Books open your imagination up to enchantment and wonder. It can be easy to get lost in the pages of your favourite story, but thankfully there are plenty of places here on Earth to escape to once the book is closed.
Magic surrounds you and travel can bring you closer to the world you’ve been reading, and dreaming about, for years and years.
This one’s for the book lovers and the idealists; those of you looking for an outlet for your creativity and a place to let your wild spirit roam free.
Here are five of our favorite bookish destinations for you to add to your travel wishlist…
5. Prince Edward Island, Canada
The book: Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery
A little bit about the book: The novel recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl, who is mistakenly sent to two middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had originally intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. The novel recounts how Anne makes her way through life; charming her new home and community with her fiery spirit and imagination.
The location: PEI is a charming little island, off the coast of Eastern Canada. It’s a tranquil destination, boasting spectacular scenery and mouth-watering cusine. Montgomery based Green Gables on her aunt and uncle’s farmhouse in Cavendish, where it still stands today. Thousands of book lovers visit PEI every year to tour Green Gables, as well as the author’s nearby home and birthplace.
From the book:
“Dear old world, she murmured, you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
The book: Harry Potter Series, J.K. Rowling
A little bit about the book: Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels that chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story follows Harry’s struggle against Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic and subjugate all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people).
The location: Okay, so there are a few locations in the Harry Potter series that you can visit, but let’s focus on Edinburgh, UNESCO’s first ‘City of Literature’. The entire city is pure magic; there’s just something in the air. Walk down the real Diagon Alley (Victoria Street & Candlemaker Row), spot Tom Riddle’s tombstone in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and practice your swish and flick at George Heriot’s School. Travel to the city after a ride on the Hogwarts Express (Jacobite Railway), book room 652 at the Balmoral Hotel, where J.K. Rowling finished the Harry Potter series and then sit down and enjoy a cuppa in The Elephant House, with a window view that inspired Hogwarts.
From the book:
“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”
3. Kefalonia, Greece
The book: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernières
The location: In the Ionian Sea, between a number of other stunning Greek islands, stands grand Kefalonia. The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia’s sparkling azure waters, dazzling beaches, and emerald green mountains will have you pinching yourself and swooning at the natural beauty that surrounds you. The carefree locals have a reputation for being the wittiest Greeks – always ready with a joke, a smile and a helping hand.
A little bit about the book: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a 1994 novel, set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during the Italian and German occupation of the Second World War. The story focuses on Antonio Corelli, an Italian army captain, and Pelagia, the daughter of the local physician, Dr Iannis. An important event in the novel is the massacre of Italian troops by the Germans in September 1943—the Italian Acqui Division had refused to surrender and had fought the Germans for nine days before running out of ammunition.
From the book:
“Did you know that childhood is the only time in our lives when insanity is not only permitted to us, but expected?”
2. Barcelona, Spain
The book: The Shadow of The Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón
A little bit about the book: An intoxicating mix of love, mystery and fairy tale the book follows a book dealer’s son as he tries to hunt down the works of a shadowy author who’s texts have been systematically destroyed. Using post-war Barcelona adds a sense of sobriety to a narrative that often touches the fantastical, helping create a gothic tone and nail-biting tension.
The location: Located between the mountains and the sea, Barcelona is a delicate balance of old and new. A destination famed for boundless culture, delicious food, wild nightlife, and magical architecture, it provides everything you want from a city and more. Take a wander down the cobbled backstreets and discover hidden bookstores, old stone fountains and quaint coffee shops; the perfect spot for an afternoon read.
From the book:
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
1. Road Tripping, USA
The book: On The Road, Jack Kerouac
A little bit about the book: On the Road is a novel based on the travels of Kerouac and his friends across the United States. It is considered a defining work of the postwar Beat and Counterculture generations, with its protagonists living life against a backdrop of jazz, poetry, and drug use.
The location: The US road trip is always a safe bet if you and your travel pals want to see, do & experience a whole lotta awesomeness. Follow Jack’s journey through New York, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Mexico City. Explore the sights, tastes, sounds and smells of these diverse cities. Plus, the overwhelming freedom of being on the road and exploring at your own pace.
From the book:
“The best teacher is experience and not through someone’s distorted point of view”
Amazon, Brazil
The book: State of Wonder, Ann Patchett
A little bit about the book: State of Wonder is the story of pharmacologist Marina Singh, who journeys to Brazil to bring back information about seemingly miraculous drug research being conducted there by her former teacher, Dr. Annick Swenson.
The location: A location of wildness and serenity; boasting unique life and picture-perfect scenery at every turn. Reconnect with nature, admire the towering trees and canoe down the river. Lose yourself in the sounds of the rainforest and let your imagination run wild, immersed in the beauty of the Amazon.
From the book:
“Never be so focused on what you are looking for that you overlook the thing you actually find.”
What are your favourite book location destinations? Why do you love to visit them?
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