10 Travel Destinations Inspired by Popular BookTok recommendations

For readers who want to step into the pages of popular BookTok recommendations — no portal magic required.

1. Scotland – Inspired by “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon

Craving sweeping highlands, stone circles, and men in kilts with questionable 18th-century hygiene but undeniable charm? Scotland has you covered. From Edinburgh’s moody cobblestones to the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, this is the place to time travel without actually needing a standing stone.

Do:

• Visit Culloden Moor (prepare to feel feelings).

• Explore Inverness and the nearby Loch Ness (Nessie is canon now).

• Tour Doune Castle, aka Castle Leoch for fans of the show (and “Monty Python” nerds, too).

2. Italy (Amalfi Coast) – Inspired by “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle

For those who love a mix of grief, magical realism, and pasta. This sun-soaked coast will make you believe in the healing power of gelato and cliffside hikes. Much like the book’s main character, you might even find a new perspective between bites of caprese salad.

Do:

• Hike the Path of the Gods (breathtaking in every sense)

• Take a cooking class in Sorrento and learn to make lemon everything.

• Wander the streets of Ravello — underrated, quiet, and beautifully cinematic.

  
  

3. New York City – Inspired by “The Atlas Six” by Olivie Blake

If academia, dark magic, and elite intellectual chaos are your aesthetic, NYC is the ultimate vibe. Channel your inner morally gray scholar while sipping overpriced coffee in a dimly lit bookstore café somewhere in the Village.

Do:

• Visit The Strand Bookstore (just try not to buy 12 books).

• Wander the NY Public Library like you own the place.

• Grab coffee at Café Reggio — dark, velvet vibes and history galore.

4. Iceland – Inspired by “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

This introspective, melancholy, yet hopeful book deserves a backdrop that feels both surreal and grounding — enter Iceland. It’s beautiful, quiet, and the kind of place where it’s socially acceptable to think deeply about your life choices under a waterfall.

Do:

• Soak in the Blue Lagoon (overdone, yes — still magical? Also yes).

• Visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and feel tiny.

• Explore Þingvellir National Park, where two tectonic plates literally meet.

5. Paris, France – Inspired by “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins

BookTok’s soft spot for romantic YA means Paris is a must. Think cobblestone streets, school crushes, and existential crises in cafés. Whether you're kissing someone under the Eiffel Tower or just kissing a pain au chocolat, it's all très bookish.

Do:

• Get lost in Shakespeare and Company (bonus: it smells like magic and dust).

• Visit the Musée d'Orsay — less crowded than the Louvre, equally iconic.

• Picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg like you live there (don’t forget a baguette and book).

6. Kyoto, Japan – Inspired by “The Book of Tea” by Kakuzō Okakura & “A Thousand Steps into Night” by Traci Chee

For readers who love quiet beauty, ancient traditions, and a touch of spiritual fantasy. Kyoto’s temples, tea houses, and serene gardens make you feel like you’ve walked into a metaphor.

Do:

• Attend a traditional tea ceremony in Gion.

• Walk through the Fushimi Inari Shrine's endless red torii gates.

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views and peaceful energy.

7. Oxford, England – Inspired by “Babel” by R.F. Kuang

If your dream day involves translating ancient texts and confronting colonialism before breakfast, Oxford is basically your Hogwarts. It’s intellectual, eerie, and grand — just like the novel. Plus, the libraries are actually ridiculous in the best way.

Do:

• Tour the Bodleian Library (yes, it’s as magical as it sounds).

• Visit the Divinity School — pure dark academia vibes.

• Sip tea at The Grand Café, allegedly England’s oldest coffee house.

8. Santorini, Greece – Inspired by “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han

BookTok’s queen of teen romance deserves a sun-kissed setting with maximum romantic potential. While Cousins Beach isn’t real (tragic), Santorini offers the same nostalgic glow — but with better views and feta on everything.

Do:

• Watch the sunset in Oia (with everyone else on Earth, but still worth it).

• Sail around the caldera on a catamaran (bonus: wine).

• Explore Pyrgos village for a quieter, less touristy slice of Greek charm.

9. New Orleans, USA – Inspired by “The Ballad of Never After” by Stephanie Garber

If you're into dark fairytales, haunted vibes, and chaos disguised as charm, New Orleans feels like the perfect match. It’s the kind of city where magic feels just barely out of reach — but always lurking.

Do:

• Wander the French Quarter at twilight (ghost tour optional, but encouraged).

• Visit the Garden District — dreamy houses, mossy oaks, and a touch of eerie elegance.

• Stop by Faulkner House Books, a cozy little shop tucked into Pirate’s Alley.

10. Provence, France – Inspired by “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry

Okay, technically this book bounces around different destinations — but if you’re chasing the ultimate slow-travel, pastel-drenched summer vibe, Provence delivers. It's all lavender fields, breezy dresses, and flirting over wine.

Do:

• Bike through the Luberon Valley — stop for wine tastings (obviously).

• Explore the markets in Aix-en-Provence — get that handmade soap and call it “self-care.”

• Visit the Sénanque Abbey surrounded by lavender in bloom (June–July is peak dreamy).

Final Thought:

Reading takes us places — but sometimes, real-world travel is the plot twist your life needs. Whether you’re chasing magic, romance, or just a really good sandwich in a new time zone, let your favorite books be your compass.

I hope you feel inspired by this BookTok recommendations for your next travel adventure.

Your next chapter might just start with a boarding pass!