Writing for different Countries

Or rather, my complete inability to do so. I always wanted to write a story maybe sent in France or even Egypt, but never really got the chance to do so. Mostly because I've never been to those places.

I thought about reading information about them online, but I often ask myself could I replicate that feeling just by pictures and descriptions alone?

The reason why the Town of Seesea from Lord of Dusk felt so alive, at least for me was because it was based off my hometown/city.

The places the characters visited and locations were all based on areas where I actually went when I was younger. The Boardwalk, the water tower, the college campus.

All were based on areas I've been to or saw in person.

How would I be able to replicate such a thing for another country?

It's still something I try to think about. Which is probably why I think I'm going to write a road-trip type of story first.

Focus on my own country and the places I have and haven't been to before trying to tackle a story set in a place I haven't been.