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Silver Travel Book Club

May 2025 – I Could Live Here: A Travel Memoir of Home and Belonging

We’ll explore a different destination for each Book Club, and a lucky Silver Travel Book Club reader can win a free copy of that month’s book.

This month, we’re diving into a thought-provoking travel memoir that many of us might find more relatable than expected. I Could Live Here by Ellen Barone is a warm, witty, and honest account of what happens when the idea of ‘escaping it all’ becomes a very real question.

After over a decade of living abroad, Alderson sets out with her husband on a new kind of journey — one not driven by bucket lists or borders, but by the big question: where do we truly belong? From alpine peaks to sunny coastlines, they explore far-flung places not as tourists, but with the lens of potential locals. Could this be home?

With humour and heart, Alderson invites us to follow her as she weighs up fantasy versus reality — balancing daydreams of lavender fields or mountain views against practical concerns like Wi-Fi strength and the cost of living. It’s both a travelogue and a personal reflection on home, identity, and the life we imagine for ourselves.

Whether you’ve ever mused about making a big move or simply enjoy armchair journeys that blend escapism with insight, this is a read that will both entertain and inspire.

How to win a copy of I Could Live Here

Please note: this prize draw is now closed.

Have you ever visited somewhere and thought… ‘I could live here’? Comment below to tell us where and why – and you could win a copy of this engaging read!

A winner will be chosen at random in early June 2025.
The competition closes on 31 May 2025.

Read more about all our Silver Travel Book Club reads.

  1. The Book Club is open to residents of the UK, aged 18 years or over, except employees of Silver Travel Advisor and their close relatives, partners or friends and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation of the prize draw.
  2. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter.
  3. By entering, an entrant is indicating his/her/their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  4. This competition is not in any affiliation with any other company.
  5. The prize is as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prize is non-transferable and is subject to availability.
  6. If a winner does not claim their prize within one week, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected.
  7. By entering each entrant accepts that the winner’s name and city of residence may be used for promotional purposes by Silver Travel Advisor.
  8. No responsibility is accepted for entries, notices, acceptances, tickets, goods or other documentation lost or delayed in the post.
  9. Winners will be solely responsible for any tax liability incurred as a result of this offer. The organisers’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered.
  10. Entries will be accepted until the closing date as stated.

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73 Responses

  1. The Amalfi coast. Beautiful views around every corner, fantastic weather, wonderful cuisine and lovely welcoming people.

  3. I absolutely love the Scottish Highlands and when I visit I just think I could happily live here.

  4. Love Whitby, brings back many happy memories of holidays and we used to rent a cottage from a lady, who if it was vacant for the weekend often rang us and asked if we wanted it for a “small fee” – even enjoyed the donkey rides on the beach. One year we had just got there and our parents told us to go to the beach whilst they unpacked. I came back with a fractured arm, the only thing I was worried about was my donkey rides lol. Of course I got them at my own risk, but still brings back many many memories, and it’s always busy even on New Years’ Day.

  5. BLACKPOOL..IT’S SO BRACING, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING INTERESTING GOING ON, AND THE PEOPLE ARE SO FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL.

  6. Funchal in Madeira because it was friendly and vibrant with lots of beautiful walks around it

  7. We looked at houses in France as we love the french countryside, the culture, food and way of life but brexit put a big whole in our dreams!! Would love to read this, thank you!

  10. We have often thought about living in Portugal as we love the Algarve. We wouldnt want to live there forever but ideally for 2-3 winter months per year.

  13. In Sydney, Australia – I just loved the vibe and the outdoor lifestyle!

  14. For me it was Paris. I’m not usually a city person but Paris feels more like a series of (beautiful) small towns. And then there’s the food…

  15. I would go for Berlin, let’s face it I could have three meals a day of Curry Wurst!

  16. Palm Springs in the USA – my partner and I could live happily without being judged

  18. After visiting. The isles of. Scilly. Last year it left a lasting impression I loved the scenery wildlife walks Beaches. And a real community That I would love to be a part of

  23. I’m a city guy,. so have always wanted to live in London if it wasn’t so expensive! Always something to do and see, and fantastic food.

  24. In the UK it would be Lake District, able to walk on the fells every day. Overseas it would be New Zealand, I love the whole country

  26. Mevagissey in Cornwall – we had the most perfect family holiday there – and I could definitely imagine us living there!

  27. Exmouth, Devon. I love the beaches, atmosphere and town. Walking is great there and it’s close to all I would want.

  28. I just love the Lake District, so it would be nice to live there one day. Such a beautiful area.

  29. St Ives- You are in the UK but could never shake that holiday feeling. The vibe remains different and when summer hits, the positive energy in the air is unavoidable.

  32. Most places I go I want to live there but a place where I genuinely thought it could be possible was Stirling in Scotland. It was a lovely compact city with lots of beautiful countryside to go walking in nearby

  33. The lake District. Every time i visit here, i always wish i could live in an area of such natural beauty.

  36. I visit Amalfi in Italy the scenery was so beautiful and the people where so happy and friendly and the food was amazing!

  37. Brittany in France. I just love the place. Old fashioned with all of the modern amenities that you need. I love the French way of life and the language – not to mention, it’s really affordable for property there!

