by Lacey Pfalz Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu December 26, 2024
It’s that time of year! As the months turn colder, we inevitably begin spending more time indoors, and for those of us without immediate travel plans—or for those who spend their days traveling with a book in their hands—this also means we’ll be reading more this time of year.
This year, our list of ten of the best travel books published in 2024 is a little different: each book on this list helps us to see the world from a different perspective, challenging us to travel with responsibility, to discover the amazing world right outside your doorstep or even to travel through time.
So, with your curiosity thoroughly piqued, let’s get to the books.
travel…with purpose The Intrepid List, Intrepid Travel
Cover of The Intrepid List, Intrepid Travel’s first book. (Photo Credit: Hardie Grant Publishing)
Far more than a bucket list or travel guide, The Intrepid List is B-Corp-certified tour operator Intrepid Travel’s inspiration guide on how to travel more responsibly and get more out of your trips than a few Instagram-worthy photos. The beautiful book features full-page images and explanations of 100 incredible experiences to have across the globe, from visiting Vienna’s unique Globenmuseum cataloguing centuries of exploration to experiencing Georgia’s UNESCO-designated polyphonic form of music-making that’s as mysterious as it is ancient.
travel…solo
Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo, Beth Santos
Cover of “Wander Woman” by Beth Santos. (Photo Credit: Balance, Hachette Book Group)
Solo travel is a growing trend, but women are especially hesitant to travel on their own, most often citing personal safety risks. For anyone who’s wondered what it’s like to travel solo, and how to do so safely and confidently, Beth Santos’s Wander Woman is the book for you.
Written by Wanderful’s own founder, Wander Woman is a compassionate guide and exploration into the world of solo travel for women, taking deep dives into important topics like how to balance different gender norms while traveling abroad, your responsibility as a traveler and what to do with that fear of traveling alone you wear like a backpack. It’s more than a guide: it’s a powerful call to adventure.
travel…to the top of the world
Everest, Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World, Will Cockrell
Cover of “Everest, Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World” by Will Cockrell. (Photo Credit: Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster)
Ever wonder how climbing Mount Everest ever became an adrenaline junkie’s greatest life goal? Well, here’s the book for you! Will Cockrell’s Everest, Inc. is the true story of how climbing Mount Everest became a booming adventure business dominated by British and American companies, and the host of characters, from Himalayan Sherpas to wealthy businessmen, who made it what it is today, with the top five tour operators all Sherpa-owned. It’s a great piece of reporting and an in-depth look at just one part of the world’s travel story.
travel…through time
The Missing Thread, Daisy Dunn
Cover of “The Missing Thread” by Daisy Dunn. (Photo Credit: Penguin Random House)
While we can’t literally travel through time (yet), some books can help us imagine the past as if it were right in front of us. Daisy Dunn’s The Missing Thread: A Women’s History of the Ancient World, weaves together the real stories of women who actually lived, worked and schemed throughout ancient history, from Cleopatra to lesser-known women like Olympias.
Readers will learn, perhaps for the first time, that women have been transforming the world since time immemorial. After all, there are always two sides to every story. History lovers will especially love this book.
travel…into the heart of a city
LOST IN AUSTIN: The Evolution of an American City, Alex Hannaford
Cover of Alex Hannaford’s “Lost in Austin.” (Photo Credit: Dey Street/HarperCollinsPublishers)
Travel to the heart of Austin, Texas in Alex Hannaford’s LOST IN AUSTIN: The Evolution of An American City. While not a travel book, Hannaford’s reporting on how his hometown has changed over recent decades is a welcome insight into what many Americans are feeling about their own beloved cities—and how the destinations they’ve come to love around the nation just aren’t the same as they used to be. Growing pains, commercialization and big tech have all impacted the city’s growth and trajectory, and not all for good. If you love digging into what makes the identity of a city truly unique, and the ways in which that identity can be threatened, this one’s the book for you.
travel…to the borders of the world
A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders, Jonn Elledge
Cover of “A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders” by Jonn Elledge. (Photo Credit: The Experiment Publishing)
Borders might be getting a bad rap these days, but they have changed constantly through the centuries—and how did they even get decided, anyway? In John Elledge’s entertaining and accessible A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders, readers learn why Europe is considered its own continent and not a peninsula of Asia (hint: the Greeks) and how modern-day events, like the war in Ukraine, are also connected to borders. It’s a great, insightful and timely read that puts our modern borders into context and shows how history does, in fact, still impact today.
