Literary Inspired Vacation Ideas
A literary-inspired vacation offers a unique and immersive travel experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. By visiting the real-life settings of your favorite books, you can step into the world of the characters and connect more deeply with the stories you love. Whether you're walking the same streets as the characters from Outlander or indulging in Italian cuisine inspired by Eat, Pray, Love, these trips bring your favorite books to life and allow you to experience their magic firsthand.
Explore Some of HBTT’s Literary Favorites
The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
Destination: Alaska, USA
Vacation Focus: A rugged, off-the-grid escape into the Alaskan wilderness, mirroring the remote homestead featured in the novel. Travelers can visit locations like Denali National Park or explore the Kenai Peninsula. Activities might include dog sledding, glacier hikes, and observing the Northern Lights, all while reflecting on the book's themes of survival, resilience, and family dynamics.
Circe
by Madeline Miller
Destination: Greek Isles
Vacation Focus: A mythical journey through the Greek Islands, focusing on the magic and legends of ancient Greece. Visit islands like Crete, Aegina, and Santorini, where travelers can blend history, mythology, and stunning coastal landscapes.
Memoirs of a Geisha
by Arthur Golden
Destination: Kyoto, Japan
Vacation Focus: A cultural immersion in traditional Japanese arts, including tea ceremonies, kimono-wearing, and visiting historic geisha districts in Kyoto. Travelers can experience the delicate beauty of Japanese temples and gardens while learning about the history of geisha culture.
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: New Zealand
Vacation Focus: Explore the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand, where the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed. Travelers can visit Hobbiton in Matamata, hike through stunning mountainous regions like Fiordland National Park, and feel like they’ve stepped into Middle-earth.
Call Me By Your Name
by André Aciman
Destination: Northern Italy (Lombardy)
Vacation Focus: A journey through the picturesque Italian countryside, including charming towns like Crema and the Lombardy region. Travelers can enjoy cycling through quaint streets, swimming in lakes, and experiencing the romance and beauty of Italian summers.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Destination: Spain and Morocco
Vacation Focus: A spiritual and adventure-filled trip, starting in southern Spain and crossing into Morocco. Travelers can explore the Andalusian region, visit Tangier, and spend time in the Moroccan desert, tracing Santiago's journey.
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Destination: Scotland
Vacation Focus: A trip through the Scottish Highlands, visiting sites like Inverness, the Culloden Battlefield, and iconic castles. A perfect mix of history, romance, and time-travel vibes, with options to visit filming locations from the popular TV adaptation.
Eat, Pray, Love
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Destination: Italy, India, and Bali, Indonesia
Vacation Focus: A transformative journey through three distinct countries to indulge in the pleasures of life. Travelers can follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Gilbert:
Italy: Enjoy culinary delights in Rome and Naples, focusing on indulgence and self-care through Italian food and culture.
India: Experience spiritual growth with a stay at an ashram or wellness retreat in India, focusing on meditation and inner peace.
Bali: Embrace the sense of balance and love by staying in Ubud or exploring Bali’s beaches, engaging in yoga, and learning about Balinese spirituality.
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
Destination: Pondicherry, India, and the Pacific Ocean
Vacation Focus: Start in the coastal town of Pondicherry, India, where the story begins, exploring its French colonial history. For a truly adventurous twist, consider an ocean voyage, wildlife safaris, or immersive experiences with nature to echo Pi’s survival at sea.
These vacations also offer a deeper sense of purpose, transforming your journey into a personal adventure of self-discovery, creativity, or historical exploration. Instead of just visiting new places, you're engaging with the cultural and emotional layers of a story, making your trip more meaningful. It’s an inspiring way to fuel your imagination, relive iconic moments, and create lasting memories that blend the joy of travel with the power of storytelling.
Thanks for reading! Please contact us at info@hbtourandtravel.com or fill out an online booking request to plan your next vacation.
With Love,
H & B @ HBTT
