You don’t have to be a kid to love fairytales. And if you love to travel like me, then surely you’re often looking for such fairytale travel ideas.

Exploring places reminiscent of a good fairytale brings some of your fondest memories to life right before your eyes.

A flash memory of the thick half-timbered buildings in Beauty and the Beast might give you that warm fuzzy feeling as you recall singling along to Belle dancing in the town square.

Eguisheim, France

Your eyes may widen as you think back to that magical carpet ride from Aladdin as Princess Jasmine and Aladdin gleam over the funny shaped buildings that faded into the desert sun.

From books to movies and TV shows, stories of magic, witches, dragons, and brave heroes continue to entertain us. But the fun doesn’t end there. The world offers many destinations that could have been plucked out of storybooks – some even inspired them.

Here are four locations around the globe that every fan of fairytales should visit.

Check Out These Fairytale Travel Ideas

Eguisheim, France

You know Belle’s hometown in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast? It was modeled after this beautiful little village on the Alsace Wine Route near Colmar. Close-set colorful houses and cobbled streets. Charming fountains, gardens, and churches.

Eguisheim, France

France This Way suggests indulging in the local wine and cuisine once you’re there. As it’s part of France’s famous wine-tasting tourist route, visiting between May and October is also advised. You’ll be able to see the vineyards in full bloom and Eguisheim alive with purpose.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

When it comes to fairytale castles, this is the best real-life representation. Walt Disney and his wife visited the magnificent location before Florida’s Walt Disney World was built – and Cinderella’s Castle found its inspiration (among several other notable castles from around the globe).

Neuschwanstein Castle

Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig of Bavaria, it’s surrounded by mountains and woods while overlooking the river Lech and Forggensee Lake.

The nearest civilization to be found is Schwangau village, from where you can make your way up by bus. Romantic Road repeatedly advises taking special care when booking buses and tours in this area, especially during busy seasons.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Many fairytale associations could be made here, like the strong Aladdin vibes of the Deira markets.

Dubai Mosque

However, the Burj Khalifa is the sight to see. Somewhere between Jack’s beanstalk and Rapunzel’s tower, the tallest building in the world in fact had the desert lily as its sweet inspiration.

Bayut goes on to explain that, along with over 900 residential apartments, the Burj Khalifa accommodates the first Armani hotel in the world offering 304 luxury rooms.

Why not save up for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation? You’ll be able to explore the magic of Dubai while basking in its hospitality.

Matamata, New Zealand

Any Tolkien fan will know a very good reason to visit this particular picturesque town: the movie set for the Shire. The Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved fairytales of several generations and the place that brought Hobbiton to silver-screen life is still there and bustling with activity.

Hobbiton, Matamata

A range of Hobbiton Tours are offered, including a celebration of International Hobbit Day on September 22nd. This special occasion involves a guided tour of the set, marketplace delicacies and entertainment, games and prizes, and many more surprises.

Of course, Matamata does offer alternative things to do, like its hot springs, Kiwi heritage trail and stunning Wairere Falls.

Hobbiton, Matamata

Whether your type of fairytale involves an epic journey to Middle Earth or all the magic of a full on fairytale castle, there most certainly are fairytale travel ideas to explore and add to your bucket list. 

And these are just a few! Might I add that there are thousands of fairytale travel ideas to explore where not only does the magic of the legends they behold unravel before you, but where you’ll make fairytale adventures of your own.

Four fairytale travel ideas for your magical wanderlust. Whether you like mystical forests or pretty valleys, quaint villages or towering architecture, the world awaits magic-seeking travelers to discover them.

Pick your favorite story and find its matching locations or just find yourself in a place that’s so charming that it must be enchanted. And most importantly, make sure you’re well prepared for a truly memorable adventure.