Winning tip: Northern Ireland

Literature has long been a potent catalyst for wanderlust, offering readers vivid glimpses into distant lands and cultures that often transcend mere geography. This collection of reader-submitted travel tips celebrates precisely that: the profound influence of books in shaping our perceptions of places and inspiring us to embark on journeys that mirror, or sometimes beautifully diverge from, the narratives we’ve encountered on the page. From the politically charged landscapes of Northern Ireland and war-scarred Sarajevo to the sun-drenched coasts of France and the rugged beauty of Scottish islands, these testimonials from Guardian Travel readers showcase how literary pilgrimages can lead to truly enriching and unforgettable experiences, with the added incentive of a chance to win a £200 voucher for a Coolstays break.

Northern Ireland: Beyond the Headlines with Dervla Murphy

James’s winning tip transports us to Northern Ireland, a journey profoundly influenced by Dervla Murphy’s seminal 1978 work, A Place Apart. Murphy, renowned for her intrepid solo cycling expeditions and an unwavering focus on the human element, embarked on her journey through Northern Ireland during the height of the Troubles. Her book defied conventional media portrayals of the region, which often focused solely on sectarian violence and political strife. Instead, Murphy meticulously documented the generosity, resilience, and ordinary lives of people on both sides of the divide, offering a nuanced and deeply human perspective often overlooked by international headlines.

Following in Murphy’s footsteps means engaging with a landscape as historically resonant as it is naturally stunning. Visitors today, much like James, can walk the historic walls of Derry/Londonderry, a city whose fortifications bear witness to centuries of conflict and peace, most notably during the Troubles. Standing atop these ancient ramparts, one gains a unique vantage point on a city that has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural hub. Further afield, the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle, where mythical tales blend seamlessly with geological wonders. These striking landscapes, as James notes, are every bit as captivating as Murphy described.

Yet, as Murphy herself discovered and James reaffirms, it is the people of Northern Ireland who leave the most indelible impression. The post-Good Friday Agreement era has seen a remarkable transformation, fostering a spirit of openness and reconciliation. Conversations, whether in a bustling Belfast pub or a quaint coastal café, still begin with remarkable ease. Locals are quick to share their favourite hidden beaches, recommend a scenic walk through the Glens of Antrim, or recount tales that add layers of personal history to the landscape. James went looking for the places Murphy described, but, crucially, he left with the conversations she promised he’d find – a testament to the enduring warmth and candid spirit of the Northern Irish people, and the transformative power of engaging with a place through its human stories.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Resilience Etched in Stone

Louise’s journey to Sarajevo was sparked by Priscilla Morris’s powerful novel, Black Butterflies. Read during a quiet, introspective Covid afternoon, the book’s depiction of a city under siege ignited an immediate intrigue. Morris’s 2022 novel, while a work of fiction, draws heavily on the harrowing reality of the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996), a period of unimaginable brutality and resilience. It portrays how ordinary life, art, and humanity found ways to persist amidst relentless shelling and starvation, highlighting the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.

Sarajevo, often called the "Jerusalem of Europe," is a city where East and West converge, not just geographically but architecturally and culturally. Its unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and socialist-era buildings tells a complex story of empires and ideologies. Louise’s firsthand experience confirmed this captivating mix. The surrounding mountains, once silent witnesses and strategic vantage points for snipers during the siege, now frame a city vibrant with life. Yet, the past is never far from view. Bullet holes remain as unapologetic scars on building facades, and the crimson "Sarajevo roses" – concrete filled with red resin marking where mortar shells fell – serve as poignant memorials scattered across the pavements.

This intricate tapestry of beauty and haunting memory creates a unique atmosphere, as Louise describes. There are hints of old Eastern European glamour in its grand avenues, the resonant calls of Middle Eastern rituals from mosque minarets, and, most powerfully, a precious hope for the richness of a hard-won peace to remain. Sarajevo stands as a profound testament to survival and renewal, a place that, for Louise, "took my heart and showed me that it’s OK, things change but we carry the memories for a reason." It’s a city that invites reflection on history, resilience, and the enduring human capacity for hope.

Porquerolles, France: Maigret’s Mediterranean Mystery

Leigh’s eighty-year milestone provided the impetus for a literary pilgrimage to Porquerolles, a tranquil island off the French Mediterranean coast, inspired by Georges Simenon’s classic detective novel, My Friend Maigret. Simenon, the prolific Belgian author, is celebrated for his atmospheric crime novels and the creation of Inspector Jules Maigret, a detective renowned for his psychological insights and his ability to immerse himself in the milieu of his cases. My Friend Maigret, published in 1949, transports the inspector from the gritty streets of Paris to the seemingly idyllic, sun-drenched island, where a murder disrupts the calm, revealing underlying tensions and secrets.

