travel-book-publishers

In 2026, the travel publishing industry has shifted from generic “sightseeing” guides to deeply immersive, ethical, and narrative-driven storytelling. Modern travelers aren’t just looking for where to eat; they are looking for the soul of a destination. Whether you have a gritty travel memoir, a niche adventure guide, or a collection of place-based essays, there is a specialized home for your work.

Elevate Your Journey with Adeptghostwriting

At Adeptghostwriting, we help travelers and explorers turn their journals and itineraries into professional manuscripts. Our expert team specializes in narrative travel writing, ensuring your unique voice and the atmosphere of your travels are captured perfectly for the editors below.

25+ Travel Book Publishers Accepting Submissions in 2026

To help you find the perfect match, here is a curated list of publishers. Each entry follows a strict structure to help you compare their needs at a glance.

1. Bradt Guides

This legendary UK publisher is the premier home for “off-the-beaten-path” travel. In 2026, they continue to champion destinations that mainstream guides ignore, prioritizing authenticity and deep local knowledge.

  • Focus: Rare destinations, wildlife, and sustainable slow travel.

  • Requirement: A detailed synopsis and an author bio proving expertise.

  • The Vibe: Adventurous, pioneering, and intellectually curious.

2. Cicerone Press

If your travel manuscript involves boots, bikes, or climbing ropes, Cicerone is your best bet. They specialize in “activity-based” travel guides for hikers and mountaineers across the globe.

  • Focus: Hiking, cycling, trekking, and mountaineering guides.

  • Requirement: Proposal template, GPX track samples, and 5–10 photos.

  • The Vibe: Technical, reliable, and outdoor-focused.

3. Lonely Planet

While a global giant, Lonely Planet still scouts for new talent for their “Experience” and “Epic” series. They look for writers who can balance high-energy storytelling with practical, up-to-date data.

  • Focus: Contemporary city guides and experiential travel narratives.

  • Requirement: Submission through their online writer’s portal.

  • The Vibe: Iconic, accessible, and globally conscious.

4. Summersdale (Hachette UK)

Summersdale is a major player in travel memoirs and narrative non-fiction. They love books that inspire, whether through humor, personal growth, or a transformative journey across a continent.

  • Focus: Travel memoirs and humorous narrative travel stories.

  • Requirement: Cover letter, synopsis, and the first two chapters.

  • The Vibe: Uplifting, witty, and commercially accessible.

5. Interlink Publishing

Interlink’s “International Fiction” and “Travel” series focus on cultural immersion. They are specifically looking for works that bridge the gap between North American readers and global cultures.

  • Focus: Cultural travel, heritage, and place-based narrative writing.

  • Requirement: Query email with a 10-page writing sample attached.

  • The Vibe: Scholarly, respectful, and culturally rich.

6. Mountaineers Books

Based in Seattle, this publisher is a non-profit dedicated to the “power of the peaks.” They seek works that combine outdoor adventure with environmental stewardship and conservation ethics.

  • Focus: High-adventure travel and conservation-themed narratives.

  • Requirement: A formal proposal detailing the book’s environmental impact.

  • The Vibe: Ethical, rugged, and deeply respectful of nature.

7. Moon Travel Guides (Hachette)

Moon focuses on “active and local” travel. They hire experts to write guides that feel like advice from a local friend, with a strong emphasis on social and cultural ethics.

  • Focus: Regional guidebooks with a “local expert” perspective.

  • Requirement: Proven expertise in a specific region and high-level research skills.

  • The Vibe: Practical, community-oriented, and trustworthy.

8. Rough Guides

Rough Guides remains the “tell-it-like-it-is” publisher. In 2026, they are expanding their digital-first “Mini” guides and are looking for writers who understand modern social scenes and history.

  • Focus: Comprehensive cultural guides and budget-friendly itineraries.

  • Requirement: Experience in journalism or professional travel blogging.

  • The Vibe: Candid, socially aware, and historically deep.

9. Haus Publishing

An independent house specializing in “Armchair Travel.” Their Armchair Traveller series is perfect for literary travel writing that explores history and biography alongside geography.

  • Focus: Literary travelogues and place-based historical narratives.

  • Requirement: Query letter with a focus on the literary merit of the work.

  • The Vibe: Sophisticated, academic, and deeply evocative.

