Stay Adventurous Holiday Gift Guide: Book to Inspire Adventure
The holidays are the perfect time to settle in with a good book—or to give one. As gift lists grow and New Year’s resolutions take shape, reading often becomes top of mind. Whether you’re dreaming of future road trips, looking to understand the evolving world of travel, celebrating America’s natural treasures, or embracing a mindset of adventure, these books offer both inspiration and insight.
Here are three new recommended reads (and one kit!) guaranteed to spark wanderlust this holiday season.
1. The Route 66 Cookbook — A Culinary Road Trip Across America
showcasing an American classic – the BLT
Route 66 turns 100 years old this year, and there’s no better way to celebrate the Mother Road than by savoring its flavors. The Route 66 Cookbook ($25.00 hardcover) by Linda Ly brings the historic highway to life through recipes, stories, and stunning photography by Will Taylor.
From classic diners and roadside cafés to barbecue joints, Mexican kitchens, German bakeries, and Indigenous culinary traditions, this book captures the diverse tapestry of American cuisine found from Chicago to Los Angeles. It takes you state by state starting in Illinois through to California detailing all 8 states on the way.
It’s more than a collection of recipes—it’s a cultural time capsule and a visually rich coffee-table book worthy of display. So, whether you’re planning a cross-country drive or simply daydreaming of iconic Americana, this cookbook makes a delightful holiday gift for food lovers and adventurers alike. Happy 100th Birthday to Route 66—and Merry Christmas to anyone lucky enough to unwrap this treasure.
For more information about the route and even planning your trip, listen in to a podcast – The Travel Quest – Staying Adventurous Ep 70, when I interviewed Drew Knowles author of a adventure handbook on Route 66.
2. The Future of Travel by Daniel Maurer
Where is travel going next? Author Daniel Maurer takes on this ambitious question with a blend of prediction, observation, and passion—much of it inspired by his admiration for Anthony Bourdain. As a fellow New Yorker familiar with fast-changing destinations and worldwide trends, his perspective in The Future of Travel ($11.89) immediately caught my attention.
While I may not agree with everything, I appreciate a book that provokes thought, especially when it challenges our assumptions about how tourism shapes communities, economies, and even identities. Living in a tourist town myself—the Florida Keys—and operating the Florida Keys Food Tour, I see firsthand how tourism influences daily life and community decisions. Travel brings change, sometimes complicated, sometimes beautiful, but always significant.
At its best, travel remains one of life’s greatest teachers. It awakens us, shifts our perspectives, and inspires us to live better, more intentional lives. I plan to dive deeper into Maurer’s ideas in the coming months and hope to feature him on a future Stay Adventurous Podcast. Stay tuned.
3. The National Parks Scrapbook Kit — A Passport to America’s Treasures
time to explore our National Parks
If you’re looking for a family-friendly gift that inspires exploration, the National Parks Scrapbook Kit ($17.99) is a perfect choice. With America approaching its 250th Anniversary, there has never been a better time to celebrate one of our country’s greatest assets—its National Parks.
The kit includes:
- Decorative papers
- Journaling sheets & cards
- Sticker sheets
- Park facts and info
Everything needed to build a personalized adventure album
From well-known wonders like the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and Mount Rushmore, to lesser-known gems like **Badlands**, Joshua Tree, or your closest home-state park (for me, that’s the Everglades), this kit encourages families to explore, document, and preserve their national adventures.
Put it under the tree—and let next year’s family vacation planning begin.
BONUS BOOK: Gifts from the Road (By Yours Truly)
sponsor, the book Gifts from the Road by Craig Zabransky
If you or someone you know needs a dose of travel inspiration, my book Gifts from the Road ($13.99) remains a heartfelt stocking stuffer. This easy, reflective read explores:
- Lessons learned while traveling across the globe
- Stories behind my *Staying Adventurous Mindset Moments* from the podcast
- How to plan a meaningful trip
- How to adapt and transform a journey while on the road
- How to use the lessons of travel to create your next adventure
Travel continues to be one of my greatest teachers—and this book shares those teachings with you.
Well there you have four holiday gift ideas for those interested in travel and loving books. They will make great gifts for many travelers on your list or even something you can put on your list for Santa. Stay tuned for the next Holiday Gift Guide podcast for recap of our ou stay adventurous gift ideas for the season.
Stay Adventurous and Happy Holidays, Craig
