How I Combine My Love of Books, Food, and Travel
- Theresa Wilson
- Feb 28
- 10 min read
Books, food, and travel have always been a big part of my life. My reading journey began between the ages of 8 and 10 when I was gifted a copy of the first Harry Potter book—and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve developed a voracious appetite for books and reading. As I've grown older, I've expanded those passions to include food and travel.
Though international travel hasn’t yet been a part of my journey, that doesn’t mean I can’t explore the world through food or armchair travel. That’s where shows like Rick Steves' television series and the countless international cookbooks I’ve collected come in. Just because I can’t physically travel right now doesn’t mean I’m giving up on that dream. Real travel may take time, but I’m adapting in the meantime, creating my own ways to nurture that love for the world around me.
In this post, I’ll share how books have sparked my curiosity about the world, how food allows me to travel through taste, and how I’ve combined these passions into a creative journey. I hope this will inspire you to explore new ways of connecting with books, food, and travel—no matter where you are in your own journey.
📚 🌍 "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." – St. Augustine
Books and Travel – The Ultimate Adventure
Books have always been my way to explore the world. Whether it’s a captivating novel set in a faraway place, a nonfiction travel account, or a romance novel, they’ve provided me with the chance to wander through different cultures and landscapes without leaving my home. Romance books, in particular, have been a big part of my reading catalog. While they aren’t always directly focused on travel, many of the settings in these stories are places I’ve come to dream of visiting. From charming European cities to the breathtaking landscapes of tropical islands, these books have opened my eyes to the beauty and allure of destinations I can only imagine. Even though I haven’t physically traveled to these places yet, the vivid descriptions in romance novels allow me to escape into those worlds. As I follow characters on their journeys, I feel as though I’m exploring these destinations alongside them, experiencing the culture, the sights, and the emotions. It’s a form of armchair travel for me—an adventure that lets me explore the world without leaving my seat. Through these fictional worlds, my love for travel continues to grow, fueling my desire to one day see these places for myself.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is the book that sparked my obsession with travel. As I followed Liz’s journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia, I was captivated by her experiences with new cultures, cuisines, and spiritual discoveries. The vivid descriptions of the flavors in Italy, the peacefulness of an ashram in India, and the beauty of Bali all ignited a desire to explore those places for myself. While I haven’t had the chance to visit these locations yet, I’ve embraced the book’s spirit by recreating Italian dishes at home and incorporating practices like yoga and meditation, which Liz explores during her time in India. These experiences allow me to travel vicariously, nurturing my love for adventure while I wait for my own journeys.
Books are my guidebook to places I’ve yet to visit. They allow me to embark on adventures from the comfort of my own home, expanding my worldview and filling my soul with wanderlust. Romance novels, in particular, transport me to places I dream of seeing—charming streets in Paris, sun-soaked towns in Italy, and peaceful coastal villages. While I haven’t traveled to these destinations yet, the vivid descriptions in these books give me the thrill of exploration. It’s my form of armchair travel—where the pages of a good book become my passport, taking me to places that fuel my desire to one day experience them for real.
🍝 📖 "Life is too short for bad books and mediocre meals."
Food and Travel – A Culinary Journey
Even though I may not have visited all the places I dream of, food still allows me to take a flavorful journey. I’ve found that recreating dishes from different parts of the world is a wonderful form of armchair travel. It lets me taste a piece of the places I want to explore, from the comfort of my kitchen. While I often turn to cookbooks, food blogs, and recipes inspired by different countries, I also love bringing fictional foods to life. From butterbeer in Harry Potter to tea cakes from Alice in Wonderland, these recipes offer a fun and creative way to explore the cultures of the books I adore. And those are just the beginning—I’m constantly discovering new recipes for dishes that appear in the stories I love. Recreating these meals not only gives me a taste of the places or stories I want to experience but also connects me to the characters and worlds that have sparked my imagination. Sometimes, a dish from a favorite book can feel just as transporting as visiting the country or place itself.
