Every avid reader must have dreamed of stepping into the pages of their favorite book. Literary travel involves traveling to and exploring destinations that were brought to life by great authors or are inspired by famous stories.
Whether you are looking for a dreamy getaway with a story, a coastal retreat where you can enjoy the luxury of reading by the waves or are a die-hard bookworm, we’ve got you covered.
Below we will explore some destinations inspired by famous stories. Let’s begin.
Prince Edward Island, Canada: Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery
Prince Edward Island straight out of a story book. It features charming farmhouses, red cliffs, and Lush fields. This location invites you to immerse yourself in a destination that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.
It offers the best of Anne of Green experiences, museums and other attractions. You can visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, walk through Lover’s Lane, and sip raspberry cordial while channeling your inner Anne Shirley. This location is best enjoyed on a breezy summer day with a picnic and a little bit of imagination.
Edinburgh: Scotland- Harry Potter
J.K Rowling wrote Harry Potter while she was sitting in a cozy Edinburgh café. The city is sprinkled with inspiration from the books. If you wander Victoria Street you will find Diagon Alley. Take a visit to the Greyfriars to find the tombstones that inspired some character names.
You can even steo inside The Elephant House Café, a place where J.K Rowling worked on the early books. Lastly, consider taking a tour of Edinburgh Castle. This destinations is better paired with Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling while sipping your hot cup of tea in a historic café.
Key West, Florida: Ernest Hemingway’s Island Retreat
Florida also has its fair share of literary history and Key West is one of the most famous locations. Ernest Hemingway lived here in the 1930s, writing To Have and Have Not and other works while he was soaking up in the Island life.
Today, the Hemingway House and its famous six-toed cats are essential. This is the perfect spot for a tropical escape or if you are looking for a writing retreat.
If you are in the mood for more Florida relaxation, then consider heading to Destin. Its sugar-white sand and emerald waters, makes it a perfect place for lounging with a book.
If you are looking for a stress-free place to stay then Destin vacation rental management services can help you find the ideal beachside retreat.
This destination is best paired with the book, The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Consider reading it by the ocean with a salty breeze in your hair.
London, England: Sherlock Holmes and Dickens’ London
One of the giant literary destinations and landmarks in the world is London. When you stroll down Baker Street you can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Walking along the Thames allows you see Dickensian London coming to life, or you could explore Bloomsbury which was once home to literary giants like Virginia Woolf.
Whether you are into poetry, classic novels, or mystery, London has something for every type of reader. Consider reading A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle while in this location. It is best enjoyed on a foggy evening with a cup of strong English tea.
Monterey, California: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
Monterey is a place worth visiting if you love Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. Note that the once bustling fishing district is now home to seafood spots, museums, and charming shops.
However, it still holds that old California charm. Consider visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, walking through the Steinbeck Piazza, or exploring the Pacific Grove, where the author once lived. Reading Cannery Row by John Steinbeck is best enjoyed while overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a bowl of fresh clam chowder.
Paris, France: Hemingway and the Lost Generation
Paris is the city of love, art, and literature. Ernest Hemingway, Scott F. Fitzgerald, and other great writers of the 1920s found inspiration for their works in its café, and their legacy continues till this day.
Consider walking through the Latin Quarter and grab a book at Shakespeare and Company, then have a coffee at Café de Flore. Whether you intend to indulge in some literary nostalgia or trace the steps of A Moveable Feast, Paris is a book lover’s dream.
The book A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway can be best enjoyed at a sidewalk café with a view of the Seine and a croissant.
Reykjavík, Iceland: Icelandic Sagas and Modern Literature
From Vikings sagas to modern novels, Iceland also has a deep literary history. Reykjavík is like the UNESCO City of literature. You will find libraries and bookstores on nearly every corner.
If contemporary fiction is your style, explore books by the Icelandic author Halldór Laxness or check out the landscapes that inspired The Sagas of Icelanders. Halldór Laxness’s Independent People is a good book that can be paired with this location.
Consider reading it in a cozy cabin with a cup of Icelandic hot chocolate.
Bath, England: Jane Austen’s Regency World
For Jane Austen’s fans, Bath should be a must visit. The Jane Austen Centre, the famous Roman Baths, and the elegant Georgian all celebrate the author’s connection to the city.
More interesting is that you can even attend the annual Jane Austen Festival, where fans dress in Regency attire and immerse themselves in the world of Pride and Prejudice.
A good Jane Austen book to read while in this location is Persuasion. It is best read in a charming tea room with a scone and clotted cream.
Tokyo, Japan: Murakami’s Surrealism
Tokyo is the best place to be if you love the slightly surreal and dreamy worlds of Haruki Murakami. Take a stroll through Shinjuku, which usually appears in his levels, escape to a quiet park with a book or visit a jazz bar because Murakami is a big jazz fan.
The city’s mix of quiet contemplation and modern energy can create magic. The book Norwegian Wood by Haruki, best read on a train while eating the city blur past, can make this destination fulfilling.
Endnote
Whether you are exploring landscapes that inspited great novels, chasing literary history, or just searching for the perfect beach to enjoy your next read, there is a bookish destination for you. Pack up your favorite novel, book a trip, and let the story guide your travel.
