WanderList: Books, Films & Podcasts to Inspire Your Next Journey
Sometimes the journey begins long before you board a plane.
A beautifully written novel can transport you to the African savanna. A thoughtfully produced travel series can introduce you to hidden corners of Europe. A podcast can inspire a new perspective on the places you visit and the people you meet along the way.
Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply dreaming about where to go next, these books, films, and podcasts offer inspiration for travelers who believe every destination has a story worth discovering.
BOOKS
A Weekend in Europe: 23 Travel Guides by the Cabana Editors
Part travel guide and part design book, this beautifully curated collection explores 23 of Europe's most stylish cities through the eyes of architects, chefs, artists, and local insiders. Filled with stunning photography and thoughtful recommendations, it offers inspiration for travelers who appreciate culture, craftsmanship, and exceptional design.
Photo Credit: Cabana Magazine
Small Country by Gaël Faye
Set in Burundi on the eve of civil war, this award-winning novel offers a deeply personal portrait of East Africa through the eyes of a young boy. Rich with emotion and place, it inspires a deeper appreciation for the region's history, landscapes, and resilience.
Photo Credit: Amazon
West with the Night by Beryl Markham
Widely regarded as one of the greatest travel memoirs ever written, this classic recounts the remarkable life of pioneering aviator Beryl Markham in colonial East Africa. Her vivid storytelling captures the beauty of Kenya's landscapes and wildlife with unforgettable clarity.
Photo Credit: Amazon
The New Tourist by Paige McClanahan
This thoughtful exploration of modern travel asks an important question: What if we traveled not just to see more, but to understand more? McClanahan encourages readers to embrace experiences that create meaningful connections while supporting local communities.
Photo Credit: Amazon
TV & FILM
Long Way Home (2025) on Apple TV+
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman reunite for another motorcycle adventure, traveling through 17 European countries while discovering local cultures, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable encounters along the way.
Photo Credit: Apple TV
No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski (2025) on Disney+
Antoni Porowski travels with celebrity guests to explore their ancestral roots through food, family traditions, and local culture. The series beautifully illustrates how travel can deepen our understanding of both ourselves and the places we visit.
Photo Credit: Disney+
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+
With humor and genuine curiosity, Eugene Levy ventures beyond his comfort zone to experience extraordinary hotels, destinations, and cultures. His journey is a reminder that some of the best travel experiences begin with saying yes to the unfamiliar.
Photo Credit: Apple TV
Podcasts
The Travel Diaries with Holly Rubenstein
Hosted by Holly Rubenstein, The Travel Diaries features conversations with notable guests who share the destinations, hotels, restaurants, and travel experiences that have shaped their lives. Blending personal storytelling with practical inspiration, each episode uncovers hidden gems, unforgettable adventures, and insider recommendations from around the world.
Photo Credit: The Travel Diaries
Women Who Travel by Condé Nast Traveler
Hosted by the editors of Condé Nast Traveler, this award-winning podcast features conversations with seasoned travelers, destination experts, and industry insiders who share practical advice and inspiring stories from around the world.
Photo Credit: Condé Nast Traveler,
Wherever Your Wanderlust Leads
The best journeys often begin with a spark of curiosity.
Whether it's a memoir that transports you to the plains of Kenya, a beautifully photographed guide to Europe's hidden corners, or a podcast that changes the way you think about exploring the world, inspiration has a way of finding us long before departure day.
As you plan your next adventure, consider adding one of these recommendations to your reading list, watch queue, or morning walk. You may discover that your next unforgettable destination begins with turning a page, pressing play, or simply allowing yourself to dream.