We love to read books that transport us directly from the sofa and out into the world. Books that depict all the special things about places we want to visit, have been - or that we may never get to experience. They both soothe our wanderlust and inspire new adventures.

Additionally, travel books are a permanent fixture on our packing list of things we cannot do without on a journey. Lonely Planet is always handy to have at hand, and we rarely cross a border without a good book in our backpack.

Reading novels, historical books, and traveller's memoirs fuels the heart, the understanding of the foreign, and gives nuanced insight into what has shaped the country, the people and the culture. And it is an excellent way to kill waiting time on long travel days.

Below we have listed some of the best travel books we have read - and we are always on the lookout for new ones. If you would like to share your recommendations, we would appreciate it. Send us a message or share them on Instagram.

Which travel book(s) is your favorite?