I’ve always been fascinated by Italian cuisine, and while I haven’t made it to Italy yet, I’ve tried to recreate classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta, risotto, tiramisu, and pizza at home. Each dish I make is my way of connecting with Italy, whether it’s the rich flavors of a creamy risotto or the delicate layers of a homemade tiramisu. These meals not only bring the authentic tastes of Italy to my kitchen but also deepen my appreciation for the country’s culture, traditions, and history. Through cooking, I get a taste of the regions, the techniques, and the passion that Italian food embodies. Every new recipe I attempt feels like a small step closer to the heart of Italy, even if I’m still waiting for the day I can experience it firsthand.
Through food, I’m able to experience the world’s rich flavors, and every dish I recreate brings me a little closer to the places I want to visit. Whether it’s the comforting embrace of homemade pasta, the creamy richness of risotto, or the sweet indulgence of tiramisu, each meal is a small step in my journey toward Italy. It’s my own form of culinary travel, where the kitchen becomes a gateway to the cultures I long to explore. Every dish is an adventure waiting to be savored, and with each new recipe, I feel more connected to the world’s flavors and the destinations I dream of experiencing firsthand.
📚 🗺️ 🍽 "Every book is a passport, every meal a destination, every journey a story waiting to be told."
Combining Books, Food, and Travel – The Perfect Harmony
The true magic happens when books, food, and travel come together. For me, it’s more than just reading a novel set in a far-off place or experimenting with a new recipe—I find joy in merging all three elements into a unique, immersive experience. Whether it’s diving into a story and then recreating its setting through food or crafting an entire experience around the theme of a book, it adds a rich, multi-layered dimension to my connection with the world.
Often, as I read about a place or a culture, I’m inspired to taste it as well. Take Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, for example. The food scenes, particularly the Italian cuisine, ignited a craving within me. As I read about the pasta and desserts, I couldn’t help but imagine recreating those same dishes in my own kitchen. I plan on hosting an Italian-themed party to really try out my cooking skills and enjoy all the dishes I’ve been craving from Italy. It’s a way to experience the food and culture more intimately, combining the magic of the book with the joy of cooking and connecting with a place I dream of visiting.
This combination of books, food, and travel allows me to ‘travel’ in a way that feels complete—through the stories I immerse myself in, the flavors that represent distant cultures, and the sense of place that both evoke. While there are times when my reading might slow down or I find myself in a slump, the love I have for books, food, and travel never fades. These passions continue to fuel my curiosity and drive to explore, even if I have to nurture them in different ways. It’s not just about one passion standing alone but about creating a richer experience by weaving them together in my life.
For me, the intersection of books, food, and travel forms a beautiful, cyclical loop. Books spark my interest in certain foods, those foods deepen my understanding of the places I read about, and in turn, those places lead me to discover new books and dishes to explore. It’s an ongoing cycle of discovery that keeps me engaged, inspired, and connected to the world, even if I sometimes have to take a break from one part of the journey.
The Impact of This Combination – Enriching My Life
Combining these three passions—books, food, and travel—has enriched my life in ways I never expected. Each book, each dish, and each imagined journey opens my eyes to new ideas, cultures, and ways of life that I might not have encountered otherwise. Even when I face reading slumps or moments where I can’t travel physically, my love for these passions endures. They continue to fuel my curiosity, helping me discover new corners of the world, even if I’m exploring them from my own home.
I’ve learned to approach travel and culture with a greater appreciation. By reading about places before I cook their dishes, I feel a deeper connection to their history, traditions, and the stories that shape them. Likewise, when I recreate a dish from a book, I’m not just tasting the ingredients—I’m honoring the culture it comes from and understanding the journey behind it. These connections have given me a richer, more meaningful perspective on the world, allowing me to continuously nurture these passions, even in the face of challenges or pauses along the way.
This blend of books, food, and travel, though more symbolic than physical at this point, has been a vehicle for personal growth. It’s taught me to appreciate the smaller details in life—the aromas of a dish, the nuances in a book, the atmosphere of a place. It’s also sparked my curiosity and passion for learning, constantly pushing me to explore more, whether that means reading a new genre, trying a new recipe, or learning about a culture I hadn’t considered before.
