There’s something magical about flipping through the pages of a Coffee Table Travel Book filled with striking travel photos. It’s like returning to a mini holiday from the comfort of your own living room — a quick passport to adventure.
But, why settle for a generic store-bought coffee table book, when you can craft something that’s one of a kind? As an amateur travel photographer, creating your own coffee table travel book isn’t just a rewarding way to showcase your favourite shots, but a lovely memento which brings your memories to life.
How to Create a Coffee Table Travel Book: A Guide for Amateur Travel Photographers
So, where do you even begin? Whether you’re fresh off a whirlwind trip to Europe or still sifting through snaps from last year’s balmy Bali getaway, we’re going to show you how to curate, design and finalise your travel book like a pro. Let’s dive in!
1. Organise your photos & prep for digital design
The first step in creating a coffee table book is getting your photos in order. Consider this the Marie Kondo phase of the process — less folding socks and more clearing memory card space. Start by organising your photos into folders by theme, location or event. This will help you visualise how your book could flow.
Once your photos are sorted, it’s time to convert to PDF, which is helpful for two big reasons. First, PDFs are universally accessible, so no matter who you’re sharing your files with, online or offline, they will remain in excellent quality and formatting. Secondly, having a PDF-ready version of your images makes importing into digital book design platforms a breeze.
You could also take a moment to remove the background of PDF files if you’ve saved some of your designs or images with unnecessary clutter. Clean images enhance the beauty of your travel book and set your photos off on the page for that polished look. It may seem a little boring, but you’ll appreciate it in the end when you see the sleek finished product.
2. Choose your narrative and stick to it
Your coffee table book isn’t just a collection of pictures — it’s your travel tales in visual format. Like any good story, it requires a strong narrative. Perhaps your book is a love letter to a specific destination, like a Parisian adventure filled with travel photography shots of the Eiffel Tower and colourful macarons. Or maybe it’s more specific, like street food you’ve eaten around the world.
When choosing your narrative, consider what emotions you want your readers to experience. Are you hoping to inspire wanderlust, detail the culture, or just share moments of happiness? Your story will also shape your photo choices. Not every image needs to be included (bad news for the five identical shots of your breakfast croissant). Choose images that complement the story you’re trying to tell.
Remember to provide some context! Bring your images to life with short anecdotes, fun captions or even quotes. A picture of a colourful Moroccan souk or a snap taken in a Delhi bazaar is more vivid with a little yarn about haggling over a handwoven carpet.
3. Experiment with layouts and design aesthetics
Now that you’ve got your narrative and images sorted, it’s time to get creative. The layout of your book will turn it from a photo album into a work of art. If you’re using online tools like Adobe Express, experiment with various templates until you find one that aligns with your vision.
A good rule of thumb is to keep it minimal. Allow your photos to be the content hero of each page. Full-page spreads can make large impacts for impressive shots, while collages can add some visual variety without overwhelming the viewer. Also, think about negative space — it’s your best friend when it comes to giving your photos breathing room and a professional edge.
When choosing fonts and colours for your text, stick to a minimal palette that compliments your images. Remember, your travel book is about creating a timeless piece, not something that feels dated in a year.
4. Add a personal touch to Your Coffee Table Travel Book
When creating your coffee table travel book, don’t be afraid to showcase your unique perspective and get personal. Add handwritten notes or doodles to accompany a few photos. Include maps of places you visited or ticket stubs scanned onto a page. These small touches can elevate your book from a simple collection of images to a deeply personal artefact.
You can also include sections that give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your photography process. Maybe include a page dedicated to your camera gear, or tips on capturing the perfect sunset shot. Readers revel in these small moments of insight — it makes the book feel less like a presentation and more like a conversation.
5. Print and present like a pro
Once your design is finalised, bring your coffee table book to life. This is where the magic happens: selecting a high-quality service that prints photo books. Search for options with premium paper and hardcover bindings for that luxe feel.
While you’re at it, order a couple of copies. Not only will you want one for your own table, but a travel book makes a great gift for friends or family who shared the trip with you. It’s thoughtful, meaningful, and infinitely more memorable than a fridge magnet or airport keyring.
Lastly, consider the placement of your book once it’s printed. Display it somewhere guests will naturally gravitate towards, like your living room or an entryway console. And don’t forget to have a little (or lots of) pride — this isn’t any old coffee table book you picked up on a whim. It’s a testament to your travels, creativity and hard work. You absolutely deserve to feel chuffed with yourself.
Wrapping it up
It may sound like a massive undertaking to create a coffee table travel book but the results are worth it. Not only does it provide a beautiful way to remember your adventures, it also gives you a chance to show off your creativity and photography prowess.
So dig out your photos, and let’s get rolling. Your coffee table is primed for its new centrepiece — and you’re primed to impress.
