If I were in charge of defending the vision that fiction is the main source of travel inspiration, I would highlight how movies or books transport us, creating a deep and emotional desire for a destination.
However, this charitable approach risks underestimating the capacity of tourist guides to generate a travel impulse that is just as powerful, or even more direct, from the start.
A thematic guide on the hiking trails in Corsica, with its precise descriptions and concrete photos, can trigger a decision to leave even before a fictional work has planted an idea.
Practical information and the accessibility of concrete details are often more effective drivers for travel planning than pure narrative escapism, especially when it comes to making a reservation.
For example, a detailed guide on Brussels museums can evoke a desire for cultural exploration much faster than a novel set in the city.