15 Coffee Table Travel Books That Will Inspire Your Next Vacation

One of the more recent installments of Assouline's now-iconic destination books, which weighs a whopping six pounds, Palm Beach details the relatively unknown history of the exclusive island. The best part? Tastemaker Aerin Lauder is the one telling the story.

American photographer Slim Aarons was most famous for his glamorous shots of celebrities and socialites living the high life, but every so often, he switched his focus to the architectural landscapes of various cities, towns, and villages. This beautiful tome explores the tiny towns of Italy's coasts throughout the second half of the 20th century.

Cape Cod's Provincetown offers a rare combination of quiet and loud: It's as much a peaceful retreat as it is a party town. This book, replete with nearly 200 pages of images, takes a closer look at the relaxing elements of the beach city—specifically at the rustic shacks scattered across the myriad dunes.

Susan Kaufman's lens captures the often forgotten charm of New York City. It's not just a concrete jungle dotted with glass skyscrapers; it's also a stylish city with historic buildings that command attention. Did we mention she takes most of her photos with her iPhone?

This elegant pick juxtaposes Japan's ancient culture with its many futuristic approach to cityscapes. It celebrates the unexpected, and often difficult to understand, beauty in its many contrast.

As its name implies, this 40-page book comprises only photographs of one of the most ancient cities in Latin America. For hundreds of years, Cusco served as the Incan Empire's capital, which may be long gone, but lives on through the surviving archaeological remains.

Any adventurous travelers could use this book. It's basically a list of once-in-a-lifetime activities organized by country. Think watching massive sea turtles laying eggs, rafting on the Yukon, or dancing the tango in streets of Buenos Aires. There's something for everyone, no matter what your interests may be.

Gray Malin's famed aerial shots are inspired by Slim Aarons's, but Malin's boast a more contemporary and approachable feel. His colorful coffee table book is filled with his most beloved escapist images, including the the dry plains of Namibia, the beaches of Bora Bora, and Byron Bay in Australia.

If you weren't into camping before flipping through this hygge-inducing book, you will be afterwards. Forget tents, though, these cabins are nothing short of glamorous. From cabins on stilts to mirrored ones in the middle of the woods, these cozy retreats will surely inspire your next trip.

Few countries offer as many landscapes as Africa: There are mountains, beaches, desserts, and cities. So if you need some help choosing which one is the best, flip through the 360 pages, which function like a visual journey through the country.

In its signature collegiate style, the Graduate Hotels book is organized like a yearbook, offering a glimpse inside the brand's collection of hotels around the world. Plus, it serves as useful design inspiration.

Anyone who likes wading through the winding streets of a centuries-old European city or falling asleep on a soft sand beach may not vibe with this National Geographic tome, which features 100 beautiful hikes around the world.

David Yarrow is as much a photographer as he is a conservationist, and his book is proof. Plus, he even breaks down how to capture the most impressive shots. That said, we'd recommend not getting too close to a lion looking right at you.

Peep 44 of France's most treasured destinations across 256 pages. From castles in Montsoreau to restaurants in Piana, the quiet and historic villages of France will make you feel like you're looking at a real-life fairytale.

The cover of The Art of the National Parks is a good preview for the rest of the book, which features original posters by contemporary artists and designers. The U.S. National Park system is an artwork in and of itself.