Travel the World Through Agatha Christie Books
There’s something about reading and travel that go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s escapism or a penchant for adventure, chances are if you enjoy reading, you also enjoy setting off for travel adventures near and far. I totally imagine myself as a character in a book when I travel. If you love the idea of a literary adventure lifestyle and you’re a fan of mystery, I’ve compiled a list of must-read books by Agatha Christie with settings that will have you reaching out to book the next flight out of town. Get ready to travel the world with Agatha Christie!
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Travel the World With Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie – dubbed the Queen of Crime – gifted the world with unforgettable mysteries and characters, as well as an array of travel destinations that transport readers into the heart of her stories. Christie expertly incorporated her real-life travels into the pages of her books.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Christie’s novels, and have been cheering on fictional detective Hercule Poirot’s adventures for a lifetime, just beginning to delve into the world of Agatha Christie, or planning to take a trip on the Orient Express, this journey through some of the most iconic locations from her books is for you.
A Caribbean Mystery (1964)
In A Caribbean Mystery, Miss Jane Marple is sent by her nephew on vacation to the Golden Palm resort. Marple is featured in several of Christie’s novels (my oldest daughter’s middle name is Jane–after Jane Marple!). First introduced in The Murder at the Vicarage (1930), Marple is also featured in several short stories. The novel is set on a fictional island in the Caribbean. Christie likely drew inspiration from her trips to Barbados and St. Lucia. Consider a stay in the overwater bungalows at Sandals St. Lucien on Pigeon Island.
The French Riviera
The Mystery on the Blue Train (1928)
Dandyish detective Hercule Poirot was Christie’s most famous character. The former policeman was featured in over thirty novels, several short stories, and two plays. In The Mystery on the Blue Train, Poirot, bound for the French Riviera, boards the train and ultimately finds himself investigating both the murder of an American socialite and a jewelry heist. If you’re looking to travel the world through Agatha Christie’s books and have always had the French Riviera on your list, a guided tour from Nice to Monaco Monte Carlo may be of interest.
Cannes is another travel destination inspired by The Mystery on the Blue Train, and if you’re a book lover who’s also a movie buff, you might enjoy a Cannes Film Festival vacation package. This prestigious film festival is held in Cannes each year and combines the ultimate blend of luxury, film, and charm of the French Riviera.
Egypt
Death on the Nile (1937)
Arguably one of Christie’s most beloved novels, Death on the Nile was inspired by the author’s visits to Egypt. Christie first visited as a young woman and then later several times with her archaeologist husband. The novel takes place aboard a luxury cruise ship where Poirot again solves several murders. Consider the Steam Ship Sudan for a luxury Nile River cruise that will feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. The cruises sail between Aswan and Luxor where the setting for Christie’s stories will come to life from your luxurious cabin.
Switzerland
The Labours of Hercules (1947)
The Labours of Hercules is a series of 12 short stories highlighting Poirot’s exploits. One of which, Hotel Olympos, takes place in the Swiss Alps. The region offers a combination of skiing, luxury hotels, and stunning mountain views. So if you’re a fan of winter sports, consider staying in a high-end resort like Zermat Matterhorn, which offers views reminiscent of the ones Poirot might have enjoyed during his winter holiday.
Agatha Christie Travel Inspo Across England
Torquay, Devon: Agatha Christie’s Birthplace
Torquay is full of Agatha Christie history. As her birthplace, it offers fans the chance to walk in her footsteps. The annual Agatha Christie Festival celebrates the author’s legacy, and the Agatha Christie Literary Trail guides visitors through sites that inspired her words.
Greenway House: A Glimpse Into the Authors Private Life
Visitors are welcome to explore Christie’s holiday home, Greenway House at Brixham in Devon, which overlooks the River Dart and inspired many of her stories, including Dead Man’s Folly (1956). The nearby village of Galmpton and the fishing town, and more specifically Elberry Cove in Brixham, are also featured in Christie’s work.
London: The Heart of Poirot’s Investigations
Exploring London is a must-do for Agatha Christie fans. For fans of the television series, Poirot’s fictional residence at Whitehaven Mansions is located near Charterhouse Square. Other sites to see in London include Great Scotland Yard Hotel and the West End. You can follow Poirot’s footsteps, visit locations from her novels, and even enjoy a performance of her longest-running play, The Mousetrap (I saw it in Edinburgh and it’s so much fun). From the Caribbean to the historic streets of London, Agatha Christie’s travels will surely inspire both your travel bucket list and your TBR pile.
