A travel book is more than a souvenir from a trip.
It can turn a stack of travel notes into a real book. It can help a tour guide or travel blogger look more trusted. It can be proof a photographer shows to a magazine. Or it can simply be the story of a journey, told in your own words.
That is why travel books look so different from each other.
You might be writing a guidebook for one city, a memoir about a solo trip, a story about food and culture in another country, a photo book, an outdoor adventure guide, or a simple how-to guide for other travelers.
But finding the right travel book publisher is not always easy.
Many publishers put out a travel book once in a while. That does not make them travel experts. A publisher who really knows travel books understands maps, photos, layout, and how a book can support a tour business or a travel brand, not just sit on a shelf.
The good news is, you have real choices.
Some travel book publishers are old, well-known companies. Others are hybrid or self-publishing companies built to help travel writers publish faster and keep more money from each sale. In this guide, we picked 9 of the best travel book publishers so you can find the right fit for your book, your format, and your goals. We cover traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing paths.
Comparison of the Best Travel Book Publishers
| Publisher | Best For | Travel Focus | Publishing Model |
| Lonely Planet | Popular city and country guidebooks | Global guidebooks | Traditional |
| National Geographic Books | Photo and story-led travel books | Exploration, nature, culture | Traditional |
| Bradt Travel Guides | Lesser-known countries and regions | Niche destinations | Traditional |
| Rough Guides | Independent travel with local depth | Culture-focused guides | Traditional |
| Greenleaf Book Group | Premium hybrid travel memoirs | Memoir, adventure stories | Hybrid |
| Self Publishing School | Step-by-step help to self-publish | Memoir, guidebooks | Self publishing |
| Scribe | Ghostwriting for busy travel writers | Memoir, adventure stories | Self publishing |
| Amazon KDP | Free, fast self-publishing platform | Any travel book format | Self publishing |
| IngramSpark | Wide print and bookstore distribution | Any travel book format | Self publishing |
Rules and services can change, so always check a publisher’s website before you reach out.
How We Chose These Travel Book Publishers
Not every publisher fits a travel book well. And not every self-publishing tool understands what travel books need, like accurate maps, a strong story, and a design that looks good next to photos.
For this list, we looked at:
- Real experience publishing guidebooks, travel memoirs, or travel stories
- The type of travel books they publish (guidebooks, memoir, photo books, adventure guides)
- Whether they work with new, first-time travel authors
- Whether the model is traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing
- How well they fit different kinds of travel writers, from first-timers to full-time guidebook authors
We made sure to include a real mix, like publishers who take your book and pay you royalties, and self-publishing companies where you pay upfront but keep more control and more money.
Top Travel Book Publishing Companies in the USA
1. Lonely Planet
If you want a publisher that travelers already know and trust, Lonely Planet is one of the first names most guidebook writers think of.
Lonely Planet publishes guidebooks for almost every country and major city in the world. Their content is well researched and updated often.
- Best For: Writers who know a destination well and want their guidebook next to a trusted, well-known brand.
- Travel Focus: City and country guidebooks, and simple travel planning tips.
- Publishing Model: Traditional publishing.
- Submission Policy: Authors should check Lonely Planet’s current submission guidelines, as opportunities may vary by project and imprint.
- Website: lonelyplanet.com
Editorial Verdict: Lonely Planet is a strong pick if your strength is facts and local knowledge, not personal storytelling.
2. National Geographic Books
Some travel books are not about how to plan a trip. They are about how a place feels, shown through photos and storytelling.
National Geographic Books focuses on exactly this. They pair strong stories with the high-quality photography the brand is famous for.
- Best For: Explorers and photographers writing story-driven or photo-driven travel books.
- Travel Focus: Exploration, nature, culture, and photography.
- Publishing Model: Traditional publishing.
- Submission Policy: Authors generally need to follow National Geographic Books’ current proposal or agent submission requirements.
- Website: nationalgeographic.com
Editorial Verdict: A great choice if your book leans on strong photos and a real sense of adventure, not a step-by-step guide.
3. Bradt Travel Guides
Some great travel writing happens in places most publishers skip.
Bradt Travel Guides is known for exactly this. Their catalog covers countries and regions that bigger publishers often ignore.
- Best For: Writers who know one small region deeply, like long-term expats or local experts.
- Travel Focus: Lesser-known countries and off-the-beaten-path places.
- Publishing Model: Traditional publishing.
- Submission Policy: Bradt accepts selected proposals from authors; check its current submission guidelines before approaching them.
- Website: bradtguides.com
Editorial Verdict: A strong pick if you know one specific, lesser-covered place better than anyone else.
4. Rough Guides
Some travelers want more than a list of hotels. They want to understand the place, not just pass through it.
Rough Guides mixes helpful travel tips with real cultural background. It is built for independent travelers.
- Best For: Writers who want to mix practical tips with real cultural depth.
