Books provide a whole world of escape. In my latest gay romance release, The Love Left Behind, pilot Nick Galanos dashes here, there and everywhere to see as much of thisworld as possible.
His mission to visit the 50 countries his mother wanted to see before she turned 50 and scatter her ashes in each place.
This got me to thinking about my own travel experiences so I thought I’d put together a list of my top 7 countries to read a book in.
Strap yourself in and let’s fly!
#1 Iceland
One of my all-time favourite countries. There are some key features of it that make it a good place to read (and it’s got nothing to do with fermented shark and brennivin). It’s cold for about three-quarters of the year and dark for half of it. Despite a dearth of outdoor activities, snuggling under a blanket with a good book is a good choice. There are plenty of hot springs – natural and man-made – which really is just like a big bath and what better place to read than in the bath? And you can read under the Northern Lights as they dance across the sky (well, not really but wouldn’t that be cool?).
- Best book choice: Sagas
#2 Greece
Greece is all about the laid-back lifestyle: sun, beach, ouzo. Everyone’s down by the beach where the water’s warm and the sun is warmer. Grab yourself a beach chair or a cabana and let gorgeous men bring you food and drink while you tuck into a book – with the occasional swim to cool down. And if you’re going island-hopping, what better place to read a book that reclining on the back of a boat, sun-bathing and slipping into another world?
- Best book choice: Classics
#3 France
Ahhh Paris! One of the most romantic cities in the world so of course it’s perfect for reading romance. It makes even more sense in a country where mime is an artform. No interruptions! But France isn’t just about its capital; there’s plenty to explore, wine to be drunk, cheese to be eaten and books to be read all while sitting in street cafes and sleeping in chateaux.
- Best book choice: Romance
#4 Italy
Whether you’re in the hustle-and-bustle of Roma, or relaxing in the hills of Toscana, Italy’s got it all. Ancient ruins, delicious pasta, endless glasses of wine… All that living can get exhausting! That’s why you have a siesta after lunch. You’re not able to do anything else so you may as well lie there, and if you can’t sleep, read a book.
- Best book choice: Crime (especially Mafia-related)
#5 Canada
Oh, Canada! Stretches of untouched wilderness, great expanses of country that take days to cross, and people so polite that you’re guaranteed not to be interrupted while your nose is buried in a book. The winters are incredibly long so that’s a good excuse not to go out. Another reason is the bears.
- Best book choice: Man vs Wild
#6 Japan
If you’re a speed-reader, go to Japan and read on the shinkansen (bullet train). See if you can finish a book in the time it takes you to get from Tokyo to Osaka. My experience of Japan involves a lot of skiing so a great post-ski activity (particularly if you’ve broken something), as well as post-onsen (another big steamy bath), is to read. It’s cold outside so when the skiing’s done, what else would you do?
- Best book choice: Manga
#7 Australia
My home country. Another big one although our problem isn’t the winter, it’s the summers. Step out of the shade and your book is likely to burst into flames! But other than that, we’ve got size (like Canada), sun (like Greece), very few people (no interruptions), plenty of English language books (if you’re into that sort of thing) and some spectacular views and scenery. Perfection.
- Best book choice: Take your pick
What are your favourite places to read?
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