The Best Books to Spark Wanderlust in Young Minds
In a world full of screens and swipeable entertainment, sometimes the best way to inspire your child’s curiosity is the old-fashioned way: through the pages of a good book.
And when that book happens to spark a desire to explore the world? Even better.
Whether you’re planning your next family trip or just want to broaden your child’s horizons from the comfort of home, travel-themed books are a magical, screen-free ticket to global adventure.
Here are some of the best types of books that will help light that wanderlust spark in your 6–12-year-old.
1. Adventure Stories Set in Faraway Places
Kids love adventure and when it takes place in a new country or culture, they get the thrill of discovery too.
Look for books that:
• Feature young protagonists navigating new environments
• Introduce cultural landmarks, customs, and geography naturally through the plot
• Inspire empathy and curiosity by showing daily life in different places
2. Beautiful Picture Books with a Global Lens
Don’t underestimate the power of illustration. Even older kids love flipping through vibrant visuals that showcase life around the world.
Books like these often include:
• Detailed illustrations of cities, clothing, food, and landscapes
• Fun facts or real-world context
• Themes of inclusion, identity, and cultural pride
3. Culture-Focused Chapter Books
Chapter books that focus on culture, not just adventure, help kids appreciate traditions, values, and community.
Look for stories that:
• Celebrate holidays, family life, or food traditions
• Use kid-friendly language to explain cultural differences
• Include glossaries or language tidbits to enhance learning
4. Travel Journals and Activity Books
Interactive books can bring out your child’s inner explorer, even if you’re not leaving town.
These books:
• Let kids “travel” through writing, drawing, and imagining
• Offer challenges like language decoding, recipe discovery, or cultural trivia
• Are great tools for car trips or quiet afternoons
Tip: If you’re an author or illustrator, creating your own activity book companion to your travel-themed stories could be a hit!
5. Nonfiction That Feels Like an Adventure
Kids are naturally curious and the right nonfiction can feel just as thrilling as a fictional tale.
Try:
• Atlases made specifically for kids
• Books that feature real-life child explorers, photographers, or cultural traditions
• Series that focus on cities, food, or landmarks
Why It Matters
Books build bridges. They help kids see both the uniqueness and the universality of people across the globe. By introducing your child to stories from around the world, you’re not just planting seeds of wanderlust, you’re nurturing empathy, creativity, and open-mindedness.
And all without a single screen.
Final Thoughts
So next time you hear, “I’m bored,” or see your child reaching for a tablet, consider handing them a book that takes them somewhere new instead. Whether it’s a bustling market in Morocco, a snowy mountain in Japan, or a sandy village in the Sahara, the right story can be a window into the world and a launchpad for big dreams.