- Travel Focus: Independent travel, culture, and city guides.
- Publishing Model: Traditional publishing.
- Submission Policy: Authors should check the current Rough Guides submission requirements, as opportunities can vary by project.
- Website: roughguides.com
Editorial Verdict: Great for writers who want to add real substance to a guidebook, not just a list of places to eat.
5. Greenleaf Book Group
Some travel writers want the quality of a big publisher, without giving up control of their book or waiting years to get picked.
Greenleaf Book Group is a hybrid publisher. That means you pay for the production, but you get a professional result and strong bookstore relationships, while keeping more control.
- Best For: Memoir writers and adventure storytellers who want a polished, professional book fast.
- Travel Focus: Travel memoir and adventure stories.
- Publishing Model: Hybrid publishing. You pay for production, but you keep strong creative control.
- Submission Policy: No traditional submission process; authors can contact Greenleaf directly to discuss their publishing options.
- Website: greenleafbookgroup.com
Editorial Verdict: A strong choice if you want traditional-level quality, but faster and with more say over your own book.
6. Self Publishing School
Many travel writers have amazing stories and photos, but no idea how to turn them into a real, finished book.
Self Publishing School was built for exactly this problem. They walk you through every step, from outlining and writing to cover design to publishing your book on Amazon.
- Best For: First-time travel authors who want step-by-step coaching, not to figure it out alone.
- Travel Focus: Travel memoir, guidebooks, and personal travel stories.
- Publishing Model: Self-publishing, with coaching and done-for-you options.
- Submission Policy: No submission needed. Book a free call on their website, and they will suggest the right plan for you.
- Website: self-publishingschool.com
Editorial Verdict: A great pick if you have the stories but need real structure and support to finish the book.
7. Scribe
Many travel writers have lived the story, but do not have the time or writing skill to sit down and write it.
Scribe is a self-publishing and ghostwriting company. This means their writers can help you write the book, or write most of it for you, based on your travels.
- Best For: Busy travelers, tour guides, and adventurers who want writing help or full ghostwriting.
- Travel Focus: Travel memoir, adventure stories, and guidebooks based on real experience.
- Publishing Model: Self-publishing / Assisted publishing.
- Submission Policy: No traditional submission is required; authors can contact Scribe directly to discuss writing and publishing services.
- Website: scribemedia.com
Editorial Verdict: A smart choice for busy people with a great story but no time to write it themselves.
8. Amazon KDP
Sometimes the simplest option is also the most powerful one.
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is a free, do-it-yourself platform. You upload your finished book, and it goes live on Amazon in both print and digital form, usually within a day or two.
- Best For: Authors who already have a finished manuscript and just need a fast, low-cost way to publish it.
- Travel Focus: Works for any type of travel book, guidebook, memoir, or photo book.
- Publishing Model: Self publishing. It is free to use, and you keep most of the profit from every sale.
- Submission Policy: No submission or publisher approval is required; authors can create an account and upload their finished book directly.
- Website: kdp.amazon.com
Editorial Verdict: A strong option if you already have your book ready and just want to publish it yourself, without paying a company to do it for you.
9. IngramSpark
Amazon is not the only bookstore in the world, and Amazon KDP does not get your book into most physical bookstores easily.
IngramSpark can help self-published authors make print books available through broader distribution channels, including bookstores and libraries.
- Best For: Self-published authors who want their travel book available in real bookstores, not just online.
- Travel Focus: Works for any type of travel book, especially ones you want in local travel or gift shops.
- Publishing Model: Self-publishing. Small setup fees apply, and you keep most of the profit.
- Submission Policy: No traditional submission is required; authors can create an account and upload their book for distribution.
- Website: ingramspark.com
Editorial Verdict: A smart add-on for self-published travel authors who want wider reach than Amazon alone.
Which Travel Book Publisher Is Right for You?
There is no single best travel book publisher for everyone.
A guidebook writer who knows one region well needs a different publisher than someone writing a memoir about a trip that changed their life. A photographer building a visual book needs a different path than someone who just wants their book live on Amazon fast.
Your format, and how much help you want, should guide your choice.
| If You Are… | Consider |
| Writing a guidebook for a major city or country | Lonely Planet |
| Writing a photo-led or exploration-style travel book | National Geographic Books |
| Writing about a lesser-known country or region | Bradt Travel Guides |
| Writing an independent travel guide with local depth | Rough Guides |
| Writing a travel memoir and want a polished, faster path | Greenleaf Book Group |
| A first-time author who wants full coaching support | Self Publishing School |
| Too busy to write the book yourself | Scribe |
| Ready to publish now and want a free, fast option | Amazon KDP |
| Wanting your book in real bookstores, not just online | IngramSpark |
This table is a starting point, not a promise that any publisher will accept your book. Always check the publisher’s current rules before you reach out.
