Ready to turn your next vacation into a page-turner? If you’ve been living vicariously through BookTok’s hottest titles, why not let your favourite literary escape guide your travel plans? Whether you’re itching for a taste of a fictional universe or a cosy stay in a charming town that inspired your fave novel, we’ve got the ultimate guide to vaycay spots that’ll make you feel like you’re starring in your very own bookish adventure.
A Court of Mist and Fury – Switzerland
Quick PSA: the enchanting city of Velaris from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series was actually based on the serene beauty of Zermatt, Switzerland. Transport yourself here to a cosy mountain-view room, where the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps surround you, much like the ethereal mountains that cradle Velaris. The incredible landscape brings this beloved romantasy world to life, and a trip here is where magic and wonder feel just within reach.
Where to stay: Matterhorn Focus Hotel, Zermatt.
Bridgerton – England
England is *literally* where much of Bridgerton is filmed, so a trip to the city of Bath is a perfect match. A couple hours from London, Bath is quintessentially British in its charm and elegance. You’ll feel like a member of high society with this undoubtedly regal vaycay.
Where to stay: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath.
The Spanish Love Deception – Spain
Now this is a match made in BookTok heaven. Head to Spain with a copy of this popular book in hand, and bring the pages to life. The story’s central events unfold in the enchanting Spanish countryside and stunning coastal regions. After all, the romance of Spanish plazas, charming cafés, and historic landmarks are the best companions for romance readers.
Where to stay: METT Hotel, Marbella.
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – California
This gripping tale of glamour, ambition and scandal is deeply rooted in the vibrant and often treacherous landscape of Los Angeles. The city serves as the backdrop for Evelyn Hugo’s rise to fame, with its glittering Hollywood scene shaping her journey from an ambitious young actress to a legendary movie star. Immerse yourself in Los Angeles, with its mix of sunshine, palm-lined streets, and hidden darkness that mirror Evelyn’s complex life—one filled with dazzling success, devastating secrets, and the relentless pursuit of power.
Where to stay: The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles.
Before The Coffee Gets Cold – Japan
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is deeply inspired by the quiet elegance and profound reflection found in Japanese culture. Set in a small, tucked-away café in Tokyo, the novel is best paired with a trip to Japan (and coffee, ofc).
Where to stay: Janu, Tokyo.
People We Meet on Vacation – Croatia
Alex and Poppy’s fateful trip to Croatia forms the narrative backbone of this popular love story. Croatia’s historic architecture, picturesque beaches, and lively local culture infuse the story with a sense of adventure and nostalgia, perfectly complementing the characters’ personal journeys. Where better to enjoy this rom-com?
Where to stay: San Canzian Hotel, Iztria.
A Song Of Achillies – Greece
Transport to the ancient world of Greece, where myth and history intertwine in this story of love, honour, and fate. Set against the backdrop of the Greek isles and the legendary city of Troy, the novel captures the essence of Greece’s rich history and its deep connection to mythology. To experience the story of Achilles and Patroclus firsthand, visit the stunning region of the Peloponnese, where ancient ruins like Mycenae and the Temple of Apollo at Bassae evoke the spirit of classical Greece. For a more immersive experience, a stay on the island of Kefalonia, known for its natural beauty and proximity to Ithaca, can bring the epic tale to life.
Where to stay: Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, Kefalonia.
A Little Life – New York
The heart-wrenching A Little Life is set against the sprawling, often unforgiving backdrop of New York City, a place that mirrors the intense emotional journey of its characters. As you wander through the city’s parks, cafés, and hidden corners, you’ll find traces of the novel’s deep exploration of friendship, trauma, and survival woven into the very fabric of New York itself. Cue the tears (!!).
Where to stay: The Mark Hotel, New York.
Normal People – Italy
Normal People takes a brief but significant detour to Italy, where one chapter is set during a summer trip that becomes a turning point for the characters. Italy’s sun-drenched villas, tranquil countryside, and romance is a stark contrast to the emotional complexity unfolding between Connell and Marianne. The beauty of Tuscany—where much of the Italian episode takes place—serves as a picturesque backdrop for their ongoing tension, intimacy, and introspection. Plus, *that* villa lives rent-free in our heads.
Where to stay: How about the *actual* villa where the TV show episode was filmed? It’s available on AirBnb here.
ICYMI, here are the best book-to-tv adaptations coming your way very soon.