If a “staycation” is in your summer plans, that doesn’t mean you can’t visit interesting, exciting settings and faraway lands: Just open a book and start reading! At Writer’s Relief, we know what every avid reader knows—you can go on a virtual vacation via books anytime, anywhere. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite books with settings you’ll want to visit again and again. So grab a drink decorated with a little umbrella, kick off your flip-flops, settle into a lawn chair in your backyard, and prepare to be whisked away!

Take A Virtual Vacation Via Books With Settings You’ll Want To Visit

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

It’s wedding season, so let’s head to Greece for our first virtual vacation via books! In this comical romance, Lottie is making elaborate wedding and honeymoon plans—just not to her current boyfriend. So Lottie’s sister Fliss is determined to sabotage the wedding night, for better or worse!

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

The first book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series introduces you to detective Precious Ramotswe and her beloved country of Botswana. Whether she’s admiring her vegetable garden or traveling a dusty road through the vast countryside, seeing Botswana through Precious’s eyes will have you yearning to spend time there.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

While much of this book is set in Seattle, which has its own stunning beauty, the reader is also taken on a thrilling trip to Antarctica —a great place to “disappear” for a while.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This memoir follows Strayed’s trek up the 2,659-mile Pacific Crest Trail, so it definitely offers an escape from everyday life if you’re willing to stray off the typical vacation path.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This book series features settings from all over the world—so if you’re really looking to let your mind wander, here’s your ticket. The first book takes place almost entirely in Scotland, and the setting doesn’t disappoint. Time to try on your kilt!

My Life in France by Julia Child

France is a popular spot for tourists, but if you can’t make it there yourself, a tour of France through Julia Child’s eyes is almost as enchanting. And you won’t have to worry about gaining weight from all the elegant French foods and delicious pastries.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

The protagonist of this classic gem becomes stranded alone on an island off the coast of California for nearly two decades. That may seem a bit long for a typical vacation, but luckily, since you’re reading, you can come back to the mainland whenever you want.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Who wouldn’t want to experience the lifestyle of the crazy rich? In this romantic comedy novel, Rachel Chu visits Singapore with her boyfriend for a wedding and gets the surprise of her life when she learns his family is wealthy. Since the author was raised in Singapore, this bestseller is filled with authentic details.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Head for the Colombian town of Macondo and visit with seven generations of the Buendía Family. You’ll quickly be immersed in magical South American culture and escape the outside world—for better or worse…

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Spend some time immersed in three different cultures and countries: Italy, India, and the island of Bali. This huge NYT best seller follows Gilbert as she travels in search of herself after a divorce. Join her on her journey to self-enlightenment.

Questions: What has been your favorite book vacation?