Books That Inspire You to Travel - Wanderlust on a Budget

Have you ever read a book and gotten so involved in the story that you knew you needed to visit the place where it was set? I have. Multiple times! Books have the magical power of taking us to places we’ve never been before. But, if we’re lucky, we can make those places a reality by visiting the locations from the books we read. I partnered up with some fellow bloggers (thanks, Perlu!) to bring you a list of books that inspire you to travel. And while travel is on hold for most people for the forseeable future, now is the perfect time to get lost in books!

For the record, I would absolutely love to visit the fictional land from the Graceling Realm by Kristin Cashore. Sigh. If only…

Originally published June 20, 2019. Updated and republished August 9, 2020.

Books That Inspire You to Travel
… in the United States

New Bern, North Carolina, USA

A Walk to Remember
— Nicholas Sparks

Back in college, a friend and I were obsessed with Nicholas Sparks’ books (I mean what girl wasn’t?). So, when I went to visit her in North Carolina, we took a day trip to his hometown of New Bern. The quaint little town played a vital role in several of Spark’s most popular books, including A Walk to Remember, The Notebook and it’s sequel The Wedding, as well as A Bend in the Road. It’s become such a tourist attraction that the New Bern visitors center offers walking tours for landmarks from A Walk to Remember.

New Bern is the type of town where shops close early in the evening, or for a life event of a town member. It’s idyllic along the oceanside, and the perfect spot for a quiet escape on any given weekend. One of the highlights? New Bern is also home to Tryon Palace, the site of North Carolina’s first capitol. These days you can tour the palace and the gardens surrounding it and experience the stories of yesteryear through living history exhibits.

Savannah, Georgia, USA

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
— John Berendt

Contributed by Paige from Paige Minds the Gap

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt is the quintessential Savannah, Georgia book. This nonfiction book follows the events of a 1980’s murder of a local male prostitute by a respected antiques dealer and the resulting four murder trials. The eccentric characters and the Southern Gothic tone capture the distinctly ‘Old South’ charm of Savannah.

When I visited Savannah, this book was all anyone could talk about, from the tour guides to the tourists. I had yet to read the book then, and when I came home I immediately picked up a copy. Ever since, I’ve been dying to get back to Savannah and be surrounded by its Spanish moss and relive the suspense created by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

The next time you’re in Savannah, make sure to take a hearse-driven ghost tour! You’ll ride around in the back of an open-top hearse and be driven to Savannah’s most haunted sights, including the Mercer House where the events of the Midnight murder took place. It’s an experience to die for!

See more from Paige:

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Out of the Easy
— Ruta Sepetys

This timeline is a little backwards – instead of visiting a place I fell in love with in a book, I read a book to bring me back to a place I’d fallen in love with when I visited. Last summer I visited New Orleans with a friend to celebrate my 30th (epic, right?!) and I loved it. I mean, really loved it. The food, the culture, the bayou, … did I mention the food?! NOLA is incredible and I can’t wait to go back. But seeing as that isn’t as feasible as I’d like, I came across a book set in the French Quarter.

I found Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys at a discount outlet near my house and knew I had to buy it. As I dove deeper and deeper into the pages and the story within, I felt like I was back in Louisiana, strolling the streets and smelling the beignets. The story itself was captivating. It’s a coming-of-age novel about a girl who was raised in a brothel, but was too smart and too good for that kind of life, so she dreamed of doing bigger and better things for herself. I highly recommend it!

Beverly Hills, California, USA

Room 702
— Ann Benjamin

Contributed by Courtney Brandt from A to Zataar

Inspired by a sleepless night at the W Doha, Ann Benjamin posits the question, “Who else has slept in your hotel room?” Taking place entirely at the exclusive (and fictional) Winchester Hotel in Beverly Hills, Room 702 explores the lives of the many guests who visit the room during the year, and how their lives intertwine.

Although originally intended to be set in Dubai, Ms. Benjamin felt the upscale city within Los Angeles was a better fit for the narrative. A life long fan of high-end properties, Ann felt all of her travels led to the creation of a fictional hotel — from its restaurants to a signature cocktail, and some of the staff who appear throughout the book.

First published in 2013, Ann later updated the novel with friend and fellow author Elena Sandovici. Elena added a chapter in another language, something Ms. Benjamin felt was important for the story. Currently, Ann enjoys capturing the cover artwork of her novel on her e-reader in hotel rooms she stays in across the world. (Look for the hashtag #Room702 on Instagram!) She is always trying to grab a photo of any Room 702 in the properties.

More from Ann

Room 702 and The Winchester also have a cameo in Ann’s second novel, a unique road trip set in the United States, in Life After Joe. Readers will be able to identify the boutique hotel where the protagonist spends a night in the same suite as all of the guests.

For additional details, Ann invites you to visit her blog for book club questions and other insights about the novel. You can also check her Pinterest board for all the inspiration she used to create the ‘look’ of the suite.

See more from Courtney:

Books That Inspire You to Travel
… to International Destinations

Bath, ENGLAND

Pride & Prejudice
— Jane Austen

I’ve always been inspired by the English countrysides featured in Jane Austen’s books. So when I had the chance to visit Bath last September, I was thrilled! Of course, a day trip from London never does the English countryside justice. I didn’t even have enough time to walk through the Jane Austen Centre, so I had to settle for a quick photo and a purchase from the gift shop. Someday I can’t wait to run through the same fields that Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy did to declare their love for each other.

