Read Your Way to the 7 Continents

One of the greatest joys of reading is to pick up a book and be transported to another time or place. Join us on an epic journey around the globe through literature with this list of books that will transport you to all seven continents.

Whether you're working on a list of books to bring on your travels, or you're looking for a way to travel through books while you're stuck at home, check out Road Scholar's bookshelves on Bookshop.com, a website that not only allows you to shop for books online but also gives back to Road Scholar and the small bookstores of America. 

North America

Whether you’d love to learn more about America’s national parks or learn more about Canada, our neighbor to the north, these books are a great foundation for your next learning adventure in North America.

Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-To-Zion Journey Through Every National Park
By Conor Knighton

Native American Landmarks and Festivals: A Traveler's Guide to Indigenous United States and Canada
By Yvonne Wakim Dennis & Arlene Hirschfelder

Canada
By Karl-Heinz Raach & Bernhard Mogge

South America

From lost cities to epic cycling adventures, these publications offer a fresh look at travel in South America.

Llama Drama: A two-woman, 5,500-mile cycling adventure through South America
By Anna McNuff

The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget (Travel Guide)
By Rough Guides

Lost Cities of South America
By David Hatcher Childress

Europe

Begin planning your next learning adventure in Eastern Europe, prepare for Paris or catch up on your knowledge of Jane Austen’s writings for a literary look at England.

New Paris: The People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement
By Lindsey Tramuta & Charissa Fay (Photographer)

Jane Austen's England: A Travel Guide
By Karin Quint

Rick Steves Eastern Europe
By Rick Steves & Cameron Hewitt

Asia

There’s so much to learn about in Asia. Brush up on your knowledge of all the continent has to offer, and find the countries that interest you the most for your next exotic learning adventure.

Southeast Asia: Past and Present
By D. R. SarDesai

Living in Asia, Vol. 1
By Sunil Sethi

Great Escapes Asia, Updated Edition
Edited by Angelika Taschen

Africa

Whether you yearn to experience the “wild” side of Africa or want to learn more about its vast history as the cradle of civilization, these books are a great foundation for your studies.

South Africa: South Africa Travel Guide: The 30 Best Tips For Your Trip To South Africa - The Places You Have To See
By Traveling the World

The Civilizations of Africa: A History to 1800
By Christopher Ehret

Into Africa
By Frans Lanting

Australia

Australia’s wildlife, landscapes and people are incredible and unique. Begin your studies of all things Australian here while you begin to plan your next adventure “down under.”

Australia: The Ultimate Australia Travel Guide By A Traveler For A Traveler
By Lost Travelers

Great Barrier Reef
By Cynthia Kennedy Henzel

Wildlife of Australia
By Iain Campbell & Sam Woods

Antarctica

Do you have what it takes to journey to the South Pole? Find out as you being to research the rugged beauty that is Antarctica.

Antarctica: The Waking Giant
By Sebastian Copeland, foreword by Leonardo DiCaprio

The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice--Crossing Antarctica Alone
By Colin O'Brady

Lonely Planet Antarctica
By Alexis Averbuck & Cathy Brown for Lonely Planet

These recommendations are just a few publications to get you started on your armchair travels. We’d love to hear about any other books you think we should add to our lists!