The top 13 books to pack in your suitcase

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
 

£9.99, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
The beloved classic that turns the American Dream on its head, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is an absolute must if you’re travelling to New York City. Told through the eyes of Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby’s Long Island neighbour in the 1920s, it’s a tale of tragedy, partying and more symbolism and imagery then you’ll be able to process. If you’ve fallen in love with the book, make sure to see if the in-flight entertainment has the film adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and you’re set for an enchanting plane ride to the Big Apple.
 

From the page to real life:

 
If you’re after the real Gatsby experience, book a stay at The Plaza New York which was where one of the most iconic scenes was set. The Fitzgerald Suite boasts a stunning design, with much of the furniture looking like it came straight from the 1920s. What’s more, the rooms and suites were designed by Academy Award® winner Catherine Martin and there are countless details in regards to Fitzgerald’s life with bookshelves filled with his beloved works, just in case you fancy some bedtime reading.

The Lord of The Rings Series by J.R.R. Tolkien
 

£35, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
The Lord of the Rings trilogy has made avid readers and fantasists want to escape to Middle Earth since it was originally published in 1954. Starting off with humble beginnings in the hobbit land of the Shire, the books take you on an incredible journey during the time of The War of the Ring through the eyes of its many characters. The primary villain is the Dark Lord Sauron of Mordor who created the One Ring which in turn controls the other Rings of Power and those who wore them.

The trilogy is just as famous for its cinematic qualities too. with New Zealand being home to many of the shooting locations that can be seen in the films. The destination boasts a varied environment that ranges from rolling hills and stunning mountains to glorious beaches and even an active volcano. It’s the perfect place for some exploration while intermittently reading this beloved classic, and you’ll feel like you’re embarking on a similar adventure.
 

From the page to real life:

 
A Hobbiton movie set tour is an absolute must if you’re a Tolkein enthusiast. Guiding you through the heart of the town of Matamata, there’s 12 acres of magic to explore with the Hobbit Holes, The Mill and The Green Dragon Inn just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the iconic landmarks you’ll be able to relish. Once finished, make sure to head for a meal at The Shire’ Rest Café. Coffees, sandwiches and a range of eclectic dishes are all on the menu with the venue acting as the perfect pitstop after a day of exploration. Now, that’s what we’re Tolkein about.

Dr. No by Ian Fleming
 

£8.99, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
Dr. No by Ian Fleming is the sixth novel in the James Bond series. Starting where the last book finished off, the elusive spy is recovering from a poison injection and sent to Jamaica to rest, recover and complete an assignment regarding the disappearance of the head of the Jamaican MI6 station. Along with the help of old friend Quarrel and the bombshell Honey Ryder, it’s a shaken not stirred tale of beaches, shell-hunting and plenty of typical Bond action. You’re sure to be hooked from the moment you finish the first page.
 

From the page to real life:

 
Ian Fleming wrote Dr. No amongst many other Bond novels at his GoldenEye estate in Jamaica. Now, the venue operates as a hotel and is brilliant for travellers who want the quintessential 007 experience. You can expect to be surrounded by picture-perfect scenes of the Caribbean island, complete with towering palm trees, lush foliage and gorgeous sands. The hotel itself features an amazing restaurant, bar and leisure facilities along with brilliant and secluded accommodation that will make you feel like you’ve escaped to a castaway paradise.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling
 

£49.99, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
With more than 400 million copies sold, you’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard of the Harry Potter series. The beloved boy wizard has become a cult classic both in book form and the film versions since the novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 1997, and has made author J.K Rowling into a household name. Chronicling The Boy Who Lived’s adventures during his school life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the books have encapsulated countless generations with their lovable characters, its twists and turns at every moment, and the hope that your Hogwarts letter simply got lost in the post.
 

From the page to real life:

 
Edinburgh was the birthplace of the Harry Potter series. All of the books were written in the Scottish capital and there are countless cafés that you can head to for a dose of inspiration with your coffee and cake. The Elephant House is just one of these and was where Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the second and third novels in the series. As well as large portions of good food and graffitied toilets full of messages from fellow fans, you can expect to be surrounded with the magic of Harry Potter as soon as you step over the threshold.
 
