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. 

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. 

Some of the best adventures happen when we’re pushed outside our comfort zones. Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences. For those planning their first solo trip, start slow by getting used to doing things alone in your hometown or city. Book a weekend getaway and work up to a more extended trip. If you feel ready or are no stranger to solo travel, find time on the calendar this year to go abroad on an epic adventure. From the temples of Cambodia to the festivals of Quebec, these are just a handful of international destinations to experience alone. 

Nothing beats a hot cup of cocoa by a roaring fireplace while wearing comfy sweats wrapped in a blanket. Add a good book during a heavy snowfall, and it’s about as perfect a day as it gets! Invented by the Danish, “hygge” simply means cozy, and it’s how we should all winter. According to the official Visit Denmark website, “hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people…Perhaps hygge explains why Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.” Inspired by this way of life, we’ve put together 8 destinations to visit this winter to embrace a hygge vibe for a well-deserved break. 

One of the things to look forward to the most with a new year is all the new trips there are to plan. Twelve months are a blank canvas to fill with destinations, escapes, cultural immersion, and memories. Whether you prefer to go on grand adventures scaling mountains and reaching high peaks or cozy, slow travel leisurely walking down old, historic cobblestone streets, dipping in and out of bookstores and cafes while getting to know the local people, a new year is a new opportunity to fill as many moments as possible with curiosity and enriching experiences. We'd love to take off for hundreds of places in the world, but these eight are currently at the top of our minds.

January is an underrated time of year to plan a trip. Holiday travel is over, and much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing cold weather. Many people are inclined to stay home, whether that’s to avoid the risk of travel delays or blowing through precious PTO so early in the year. Whatever the reason, tourism crowds ease up after the holiday rush, and time seems to slow down. For those who choose to embrace the heart of winter, there’s something about exploring while the air is crisp and meeting people in warm, cozy restaurants. If you’re looking to get away, you might consider one of these destinations for January travel. 

One sunny Friday afternoon in San Antonio when the weather was warm but not too hot, two ladies went to lunch. They grabbed a table for two right next to the water shaded with an over-sized umbrella and began to browse the menu. Those two ladies were my Noni and I and it didn’t take very long to decide what we’d be eating for lunch that day. Boudro’s on the River is a Texas bistro that feels more like a French bistro. Like most restaurants along the riverwalk, there’s indoor and outdoor seating to cater to all weather and it has an almost upscale feeling to it. The cafe tables are elegant, like the nice cafes on the streets of Paris, and the waiters wear classic outfits and treat you as if you’re eating at the best fine dining establishment…