Istanbul, TURKEY

Inferno
— Dan Brown

Contributed by Sage Scott from Everyday Wanderer

I was already immersed in Dan Brown’s thriller, Inferno, when I learned I’d be traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, for work. As I read about the dramatic car chase across the Galata Bridge, the search for answers in the massive Hagia Sophia, and the climactic scene in the unique underground Basilica Cistern, I counted the days until I could explore these amazing places in person. Although my trip to Istanbul was for work, I fortunately had one weekend day free to explore the real-world version of this exotic, ancient city brought to life in Dan Brown’s novel.

Galata Bridge in Istanbul - Photo by Sage Scott, the Everyday Wanderer

If you plan to explore the sights of Istanbul featured in Dan Brown’s thriller, Inferno, here’s what I recommend. Start your day by ascending the Galata Tower where you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Turkish city that spans two continents. Then cross the Galata Bridge. You can certainly do this by car (like Robert Langdon) or bus (like Sienna Brooks), but I recommend strolling over the Golden Horn on foot via one of the wide pedestrian walkways flanking both sides of the bridge.

Galata Bridge to Hagia Sophia

From the south side of the Galata Bridge, it’s about a mile walk to the Hagia Sophia. This may be one of the most fascinating religious buildings I’ve ever visited. Not only does it have a fascinating past — it was a cathedral that was converted into a mosque that’s now a museum — but it’s also massive. And when I say massive, I do mean massive. Paris’s Notre Dame could fit inside, and the Statue of Liberty could do jumping jacks without bumping her crown on the dome.

Wrap up your Inferno tour of Istanbul with a visit to the Basilica Cistern. Without creating a spoiler alert for anyone who hasn’t read this Dan Brown novel yet, let me say that one of the most intense scenes in the book takes place here, under the streets of Istanbul. Visiting the Galata Tower, Galata Bridge, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern will take about a day. And this foursome of sights is the perfect way to experience Inferno via travel.

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul - Photo by Sage Scott, the Everyday Wanderer

See more from Sage:

Paris, FRANCE

The Da Vinci Code
— Dan Brown

Contributed by Kathleen from Life by Kathleen

I love using books as a way to extend or relive my travels. There is nothing better than being able to draw on your memory to say ‘I’ve been there!’ Having been there, it also helps to paint a better picture of the story. It can also provide an extra glimpse inside a particular venue. I was unable to visit the Louvre because it was closed the day I was in Paris. But, reading The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown has helped me experience it. It’s been especially great to relive my memories from my trip to Europe. But it’s also nice to read about different towns in my own backyard.

See more from Kathleen:

Rio de Janiero, BRAZIL

The Seven Sisters
— James Sullivan

Contributed by Bruna from I Heart Brazil

While the temptation of watching a new series on Netflix is big, I try to read every night for half an hour before going to bed.

And because I’ve been reading quite a lot, my husband recently gave me a pretty lovely book I’m reading now. It’s called The Seven Sisters. It is an excellent historical novel that mixes with the history of Rio de Janeiro and some of its most popular attractions, such as Christ the Redeemer statue.

The story begins in Switzerland when six sisters are told their adoptive father has just passed away. And while each one of them receives a little clue about their heritage, the book focuses on only one of the sisters, Maia.

Seeking her own story, she follows her clue, which leads her to Rio de Janeiro, and that’s where it all begins. The story is fascinating, and Lucinda Riley’s writing is witty, whimsical, and seamless. The Seven Sisters is a long book, but you do not realize it.

More importantly, this book brings me good memories from all the delightful vacations I had in Rio de Janeiro, let alone Brazil.

And for those who haven’t been to Brazil yet, The Seven Sisters can certainly give them some fantastic bucket list ideas.

See more from Bruna:

VIETNAM

Over the Moat
— James Sullivan

I’ve got another last one for you, but I haven’t had a chance to visit yet. Ever since I read Over the Moat by James Sullivan several years ago, I’ve been dying to go to Vietnam. This has only been fueled by the Vietnamese friends I made in grad school and the students I’ve taught. Over the Moat follows the story of a 20-something American who travels to Vietnam and falls in love with a Vietnamese girl. Filled with love, culture, and a great plot, this is an unexpected book that has stuck with me for a long time.

Prefer movies to books? Check out this list of movies that inspire you to travel!

The Best Bookshop in Syracuse

I recently discovered one of my favorite places – and it’s only a few minutes from home! Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool is one of the absolute CUTEST places I’ve ever been. Owned by bookstagrammer Casey, the bookshop is the dreamiest place for any book lover. While it’s a small shop, it’s perfectly decorated with walls of books, and tables of bibliophile trinkets – bookmarks, candles, tea, and more. She also sells ‘bookish’ art from other independent artists. Window Shop Gal is a favorite of mine – featuring original artwork inspired by movies and shows like Gilmore Girls, Harry Potter, and Parks & Recreation!

Casey is originally from North Syracuse, and after leaving for college for several years, she decided to come back home to open up her dream shop. And I’m so grateful that she did! Honestly, she’s an inspiration because she’s read more than half of the books for sale on the shelves. Just spend five minutes with her and her passion for books, reading, and writing overflows from her. You’ve been warned – upon entering Golden Bee, you’ll want to purchase every book on the shelves!

The front corner of the store is a kids corner, set up to make kids feel welcome and comfortable. If you’d like, Casey will even read to your children while you browse the shelves for yourself.

With the current pandemic, the shop is only open by individual appointment, so you’ll need to plan in advance to go. There are also monthly book club reads, with virtual get-togethers for readers to chat.