It’s almost winter break and maybe you’re going somewhere...or maybe you’re not. Either way, you probably want to escape finals, so here are a few books that can temporarily cure your wanderlust without breaking the bank.

1. Katherine Wilson, "Only in Naples: Lessons in Food and Famiglia from my Italian Mother-in-Law"

If you’re looking for a read with a light romantic storyline, lots of Italian food recipes, and one relatable awkward American girl, then this book is for you. It doesn’t take too long to read and is guaranteed to put you in a better mood. Read it during your study breaks and imagine you’re eating yummy parmigiano di melanzane (eggplant parmesan).

2. Cheryl Strayed, "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail"

Feeling a little lost about life during finals? Wondering if getting that degree is even worth this much stress? This book is about a young woman who sets out on a 2700 mile long trail, alone but determined. If she can make it out alive, you can make it through your finals.

3. Bill Bryson, "Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe"

Honestly, I would recommend anything by Bill Bryson. But this is the first book of his I read and maybe that’s the reason I laughed the hardest. If you’re looking for some guaranteed stress relief, then Bryson will have you smiling by the second page. He has the unique ability to make his reader laugh and learn at the same time. He’s satirical, humorous, fun, and informative. If you want something based in the US, check out A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail or The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America.

4. Frances Mayes, "Under the Tuscan Sun"

This is the book that convinced me to put Tuscany on my bucket list. A true story about a San Francisco professor who buys a crumbling Tuscan villa, renovates it, and learns about the culture and herself in the process. It’s one of those feel-good “travel to find yourself” memoirs and while some may find it cliche, it can be the perfect comfort during finals.

5. Fredrik Backman, "A Man Called Ove"

So this book isn’t really going to cure your wanderlust, but I snuck it in here because it’s going to make you want to go hug your parents and finally ask out that girl or guy you’ve been crushing on all semester. It is set in Sweden (not totally wanderlust-free) and it’s equal parts funny and sad. Of all the books on this list, I laughed the most while reading those book, but I also cried while laughing -- maybe that will give you an idea of the book's content. It’s chock-full of lines like these: “He was a man of black and white. And she was color. All the color he had” and “Ove had never been asked how he lived before he met her. But, if anyone had asked him, he would have answered that he didn’t.” Keep some Kleenex handy.