Porquerolles, part of the Îles d’Hyères, is a gem of the French Riviera, largely protected from overdevelopment. It is a car-free haven, characterized by pristine turquoise waters, fragrant pine forests, and picturesque vineyards. Its status as a national park preserves its natural beauty, making it a perfect setting for both relaxation and quiet intrigue. Simenon masterfully uses the island’s isolation and natural beauty as a compelling backdrop for his mystery, where the serene environment contrasts sharply with the dark human passions at play.

Leigh’s journey to Porquerolles was a deliberate exercise in slow travel, mirroring perhaps the contemplative pace of Maigret himself. The multi-leg journey – Eurostar, RER, high-speed train, local train, bus, and finally a boat – underscores the commitment to reach this secluded paradise. Missing a booked train only added to the adventure, making the arrival all the more rewarding. Once on the island, visiting the sites described in the novel was a particular pleasure, allowing Leigh to connect directly with Simenon’s narrative. This immersive experience led Leigh to become "Porquerolled," a delightful neologism that perfectly captures the island’s unique atmosphere and its ability to enchant visitors, from its relaxed pace to its distinctive local wine. It’s a destination that promises a charming blend of literary immersion and Mediterranean bliss.

San Francisco: Tales of a Kind, Beautiful, and Pleasure-Filled City

Fraser and his wife Nic’s commitment to San Francisco was ignited by Armistead Maupin’s iconic Tales of the City series. Originally serialized in the San Francisco Chronicle starting in 1978, these groundbreaking novels captivated readers with their witty, poignant, and often humorous portrayal of a diverse group of residents living in a boarding house at 28 Barbary Lane. Maupin’s series was revolutionary for its time, openly exploring LGBTQ+ themes, found family, and the unique, often counter-cultural, spirit of San Francisco, creating a literary haven for many.

Maupin paints San Francisco not just as a city, but as a character in itself – a "place of kindness, beauty and pleasure," as Fraser aptly summarizes. This depiction fostered an image of the city as a welcoming sanctuary for outsiders and a hub of progressive thought and artistic expression. From the fog-kissed Golden Gate Bridge to the rattling cable cars ascending its steep hills, and the colourful Painted Ladies Victorian houses, San Francisco boasts an array of iconic landmarks. Beyond these, its distinct neighbourhoods, like the historic Castro, the bohemian Haight-Ashbury, and the vibrant North Beach, each contribute to its unique cultural tapestry.

Inspired by Maupin’s vision, Fraser and Nic embarked on their own two-week immersion, determined to "live like the Barbary Lane gang." San Francisco, true to its literary promise, "didn’t disappoint." Fraser describes it as "weird, gorgeous and fascinating," a city that rewards those who choose to amble, explore its hidden stairways, and follow their curiosity – much like Maupin’s characters do. The series’ episodic nature mirrors the city’s invitation to discover its many layers. San Francisco continues to draw visitors who seek its blend of breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, and an enduring sense of freedom and acceptance, proving that the magic Maupin captured on paper is still very much alive in its streets.

Orkney, Scotland: Finding Solace in the Wild Edges

Amanda’s restorative three-week holiday to Orkney and Shetland was deeply inspired by Amy Liptrot’s critically acclaimed memoir, The Outrun. Published in 2016, Liptrot’s book offers a raw and intimate account of her return to her native Orkney islands after battling addiction in London. It explores themes of recovery, reconnection with the natural world, and the profound solace found in remote landscapes, winning the Wainwright Prize and the PEN Ackerley Prize for its powerful prose and unique perspective.

The Orkney and Shetland islands, located off the northern coast of Scotland, are places of dramatic beauty and ancient history. Their rugged coastlines, sweeping moorlands, and vast skies offer a profound sense of peace and isolation. These islands are also home to incredible archaeological sites, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, bearing witness to millennia of human habitation. The islands are a haven for wildlife, particularly seabirds, seals, and occasional orcas, which thrive in their untamed environment. Liptrot’s memoir vividly portrays this raw, untamed beauty, showing how the islands provided a challenging yet ultimately healing environment for her recovery.

Amanda’s solo journey, following in Liptrot’s literary footsteps, was a time for personal recovery from a challenging year. Her experience highlights the unique charm of the islands: "I travelled solo and met the best of people." A particularly poignant moment was staying at Amy Liptrot’s mother Jane’s B&B and going birdwatching with her, creating a direct, personal link to the book’s narrative. Spending a week in the Papay (Papa Westray) hostel and walking all around the island further immersed her in the remote, close-knit island communities. Despite their remoteness, Amanda notes she "never feeling lonely," a testament to the warmth of the islanders and the rich engagement with the natural world. With her sister now living in Shetland, Amanda plans to return, drawn back to the peace, beauty, and unique sense of belonging the islands offer.

