Books
Your Favorite YA Novel As A Travel Guide
If you're like me and have a constant case of the travel bug, you probably have a pretty impressive travel bucket list. That list may even be as long as your TBR list, too, because let's face it, traveling book nerds are the coolest nerds of all. If you've been considering a trip lately but have no idea where to begin, why not start by picking up your favorite young adult novel?
Your favorite book says a lot about your personality, so it comes to no surprise that your favorite book will lead you down the right traveling path. I love numerous things about the YA genre — the characters, the growth, the plot, the risks, the conflicts, and the journey. A lot of times YA takes characters traveling, whether that's on a road trip, across seas, or plants them in a futuristic version of a city that already exists. One way or another, these characters and you get to explore this brand new place, and there's nothing that gets a book nerd quite as excited as that.
Whether you're the type of person who has a map with pins and strings decorating your wall, or photos of cities and menus of restaurants saved under a "someday" bookmark tab on your computer, there's no doubting your traveling desires. No matter how much of the world you want to see or already have, your favorite YA book took you on an unforgettable journey, so take it again and this time actually travel there for real!
1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Where You Should Travelt: Amsterdam, Netherlands
I know, this seems a bit obvious, but if you truly love TFiOS, you can't lie and say you haven't wanted to visit Amsterdam ever since you read it. You might not have an author to visit, there are plenty of neat museums, events, and other activities to explore.
2. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Where You Should Travel: Edinburgh, Scotland
Were you expecting London? If so, London is only a hop and a skip away, but first, you must visit the birthplace of Harry Potter: Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland has a lot to offer for Harry Potter nerds: The Elephant House, where Rowling wrote some of the books, Greyfrairs Kirkyard, where Rowling found inspiration for character names amongst the graves, and the Balmoral Hotel, where Rowling finished the last book of the series. So what are you waiting for?!
3. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Where You Should Travel: Boulder, Colorado
Why Boulder, you ask? Well, there are some fairly believable fan theories that the Capitol of Panem was nestled in the Rocky Mountains. While this series offers a number of places to visit all across the United States (might I recommend a small town near the Appalachian Mountains to get the feel for District 12, or even Hawaii if you're a big District 4 fan), starting out at the heart of it all isn't a bad plan. We can all agree that no one really wants to visit Panem, but enjoying some beautiful mountain views and hiking will definitely fill your tribute spirit.
4. The Divergent series by Veronica Roth
Where You Should Travel: Chicago, Illinois
Roth's series takes place in a post-apocalyptic Chicago, where Lake Michigan has dried up and the iconic Navy Pier has been abandoned and most of the buildings have fallen to ruin. But thankfully Chicago is still standing tall and proud, and even has a brand new Ferris wheel you should totally check out. You can ride the trains (don't jump 'em) to get a feel for the Windy City.
5. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Where You Should Travel: Beijing, China
Cinder takes place in a futuristic Beijing, why not go there now?! Known for its modern architecture, massive population, and extensive history, it's a city one could never get bored in.
6. The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater
Where You Should Travel: Harrisonburg, West Virginia
Unfortunately, Henrietta, Virginia isn't a real place, and neither is the magical forest of Cabeswater. However, Maggie has said it is based off of towns in Virginia, and would most likely be near West Virginia. Harrisonburg fits that description quite well. Perched between forests, parks, and mountains, Harrisonburg will transport you to the magical world of The Raven Boys as you're surrounded by the Southern accent, kind smiles, and an old-towny feel.
7. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Where You Should Travel: Pittsburgh, Pensilvania
While the setting in Perks of Being A Wallflower doesn't make or break the story, there are moments where Pittsburgh becomes an important part of it. Charlie and his friends escape to the city some nights, and that's where they feel the most infinite, and if that's a feeling you've been searching for, explore this gorgeous with your group of friends! It's full of history and while you're there, you can eat at a Kings Restaurant — just like Charlie, Sam, and Patrick did.
8. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Random Riggs
Where You Should Travel: Milford Haven, Wales
Cairnholm Island doesn't actually exist, but there are plenty of other islands around Wales that you can explore! You'll get the same mysterious vibe and oceanic views you imagined while reading Ransom Riggs story. Milford Haven is specifically known for its harbor, which has been in use since the middle ages. It's an old, quaint, and cute town and a great place to explore and relax with a good book.
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Where You Should Travel: Pairs, France
If you love Anna and the French Kiss, then you must visit Paris at least once in your life! Focus less on dating a hot French guy (but, I mean, don't less us discourage you) and more on the city. Be sure to wander the cobblestone streets as if you were a high school student seeing the world for the very first time.
10. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen
Where You Should Travel: Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Honestly, if you're a Sarah Dessen fan, then you've probably considered moving to North Carolina at least once in your life. So many of her books take place in fictional towns (Colby, anyone?) within North Carolina, and it seems to good to be true sometimes. But it's not, and North Carolina has a lot of beautiful places to offer, specifically Emerald Isle.