  38. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands , heaven
    On earth so tranquil… plenty of time to read books and chill

  39. There’s no place like home but chilling out in the Caribbean on a lovely beach with rum lunch in hand sounds idyllic!

  40. I visited Sydney and fell in love with the mix of culture, sport, diverse flora and fauna and beautiful beaches in a warm clime! Visiting in their Winter with a sunny 18°, I was the only person on Bondi Beach in a swimsuit, everyone else in wetsuits or coars and scarves…..spot the Brit! Definitely a place where I could live!

  41. We once hired a lovely boat on the Norfolk Broads and I really believed it was the life for me and I would love to have lived there permanently.

  42. Wellington, New Zealand. Great medium sized city, friendly people, lovely harbour scenery and plenty of cultural activities going on. Very accessible.

  43. I was lucky enough to spend several weeks in French Guyana – and loved the scenery, the Amazon, the animals and beautiful flowers – there was always something new to see – don’t think I would ever tire of all these wonderful things.

  45. I have visited Skiathos in Greece and feel I could happily live there. I love the scenery, the people, the food and the way of life.

  46. Nice.France , wonderful climate, fabulous promenade, love the food. And the people!

  47. Japan , Tokyo. The food and culture is wonderful, clean streets polite people , rich heritage, great food

  50. When we went to Switzerland to visit my husbands uncle and wife who had lived there for most of his life he took us to some beautiful places breathtaking glaciers and lakes and the mountains are amazing went to see the matterhorn zermatt is beautiful it’s so beautiful and clean I remember thinking what a beautiful place to live

  51. Puglia, Italy – it’s such an incredible place with gorgeous scenery and beaches

  52. I need some reading to divert my mind from everyday occurrences.

  53. Wherever I go to in Italy feels like home whether it’s the mountains, beaches or rolling Tuscan countryside. Must have some Italian blood in there somewhere!

  54. Well, they say there’s no place like home, but I do fancy a quiet area in Berlin. Near wilmersdorfer str. There is a beautiful park with a little lake and, as I was walking along, I looked up and saw some old apartments with balconies and it was so tranquil. Wouldn’t mind giving that a go!

  55. Back home to the Fylde coast. Near to friends and family. Plenty to do even in winter.
    I must down to the sea again !!!

  56. Has to be Italy for the language, food, people, culture, art and weather and particularly Lake Garda region. Have visited this area & surrounding cities and there is nothing not to like. Also learnt Italian many years ago and, although far from fluent, confident total immersion would make me so.

  57. Isle of Skye is my idea of heaven but Ilkley in Yorkshire holds a special place in my heart and somewhere I would adore to end my days. One can dream !!!!

  58. i could live in southern france and northern England. I love to visit there

  59. I visited Banff in the Rockies in Canada, it felt like home. I loved the scenery, the atmosphere and the people. I have now been there over 20 times and it gets better every time I visit, I would love to live there – it is a place of happiness for me.

  61. I’ve visited a village 10 mins outside of Alcobaca near the silver coast of Portugal many times and feel at home there. Alcobaca itself has all the shops, facilities and medical facilities that one needs and is well placed to visit monasteries and beaches. Mainly the local villagers are very welcoming with very little English and my very limited Portuguese ! It is like going back in time with the farmers wife being driven home on the back of the tractor from olive picking. I love it here.

  63. I love to travel and have new experiences. But I also like my routine at home. And have regular contact with friends and family.

  65. I have travelled to Florence a few times and the whole ambience of the city makes me feel that I would be very happy to live there. The art and history are all there to see but it feels so comfortable without being as busy as many other tourist sites I have visited.

  66. We live so close to the rest of our family, I can’t imagine moving far from where I live now. However, Lindos on Rhodes has been a place we’ve visited for over thirty years, and would be a wonderful place to live….if the others came with me!

  67. Budapest, such a laid back city with great transport and easy access to other parts of Europe.

  68. When I visited a beautiful farm overlooking the Aegean Sea, enjoying a courtyard meal paired with wine tasting for every course. The stunning views, the perfect weather, the peaceful atmosphere made it one of the best holidays I have ever had. I truly felt I could live there.

  69. The Lake District,such a calming and peaceful location,plenty of fresh air,scenic walks,so many to chose from,each one different,with lots of varying fauna and flora,lovely people,great traditional food to be had,YES I’d love to live there.

  70. The Lake District,such a calming and peaceful location,plenty of fresh air,scenic walks,so many to chose from,each one different,with lots of varying fauna and flora,lovely people,great traditional food to be had,YES I’d love to live there.

  71. The Lake District,such a calming and peaceful location,plenty of fresh air,scenic walks,so many to chose from,each one different,with lots of varying fauna and flora,lovely people,great traditional food to be had,YES I’d love to live there.

  72. I think I could live in Benicassim, Spain because it has a beautiful beach with miles of promenade, safe cycling and is a real Spanish town not a touristy place.

  73. Although I’ve visited lots of great places, I’m not sure there’s anywhere where I’d like to live – there is always a certain degree of pleasure in returning to home comforts and planning the next trip.

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