Bognor Regis, England: A Nostalgic Seaside Escape

Patricia’s visit to Bognor Regis was a charming retracing of steps inspired by R.C. Sherriff’s The Fortnight in September. Written in 1931, the novel is a tender and deeply nostalgic portrayal of a working-class London family’s annual two-week holiday to the English seaside. It captures the anticipation, the simple joys, and the small rituals that defined British holidays in an era before mass foreign travel, offering a window into a bygone era when resorts like Bognor Regis were truly magical summer destinations, looked forward to all year.

Bognor Regis, located on the West Sussex coast, has a history as a popular seaside resort, even earning the "Regis" suffix due to a royal convalescence. While its heyday as a fashionable destination might be in the past, the town retains much of its traditional charm. Sherriff’s descriptions of the bandstand, the shingle beach, and the pleasant promenades evoke a specific kind of innocent pleasure. The novel details the family’s daily routine, from sea bathing and pier strolls to enjoying simple entertainments, all contributing to a sense of contentment and escape from urban life.

Patricia’s trip sought to connect with this literary nostalgia. While acknowledging that "Bognor may have seen better days," she found that it remained "a perfect base for days out in the Sussex countryside." This perspective highlights the enduring appeal of the British seaside, not just for its inherent beauty but for the sense of history and tradition it embodies. The simple pleasure of a stroll along the promenade, sun shining and ice-cream in hand, remains timeless. It’s a reminder that even in "fading seaside towns," there is a profound beauty to be found in appreciating the past, enjoying the present, and connecting with the collective memory of generations of holidaymakers.

Provence, France: A Feast for the Senses, Inspired by Zola

Sandra’s long-held desire to explore Provence was first ignited during her French A-levels in the 1980s, through Émile Zola’s Contes Choisis (Selected Tales). While Zola is perhaps best known for his sprawling, realist novels of the Rougon-Macquart series, his short stories often showcase his vivid descriptive powers and a keen eye for regional detail. These tales, though varied, offered Sandra a compelling visual and atmospheric introduction to the south of France, making her "long to explore Provence." Zola’s naturalistic approach to writing meant his descriptions were often incredibly sensory, making the landscapes and local life leap off the page.

Provence, a region in southeastern France, is renowned globally for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and a quality of light that has captivated artists for centuries. It is truly a "glorious feast for all the senses," as Sandra discovered. The iconic lavender fields stretching to the horizon, the silvery olive groves, the sun-drenched vineyards, the scent of wild herbs carried on the breeze, the buzzing of cicadas, and the bustling markets laden with local produce all contribute to its unique allure.

Sandra’s eventual visits, more than a decade after her initial literary inspiration, were further enriched by her discovery of the works of artists like Cézanne and Matisse, both profoundly influenced by the Provençal landscape and light. Paul Cézanne, born in Aix-en-Provence, famously depicted Mont Sainte-Victoire in many of his works, while Henri Matisse also spent significant time in the region. Their art, like Zola’s prose, captures the essence of Provence, making it a destination that appeals to both literary and artistic pilgrims. Sandra’s multiple visits underscore the region’s enduring beauty and capacity to impress. Her cherished copy of Contes Choisis remains "a wonderful reminder of the inspiration of A-levels," illustrating how foundational literary experiences can shape lifelong passions and travel aspirations.

The Apennines, Italy: Love, War, and Human Kindness

Peter and his wife’s month-long hiking adventure in the Apennine Mountains of central Italy was a direct response to Eric Newby’s poignant memoir, Love and War in the Apennines. Published in 1971, Newby’s book recounts his experiences as an escaped prisoner of war during World War II, hiding from the Nazis in the remote Italian mountains. It’s not merely a tale of survival, but a profound testament to the extraordinary kindness and bravery of the ordinary Italian people – farmers, villagers, and resistance fighters – who sheltered him at immense personal risk. Newby’s distinct travel writing style, blending dry wit, acute observation, and deep empathy, makes his account both harrowing and uplifting.

The Apennines, the "backbone" of Italy, are a rugged and often remote mountain range, characterized by dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and ancient, stone-built villages clinging to hillsides. During WWII, these isolated communities became havens for Allied prisoners of war who had escaped captivity after Italy’s armistice in 1943. Newby’s book vividly portrays the harsh realities of wartime Italy, but more significantly, it praises the "brave honest people" who, despite their own struggles under Nazi occupation, offered him food, shelter in "stone cottages and freezing farmyard barns," and even helped him learn Italian. It was also in these extraordinary circumstances that Newby met his future wife, Wanda, an Italian-Slovenian woman who played a crucial role in his survival.

