Two Minutes Du Jour

This time last summer, I was looking forward to my first trip to France. While I did a lot of planning about what we would do and what to pack, I didn’t do much reading about the culture until after I returned, and with the advent of the Summer Olympics in Paris, it’s been great to see so many of the sites and to dig into some great reads.

Armchair travel is a way to explore the world through the pages of a book, whether we’re dreaming of future trips or reminiscing about past adventures. With a good book in hand, we can journey to distant lands, experience different cultures, and immerse ourselves in the stories of places we’ve yet to visit—or hope to see again.

For those of us who love to travel, books can be a gateway to understanding the nuances of a destination before we ever set foot there. They allow us to connect with the history, culture, and people of a place, enriching our experience when we finally arrive. And if we’ve already been there, reading about that destination can keep our memories alive, offering a comforting sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

Finding the right books to feed your wanderlust is easier than ever, thanks to curated sources like Modern Mrs. Darcy’s “What to Read Next” and The Everyday Parisian. These platforms offer thoughtfully selected book lists that cater to specific travel interests, from historical fiction set in iconic cities to memoirs rich with the heart of a culture. Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris or dreaming of the Tuscan countryside, these resources can help you find the perfect read to accompany your journey.

Beyond curated lists, there are endless ways to discover books that align with your travel dreams. Start by selecting a destination you’re curious about—perhaps a city you’ve always wanted to visit or a country that holds special meaning to you. From there, explore novels, memoirs, and non-fiction works that bring that place to life. Online communities, library recommendations, and even fellow travelers can be invaluable in finding those hidden literary gems that make your travel experience richer.

For me, books like The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Amie K. Runyan, The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel, and Jacqueline in Paris and Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah transport me back to France, deepening my connection to the places I visited – and all the places I hope to visit in the future. Until then, armchair travel offers endless possibilities.

Explore the world through books, and let your imagination take you to places both familiar and new. Start building your travel reading list—your next adventure might just be a page away.

Two Links Du Jour:

Modern Mrs. Darcy – 15 books for those who dream of traveling to Paris

Everyday Parisian – Books to transport you to Paris