Gideon Defoe, author of An Atlas of Extinct Countries, called it “By turns surprising, funny, bleak, ridiculous, or all four of those at once.”
travel…with writers
Globetrotting: Writers Walk the World, edited by Duncan Minshull
Cover of “Globetrotting: Writers Walk the World” edited by Duncan Minshull. (Photo Credit: Notting Hill Editions)
Let’s be real: we’ve loved reading the travel accounts of writers for centuries, and this hasn’t changed one bit. In Globetrotting: Writers Walk the World, a new anthology edited by Duncan Minshull, readers can learn about Mark Twain’s experience visiting Geneva, Edith Wharton on Fez and even Charles Darwin on Mauritius. Readers, writers, history lovers and travel lovers will surely find something to enjoy in this book.
travel…around your hometown
Local, Alastair Humphreys
Cover of “Local” by Alastair Humphreys. (Photo Credit: Eye Books Ltd.)
It may at first seem strange to have a book on this list that’s the exact opposite of what we typically think when we think of travel (leaving home), but that’s the magic of it! Alastair Humphreys’ Local is an exploration of the places called home, all fueled by the author’s single question: “Could I make exploring my backyard as fulfilling as traveling the world?” It’s a fascinating look into one man’s search for discovery, and it might just inspire you to go and discover the world you’ve never noticed that exists right down the road.
travel…with responsibility
The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel, Paige McClanahan
Cover of “The New Tourist” by Paige McClanahan. (Photo Credit: Scribner, an imprint of Simon and Schuster)
Paige McClanahan’s The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel chronicles the influence the travel industry has on the world, and the dangers of its running unchecked across the globe. From how Iceland went from unknown to bucket list-worthy in just two decades to the overtourism battles we’ve been seeing across the globe, McClanahan paints a broad picture of the power of travel to unite us all—and what happens when growth gets out of hand. Travelers who are conscious of their role in the travel cycle, and those who’d like to learn more about the industry got to be the way it is today, this is the book for you. You might just look at the world a little differently after reading it.
travel…into Travel
Why We Travel, Ash Bhardwaj
Cover of “Why We Travel” by Ash Bhardwaj. (Photo Credit: Bedford Square Publishers)
While a lot of books discuss where and how to travel, Ash Bhardwaj’s Why We Travel takes a more insightful approach, with each chapter discussing a particular reason for why someone might travel, such as for curiosity or empathy or wisdom. Psychological, anecdotal and thoroughly enjoyable, this book is a great read for those curious about why we think travel is such a valuable commodity, over and above most material possessions.
7 emerging non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is no longer the future. It’s already shaping how we live, work, and learn. From smart assistants to personalised learning apps and automated hiring tools, AI is now part of everyday life. But here’s something many students still don’t realise — you don’t have to be a computer science genius to build a meaningful career in AI.In 2025, AI needs more than just coders. It needs people who understand ethics, design, communication, psychology, policy, and human behaviour. Whether you’re studying law, liberal arts, design, economics, or media, there is space for you in this fast-growing field. These emerging roles are all about making AI more responsible, more human, and more useful.Here are seven exciting non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence that you can start exploring now.
AI ethics specialist
AI systems make decisions that can affect real lives — from who gets hired to who receives a loan. That’s why companies and governments need experts who can guide them on what’s fair, what’s biased, and what crosses a line. Ethics specialists work closely with developers, legal teams, and product leaders to make sure AI is built and used responsibly.Best suited for: Students from philosophy, sociology, law, or political science backgroundsWhere to work: Tech companies, research institutes, policy think tanks, or digital rights NGOs
AI UX and UI designer
AI tools need to be easy to use, intuitive, and accessible. That’s where design comes in. AI UX and UI designers focus on creating smooth, human-centered experiences, whether it’s a chatbot, a virtual assistant, or a smart home interface. They use design thinking to make sure AI works well for real users.Best suited for: Students of psychology, graphic design, human-computer interaction, or visual communicationWhere to work: Tech startups, health-tech and ed-tech platforms, voice and interface design labs
AI policy analyst
AI raises big questions about privacy, rights, and regulation. Governments and organisations are racing to create smart policies that balance innovation with safety. AI policy analysts study laws, write guidelines, and advise decision-makers on how to manage the impact of AI in sectors like education, defense, healthcare, and finance.Best suited for: Public policy, law, international relations, or development studies studentsWhere to work: Government agencies, global institutions, research bodies, and policy units within companies
AI behavioural researcher
AI tools influence human behaviour — from how long we scroll to what we buy. Behavioural researchers look at how people respond to AI and what changes when technology gets smarter. Their insights help companies design better products and understand the social effects of automation and machine learning.Best suited for: Students of psychology, behavioural economics, sociology, or educationWhere to work: Tech companies, research labs, social impact startups, or mental health platforms
AI content strategist and explainer
