure to keep your kid entertained in transit, too. Buy it now

The Diary of Anne Frank

If you plan on visiting Amsterdam with older kids, this book is definitely a must-read to help them understand the history of The Netherlands during World War II. If you intend to visit the Anne Frank House, reading this book beforehand is even more pertinent. Buy it now

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry


Another book in a similar vein to the Diary of Anne Frank. Number the Stars also takes place during World War II, and follows the plight of Jews in Denmark. The story is told through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl as she witnesses the Danish Resistance assist the Jewish community in relocating to Sweden. Buy it now

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain


If you plan on taking a trip to the American South with kids, it might be a good idea to introduce them to Mark Twain’s iconic characters of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. The books help paint a picture of life in Missouri and other Southern states during the time of slavery (the mid-1800s, before the Civil War), helping a younger generation understand the context of American history as it pertains to sightseeing in the South. Buy it now

The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder


If you plan on visiting the Midwest (specifically Wisconsin), perhaps introduce your kids to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic Little House on the Prairie books. Taking place in the late 1800s, the stories follow a young girl named Laura as she goes about her life as a pioneer on the American Frontier. The stories, based on the author’s real-life experiences, are great for providing kids with a historical background on pioneer life – especially if you plan on doing some sightseeing! Buy it now

We hope these suggestions have been helpful for you to consider as you create excitement around traveling the world with your family!

Please note: We use Amazon Affiliate links so we may receive a small percentage of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. All prices listed are accurate at the time of publication.

Popular Reads
A child of color is stting i
Tips To Prepare for a Long Ride With Toddlers

Taking a long car ride with toddlers can be tough. Whether it’s steps to take before your departure or snacks Read more

Two kids stand together in front of ancient ruins in Luxor, Egypt.
12 Tips For Visiting Egypt With Kids: How To Plan An Awesome Family Vacation

Families searching for the best tips for visiting Egypt with kids are in the right place! Egypt is an amazing Read more

A mom holds her infant son on an airplane.
Use These 10 Tips For Your Baby’s First Flight

Families Who Love To Travel contributor Meghan Oaks provides her 10 best tips for your first airplane flight with a Read more

A family of three looks over a beautiful green, grassy scene together.
How To Add Romance To A Family Road Trip

Even though you’re traveling as a family, it doesn’t mean you can’t share some special moments. In fact, you can Read more

Thanks for reading!

Love our content?

Stay in the know by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

Immerse yourself in a world of limitless exploration by joining us on Instagram at families.love.travel.

Join our vibrant Facebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel," (where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!).

Plus, you can read our latest articles by following our Facebook page.

Shop for Family Travel Memorabilia on Shop Families Love Travel.

Latest Articles

Child hiking trail through Yellowstone National park.

How to Plan a Yellowstone National Park Family Vacation

Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Strolling the boardwalks...

Read More...
A family of five stands on a sandy beach on a sunny day in Turks and Caicos.

Best Beaches® Turks and Caicos Review By A UK Family

Beaches Turks and Caicos may not seem like a typical vacation destination for a UK...

Read More...
Three children swimming in blue water in Cayman Islands.

All About the Cayman Islands With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to the Cayman Islands with kids, there’s some important information you need...

Read More...

Travel Gift Ideas

National Park With Kids

Family Travel Tips

A mom kneels by her young son next to a Thule Urban Glide 2 stroller, with an ocean and tall beach grass in the distance.

18 Best Strollers For Travel (From City Trips to Adventures)

Researching the best strollers for families? You’ll love the helpful advice on this list! From...

Read More...
A family of four stands together in the entrance of a home rental with their luggage.

The Ultimate Guide to Vrbo vs Airbnb for Families

There are many vacation rental options available these days, but two of the most popular...

Read More...
Several kids play in a splash zone in Nice.

Tips For Visiting The South Of France With Kids

If you're planning a trip to the south of France with your kids, you'll want...

Read More...

Families Love Travel Team

The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.