One of the things I love when reading a new novel is feeling like it’s transporting me to a new destination, or it’s giving me a new understanding of a different culture or way of life. The books in this section are a range of genres, but all are focussed on a specific destination. Enjoy these fiction books that transport you to a new destination and culture.
From a murder mystery set in Australia, to a thriller set across Italy, to a teenage cancer story in Amsterdam, a romance in California, or a heart-wrenching story of Taliban rule in Afghanistan – all of these books will transport you to a new destination and culture. It’s a perfect way to learn more about the place you’re planning to visit, and start getting excited for your trip. I love reading books set in a destination I’m about to visit, as it inspires me for my trip.
It’s also a great way to learn more about that destination, in a way that you just can’t learn from a travel guide. Fiction books that transport you to a new destination and culture are the perfect companion on your travels around the world. Check out my book reviews below. They’re separated into different regions so you can pick one based on the destination you’re able to travel to. Enjoy reading!
Europe
- Book Review: The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan
The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan is a feel-good festive novel. It’s a nice story of friendship and love, set in the beautiful snowy Lapland with winter adventures. Here’s my book review of The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan. - Book Review: Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh
This is the perfect book to inspire you to visit the beautiful Wales coast and countryside. It will also get you inspired to try some outdoor activities while you’re there! Here’s my book review of Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh. - The Gift by Alan Titchmarsh: Book Review
The Gift by Alan Titchmarsh is a really lovely book, set in the Yorkshire Dales. Reading this book, you’ll be transported to the beautiful peace of the Yorkshire countryside. Here’s my The Gift by Alan Titchmarsh book review. - Book Review: I Let You Go by Clare Makintosh
Dream of a trip to the coastline of Wales with this psychological thriller. Unexpected plots twists will mean you can’t put this book down. Here’s my book review of I Let You Go by Clare Makintosh. - Book Review: The Fault in our Stars by John Green
Get transported on a magical trip to Amsterdam in The Netherlands with two teenagers with cancer. This brilliant book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow the story of the main characters. Enjoy this book review of The Fault in our Stars by John Green. - Book Review: I love Capri by Belinda Jones
Set on the beautiful island of Capri in Italy, this book will transport you to this sunny destination. It’s an easy, fun book to read with plenty of romance and great characters. You’ll definitely be inspired to visit Capri in Italy after reading this book review of I love Capri by Belinda Jones.
Australia & USA
- Book Review: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey is a really easy, addictive book to read with a nice story. It’s set mostly in North West USA, with great descriptions of a small fishing town on the coast. Here is my book review of It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey. - Book Review: The Dry by Jane Harper
Get inspired for a trip to Australia by reading The Dry by Jane Harper. This crime novel tries to uncover who committed the triple murder in a small Australian outback town. But is it the person you think? Check out my book review of The Dry by Jane Harper.
Asia
- Book Review: Summer on the Turquoise Coast by Lilac Mills
Summer on the Turquoise Coast by Lilac Mills is the perfect book for the summer. Set on holiday in Turkey, it will inspire you to travel to this amazing country and try the new experiences waiting for you there. Here’s my book review of Summer on the Turquoise Coast by Lilac Mills.
South America
- Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
With You Were Here by Jodi Picoult is a book mostly set in the Galapagos Islands, during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. It’s a nice book to read, and thought-provoking as well. And it definitely made me want to explore the Galapagos Islands. Here’s my book review of Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult.
Worldwide
- Book Review: Eleanor’s Travels by Aisha Urooj
Eleanor’s Travels is a really nice, relaxing book that’s all about travel. It follows the story of Eleanor on her trip around the world, seeing new places and meeting new people. Here’s my book review of Eleanor’s Travels by Aisha Urooj.
If these books have inspired you to think about travel, it’s time to start planning your next trip! The UK is a beautiful place to travel, with beautiful scenery in Wales and Scotland. Or you could visit some of the amazing cities in Europe, such as Prague, Berlin or Vienna. The USA is full of amazing places as well, like the Florida Keys, San Francisco and the Olympic Mountains. Start planning your travels and live life with no regrets!
