Literary Travel Is Taking Off — And New England’s Storybook Islands Are Leading the Way

As “Bookbound” travel rises, Tradewind Aviation connects readers to the real-life settings behind their favorite novels

 

Travel inspiration is increasingly coming from the pages of beloved novels. According to the Skyscanner 2026 Travel Trends Report, 55% of travelers have either booked or would consider booking a trip inspired by a book—a growing movement often referred to as “Bookbound” travel. Similar to set-jetting, where fans visit filming locations from favorite shows and movies, literary travelers are now seeking the landscapes and destinations that shaped the stories they love.

 

Few regions capture this storybook magic quite like the islands of New England. From windswept beaches and historic harbor towns to elegant summer retreats, destinations such as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have long served as the backdrop for some of the most beloved modern beach reads.

 

Helping travelers reach these literary landscapes with ease is Tradewind Aviation, whose boutique air service allows guests to bypass crowded ferry terminals and instead arrive by air in under an hour from the New York area. Departing from private FBO terminals with streamlined check-in, the experience is designed to feel as seamless as it is scenic—perfect for travelers looking to settle into their own “main character moment,” book in hand and the Atlantic stretching out beneath them.

 

Martha’s Vineyard: A Classic Summer Story Setting

For fans drawn to the atmospheric suspense of We Were Liars or the nostalgic coming-of-age themes of Summer Sisters, Martha’s Vineyard offers an unmistakably literary setting.

 

Visitors can wander through the historic streets of Edgartown, browse boutique shops along the harbor, and indulge in island staples like the legendary treats from Murdick’s Fudge. For those seeking a luxurious stay, the iconic Harbor View Hotel offers sweeping harbor views and easy access to the beaches, boutiques, and coastal charm that define the quintessential New England summer.

 

Tradewind Aviation operates scheduled flights to Martha’s Vineyard from Westchester County Airport, with seasonal service running from May through November.

 

Nantucket: The Capital of the Beach Read

If Martha’s Vineyard is a nostalgic summer novel, Nantucket is the undisputed capital of the beach read—largely thanks to bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand, whose novels including Summer of ’69 and The Perfect Couple have made the island a literary icon.

 

Tradewind Aviation recently expanded its Nantucket route to year-round service, offering flights from Westchester and enhancing the experience further with a new private lounge at Nantucket Memorial Airport. The lounge features complimentary snacks and refreshments, providing a quiet and elevated pre-flight environment consistent with the airline’s signature boutique style.

 

Once on the island, travelers can stay at Faraway Nantucket, a stylish retreat in the heart of downtown that places guests within walking distance of Nantucket’s renowned dining, historic streets, and sandy shores.

 

Turning the Page on a New Travel Trend

As literary tourism continues to gain momentum, destinations like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are perfectly positioned to capture travelers’ imaginations. With their rich storytelling heritage, timeless coastal beauty, and cultural cachet, these islands offer more than just a getaway—they provide the setting for travelers to step directly into the pages of their favorite books.

 

For those seeking to experience these destinations in a way that feels both private and elevated, Tradewind Aviation offers a fitting beginning to the story.