Graphic Novels About Travel

If you’re looking at the pile of papers on your desk and wishing you were still on vacation, try curling up with a travel themed graphic novel. Ink and pen drawings and snappy dialogue will make you feel you’re on the plane again, instead of in another Monday meeting.

Tokyo On Foot: Travels in the City’s Most Colorful Neighborhoods by Florent Chavouet 

This book is chock full of colorful pencil drawings. Each drawing pinpoints unique cultural features and commentary of the graphic novelist who spent 6 months in Tokyo . From observations on house floor plans to Japanese people on the street, Chavouet will give you a visual feast of Japan.

An Age of License: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley

Given the opportunity to travel to Europe for a book tour and conference, Knisley takes the opportunity to create this introspective graphic novel about her travels. Traveling from Norway to France, she records her thoughtful musings not only about her travels but about her life.

Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle

For a closer look into life as an expat, Delisle travels with his wife and child to Burma. While his wife is working for Doctors without Borders, Delisle explores the culture and how the difficult political situation affects everyday residents. A unique look at Southeast Asia.

Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen by Abby Denson

This book gives a colorful overview of tips for tourists of Japan, including how to act when visiting a Shinto shrine, etiquette for Japanese baths or Onsen, and the wonders of the Japanese convenience store or Combini. A great guide for those considering going to Japan.

How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden

Traveling on her birthright trip to Israel, Glidden is convinced that her research before the trip has taught her everything she needs to know about the conflict. But after experiencing Israel, Glidden is forced to admit that it may be more complicated than she originally realized. Traveling around to Golan Heights, and other sites, Glidden puts on a judged trial in her head trying to figure out what she believes.

Carnet de Voyage by Craig Thompson 

Thompson takes readers along as he travels across the Alps, Barcelona and Morrocco while researching his next graphic novel. His keen observations and people watching are recorded in dated sketches that give readers a unique look at the cultures he explores.

Diario De Oaxaca Mexico by Peter Kuper-

Kuper goes to Oaxaca on a year-long sabbatical hoping to escape American politics and immerse himself in this colorful Mexican city. What he finds is the escalating standoff between a teacher’s strike and the governor. But amid this chaos, he also finds the beautiful elements of Mexico through lush drawings.