*Written in collaboration with Mary J.
I love to read and get swept away in the storyline of a book, letting my imagination wander as it focuses on the story and setting in front of me. Although I love to imagine the environment, the setting of books very often inspires me to travel to that specific place or to go on an adventure.
Here are 5 book-inspired destinations that have made it on my list:
1. Book: Murder on the Orient Express
Destination: The Orient Express
The Orient Express is a long-distance passenger train that connects the Gare de l’Est in Paris with today’s Istanbul. Murder on the Orient Express is a book about detective Hercule Poirot’s unexpected journey while aboard the train.
Author Agatha Christie describes this Art Déco atmosphere in her book and one that takes you back in time. It gets your imagination going while also taking you through the thrill of the book, creating an attachment to the environment that you may not anticipate.
Today, the old Simplon Orient Express Line, taken over by Belmond Management Limited, offers a luxurious experience in vintage carriages so you a ride on this train is a true experience.
2. Book: Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes
Destination: Tuscany, Italy
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy is an inspirational story about a woman who rediscovers herself after finding herself as a new and unexpected homeowner in Tuscany. You can almost taste the delicious food that is described in the book, pick up on the energy of this woman herself as well as her community, feel the fresh air and picture the stunning countryside landscapes.
Tuscany is a popular travel destination that has a unique combination of culture, gorgeous landscapes, and a backdrop for a holiday that you won’t ever forget.
3. Book: The Alaskan Laundry
Destination: Alaska
The Alaskan Laundry is a coming-of-age novel about Tara Marconi, a young, disillusioned woman who finds herself on a remote island in Alaska working in commercial fishing.
The description of Alaska throughout the book sets the backdrop for appreciating the beauty of life but also working through the rugged and wild parts of it.
4. Book: Wild
Destination: The Pacific Crest Trail
Inspired by a true story, Wild is about 26-year-old Cheryl Strayed who solo hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. The book takes you through her journey, one of physical landscapes and of her life journey.
This book is both inspirational to go on your own adventure, as well as venture to natural beauty such as that Cheryl experienced on her 94-day hike from California to Oregon.
5. Book: The Hobbit
Destination: New Zealand
Tolkein’s adventure stories are beloved by many, and The Hobbit was actually set and filmed in the Waikato region of New Zealand.
It is a stunning place to visit, with natural landscapes that you can venture through via bicycle or a casual stroll. If you want to add to the imagery that Tolkein shares in his book, movie based off of it, and your own imagination, you can head to Hobbiton, a commercialized tour location that has hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and more.
These are just 5 of the many other places inspired by books. Do you have any another book-inspired destinations to share?
