Reading books and writing stories abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is reading books and writing stories abroad like?

• Reading books and writing stories abroad might sound like a luxury, but it is often a conscious choice to distance yourself from your daily life and create space for reflection, creativity, and personal development.
• In a different environment, you gain new impressions, ideas, and perspectives, you experience more peace (or conversely, more stimulation), and you often view yourself and the world differently.

For example, abroad you can:

• Finally read books you didn't have time for at home.
• Keep a diary.
• Write blogs or travel stories.
• Work on a book, script, or creative project.

The environment also plays a major role in this. For instance, you can:

• Read on a beach or in the mountains.
• Write in a café or coworking space.
• Reflect during trips or walks.
• It is often the combination of distance, new experiences, and time that makes reading books and writing abroad so valuable.

What are the reasons for reading books and writing stories abroad?

• To become more creative: new environments and impressions provide fresh ideas and inspiration for stories.
• To increase your self-awareness: writing helps you process experiences and gain insight into what you think, feel, and want.
• To improve your communication skills: you learn to structure and articulate your thoughts better.
• To find peace and focus: reading and writing bring balance to a busy or chaotic life.
• To broaden your perspective: what you read and experience influences how you view the world.

What skills and motivations do you need to read books and write stories abroad?

• Creativity: to transform experiences into stories or ideas.
• Authenticity: writing honestly and close to yourself makes your stories stronger.
• Self-discipline: motivating yourself to really make time for reading and writing.
• To analyse: reflect on what you experience and why.
• Self-confidence: dare to share what you write.

What are the best countries and locations to read books and write stories abroad?

• Peace and nature (for focus and reflection): Norway, New Zealand, Scotland.
• Creative and inspiring countries and cities: Paris, Berlin, Lisbon, Japan, Australia, Namibia, Kenya, Argentina.
• Affordable and popular among writers: Indonesia, Portugal, Mexico.

What are the risks of reading books and writing stories abroad?

• that you get distracted by traveling or social activities and end up writing or reading less than you intended.
• that you feel lonely because you spend a lot of time alone, which can affect your motivation and well-being.
• that health problems arise from travel, climate change or fatigue, which means you have less energy to be creative.
• that you have too high expectations of yourself (for example “I am going to write a book”), which can lead to frustration or blockages.
• During activities and trips abroad, the coverage of your own health insurance in the Netherlands may be insufficient, or even lapse. See the pages on insuring activities abroad.