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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Jefferson chapter.

Since winter break is coming soon, it is time for trips and vacations to enjoy the world around us and go somewhere to make beautiful memories with the people you love. I have always been interested in going to bookstores in different places because there is always something that makes each one of them special and unique that I can hold as a memory for the rest of my life. This is a list of cool bookstores around the world that may be located near where you are traveling so you can add them to your list of places to see!

Bart’s Books in Ojai, California

Opened in 1964 growing from Richard Bartinsdale’s private collection into the “world’s largest outdoor bookstore.” Used books are lined up on shelves alongside a small selection of new books on their porch, and books can even be purchased after hours on the honor system.

Shakespeare and Company in Paris, France

A bookstore that encompasses seventy years of history as it becomes whatever a patron needs: a bookstore, meeting palace, literature hub, or a safe place for creative minds.

Livraia Lello in Porto, Portugal

Regarded as the most beautiful bookstore in the world because of the architecture including wood panels, stained glass ceiling, and walls full of books. But the focal point of this store is the beautiful staircase that just captures your attention.

Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, Italy

A waterproof version of a bookstore is an experience that you will never forget. Since Venice floods often, all of the books are piled in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even a full-size gondola to protect them from water damage. This bookstore is one for the memories and the experience.

Barter Books in Alnwick, United Kingdom

This refurbished railway station is unique not just because of its location as an old railway station, but also because books are bartered here, so customers can barter and purchase their books on credit by paying on their next visit.

All of these bookstores may not be on your travel plans for this winter break, but maybe they can be on your list of places to visit. I hope at least one of these places piques your interest and you will like to visit, explore, and form memories to cherish.

Vrunda Raj

Jefferson '27

Vrunda Raj is the Secretary and Senior Editor of HerCampus at the Jefferson chapter. Vrunda writes articles and edits member articles, ensuring that they follow HerCampus guidelines, and helps Junior Editors with their editing. As Secretary, she deals with correspondence, creating meeting minutes, organizing agendas, and monitoring documentation. She helps the President and Vice President stay on schedule for chapter endeavors. Vrunda is currently a junior at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She is majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology in the 3 +2 program. Outside of HerCampus, Vrunda participates in SASA, the South Asian Students Association which is a culturally aware organization that helps build stronger connections to the South Asian community and culture. Both HerCampus and SASA help Vrunda explore her voice and her culture further. In her free time, Vrunda loves to read romance books, watch TV shows from different countries especially India, take pictures, do paint by numbers, and sculpt with clay. Vrunda is a fan of anything that lets her relax on her couch or use her creativity. Recently, she has picked up a love of traveling so she hopes to travel more creating more experiences and memories to cherish.