Whether you are heading for a beach holiday, scaling high mountains, or just going on a road trip to explore new places, one thing is obvious: books are the best travel companions. That’s why we have compiled this list of the best books to read while traveling so that you can make the most of your vacation. You can thank us later!
So grab your passport, pack up your bags, and be ready with some of these great vacation reads. These are some of the literary treasures that will keep you entertained from start to finish, not even considering take-off or touchdown.
Come on, let’s explore the top books to read on vacation!
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Reader’s Itinerary: 8 Best Books To Read While Traveling
1. Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read is one of the best books to read while traveling, and I can personally vouch for it. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a light-hearted read while sunbathing.
When January Andrews, a bestselling author, and her literary nemesis Augustus Everett become neighbors they decide to swap genres in order to determine who can write the better novel. As they struggle with writer’s block, personal issues, and unexpected feelings, their journey becomes a touching story of love, grief, and second chances.
Its conversational dialogues along with swoon-worthy romance plus self-discovery make it an essential book for every summer beach bag because it will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
2. Impostor Syndrome by Kathy Wang
If what you want is an exciting book that will keep you on your toes throughout your trip then look no further than this one.
Julia Lerner is a brilliant tech CEO caught up in corporate espionage, power struggles, and the underbelly of Silicon Valley. When she discovers that she is surrounded by deceit, betrayal, and increasing pressure, she confronts her inner demons and chooses to fight for what she has built.
With intricate characters as well as a gripping plot, this book will get you hooked from the very first page to the last twist at the end. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good thriller while on a trip.
This is actually one of the best books to read while traveling solo even.
3. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
One of the best books to read while traveling and one of my personal favorite books of all time.
Anxious People is an amusing story about a bank robbery gone awry that results in the “robber” holding several hostages. The confusion forces unlikely ties between the hostages and equally strange police officers, leading to the revelation of many secrets, transforming all their lives in the process.
This truly exceptional read by Backman combines humor, empathy, and great insights into humanity, making it one of his most beloved works to date. There is no better book to remind you about the power of compassion, the importance of friendship and how beautiful life can be once we accept its idiosyncrasies.
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4. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
One of the best books to read while traveling solo is this one right here. If you like nerve-racking and brooding thrillers, then this book is perfect for you.
It tells the story of a Mexican socialite named Noemí Taboada who is visiting her cousin, Catalina after she sent her a letter accusing her husband of trying to murder her. As she goes further into the secrets of High Place, some dark family pasts are unveiled, weird and unexplainable things keep on happening, and when the secret is finally revealed, it will blow you away.
Moreno-Garcia employs beautiful prose, and suspenseful storytelling making the book an enthralling reading experience when on vacation.
5. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid weaves a fascinating account of the rise and fall of the legendary rock band, Daisy Jones & The Six, narrated through interviews of the characters.
Through a series of interviews, Reid brings to life the captivating story behind the band’s journey, its diverse members, and finally its end. This book is addictive, to say the least, and once you start it, you will find it hard to put it down.
If you are a fan of rock and roll and you love traveling, then this is one of the many great vacation reads.
6. Verity by Colleen Hoover
If you are a huge fan of psychological thrillers like me, then this book is one of the best books to read while traveling.
A thrilling psychological romance that will have your pages turning faster than light! Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is offered the chance of a lifetime when she’s asked to complete writing the remaining books in bestselling author, Verity Crawford’s series. When she stumbles upon Verity’s manuscript, it leaves her shocked. What did Verity write?
Romance combined with mystery and suspense like never before makes this book one of the top books to read on vacation.
7. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Sometimes all we need is an emotional heart-wrenching tale while on holiday, don’t we? When I finished this book, I cried for an hour straight, and I am not kidding.
Honeyman tells a remarkable story about how a socially awkward and lonely woman goes about her life and builds some rare connections that last forever. Seen through the eyes of Eleanor who has limited social skills, and whose meticulously structured world crumbles when she meets Raymond, the IT guy from work.
Slowly with the help of Raymond and her other new friends, she builds up the courage to face her past and heal from the trauma that scarred her life. This book is a favorite among many people because of Honeyman’s beautiful writing, lovable characters and her sensitive take on mental health.
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8. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
One of the best books to read while traveling, and the ending of this book left me gasping. This gripping and mysterious tale will keep you wondering till the last page, and if you think you know what’s happening, trust me, you really don’t.
The story takes us to the island owned by the Sinclair family where Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her cousins spend their summer every year. A dark tragedy that happened a few years back still haunts them, but somehow Cadence just can’t seem to remember it. When the twist is revealed, let me tell you, you will not be expecting it.
Lockhart’s atmospheric writing and clever storytelling will have you engaged as you slowly uncover what really happened with Cadence. This is one of those books that has unpredictable twists and turns, and that is exactly why it’s considered one of the great vacation reads.
So, these are the top books to read on vacation, in my humble opinion. How many of these great vacation reads have you already gone through? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
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