Calling All Bookworms: Booking.com Shares Five Destinations With Literary Links

13 August, 2024

Dreaming of a vacation inspired by a famous novel? With 29% of global travelers saying books are a source of travel inspiration, Booking.com, with a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, turns the page on must-see destinations for bibliophiles to enjoy World Book Lovers Day on August 9. From India’s tropical state of Kerala to Colombia’s port city, Cartagena, prepare to walk down paths well-trodden by some of the world’s favorite authors.

Kerala, India

Hugging India’s lush Malabar coastline, Kerala is a reader’s paradise. Lovers of Arunhati Roy’s bestselling novel, The God of Small Things will particularly appreciate the region. Revered for its forward-thinking approach on social issues, the state embraces the modern and inclusive values imbibed by Roy, and reflected in its unique mix of faiths, decent literacy rates and minimal income disparity. As well as being a force for good, bookworms will be ecstatic to know that Kerala is home to beautiful backwaters and palm-lined beaches, perfect places in which to relax and get lost in a good read. Alternatively, write a tale along Keralan waters with a Half Day Backwater Country Boat Cruise. This six-hour sailing to Vaikom drops anchor at nearby villages where visitors can soak up the local culture that permeates Roy’s books.

Where to stay: South of Kerala lies Alleppey, known as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Here, travelers can enjoy world-class service at the gorgeous Spice Coast Cruises - Houseboat where guests will stay on board kettuvallams, former cargo boats that cruised the waters of the region carrying spices and grains. Made from natural materials, the cargo boats have been modernized and converted into floating homes powered by solar energy and vegetable oils to reduce their impact on the lake. The uniqueness of these traditional boats combined with the placid waters provide travelers with a captivating experience.

Bran, Romania

In the heart of Transylvania, nuzzled in the foothills of the Bucegi mountains, is Bran. Less than an hour by bus from Brasov, this picturesque village is one of the most popular destinations in Romania. However, it’s not the hillside houses or the gorgeous green valley that draw in the crowds. That can be found across this wonderful country. It’s the spectacular Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) that has visitors arriving by the busload. If you’re visiting in autumn, consider checking out the castle for their annual Halloween! A night tour of the castle is included with admission, and celebrating Halloween under the shadow of “Dracula’s Castle” is pretty awesome! Nearby is the stunning Piatra Craiului National Park, full of walking trails, wolves and bears.

Where to stay: With perfectly location in Bran town, and only 700 metres from Bran Castle, Casa Krista provides comfortable and clean accommodation with amazing mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. There is a private entrance at the guest house for the convenience of those who stay. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. Staff is a really friendly and helpful. Absolute value for money!

Cartagena, Colombia

Book lovers who dream of immersing themselves in the streets of Gabriel Marquiez’s bestseller, Love in the Time of Cholera, should pay a visit to Cartagena. The novel celebrates love at all ages, especially among the very old, taking readers on a journey throughout a city which remains unnamed throughout the book, but descriptions and names of places suggest it is based on the small town of Cartagena. Filled with traditional colonial buildings and churches, the city boasts beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking architecture, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Walled City of Old Cartagena, the city’s heartbeat can also be felt through its colorful festivals and vibrant nightlife. Bookworms seeking to connect with Cartagena’s culture will love this Cartagena Coffee Experience, which involves going through all the stages of the coffee preparation process. On this excursion, travelers will get to visit a coffee plantation and learn about the origins of coffee in Colombia, gaining insights into the types and roasts of coffee, an insightful and highly caffeinated day! 

Where to stay: Experience the best of Cartagena at the Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena. With seven spacious suites and guest rooms finely decorated with local art, it also boasts an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant serving delicious cuisine, as well as a garden offering lush views of Marbella Beach. Guests looking to discover the city will love that this Travel Proud property is within easy walking distance of the bustling city center lined with shopping malls, cafes and bookstores.

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

On the East Coast of the United States lies the fabled city of Boston; a cultural hub depicted by Colleen Hoover’s best seller novel which depicts toxic love between a damaged girl and boy, stemming from the author’s relationship between her mother and father. This classic has now been filmed and turned into a new blockbuster, coming to cinemas in August. The capital of Massachusetts is home to glossy apartments as portrayed in the book and magnificent outdoor spaces, as well as a rich cultural life reflected in its elite sports teams, jazz clubs, and art and literature. Book lovers will relish a visit to Greater Boston; home to famed bookstores such as Brattle Book Shop, one of America’s oldest used bookstores. Travelers can continue discovering the city’s signature landmarks by visiting one of the most famous universities in the world with the Guided Harvard University Walking Tour. Here, visitors will learn of the institution’s history and architecture while getting a glimpse into student life. For visitors seeking to explore the darker and spookier history of the city, this History and Hauntings of Salem Walking Tour is just a short drive from Boston and uncovers a supernatural past, including the 1692 Salem witch trials, while stopping by sites such as Ropes Mansion, the Bewitched Statue and The Burying Point.

Where to stay: At the heart of Boston lies The Lenox. This hotel offers elite facilities ranging from luxurious family rooms to two on-site restaurants serving American cuisine, as well as eco-friendly electric vehicle charging stations and bike hire. Its prime location makes it convenient for travelers to visit nearby attractions such as the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Public Garden.

San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain

For an escape similar to that described in Fernando Aramburu’s Homeland, which focuses on an epic and heartbreaking story of two best friends whose families are divided by conflict, travelers should visit San Sebastien. This resort town in the mountainous Basque Country and on the Bay of Biscay is known for its picturesque promenades dotted with upmarket shops and restaurants, vibrant bars as well as interesting monuments and museums such as Eureka! Zientzia Museoa for science lovers, and San Telmo museum for those wanting to know more of the region’s culture. While here, visitors have the chance for some sight-seeing aboard the San Sebastian City Train Tour which offers scenic views as it transports guests from the historic city center to the gorgeous Bay of La Concha via the Old Quarter. Alternatively, visitors seeking to dive deeper into Basque history and culture as portrayed in Aramburu’s book, can travel further afield to Guggenheim Museum and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe to  discover more of the coast’s natural beauty before reaching Bilbao and its famous contemporary art museum, The Guggenheim.

Where to stay: Bask in breathtaking sea views at the La Concha Beachview by Sweet Home San Sebastian in the city center and where guests can enjoy water activities such as boating or kayaking, or alternatively unwind with an interesting read at the nearby Ondarreta beach. With this beachfront property featuring four cozy bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen as well as access to a balcony to admire stunning scenery, guests have the chance to truly relax.

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