Last updated on at 07:19 am
Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog where I share my passion for travel and reading. Today I want to talk about how these two hobbies enrich my life and inspire me to explore new horizons.
On Reading
Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax and learn. I love diving into different genres, from fantasy to historical fiction, and discovering new worlds and perspectives. Reading also helps me improve my vocabulary, writing skills, and critical thinking. I always have a book with me wherever I go, whether if it’s on the train, in the park, or in bed.
On Travel
Travel is another hobby that brings me joy and excitement. I love visiting new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. Travel also helps me broaden my horizons, challenge my assumptions, and appreciate the diversity of our world. I always have a travel bucket list with me wherever I go, whether on my phone, in my journal, or in my mind.
On Reading and Travel
Reading and travel are two hobbies that complement each other perfectly. When I read a book set in a place I want to visit, I feel like I’m already there. When I visit a place I’ve read about in a book, I feel like I’m living the story. Reading and travel also inspire me to be more curious, adventurous, and open-minded. They make me want to learn more about myself and the world around me.
If you are like me who loves to read and travel, you might want to visit some of these amazing places in Europe that celebrate literature and culture. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, relaxation, or adventure, there’s a destination for every book lover on this continent.
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Best Places to Go in Europe for Reading Enthusiasts
Here are some of the best places to go in Europe for reading enthusiasts:
Stratford-upon-Avon, England: This charming town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the most famous playwright and poet in history. You can visit his childhood home, his grave, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where you can watch his plays performed live. You can also explore the beautiful countryside and enjoy the traditional pubs and tea rooms.
Paris, France: The City of Light has been a magnet for writers and artists for centuries. You can follow the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Victor Hugo, and many others who lived and worked in this romantic city. You can also visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower, or just stroll along the Seine River and browse the book stalls.
Dublin, Ireland: The capital of Ireland is a UNESCO City of Literature and for good reason. It’s the home of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and many other literary giants. You can visit the Dublin Writers Museum, the James Joyce Centre, and the Trinity College Library, which houses the Book of Kells, a stunning medieval manuscript. You can also enjoy the lively pubs and music scene.
Prague, Czech Republic: This fairy-tale city is full of history and magic. It’s the birthplace of Franz Kafka, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. You can visit his museum, his house, and his grave, as well as other landmarks related to his works. You can also admire the Gothic architecture, the Charles Bridge, and the Prague Castle.
Barcelona, Spain: This vibrant city is a feast for the senses. It’s the setting of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s bestselling novel The Shadow of the Wind, which follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library. You can join a guided tour that takes you to the locations mentioned in the book, or explore them on your own. You can also enjoy the colorful Gaudi buildings, the Gothic Quarter, and the beach.
Europe is not only rich in history, culture and art, but also in literature. And if you think that it is a nice place for bookworms to visit, you have to know that it is not only the place to be for readers, but also for writers. There are many places in Europe that have inspired some of the most famous and beloved authors and books of all time.
Related Reads
The Best Books Set in Paris: 10 Riveting Reads
The Jane Austen House in Bath, England
Authors Who Inspire Me with Their Adventurous Lifestyles and Creative Works
Here are some of the authors who inspire me with their adventurous lifestyles and creative works.
Elizabeth Gilbert: You probably know her from her best-selling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, which chronicles her journey across Italy, India and Indonesia after a painful divorce. But did you know that she has also written several other books based on her travels, such as The Last American Man, Committed, and Big Magic? Gilbert is a passionate traveler who believes that exploring new places can spark new ideas and insights.
Paulo Coelho: The Brazilian author of The Alchemist and many other spiritual novels is also a globetrotter who has visited more than 150 countries. He often draws inspiration from his own experiences and encounters with different cultures and religions. Coelho is also a blogger who shares his thoughts and stories on his website.
J.K. Rowling: The creator of Harry Potter needs no introduction, but you might not know that she has also traveled extensively throughout her life. She wrote the first Harry Potter book while living in Portugal, where she taught English and met her first husband. She also lived in Edinburgh, London and Paris before settling in Scotland. She has visited many places that influenced her writing, such as New York, where she wrote part of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Porto, where she frequented a bookstore that resembles Hogwarts.
Bill Bryson: The American-British author of A Walk in the Woods and A Short History of Nearly Everything is one of the most popular travel writers in the world. He has written about his adventures in Europe, Australia, Africa and America with humor and curiosity. He is also a keen observer of human nature and culture, which makes his books both informative and entertaining.
Cheryl Strayed: The author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things is another example of someone who turned her personal journey into a literary success. She wrote Wild after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone for three months, following the death of her mother and the end of her marriage. Her book is a powerful memoir of self-discovery and resilience that has inspired millions of readers and moviegoers.
Wrap Up
Reading is like traveling without leaving your home. You can immerse yourself in different worlds, cultures, and perspectives through the pages of a book. Meanwhile, traveling is like reading with all your senses. You can experience different places, people, and cuisines firsthand.
Reading and travel go hand in hand for me. I love to read books about the destinations I visit or plan to visit. I also love to travel to the places I read about in books.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found some inspiration for your own reading and travel adventures. Let me know in the comments what are some of your favorite books and destinations. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more updates on my reading and travel journey. Thanks for reading!
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Love this post! Wild is one of my favourite ever books. I actually have a quote from Wild tattooed on my leg! I visited Stratford last year and stayed in The Welcombe Hotel, which has a SUPER old collection of Shakespeare on display, it’s fascinating!
Europe has so many settings to just sit and read, it’s a slower lifestyle. It’s a treasured way of life that I wish was more present in the US!
I would love to visit some of the places I’ve read about! Europe feels so magical!!
I hope I have the opportunity to visit Europe one day!
I hope I could experience this someday, haven’t been to Europe in years now.
Love this post and I completely agree with you. I lived in Spain for 1 year and read numerous books and enjoyed finding book stores that offered books in English.
I always travel through books because my bank account suggests it!! I loved learning more about the authors and their inspiration or destinations they visited while writing such classics