If you’ve ever turned the last page of a book and immediately daydreamed about hopping on a flight, you’re not alone. Some novels are so vividly rooted in their setting that every chapter feels like a plane ticket to somewhere new. Whether you crave the colorful streets of Marrakech, the romantic bridges of Paris, or wild adventures in Patagonia, these novels can spark your wanderlust. Here’s a selection of stories that actually take you to real places—inviting you to walk the streets, taste the food, and see the sights alongside the characters.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: Italy, India, and Indonesia

Few books have inspired as much globe-trotting curiosity as Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. Gilbert’s memoir traces her year-long trip of self-discovery through three countries: Italy, where she devours pizza in Naples and learns to speak Italian in Rome; India, where she meditates and discovers inner peace in an ashram; and Indonesia, where she savors the tranquil beauty of Bali. Gilbert’s descriptions of Roman trattorias, the lush rice paddies of Ubud, and evenings on Balinese beaches will make you crave a passport stamp or two.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes: Tuscany, Italy

Frances Mayes’ memoir, Under the Tuscan Sun, offers an immersive look at small-town life in Tuscany. The book centers on Mayes’ renovation of an old villa near Cortona, Italy. She transports readers to Italian markets, sun-drenched vineyards, and dinners under the stars. As you follow along, you’ll almost taste the olives and Chianti, and you might wind up researching flights to Florence.

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle: Provence, France

Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence is a delightful account of moving to southern France. Mayle shares the quirks of French rural life, from truffle hunting to marathon lunches at tiny countryside restaurants. The villages, lavender fields, and food markets of Provence become real through his words—and you’ll want to plan an escape to experience them yourself.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Spain and the Egyptian Desert

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an accessible, philosophical story about following one’s dreams, but it’s also a journey across landscapes. The young Andalusian shepherd Santiago sets out from Spain and wanders through the deserts of North Africa in search of treasure. The vivid depictions of rolling Spanish hills and the harsh beauty of the Egyptian sand dunes invite you to see these places in your mind—and maybe on your next trip.

The Beach by Alex Garland: Thailand

If you’re searching for an adventure in Southeast Asia, The Beach by Alex Garland is a modern classic. Set in Thailand, the novel follows a young backpacker, Richard, as he looks for a rumored utopian beach. Garland captures the chaos of bustling Bangkok streets, the unpredictability of Thai islands, and the serene (but sometimes dangerous) beauty of hidden lagoons south of Ko Samui.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona shines in The Shadow of the Wind. Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s mystery novel is steeped in the city’s atmosphere, with scenes set at the Sempere & Sons bookshop, the twisting alleys of the Gothic Quarter, and the lush, secret gardens of Montjuïc. If you love moody European cities with history around every corner, this book reads like a love letter to Barcelona.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed: The Pacific Crest Trail, USA

Sometimes, a novel makes you want to trade cities for wild places. In Wild, Cheryl Strayed recounts her 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, stretching from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon into Washington State. Her encounters with rugged mountains, dense forests, and endless challenges might have you checking out hiking boots and dreaming of America’s legendary trails.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin: Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin redefined travel writing. The book is a mosaic of stories set in the windswept, remote region at the southern tip of South America. Chatwin describes meeting eccentric locals, exploring prehistoric caves, and traversing strange, beautiful landscapes. His vivid account will stir up your sense of adventure and curiosity for Argentina and Chile.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: Scottish Highlands

Romance, time travel, and history merge in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. The books are anchored in the mist-shrouded Scottish Highlands, full of standing stones, heather-clad hills, and ancient castles. Gabaldon’s attention to Scottish culture—right down to the food and Gaelic words—will have you yearning for a road trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden: Kyoto, Japan

Memoirs of a Geisha transports readers to early twentieth-century Kyoto. The novel’s lush descriptions of flowering cherry trees, tranquil temples, and winding streets lined with wooden teahouses bring the city to life. As you follow the protagonist’s journey through historical Gion, you’ll see why Kyoto is a favorite city for travelers from all over the world.

The Paris Hours by Alex George: Paris, France

Set over a single day in 1927, The Paris Hours captures Paris at its most atmospheric. You’ll follow four characters through the city’s arrondissements—wandering along the Seine, under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and into bohemian Montmartre. Through these stories, the city’s charm, history, and complexity leap from the page.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams: Peru

If you’re daydreaming about trek adventures, Turn Right at Machu Picchu is a perfect choice. Mark Adams embarks on a quest to retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham, the explorer who rediscovered the Incan city. The book details the hike along the Inca Trail, crossing cloud forests, mountain passes, and ancient sites on the way to Machu Picchu.