At one point in our lives we’ve read a book that’s made us want to do something differently. Whether it’s been take charge of our own fate or get out there are get over that ex you’ve been pining for. But what about travel? I’ve picked some of my best loved travel novels to show you how to travel like the unsung heroes of these stories.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a classic example of the all-American road trip, even if it is a crazy drug fuelled one. I’d like to think you don’t need a boot full of narcotics to fuel a trip like this in fact, I’d advise against it. But this doesn’t mean your journey from LA to Vegas has to be any less eventful.

The trip itself is a relatively short drive only actually taking around five hours, but there is plenty to see along the way, turning you’re A to B drive into a fully-fledged adventure. On your way you can visit the world’s largest thermometer, the Route 66 museum, California’s famous In N Out burger and the living ghost town of Oatman, Arizona, where the streets are home to wild, but quite friendly, burros (small donkeys to us) that flock to visitors bearing juicy carrots. If you intend to drive but don’t fancy forking out for ridiculous fuel prices opt to fill up at gas stations away from the main highway. Highway stations charge more and let’s face it don’t offer the same change of scenery and unique characters that a small American town can do.

Once in Vegas stop by Binions gambling hall and casino. Originally The Mint Hotel where Duke and Dr. Gonzo stayed in room 1850. The Mint was sold and became part of Binions. Nowadays, Binions isn’t somewhere to stay in Vegas, but it’ll be worth checking it out, if only because it was where Thomspon supposedly spent a furious 36 hours penning most of the Fear and Loathing manuscript. The Famous duo spend their second hotel stint in the Flamingo hotel, which is still around today. The hotel still boasts its neon-illuminated sign outside with an array of entertainment from casinos to shows for you to enjoy.

When most people visit Italy they stay in hotels, and stuff their faces with ‘local’ specialties in the form of pizza and pasta in Rome. But if you want to experience the real Italy and the gastronomical feasts it has to offer follow the lead of Elizabeth Gilbert and live like a real local. Rather than opting for the hostel or hotel option, take the opportunity to grab a bed in a homestay. This will give you the chance to practice your Italian and hoard tips from real locals, all the while experiencing life like a true Italian. Staying in a homestay also provides you with a way to move a little further out of the city. Places are available throughout the Tuscan countryside and will save you money with some being as cheap as £7 a night! More information can be found at: http://www.homestaybooking.com/homestay-italy

Why not head for the hills and find yourself a ‘workcation’, there are farms spread far and wide across the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. Locals are often looking for help looking after their lands. Some of these may be wine farms but with the added benefit of homemade wine at dinner, who could say no? Others range from the occasional childcare or even helping out in hostels, just take your pick.

Again, this gives you a chance to brush up on your Italian, eat and live like a local all whilst having a roof put over your head for free (or very, very cheap). Eating like an Italian is always a bonus, just be careful how much you indulge or just like Elizabeth, you’ll have to venture to find a larger pair of jeans. Rather than opting for the much loved Pizza and Spaghetti Bolognese why not try one of these classic mouthwatering dishes… Saltimbocca alla romana. Veal, wrapped in prosciutto crudo and sage, then rapidly fried. A tender and flavourful, the name literally means “jump-in-mouth” in the Roman tongue. Carciofi alla giudia. Artichokes are popular in Italy. There are two classic ways to cook them. “Jewish artichokes,” is a recipe from Rome’s ancient Jewish community; it involves frying artichokes to a delicious crisp. Even if you’re not an artichoke fan, these are guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Next time I will look at two books with slightly less luxury to them. What is your favourite travel themed novel and would you be tempted to follow in its footsteps?