Traditional vs. Hybrid vs. Self Publishing: What You Pay and What You Keep
| Model | What You Pay | What You Keep | Time to Get Your Book Out |
| Traditional | No production cost, but requires an agent or submission process | Usually 7%–15% of each sale, depending on the contract | 12–24 months, sometimes longer |
| Hybrid | You pay for some or all production and publishing services | More control and potentially a higher share per sale | 6–12 months |
| Self-Publishing | You pay for production and services | Most or all of the royalties, with full control | A few weeks to 9 months |
These numbers are general patterns across the industry, not a quote from one specific company. Your real numbers depend on the publisher and your contract.
What to Think About Before Choosing a Travel Book Publisher
Picking a travel book publisher is about more than picking a name you have heard of. Your book needs to match its format, its audience, and the right publishing model.
Know What Type of Travel Book You Are Writing
Start simple. Is it a guidebook? A memoir about your own trip? A photo book? An adventure guide? Or a book about a place most publishers ignore?
This one decision narrows your options fast. A fact-heavy guidebook needs a publisher built for maps and constant updates. A personal story fits better with a hybrid publisher or a self-publishing path built around your voice.
Understand How the Process Actually Works
Before you sign anything, understand the full process. This includes writing, editing, maps or photos, design, printing, and getting your book in front of readers.
If this is new to you, a guide on how book publishing works breaks down each step in plain language, from a rough manuscript to a finished book.
Think About Print and Digital Formats
Travel books work well in different formats. A guidebook should be light and easy to pack, so paperback works best. A photo-led travel book often looks better as a hardcover, made for gifting and display.
If you want physical copies, explore book printing companies that can help you produce paperback and hardcover versions. For travelers reading on the go, a strong eBook version also helps.
Think About an Audiobook
Many people listen more than they read, especially on long flights or road trips. Picture a travel memoir read aloud in the author’s own voice. It can capture a trip in a way plain text cannot.
An audiobook can help a travel book reach people who prefer listening to reading. Authors can explore options such as audiobook publishing services when considering an audio version of their book.
Build Your Audience as a Travel Author
Your book matters, but so does the audience around it. If you run tours or a travel blog, your existing followers are part of your platform. If you are brand new, your platform could be your social media, your newsletter, or a small community built around one destination or travel style.
A simple author website gives readers one place to learn about you, your book, and your work. Authors can also explore options such as author website design when planning their online presence.
Start Marketing Before Your Book Is Published
Do not wait until launch day to think about marketing. Ask yourself: Who will actually buy this book, backpackers, families, or luxury travelers? Where do they spend their time online? Can travel influencers, podcasts, or journalists talk about it? Can you partner with tour companies or tourism boards?
A good marketing plan should start before the book is published, especially if you want to reach the right readers. Authors can explore options such as book marketing services to understand the different ways a book can be promoted.
Conclusion
A travel book can build your name as a destination expert, support a tour business, turn years of journal entries into something real, or simply keep a journey alive for you and your readers.
But picking the right travel book publisher matters. A guidebook writer with deep regional knowledge needs a different publisher than a memoir writer sharing a life-changing trip. A photographer building a visual book may do better with a design-focused publisher, while someone writing a simple, practical guide may be better off with a publisher built for exactly that.
Look past the name. Check what they actually publish. Check their submission rules. Know whether they are traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing. Be honest about how much support you need. And most of all, make sure the publisher actually understands the type of travel book you are writing.
If you want full support through the whole process, Mayfair Publishers offers writing, design, publishing, and marketing services for travel authors, from your first draft through launch day.
Publishing a travel book is not just about putting your journey on paper. It is about making sure that journey reaches the readers who still dream of taking it themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are travel book publishers?
Travel book publishers are companies that publish books about destinations, journeys, and travel culture. This includes guidebooks, memoirs, photo books, and adventure stories.
2. What type of travel books can I publish?
You can publish guidebooks, personal travel memoirs, photo-driven books, outdoor and adventure guides, or niche books about a specific region. The right publisher depends on which type you are writing.
3. Do travel book publishers accept first-time authors?
Some self-publishing platforms are open to first-time authors, while hybrid publishers may have their own selection criteria. Traditional publishers can also work with new authors, although submission requirements vary and some may require an agent. Always check the publisher’s current guidelines before submitting.
4. Do I need a literary agent to publish a travel book?
No. Authors who choose a self-publishing platform generally do not need a literary agent because they are publishing the book themselves. Traditional publishers may accept direct submissions, require an agent, or use different submission processes depending on the publisher.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Publisher rankings and descriptions are based on publicly available information, publishing focus, list relevance, and general industry presence. Publishing policies, submission requirements, lists, and services can change. Authors should always visit the publisher’s official website and review the latest guidelines before submitting a proposal or manuscript. No publisher can guarantee acceptance, publication, sales, or commercial success.
