Welcome to The Travel Book Club!
“Journeys are fundamentally the same: They begin in the mind, with the image or the story that inspires them in the first place, and finish in the world.” – Walter Kirn
As journalist Walter Kirn observes, travel starts with a great story. The Travel Book Club is a community where readers and travelers can discuss compelling stories that inspire journeys and share tips to make those travel dreams a reality. We read books with a great sense of place, in all genres—from memoir to fiction, from classics to newly published works. The stories have taken us from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and from Brazil to Botswana.
Featured books are announced about six weeks before our book chat on Zoom, which often includes the author. We’ll also share regular posts where we explore the intersection of books and travel.
Subscribe to find out the featured book club pick before everyone else and to access subscriber-only content, including author Q&As, book-inspired travel stories, and live events with authors.
About us
We are four former editors at National Geographic Travel, who believe in the transformative power of exploration, whether near or far. Amy launched the book club in-house at Nat Geo in 2008, and we have since read more than 130 books.
Amy Alipio is an award-winning travel editor and writer, including 23 years at National Geographic Travel. A favorite trip: Antarctica, a bucket-list dream since 5th grade. A favorite book: The Bee Sting, by Paul Murray. IG: @amyalipio
Jennifer Barger is a former Washington Post fashion editor and was on staff at National Geographic Travel from 2019 to 2024. Her Substack newsletter, The Souvenirist, explores the intersection of travel, design, and shopping. A favorite trip: Egypt, soaking up tomb art, ancient history, and Nile views. A favorite read: The English Patient, by Michael Ondaatje. IG: @dcjnell
Anne Kim-Dannibale is an award-winning editor and writer, who was a senior travel editor at National Geographic from 2019 to 2024. A favorite trip: South Korea, for the food, kpop, and culture, of course. A favorite read: Taiwan Travelogue, by Yáng Shuang-zi; translated by Lin King. IG: @mrsdaneebs
Brooke Sabin is an editor-writer who’s been on the staff of National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic magazines. A favorite trip: South Africa, to volunteer with other travelers on a rhino conservation project. A favorite read: The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. IG: @brooke.sabin
I’m excited to see the articles. We are a couple who want to see the world. We welcome all ideas and tips that will make our trips amazing and interesting.
Such a good idea. Looking forward to seeing what you all get up to out here.