Engaging novels for various travel experiences: Thrilling page-turners tailored for diverse journeys
Take a break from the sun, sea, and cityscapes without even leaving your vacation spot. Sometimes, a great book is all you need to turn downtime into an adventure. Here are awesome reads handpicked for every type of trip, plus smart travel tips to help you read smart and keep your books safe while exploring.
Romance Novels for Your Beach Getaway
Savor the ocean's rhythm and roll with a heartwarming love story.
*The Unexpected Heiress* by Emily Henry
The Plot: Broke and heartbroken, Daphne needs a quick fix to her financial woes. Enter Wesley, the long-lost grandson of an eccentric billionaire with a peculiar request - Daphne and Wesley must make it look like they're in love on an exotic trip to win a sizable inheritance. Their fake relationship quickly becomes more complicated and tangled than they imagined.
**The Love Letter for Anna by Carolyn Steber
The Plot: When Sarah finds a love letter from her grandmother Anna, she decides to track down Anna's old flame and return the letter. Along the way, she uncovers family secrets and makes new connections, ultimately realizing that the present can still be shaped by the past.
Why you'll love these: These romances are warm-hearted, full of misunderstandings, andhauntingly beautiful – a perfect match for a relaxing beach vacation.
Historical Fiction for Your City Break
Immerse yourself in a novel that brings the past to life and deepens your city exploration.
**The Ladies of the House by Kate Quinn
The Plot: In 1940, four women must navigate the treacherous waters of palace intrigue, espionage, and shifting political allegiances during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I.
**Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
The Plot: During World War II, two British best friends, a pilot and a radio operator, forge a bond that brings them through adventure, danger, heartbreak, and ultimately transcends the boundaries of time and space.
Why you'll love these: These historical novels provide an engaging peek into Europe's rich history, making you feel even more connected to your surroundings as you read. If you're bold enough, why not book a visit to the places they're set and explorewith the characters' spirits guiding you.
Mystery Thrillers for a Scenic Road Trip
Keep your adrenaline pumping with an electrifying audiobook.
**A Narrow Door by David Ellis
The Plot: Hudson is a gifted surgeon set on revenge as he works to uncover the truth behind his wife's tragic death. As he pursues the miscreants, he finds a shocking revelation that could reshape the course of history.
**Proof of Life by Lisa Scottoline
The Plot: After getting a table at the hottest restaurant in Philadelphia in exchange for a simple favor, attorney Patricia Franco-Colombo discovers that her brother Nick's darkest secrets could spell disaster for everyone involved.
Why you'll love these: If you can't get enough of true crime, you'll find these nail-biting thrillers impossible to put down, even as the miles pass by.
Contemporary Stories for an At Sea Adventure
Celebrate human connection with these heartwarming novels.
**The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
The Plot: In 800s-era London, Nella awaits customers at a hidden shop where they can find solace in her powerfulapothecary powders. She offers her concoctions to anyone seeking revenge against their oppressors until a deadly mistake threatens everything she's built.
**Five Beach Reads One Summer by Jennifer Weiner
The Plot: In one summer, the lives of five women change irrevocably due to secrets they keep, daring decisions they make, and the choices they give into their own hands.
Why you'll love these: At their core, these contemporary stories are about the power of human connection, making them ideal for meeting new people and bonding over your latest read on a singles cruise.
Fantasy Reads for Off-the-Grid Stays
Lose yourself in a magical world and reconnect with nature.
**The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlton Austin
The Plot: An ancient city lost to time lies at the poles, where a race of beings known as the Arctic Gothic struggle between order and chaos. The story follows Sophie, a citizen of the city as she navigates its dangerous politics, mysteries, and uncertainties.
**The Age of RUSH by Amy Rose Capetta
The Plot: In a distant future, humanity is gone, leaving behind the last two races: the Teak and the Rainbear. After being awakened by an ancient song in the ruins, they embark on a mission to unite and save their world from destruction.
Why you'll love these: The dense world-building and vivid characters will captivate you, making your off-the-grid getaway feel all the more magical. And if peace is what you're after, these off-grid Airbnbs will provide the perfect haven for your (imaginary) fantasy adventure.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Books
Travel Lightly
- Go digital: Choose your e-reader wisely and fill it with your favorite books without sacrificing valuable space in your luggage[2].
- Explore locally: Seek out bookshops in the cities you visit and find unique gems to bring home as souvenirs.
- Swap books: Many U.S. airports have a program called Book Crossing, allowing you to take a book and pass it along to other travelers[3].
Essential Accessories
- Book Sleeve: Keep your books protected with a sturdy cover that also looks stylish.
- Reading Lamp: Portable options will illuminate your nighttime reading without disturbing others.
- Remote Control Page-Turner: The ultimate hands-free reading device for multitasking travelers.
- E-book Holder: A practical alternative for those who prefer a screen but still desire a more traditional reading experience.
Book Your Next Trip (and Protect It, Too!)
Choosing the perfect book for your vacation is just as crucial as booking travel insurance – and we don't mean for our website, pun intended! Whichever trip you choose, matching your literature to your destination will surely elevate your experience.
Protect my trip
- Embark on a literary journey with contemporary stories that celebrate human connection, perfect for meeting new people during a singles cruise or a serene off-grid getaway - The dense world-building and vivid characters in fantasy reads will transport you to a magical world, making your off-the-grid vacation even more enchanting - To protect your adventure, both figuratively and literally, consider investing in travel insurance and a reliable e-reader to lighten your load without losing your favorite books.
