10 Amazing Vacation Ideas For Book Nerds

As a book nerd myself, spring break has never exactly been about finding the best cities to party in, but instead, finding the nerdiest destinations possible. Don't get me wrong, letting loose over spring break with your best friends and indulging in whatever makes you happiest is the goal. But if you're like me, a major literary nerd who applies the strongest type of sun screen before heading out to read on the beach, then you might be interested in some bookish vacation spots to hit up this year, too.

Whether you're thinking about booking a flight across seas or only have the funds to take a quick road trip, I've got you covered. Planning a trip can be exciting and stressful at the same time. As someone who constantly over-packs books, it's a top priority of mine to find time to read as much as possible while on vacation. From book-themed hotels, famous author destinations, cozy cafes and much more, the list of where to travel as a book nerd is quite possibly endless.

Including top ranked bookstores, literary themed hotels, museums, and top spots to read, here are 10 fantastic ideas to consider when planning out your ultimate book nerd spring break trip this year:

1. Key West, Florida

I just got back from the Florida Keys, where I definitely got sunburned, but the highlight of my vacation was getting to pet a lot of six-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway house. If you're a classic lit fan (and adore cats), visiting the Hemingway house will be a worthwhile experience for you. The Florida Keys make you feel as though you're on a secluded island far away from the hectic details of everyday of life. With plenty of sunshine to soak up, beaches to read on, and historic little streets to wander, this is truly a perfect getaway destination for any book lover.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

As a Harry Potter fan, there are a number of places you want to visit in your lifetime. The great thing about Edinburgh is that it has the iconic cafe, The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of HP, but it also has a number of other fun things to do. Between gorgeous libraries, castles, museums, cafes, and even a few fun streets of shopping, it's a quiet and quaint way to spend your spring break.

3. Orlando, Florida

If you're a HP fan but can't make it to Scotland this year, hit up one of the best and most exciting spring break spots in the U.S. Orlando is chock full of fun things to do, including the obvious destination of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Whether you choose to spend your entire stay walking up and down Diagon Alley sipping Butterbeer, or exploring the other theme parks of Orlando, you're guaranteed warm weather and a vacation you won't forget.

4. New Zealand

If you can, explore Middle Earth in stunning New Zealand this spring break. With multiple Lord of the Rings tours to take, any fantasy fan will feel inspired and blown away by the natural beauty of New Zealand. It's the best place to go on hikes, whale watch, or just relax and read on the beach while being surrounded by an entirely new world.

5. New York City, New York

Last spring break, I visited NYC with my best friend with only one goal in mind: to visit all the best bookstores: The Strand Book Store, McNally Jackson Books, Bookbook Bookstore, BookCourt, St. Marks Bookshop, and so many more. On top of beautiful cafes, massive libraries, literary bars, and even a Library Hotel, you can't go wrong with visiting the best city in the world.

6. Nye Beach, Oregon

Did someone say a library hotel? Well even NYC can't beat the unique and completely amazing Sylvia Beach Hotel. With rooms themed after great authors like Mark Twain, J.K. Rowling, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and many more, I can't think of a better place to stay. With plenty of local attractions, restaurants, and a gorgeous beach, it's the perfect spot for all book nerds. It may not be sunny everyday, but imagine cuddling up on a rainy day with a good book in the hotel's very own library.

7. London, England

On top of going to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, there are many more book-themed places to visit in this incredible city. You can go on a walking Sherlock Holmes tour, visit the many gorgeous bookstores, dine at taverns where famous authors like George Orwell once wrote in, and of course, see a play at the Shakespeare Globe Theater. On top of London being one of the most vibrant, beautiful, and exciting cities to explore, it's a top pick for any major reader.

8. Porto, Portugal

Want to see the most beautiful bookstore in the world? The city of Porto, Portugal, is home to the Livraria Lello Bookstore, which also happens to be another spot J.K. Rowling was inspired by. After visiting the bookstore once, twice, or every day, the magic of this city will continue to make you feel as though you're living inside of a fantasy book. It's breathtakingly beautiful with numerous beaches, architecture, and so much more. Why not treat yourself to a few glasses of wine and plenty of sunshine this spring break?

9. Road Trip, USA

Spring break is often one of the best times to take a road trip with friends. No matter where you're starting, there are plenty of U.S. cities with literary destinations to hit up. Concord, Massachusetts has the Thoreau Farm where you can get in tune with nature at the Walden pond. Kansas City, Missouri, is known for its incredible library. Salinas, California is home of the National Steinbeck Center where you can experience Steinbeck's home town. Any state you visit, I can pretty much guarantee, you'll find a nerdy book-related place to visit. Or you could just travel down Route 66 in honor of Jack Kerouac.

10. Staycation, Your House

Could there be a better option for a book nerd? Take a trip to your favorite bookstore (or just stay in bed and order online) and grab some new books you've been meaning to read. Spend your entire week devouring each book and ignore social media and the television for a while. Cook yourself bookish dinners and pamper yourself to a nice bath while finishing that last chapter. It's cheap, convenient, and probably the best way for any book lover to enjoy time off.

Images: Josué Goge; Jenni Conrad; Oscar F. Hevia; Scott Smith; cleverdame107; Brittany; Alan Brown; Steve Lacy; soikkoratamo; Francois Bazoge; Trey Ratcliff/Flickr