This week’s theme being destination titles, with titles including the names of destinations. I decided to feature books set in some of my dream destinations since November 13th observes one of those quirky yet fun holidays with National Dream Destination Day! In no particular, or rather alphabetical order of place-name, here are books that will take me to ten of my dream destinations.

Note that I do not say top ten for it is hard to pick the top ten or top anything for either books or travel destinations! I did not include destinations in India or the US (or the countries themselves) but they will be among my first choices always, simply because, home is where the heart is.

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Books that Will Take me to My Dream Destinations

Bhutan

Bhutan – this conjures images of a paradise on earth for me. Tranquil, happy (with a high happiness index), and beautiful. I read Tashi and the Tibetan Flower Cure by Naomi C. Rose a few years ago and it is a sweet sweet picture book indeed.

Married to Bhutan: How One Woman Got Lost, Said ‘I Do,’ and Found Bliss by Linda Leaming is a memoir that is sure to lend insights into this nation in the mountains.

(credits: Image by Adli Wahid from Pixabay and Image by Penny from Pixabay)

Cambodia

The Angkor Wat. That is enough for me to decide to pack my bags on a trip to Cambodia. Well, that and its proximity to Vietnam as well. While many books talk about Khmer Rouge, I I have read a couple of picture books based in/about Cambodia, I have now added a few more non-fiction/fictional reads to my TBR. Here are two of the books.

I will be reading Angkor and the Khmer Civilization by Michael D. Coe and Damian Evans before I head to Cambodia (whenever it may be!). It sounds like a comprehensive and interesting look at not just the Angkor Wat and its history but Cambodia itself.

Cambodian Dancer: Sophany’s Gift of Hope is a tender tale that allows young readers to understand more of the culture, of the dance, and of the regime that disallowed dance.

Egpyt

Next up on my list of dream destinations is Egypt, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to go? The allure of the pyramids, the timeless beauty of the Nile, and the mysteries of ancient Egypt all make this country a must-see!

While I’m not sure when I’ll be able to make this trip—especially with the current challenges and unrest in the region—I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I hope for peace and resolution, not only so travelers like us can explore Egypt but, more importantly, for the people there whose lives have been so deeply affected. Here’s to someday soon visiting this incredible place with a better, brighter world ahead.

The books I have read/plan to read for this destination until I can get there include these two:

• Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo trilogy sounds like a must-read for me and has been on my TBR for some time now. (Historical fiction)
• Rick Riordan’s The Red Pyramid (book one of The Kane Chronicles) (middle-grade read, 9+)

Greece

Greece, of course! There’s so much I want to experience here—from the ancient ruins and breathtaking islands to that cool Mediterranean vibe. While there’s a glimmer of hope for a trip sometime in the next year or so, for now, I’ll have to settle for armchair travel.

Thankfully, I have lots of ways to do so! From movies like Mamma Mia and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (both book and movie) to countless other books and shows, I can easily enjoy Greece’s magic right where I am. But someday soon, I hope to explore it all in person!

Credits: Egypt – Image by Pexels from Pixabay / Greece: Image by Gerald Friedrich from Pixabay/ Japan – Image by Kanenori from Pixabay

Since I have finished watching/reading the ones mentioned above, I have the following on my TBR:

The Island by Victoria Hislop. I know I will love this though it might pull at heartstrings throughout. It is a historical novel set on the island of Crete, exploring the history of a leper colony. And for children, another by Hislop set in the same island titled Maria’s Island

For a lighter read, I plan to check out Samantha Parks’ The Summer House in Santorini. (For another Santorini read, do look for Love & Olives which I loved!)

Japan

Next up on my list of dream destinations is Japan, a place that blends tradition with innovation. From serene temples and cherry gardens to the busy intersections of cities, from the majestic towering Mt. Fuji to the super-fast and efficient bullet trains, Japan is a promise of timeless experiences from the past to the future!

Someday, until then, sayonara.

I loved Emiko Jean’s Tokyo Ever After and have been meaning to read Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Mauritius and Madagascar

Mauritius has always sounded like paradise to me. This little country captured my interest with a children’s show I saw growing up (Stone Boy). And whenever I see pictures or shows featuring this lush island with emerald waters and a vibrant clash of cultures, I know I want to visit.

The Mauritius Command sounds like a thrilling read while Madagascar: The Eighth Continent is sure to inform and edutain! Of course, we can always watch the Madagascar movies any number of times!

Credits: Mauritius-  wurliburli from Pixabay / Madagascar –  Mark Thomas from Pixabay/ Morocco – Fatima Wdadiya from Pixabay

Morocco

Morocco has always fascinated me. When I watched The Man Who Knew too Much and Casablanca, what I knew was that I had to visit this country with its vibrant souks, desert landscapes, and beautiful architecture. So many colors and flavors and adventures waiting for me there. A blend of beauty, history, and mystery!

The Lioness of Morocco sounds like the perfect read for me – it is historical fiction and that title! While Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk is charming, sweet, and a total-must-read picture book that will transport young readers (and older readers as well) to Marakkesh’s souks.

Paris

Paris—the city of light and love! From the Eiffel Tower to the – well, just everything else it has to offer, Paris has this aura that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s the art, the pastries (of course – with my sweet tooth), or just that magical vibe, I dream of exploring it all.

Here’s to making that Parisian dream a reality someday! Until then, books it is.

The Giraffe that Walked to Paris by Nancy Milton with art by Roger Roth (4 – 8 years, Historical Picture Books). This one is a delightful true story from history that everyone will enjoy. And The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles was one of my favorite reads of a couple of years ago.

Credits: Paris: Nuno Lopes from Pixabay / Peru:  LoggaWiggler from Pixabay/ Rome: Andrea Spallanzani from Pixabay

Peru

We made plans to visit Peru years ago but had to cancel it due to various reasons then. And it has stayed on the backburner since then. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the majestic Andes, there is lots to explore and enjoy in Peru, and I hope to get to do that soon (well, maybe a little later than soon)..

As for the books, I have a few books on my TBR, including Ann Nolan Clark’s Secret of the Andes for young readers and Thornton Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey for those looking for some serious historical fiction.

Rome

Of course I have Rome, the eternal city on this list! The history, the art, and, of course, the pasta. But I did take a mini-charming tour through David Macaulay’s Rome Antics. And I want to read this historical series by Kate Quinn starting with Mistress of Rome.

Related Reads and More

• 13 Amazing Travel Books for Kids of All Ages
• Travel With the Atlas of Forgotten Places
• Have Books, Will Travel
• Books That Inspire Travel
• I am loving this Travel Journal & Bucket List Scrapbook for couples. It is beautiful, comes with prompts for travel, places to include bucket list items, and add memories and more. What is more, it comes in a totally giftable package along with a stunning pen! So get it for yourself or for a couple you know and would love to have this to capture their travel memories.
• Along with the journal, you could also get this tremendously useful packing item – this carry-on organizer from Pack Gear which allows you to keep your items in one place, organized, and totally accessible. Just put your essentials in this, hang it in the closet of wherever you are, and when you are done, fold it back into your luggage.

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, which of these books would you pick first to read – for yourself or a loved one? Which books have you read? Your thoughts on them please?! And any recommendations for books set in these places? Also, what are your dream destinations? Do let me know.