Books have been inspiring travel for thousands of years. From the adventures of the Odyssey to the emotional journey of Eat, Pray, Love, books introduce us to places we’ve never been and might have never dreamed existed. From the haunting moors and rough coastline in England’s Yorkshire countryside to hidden corners of Paris, some of our favorite books have inspired travel over the years for us and so many others. Whether you’re looking for a great summer read or need inspiration for an upcoming trip, these eight books and destinations are strong contenders for consideration. 

Solo travel is one of the most rewarding experiences. It is liberating to travel without considering anyone else’s opinions or preferences. More importantly, embracing the discomfort of doing everything yourself teaches us much about who we are and our capabilities. Traveling alone means we are forced to have conversations with strangers and figure out the way back to the hotel on our own. Traveling alone is eating in a cafe without company and learning to be comfortable spending time with ourselves. It’s moments of quiet and solitude, and plenty of space to dive into our thoughts. It’s learning who we are without the familiarity of people we know around us. 

Art has been inspiring bucket lists for centuries. From the Greek epics to Monet’s paintings of Provence, stories of adventures around the world and descriptions of faraway lands have shown up in every medium. Today, we’re inspired to travel through movies and film. Eat, Pray, Love is a perfect example, as is White Lotus. The impact of movies and film can be so significant that destinations will capitalize on the interest and create tours or experiences dedicated to the filming locations. Harry Potter has done this for the UK, Outlander for Scotland, and Game of Thrones for many places, including Croatia. All of these introductions are a great way to dive into new cultures, traditions, and people - go outside of our comfort zones and discover somewhere new that perhaps we weren’t aware existed before. 

We’ve put together a list of destinations perfect for a digital detox. Whether you’re planning your first trip of this kind or you’ve made a habit of taking these regularly, there’s a destination on here for everyone. Some of them are truly remote, meaning that disconnecting digitally due to lack of cell or internet service will be unavoidable. While for some, that can bring immense relief, others might find it too anxiety-inducing, and that’s ok. The purpose of a digital detox is to create space for relaxation and calm the mind and nervous system. If having service available to disconnect digitally on your terms is a better option, there are plenty of spots on this list that are perfect for that, too. 

Liz Gilbert’s memoir, Eat Pray Love, took the world by storm when it was published in 2006. Selling over 10 million copies, the book was featured in Oprah’s Book Club and eventually made into a film starring Julia Roberts, which received equal acclaim. It has become a sort of Bible for young, single women seeking to find their place in the world. Women who feel lost, incomplete, or perhaps, uninspired. The impact this story has had is so profound that Bali became a sensation nearly overnight, facing issues with over-tourism and commercialization that it had not previously experienced. There’s just something about Liz’s journey, and the beautiful way she shares it, that has had millions in a chokehold for almost twenty years now.

In a world that has become so obsessed with connectivity, we have become more disconnected than ever. Social media platforms were created to build communities and help people stay connected. As they’ve evolved, we have become consumed with staying current with the latest viral videos and trends. Being in the loop has shifted from seeing what’s “in season” in magazines to doom-scrolling a hundred reels with the same audio for an hour straight.

Exploring museums isn’t just for bad weather days. They offer a glimpse into different corners of the world at different moments in time. They provide an opportunity to learn visually and interactively and preserve history, art, culture, and stories of the people who came before us. Museums often have educational, preservation, and research programs crucial for everything from civil rights to environmental science to art history. They inspire future pilots, archaeologists, painters, and doctors. They make learning fun and present information in digestible yet impactful ways. 

Washington, D.C., draws millions of tourists annually, but the charming city of Alexandria, Virginia, is a quick drive across the Potomac River. Often overlooked or simply included as a day trip in a D.C. itinerary, Old Town Alexandria is full of history, character, and charm, making it a stand-out destination. There’s plenty to see and do in the heart of this historic neighborhood. Whether you have one day to explore while visiting the larger DMV area or plan to book a long weekend getaway, soak up every bit of this delightful Virginian city. 

Spring is an excellent season to visit many destinations for ideal weather and slower crowds and to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the world while they’re literally in bloom. From the quiet rolling hills of the Cotswolds to ancient ruins in Palermo and cherry blossoms in Kyoto, spring is a chance to see some of these destinations at their very best. Head into the Blue Ridge Mountains to see Asheville’s vibrant art scene. Step back in time to Evora - a city with so much historical significance it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or skip spring altogether and head to the southern hemisphere for a crisp autumn escape where harvest season is in full effect. Regardless of where you end up this spring, slow down and soak up every moment. 

Savannah is a city that knows how to leave an impression. From the unbeatable hospitality to the scores of independent bookshops, there’s something for everyone in this charming Southern town. Savannah’s haunted past pours out of the cobblestone streets and brick warehouse walls, telling the stories of the people who made the city what it is today. People come to Savannah for the stunning scenery, incredible food, and legendary hospitality, but they are left enriched by the city’s vibrant culture. Whether it’s your first or tenth time visiting Savannah, here are some top recommendations for things to do in this historic destination. 

For first-time travelers, venturing somewhere closer to home could make the experience much more comfortable. Lucky for those who live in the continental U.S., there are endless destinations to explore coast to coast. You could say it’s one of the biggest perks of living in the States. Whether you feel the most at home in a big city or prefer something quieter with big open spaces, it’s impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for, and solo travel ensures you don’t have to compromise for anyone or anything. When it comes down to choosing a destination, ask yourself a few questions. What are you looking to get out of this trip? What are you most excited to see and do? And what do you want to take away from it? 

There’s no escaping the past in Savannah. Every street, stone, and building seems to have a story spanning generations, but it doesn’t keep locals from continuing to push forward into the future. They simply do so while holding a deep respect for the past. Keeping this in mind, for anyone willing to break out of the party atmosphere along River Street, Savannah is a cultural hub waiting to be explored. From a church that acted as a stop on the Underground Railroad to cemeteries with active residents, each site provides a window into the past. Between paranormally charged hotspots, Savannah’s culinary scene provides bold flavors in unique settings, from an old bus station to renovated mansions. Nothing fades in time in Savannah. Instead, the city ties the past and present together so that no matter what, it’s impossible to forget where it all began.