AI is complex, and most people don’t fully understand it. That’s why companies need writers, educators, and content creators who can break it down. Whether it’s writing onboarding guides for AI apps or creating videos that explain how algorithms work, content strategists make AI easier to understand for everyday users.Best suited for: Students of journalism, English, media studies, marketing, or communicationWhere to work: Ed-tech and SaaS companies, AI product teams, digital agencies, or NGOs
AI program manager
This role is perfect for big-picture thinkers who love connecting people, processes, and purpose. Responsible AI program managers help companies build AI that meets ethical, legal, and user standards. They coordinate between tech, legal, and design teams and ensure that AI development stays aligned with values and global standards.Best suited for: Business, liberal arts, management, or public administration studentsWhere to work: Large tech firms, AI consultancies, corporate ethics teams, or international development agencies
AI research associate (non-technical)
Not all AI research is about coding. Many labs focus on the social, psychological, or economic impact of AI. As a research associate, you could be studying how AI affects jobs, education, privacy, or cultural behaviour. Your work might feed into policy, academic papers, or product design.Best suited for: Students from linguistics, anthropology, education, economics, or communication studiesWhere to work: Universities, research labs, global think tanks, or ethics institutesThe world of AI is expanding rapidly, and it’s no longer just about math, code, and machines. It’s also about people, systems, ethics, and storytelling. If you’re a student with curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a passion for meaningful work, there’s a place for you in AI — even if you’ve never opened a programming textbook.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
Google has upgraded its AI Mode with the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro
AI Mode has also added Deep Search, which can now run hundreds of background searches
A new calling tool built into Search lets Google call businesses on your behalf
Google is continuing to try to get you to use its AI Mode when searching online with new and enhanced AI tools. The conversational search tool has made Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available in AI Mode, along with the long-form report writing tool Deep Search.
Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are also part of the AI Mode experiment in Search Labs will now see an option to choose Gemini 2.5 Pro when asking tough questions as well.
This is the same heavyweight model behind Google’s most advanced AI tools. They’ll also have the option of using Deep Search, a feature available in the regular Gemini app that can simultaneously run hundreds of searches and will write up a report piecing together the information.
The more profound changes, though, are in how Search itself is evolving. Gemini 2.5 Pro doesn’t just fetch answers. It reasons. It explains math in full steps. It even writes code and tells you what that code is doing. And when paired with Deep Search, it can essentially conduct a research marathon on your behalf.
AI calling in
The new call feature for Search is something entirely different. It connects your search for information about a store to a phone call with AI. As Google shows in a demo, you can type “pet groomers near me” and ask for information not immediately accessible.
Instead, you can tap “Have Google call for you,” which will prompt Google to call local shops, ask about availability or rates, and then text or email the results directly to you. If that sounds like Google Duplex, that’s because Google’s Duplex technology powers it.
Of course, all this comes with a few asterisks such as having to pay for a subscription. Free users still get some limited AI call attempts, but the advanced AI Mode tools are reserved for paying customers.
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Google’s advantage over other AI developers is the sheer size of its Search database, so even as OpenAI and others attempt to produce similar products, Google might have a lasting edge. Still, there’s a learning curve.
AI that does too much too fast can lead to problems. You don’t want your research assistant skipping over credible sources in favor of a Reddit thread with 38 upvotes. And you certainly don’t want your AI calling the wrong person to schedule a colonoscopy.
Grice-Dobbins is a cybersecurity teacher with the Madison County School System.
Thursday, more than 150 teachers from across North Alabama gathered to talk about AI and the use of it in the classroom.
“It’s clearly a novel technology– new for kids, new for teachers, and they’re trying to figure out how to use it,” Randy Sparkman said. “So we’re just trying to bring resources and bring these, Madison County districts, particularly, together to talk about strategies for using AI in the new school year.”
Sparkman is a part of Mayor Tommy Battle’s AI task force. They put on the AI in education event.
Grace-Dobbins said she uses AI for help with things like lesson plans and recommendation letters.
“All of us use templates every day,” she said. “Why can’t it be our template to start with, and then we edit it because nothing’s perfect when it comes out.”
She said it’s easier than you think to spot students plagiarizing by using the tool.
“It’s not going to be your top of the line type paper,” she said. “It’s not going to be written in their kind of language. It’s not going to have their kind of thoughts involved, and so the more you know your students, you’re going to know this is not you.”
Angela Evans is also a teacher. She said she’s already been using AI in her classroom for years.
She has a message for those who may be skeptical. What she’d tell people.
“Don’t be scared because change is nature,” she said. “We are going to progress our humanity. Our intelligence is going to continue to progress.
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