For an additional element of luxury, book a stay at the Balmoral Hotel. Room 552 was where J.K Rowling finished the seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.’ Upon completion, the author scribbled on an Hermes bust, “J.K Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007.” It’s now on proud display behind glass in the suite which has now been renamed to honour the author.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandere Dumas
 

£10.99, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
Written in 1844 by Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers is sure to make you fall in love with Paris. The book recounts the adventures of lead character D’Artagnan who is on a quest to retrieve the Queen Anne of Austria’s two missing diamond studs. Along with the help of musketeers Aramis, Porthos and Athos, D’Artagnan succeeds but it’s a nail-biting ride from the French capital to London. Going through the town of Chantilly and the cathedral city of Beauvais, it’s an adventure that isn’t to be missed out on. Why not plan a French road trip from the capital following the same journey as D’Artagnan and Co? Although, we bet your journey will be a lot quicker and certainly more comfortable.
 

From the page to real life:

 
A Musketeer walking tour is sure to make you see Paris in a whole new light. Wander through the streets of the Latin Quarter and the Saint-Germain-en-Laye commune, and discover exactly what life was like in the 1600s, the time that the book was set. Pastry and chocolate shops are on call for times when you’re feeling peckish which is most definitely needed before your fencing lesson that’s included with this tour. The experience takes place in the oldest armoury in Paris and you’ll get the chance to use real weapons as you practise the noble French sport. Finish off proceedings with dinner at the two Michelin-starred Le Relais Louis XIV. This traditional eatery boasts a menu full to the brim with signature dishes and authentic French cuisine that’s sure to go down a treat.

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
 

£24.99, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
If you fancy a staycation or an exploration of the streets of London, any books from the Sherlock Holmes series is the perfect book to accompany your grand adventures. Comprising four novels and 56 short stories, you’ll be whisked away throughout the capital before you know it. From his first appearance in A Study in Scarlet to the last collection of stories in The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, it’s hard not to fall in love with the eccentric pipe-smoking detective who, along with his assistant John H. Watson, fights crime and solves mysteries from 221B Baker Street.
 

From the page to real life:

 
If you’re in London there are plenty of places to swing by if you’re a Sherlock fan. From 221B Baker Street itself in Westminster to The Sherlock Holmes pub in Piccadilly Circus, you could easily spend a whole day and then some exploring the various landmarks that have either featured or been inspired in some way by the books.
 
Simpson’s-in-the-Strand was the tavern that was commonly frequented by Holmes and Watson, with the venue looking and feeling like you’ve just stepped back in time to the early 1900s. Nowadays, the Covent Garden restaurant is still open for business, with a fantastic roast dinner that some argue is the best that London has to offer. It’s a brilliant choice for a luxurious unwind with loved ones, and for those that love good ol’ British grub and an adoration of one of the countries most-loved and notorious literary characters.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
 

£14.99, Waterstones (waterstones.com)

 
From one detective to another, this next classic will transport you straight back to the 1920s. Part of the Hercule Poirot series, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie sees readers join the Belgian detective on a thrilling train journey through Europe… and no, we’re not talking about the scenes of Paris, Belgrade and Istanbul that you can relish from the window. An avalanche stops the train in its track where a murder takes place, and there’s only one man that can solve it. Murder on the Orient Express is a brilliant whodunit that has paved the way for many more recent and contemporary drama and mystery literature… you won’t want to put it down.
 

From the page to real life:

 
If you’re an Agatha Christie fan or you simply love the thrill of luxury travel, there’s only one way to experience the setting of Murder on the Orient Express… by riding it of course. Operated by Belmond, you’ll be departing from London and heading to the canals of Venice in style. Antique furniture, upholstered seats and wooden panelling add to the exuberance and glamour of the whole affair. Stewards are on-hand that cater to your every whim too. Witness the amazing views of Europe, tuck into three-course lunches and four-course dinners, and fall in love with train travel… it’s all available as soon as you step onboard.