10. Greystone Books

Greystone is a leader in environmental travel and nature-based adventures. They publish books that explore the relationship between the human traveler and the natural world.

  • Focus: Nature-focused travel, science, and environmental memoirs.

  • Requirement: Proposals must highlight a unique “Nature” angle.

  • The Vibe: Calm, thoughtful, and environmentally proactive.

11. Imbrifex Books

This Las Vegas-based press loves the “Great American Road Trip.” They focus on hiking, road-tripping, and the unique voices of the American West.

  • Focus: Road trip guides, hiking, and Southwestern US travel.

  • Requirement: Query through their Submittable portal with a marketing plan.

  • The Vibe: Modern, visual, and focused on discovery.

12. Greatland Graphics

Focusing exclusively on the wild north, this publisher is the go-to for anything related to Alaska and the Arctic. They prioritize high-quality photography and “wild” experiences.

  • Focus: Alaska-specific travel, wildlife, and nature photography books.

  • Requirement: Authors must have a primary residence or deep experience in Alaska.

  • The Vibe: Specialized, rugged, and visually stunning.

13. AdventureKEEN

The umbrella for several adventure imprints, AdventureKEEN is looking for books that encourage readers to get outside, from birdwatching to technical rock climbing.

  • Focus: Outdoor activity guides and adventure narratives.

  • Requirement: Detailed outline of the “How-To” components of the book.

  • The Vibe: Energetic, instructional, and encouraging.

14. Overcup Press

Overcup is an independent house that looks for the intersection of travel, art, and design. They love books that are beautiful to look at and intellectually stimulating to read.

  • Focus: Epicurean travel, art-focused journeys, and unique design.

  • Requirement: A query highlighting the visual potential of the book.

  • The Vibe: Artsy, modern, and boutique.

15. The History Press

While they specialize in history, their “Travel and Heritage” list is massive. They look for books that uncover the hidden layers of history beneath modern cities and landscapes.

  • Focus: Heritage travel, local history guides, and true crime travel.

  • Requirement: Proven research skills and a connection to local history.

  • The Vibe: Nostalgic, informative, and community-based.

16. Arsenal Pulp Press

This Canadian press is excellent for “Subversive Travel.” They look for LGBTQ+ travel, urban exploration, and voices that challenge the colonial perspective of travel.

  • Focus: Diverse, inclusive, and socially radical travel writing.

  • Requirement: A statement on how the book addresses social justice or diversity.

  • The Vibe: Bold, progressive, and unapologetic.

17. Milkweed Editions

Milkweed publishes “literature that builds community.” They are interested in travel writing that focuses on the deep ecology of a place and the ethics of dwelling.

  • Focus: Environmental travel and literary essays on place.

  • Requirement: High-level literary writing sample (15–20 pages).

  • The Vibe: Spiritual, poetic, and grounded.

18. Shambhala Publications

If your travel book is about a “Sacred Journey” or spiritual pilgrimage, Shambhala is the world leader. They focus on mindfulness and the inner journey of the traveler.

  • Focus: Pilgrimages, spiritual travel, and mindfulness-based journeys.

  • Requirement: A query detailing the spiritual lineage or practice involved.

  • The Vibe: Peaceful, insightful, and transformative.

19. Globe Pequot

Part of Rowman & Littlefield, Globe Pequot is a titan of regional US travel. They publish everything from “Off the Beaten Path” to “Insiders’ Guides” for every state.

  • Focus: American regional travel and practical outdoor guides.

  • Requirement: Agent preferred, but open to direct queries for niche regions.

  • The Vibe: Commercial, comprehensive, and reliable.

20. Birlinn (Scotland)

Birlinn is the premier publisher for all things Scottish. If your travel book focuses on the Highlands, Islands, or Scottish heritage, this is your home.

  • Focus: Scottish travel, maritime history, and Gaelic culture.

  • Requirement: A query emphasizing the “Scottish connection” of the work.

  • The Vibe: Traditional, expert, and deeply regional.

21. Rowman & Littlefield

This publisher supports “Academic-Trade” travel. They want books that are place-based, historically informed, and accessible to a general reader.

  • Focus: Cultural studies and historically grounded travel narratives.

  • Requirement: A formal academic/trade book proposal.

  • The Vibe: Rigorous, educational, and authoritative.

22. University of Regina Press

A Canadian academic press that is surprisingly open to “radical” travel narratives, particularly those involving Indigenous lands and reconciliation themes.