Even though my travels are still in the realm of armchair exploration, the impact of combining books, food, and travel is profound. I’ve cultivated a life of curiosity and creativity, one where each book, each dish, and each imagined destination makes the world feel just a little bit smaller, yet infinitely more fascinating. I also love sharing my passion for these things with friends and family. Discussing books, food, and culture feels like a love language to me—it’s when others take an interest in the things I care about that I truly feel heard and understood.
As I reflect on how books, food, and travel have shaped my worldview, I realize that these passions have done more than just provide escapes or adventures. They've opened my eyes to the richness of the world in ways I never expected. Reading about distant lands, cooking dishes from other cultures, and imagining the cities and landscapes I long to visit have all nurtured a deeper appreciation for the diversity that surrounds us.
By immersing myself in books, I’ve learned to see the world through different lenses—whether it’s the complex history of Italy, the rugged beauty of Scotland, or the quiet simplicity of rural Japan. Each book, each meal, and each imaginary journey has broadened my understanding, creating a mosaic of experiences that feels more meaningful than simply ticking off locations on a map.
Food, too, has played a pivotal role in transforming my understanding of the world. Cooking has allowed me to explore not only different flavors but also the cultures behind those flavors. When I make a dish, like tiramisu or risotto, I’m not just recreating a recipe; I’m connecting with the stories, traditions, and people that make those foods so significant. It’s a small yet powerful way to foster empathy and understanding in an increasingly global world.
Though my physical travels are still a dream waiting to come true, the combination of books, food, and armchair exploration has already brought me closer to those places than I ever imagined. These passions have inspired me to think globally, act curiously, and appreciate the beauty in both the familiar and the unknown.
A Few of My Favorite Bookish Travel Destinations and Dishes
Harry Potter - Scotland; Edinburgh, where the enchanting atmosphere of the city brings the wizarding world to life. The historic streets, the castle overlooking the city, and the nearby Highlands offer a magical experience that fans of the series will recognize and appreciate.
For a traditional Scottish meal, try a Scotch pie (a small, savory pastry filled with minced meat), Cullen skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup), or a full Scottish breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, black pudding, haggis, and tattie scones. To finish off, enjoy a piece of shortbread or a slice of Scottish tablet (a sugary fudge-like treat).
Eat Pray Love - Italy; Italy, particularly the charming Tuscan countryside and the romantic city of Rome, where Elizabeth Gilbert immersed herself in the culture and cuisine. The rustic charm of Italian cuisine calls to me, from fresh pasta dishes like carbonara to wood-fired pizza, complemented by rich tiramisu and gelato. It’s a country that feels both comforting and captivating, with each dish telling the story of Italy’s history and culture.
Love and Olives - Greece; Santorini, with its whitewashed buildings perched on cliffs, stunning sunsets, and sparkling blue waters. The book captures the charm of Greece perfectly, with its relaxed pace of life, delicious olive oils, and simple yet flavorful Mediterranean dishes. Greek salad with olives and feta, moussaka (a savory eggplant casserole), grilled octopus, and baklava for a sweet finish.
Jane Eyre - England; The Yorkshire moors, where the haunting, rugged landscape sets the tone for the novel's gothic atmosphere. The stone cottages and quiet, rural villages evoke a sense of solitude and mystery that transports me right into the pages of this classic story. Traditional English fare like shepherd’s pie, Yorkshire pudding, and a classic cream tea with scones and jam.
Where Would You Like to Go on Your Literary Travels?
Scotland (Harry Potter)
Italy (Eat Pray Love)
Greece (Love & Olives)
England (Jane Eyre)
Books, food, and travel are more than just individual passions for me—they are intertwined threads that continue to fuel my curiosity and exploration. They’ve opened doors to new cultures, flavors, and ideas, all from the comfort of my own home. Whether through the pages of a book, the aromas of a dish, or the dreams of distant destinations, these passions create a continuous cycle of discovery that keeps me inspired. Even when my travels are limited to armchair exploration, I know that I’m still experiencing the world in meaningful ways. My journey is ongoing, one book, one meal, and one imagined place at a time.
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you share my passions for books, food, and travel, or have your own unique interests, what fuels your curiosity and exploration? Are there any books, destinations, or food experiences that have inspired your journey? Share your thoughts and passions in the comments below—I can't wait to hear what sparks your own adventures!
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