Peter and his wife’s journey allowed them to immerse themselves in these "loving, tight communities." Visiting towns like Fiumalbo, mentioned in Newby’s book, they experienced firsthand the warm welcome and sense of shared history. When they spoke of "Signor Newby" and presented his book, they were met with smiles and recognition, a powerful connection to the past. This personal encounter with the legacy of Newby’s story made them feel "part of an appreciative, heartfelt legacy created by the writer and those he met." Their trip was not just a hike, but a pilgrimage, celebrating human resilience, compassion, and the enduring power of historical narrative to forge contemporary connections.

Naples: Ferrante’s Unflinching Gaze on a Vibrant City

In 2018, Carol and her lifelong friend embarked on a journey to Naples, their destination chosen after devouring Elena Ferrante’s globally acclaimed novel, My Brilliant Friend. The first in the anonymous Italian author’s Neapolitan Novels series, published in 2011, this book became a literary phenomenon. It delves into the intense, complex friendship between two young women, Elena and Lila, as they grow up in a poor, working-class rione (neighbourhood) on the outskirts of Naples in the 1950s. Ferrante’s narrative unflinchingly explores themes of social class, poverty, violence, intellectual aspiration, and the evolving roles of women in a rapidly changing society, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet challenging city.

Naples, Italy’s third-largest city, has historically suffered from a challenging public image, often associated with crime and urban decay. However, Ferrante’s novels have played a significant role in rehabilitating this perception, drawing international attention to its raw authenticity, rich history, and undeniable vitality. The city is a captivating blend of ancient Greek and Roman foundations, Bourbon grandeur, and chaotic street life, all overlooked by the imposing presence of Mount Vesuvius. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a labyrinth of narrow streets, Baroque churches, and bustling markets.

Carol and her friend found their experience in Naples to be a stark contrast to the city’s "bad press." They had "wonderful times visiting the places mentioned in the book," experiencing a city that was welcoming and full of life. They felt safe and were warmly received, enjoying the famous Neapolitan hospitality and cuisine. The novel references specific areas, such as Chiaia, a sophisticated waterfront district renowned for its elegant promenade along Via Francesco Caracciolo, offering a different facet of Naples compared to the gritty rione where much of the girls’ childhood unfolds. For Carol, the trip was a testament to the power of literature to reveal the deeper truths of a place, showcasing Naples not as a city defined by its problems, but by its vibrant culture, enduring spirit, and the profound human connections that Ferrante so masterfully brought to life.

Prince Edward Island, Canada: Anne of Green Gables’ Enduring Charm

Katharine’s cherished childhood memories were inextricably linked to L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series. Read countless times, these beloved books, first published in 1908, transported her to the idyllic, rural community of Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Montgomery’s vivid descriptions of the island’s "snowy winters, enchanting woods, winding country lanes, and red sandstone cliffs along the coast" captured Katharine’s imagination, leaving a lasting impression of a place imbued with whimsy and natural beauty. The series, an enduring classic of children’s literature, celebrates imagination, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world, largely through its captivating setting.

Prince Edward Island, often called the "Garden of the Gulf," is Canada’s smallest province, known for its rolling green hills, fertile red soil, picturesque lighthouses, and stunning sandy beaches. It is a pastoral landscape that Montgomery immortalized, making it a literary pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. The fictional Green Gables farm, home to the spirited orphan Anne Shirley, has become a real-world attraction, meticulously preserved to reflect the era of the novels. The island’s charm lies in its gentle pace, maritime culture, and the pervasive sense of a storybook landscape come to life.

At the age of 44, Katharine finally made her long-awaited journey to PEI. Her first day, however, was a "bitter disappointment" with torrential rain and thick mist obscuring the island’s famous beauty. This initial setback highlights the unpredictable nature of travel and the often-romanticized expectations set by literature. Yet, as often happens, perseverance paid off. The second day, under clear skies, more than compensated for the initial gloom. Katharine enjoyed a "perfect coastal boardwalk," offering panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The highlight, undoubtedly, was a "truly magical visit to Green Gables itself," where she could walk through the house and grounds that shaped Anne’s world. The day culminated with a "wonderful lobster meal," a quintessential PEI experience, solidifying a trip that transformed a lifelong literary dream into a tangible, cherished memory. Prince Edward Island continues to be a testament to the enduring power of stories to inspire travel and create magical, real-world experiences.