Travel Adventures: Places I've Visited That Inspire My Romance Books

There’s something swoon-worthy about travel—the way a place can stir something inside you, completely shift your perspective, and how the air itself feels full of possibility. As a contemporary romance author who loves weaving wanderlust into my stories, my real-life travels often make their way into my books. Maybe it’s a spontaneous train ride, a charming coastal town, or a destination brimming with history, seeing these places helps me create romantic settings that feel lush, lived-in, and a little bit magical.

Below are a few places I’ve visited that have sparked my storylines and shaped the kind of vacation romances and small-town love stories I adore writing.

Ireland

Try not to fall head over heels for Ireland—I dare you. The lush green countryside, the warm, chatty locals, the pub music that feels like home—it all left a deep imprint on me. The Half of It takes place in Ballygrá, a fictional small town inspired by everywhere I visited across the country. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and a little mischievous—just like the best Irish love stories.

The Maldives

Having gotten to go to the Maldives on a work trip was basically a dream come true. Yes, it really is that beautiful. I was blown away by the turquoise water, endless skies, and sense of serene escape. It’s the perfect setting for a spicy romance between two people who’ve been circling each other for years finally find themselves alone on a tropical island (ps you can read Match Made in the Maldives: A Brother’s Best Friend Vacation Romance for free here).

Joshua Tree, CA

I adore the quirky desert vibes out in Joshua Tree. The town has a soulful, creative energy I couldn’t get enough of (I even got married there!), and it inspired the fictional small town in my second romance novel. Think wide open skies, funky roadside diners, and the kind of place where characters go to rediscover themselves—and maybe fall in love along the way.

North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautiful state, with breathtaking mountains and dreamy beaches. There’s also something so wholesome about this southern state, and the little mountain towns there are some of my favorite of all time. There’s something grounding and nostalgic about this state, and it’s a setting I’m eager to explore more in future books.

While these places haven’t made it onto the page yet, they’re definitely percolating in my mind. I love writing stories that feel authentic, so these destinations are high on my future writing list.

Germany

Now that I call Hamburg home, it feels only right to write a romance set in Germany. I can’t get enough of the Christmas markets, so I’m sensing some kind of holiday book in my future. Or who knows? Maybe Oktoberfest!

Sicily, Italy

While Tuscany gets all the love, Sicily has quietly stolen my heart. Between the craggy coastline, sweeping vineyards, and slow, sun-drenched afternoons, it’s a natural backdrop for a passionate, earthy romance—one that smells like lemons and tastes like red wine under the stars.

Greece

I mean… Mamma Mia! meets contemporary romance books? Sign me up. With its vibrant islands, historic ruins, and impossibly blue water, Greece is ripe for a love story filled with family secrets and barefoot dancing under fairy lights.