World Book Day 2026: 5 destinations to visit to bring your favourite books to life

There is something truly magical about standing in the very place some of your favourite literary novels are set in or inspired from. And if you’re someone who loves to read and travel, why not take the opportunity this World Book Day 2026 (5 March) to travel around the globe, one book at a time, to see where your favourite literary adventures came to life? From sailing down the Nile a la Hercule Poirot to wandering Transylvanian streets in search of Count Dracula (garlic optional), or retracing the journey of The Odyssey in Greece, we take a look at some of the most incredible literary destinations (with some help from Original Travel) to visit this World Book Day 2026.Steam Ship Sudan, Egypt
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Few settings feel quite as cinematic, or as literary, as Egypt’s Nile River. And if you want to be immersed in the world of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, then sailing aboard Steam Ship Sudan – the very ship on which Christie herself travelled with her husband in 1933 and what ended up becoming the inspiration for this book – should absolutely be on your travel bucket list. Much of the 1930s glamour is perfectly preserved on this ship. There is an Agatha Christie cabin on board that guests can stay in, and you can sip sundowners on the polished teak decks as you get to know knowledgeable guides as they share stories of the rich history of Egypt. You might come here for Hercule Poirot, but you’ll definitely leave with a story of your own.Transylvania, Romania
Dracula by Bram Stoker

One cannot make a 2026 literary destinations list for World Book Day without including Transylvania, the Romanian setting for Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula. Darkly romantic and suitably moody with winding streets, craggy castles and shadowed corners, it’s easy to imagine vampires slipping silently through the mist. And once you’ve had your fill of Transylvania, head over to Bucharest for some architecturally rich sightseeing, sprawling woodlands and a range of wildlife roaming about.Athens, Greece
The Odyssey by Homer

What better way to prepare for the upcoming cinematic event that will be Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey than by following Odysseus’s footsteps in Greece? A cornerstone of ancient Greek literature, The Odyssey chronicles Odysseus’ epic journey home after the Trojan War. So immerse yourself into the lore by wandering the ruins of Athens, exploring the sparkling Cycladic Islands or strolling the olive groves of Ithaca. Beyond The Odyssey, Greece and its rich mythology have served as inspiration for many authors – from Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series to Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles – so you’ll have plenty of options for some poolside reading as you island-hop around the country.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The works of Clarice Lispector

If you like your fiction a little strange and deeply introspective, Clarice Lispector is the author for you. From the Hour of the Star to Near the Wild Heart and The Passion According to G.H, her novels delve into identity, womanhood and existential questions, unfolding in a stream-of-consciousness prose often set on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Reading her in Brazil, surrounded by the cultural rhythm that shaped her work, will make the experience even more vivid.Thula Thula Reserve, South America
The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

If you’re in the mood for a safari vacation with a little heart, head over to the Thula Thula reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which serves as the setting for Lawrence Anthony’s The Elephant Whisperer. This true story follows Anthony as he takes in a traumatised herd of elephants and, against the odds, earns their trust. It provides an inspiring insight into the conservation efforts that protect these extraordinary animals. A heartfelt story that will make you both laugh and cry, it’ll make for a great addition to your suitcase this World Book Day 2026.

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