  • Focus: Northern travel, Indigenous perspectives, and social history.

  • Requirement: Peer-reviewable quality and a unique cultural thesis.

  • The Vibe: Serious, impactful, and revolutionary.

23. Microcosm Publishing

Microcosm loves “DIY Travel.” They are looking for zines, books on bike-touring, train-hopping, and low-cost, high-adventure travel for the modern punk or activist.

  • Focus: Alternative travel, bicycling, and sustainable living.

  • Requirement: A query that reflects their “DIY/Punk” ethos.

  • The Vibe: Gritty, practical, and community-centered.

24. NewSouth Publishing

Based in Australia, they are looking for travel that explores the Pacific, Australia, and the intersection of politics and landscape in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Focus: Australian and Pacific-based travel narratives.

  • Requirement: Query focused on Southern Hemisphere perspectives.

  • The Vibe: Intellectual, southern-focused, and sharp.

25. Rick Steves’ Europe (Avalon)

While primarily written by Rick and his team, they occasionally look for expert contributors for their updated European series, especially those with deep local “back-door” secrets.

  • Focus: European travel for American tourists.

  • Requirement: Deep specialization in a specific European city or region.

  • The Vibe: Friendly, practical, and value-oriented.

Essential Travel Submission Checklist for 2026

Publishers in 2026 are wary of “over-tourism.” To stand out, ensure your proposal hits these marks:

  1. Sustainability First: Explain how your book promotes responsible travel.

  2. The “Platform”: Mention your travel blog, TikTok following, or photography portfolio.

  3. High-Res Assets: Mention if you can provide high-resolution photos or custom-drawn maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a travel guide and a travel memoir?

In 2026, publishers are very specific about this distinction. A Travel Guide (like those from Moon or Lonely Planet) is an information-first resource focusing on “where, when, and how.” It requires rigorous data and expert local knowledge. A Travel Memoir (like those from Summersdale or Milkweed) is a narrative-first story focusing on the author’s internal transformation and personal experiences. Guides are usually commissioned or pitched via specific templates, while memoirs are often submitted as literary manuscripts.

2. Is “Decolonizing Travel” a required theme for 2026 submissions?

While not a “requirement” for every house, there is a massive industry-wide shift toward Responsible Travel Writing. Publishers like Arsenal Pulp Press and University of Regina Press explicitly prioritize manuscripts that avoid “discoverer” tropes and instead center on local voices, ethical tourism, and environmental stewardship. Even commercial houses now look for “Cultural Sensitivity” in their submission checklists to ensure authors aren’t extracting stories from local communities without proper context and respect.

3. Do I need professional photography to get a travel book deal?

For high-end coffee table books or activity guides (like those from Cicerone or Greatland Graphics), visual assets are essential. In your proposal, you should specify whether you can provide high-resolution, print-quality images or if the publisher needs to source them. For narrative memoirs, photography is less critical, though a few “atmosphere” shots in your proposal can help an editor visualize the setting. Many 2026 contracts now include separate “Asset Delivery” clauses for digital and print imagery.

4. How much “Platform” (social media following) do I actually need?

Publishers like Page Street or Lonely Planet prioritize authors with a proven reach (10k+ engaged followers or a high-traffic blog). However, niche publishers like Bradt Guides or Shambhala value authority over numbers. If you are the only person who has spent six months living with a specific nomadic tribe or you have a PhD in a particular region’s history, your expertise can outweigh a small social media following.

5. Can I submit my travel zine or self-published blog to these publishers?

Absolutely. In fact, publishers like Microcosm Publishing actively look for “DIY” creators who have already built a grassroots audience. If you have a self-published project that has performed well, use that data (sales numbers, newsletter sign-ups, or viral blog posts) as a “Proof of Concept” in your query letter. It shows the publisher there is already a hungry market for your specific travel niche.

6. What is the typical word count for a travel book in 2026?

Word counts vary significantly by sub-genre:

  • Narrative Memoirs: 60,000 – 85,000 words.

  • Regional Guides: 40,000 – 70,000 words.

  • Pocket/Mini Guides: 15,000 – 25,000 words.

  • Essays/Anthologies: 3,000 – 5,000 words per entry.

View All Blogs
Activate Your Coupon
We want to hear about your book idea, get to know you, and answer any questions you have about the ghostwriting and editing process.