Travelogues
Reading someone's travel experience is both a good substitute for and companion to doing it yourself. These are some of my favorite travelogues.
Books
John McPhee is a master of narrative nonfiction, and Coming into the Country is one of his best works. Explore three distinct areas of Alaska through McPhee's eyes.
This is my favorite book by Bryson. Consistently funny and informative, Bryson is at his best in this work.
If you're interested in riding the Trans-Siberian Railroad but are afraid you won't be able to, reading Greene's account may be the next best thing.