Best Books to Read While Traveling – Explore New Worlds
Traveling and reading are two of my favorite things. There’s something magical about cracking open a book or pressing play on an audiobook and getting lost in another world. As a teacher who reads about fifty books a year, I’m constantly pairing my love for reading with my travel itch. And I’m not talking about quick reads just for show; I mean stories that make you laugh, cry, gasp, or question everything when you close the cover. Whether sunbathing at the beach, curled up in a cruise ship’s library, or lounging in a cozy café in New York City, I have a book in hand. Here’s my current lineup of favorite books to read while traveling, travel tips on where to read them, and how to stock up without breaking the bank.
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Must-Read Books to Take on Your Next Trip
Light and Humorous Reads
Sometimes, you just need a laugh. Abby Jimenez is my current favorite author because her books are a delightful mix of humor, relatable characters, and clever dialogue.
If you have never read one of her books, start with Friend Zone. You’ll meet characters that make you chuckle, swoon, and want to call your best friend.
The best part? Jimenez’s books are loosely connected, so once you fall in love with one, there’s a whole universe waiting for you.
These reads are perfect for lounging at the beach or relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Epic Adventures and Fantasies
For those long-haul flights or scenic train rides, the Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros is a must.
The story of Violet Sorrengail, an unlikely dragon rider, is so gripping you’ll find yourself gasping out loud (cue the side-eye from fellow passengers).
The third book, Onyx Storm, drops in January 2025, so you’ve got time to binge-read before its release. These books are worth every star they get.
Island Escapes
Elin Hildebrand is the queen of writing books for an island escape.
Her books, typically set on Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, are perfect for a mental escape while sipping iced tea with sand between your toes.
I recommend The Five-Star Weekend, Golden Girl, or The Perfect Couple, which has now been made into a Netflix show starring Nicole Kidman.
Holiday Travel? Try This
Nicholas Sparks has a knack for tugging at heartstrings, and while his work is a hit or miss for me, The Wish was a definite hit.
I read The Wish on a flight back from NYC during Christmas, and let’s just say there may have been some tears. The story has all the feels and will leave you reaching for tissues.
It’s perfect for holiday travel when you’re feeling nostalgic and ready to soak in an emotional, heartfelt tale.
Suspense and Thrillers to Keep You Hooked
Suspenseful books are best to read while traveling because they keep your mind occupied while waiting at the airport or during long layovers.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, the same author of Big Little Lies, is one of those page-turners that keep you guessing.
The twists will make you question everything right up to the end. This book was made into a TV show starring Annette Bening, though I haven’t seen it yet.
Moriarty’s books are great because they have depth, humor, and suspense. They’re also just long enough to make a cross-country flight or a multi-day road trip pass quickly.
Sarah Pinborough’s Behind Her Eyes is another jaw-dropper.
This psychological thriller sets up what seems like a typical love triangle but quickly spins into something more twisted and dark.
It’s perfect for a quiet evening at your Airbnb when you want to be glued to your seat, every page raising more questions than answers.
Deep and Emotional Reads
Chris Whitaker’s All the Colors of the Dark is a book that I could not put down.
This book is a long read, like 600 pages long, but with very short chapters, perfect for pausing and taking in the scenery.
The well-developed characters, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the beautiful relationships will stay with you long after the last page.
Surprising Love Stories
Beth O’Leary takes what looks like a typical love triangle and turns it on its head in The No-Show.
You’ll start off feeling frustrated with the main character and then find yourself rooting for him in a way you didn’t see coming.
It’s one of those good books to read while traveling on a rainy day, at your Airbnb, or while lounging at the hotel pool.
The Things We Leave Unfinished is another book by Rebecca Yarros that I love.
This sweet and moving romance, which includes parallel stories of current love and a World War II romance told through letters, ends in an unexpected way that makes the whole book worth reading.
Stories That Bring Places to Life
One of the most exciting parts of travel is visiting places you’ve read about.
Here are some fantastic books that I recommend reading to add a whole new layer to your destination.
Read My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell before visiting Corfu, Greece. The island comes alive with stories of his quirky family.
Are you heading to New York City for the holidays? Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan makes the city sparkle with the magic of the season.
Reading it while exploring New York at Christmas is like having a personal tour guide pointing out where the story unfolds.
After reading Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone, exploring Alaska feels like stepping right into Leni’s world. The story sets the stage, making Alaska’s rugged landscapes and raw beauty more vivid.
Reading Angels and Demons by Dan Brown as you roam Rome adds a layer of intrigue when you’re tracing the footsteps of Robert Langdon.
Why Reading Makes Travel Even Better
Reading while traveling isn’t just about passing the time; it’s about bringing places to life.
There’s a certain magic when you read Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes while staring out at the rolling hills of Italy.
Or flipping through The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah as you take in the sweeping vistas of Alaska.
Suddenly, your surroundings and the story melt into one, creating an experience you’ll never forget.
I’m all about collecting these little moments—like finding a quiet spot in a Holland America cruise library with a view of the Adriatic Sea or tackling a suspenseful novel while sipping coffee in a bustling Rome train station.
These memories last long after the stories are finished.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Read While Traveling
Stocking up on new books doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Here are some travel tips for reading affordably:
- Libby App: Connect your local library card to the Libby app and access eBooks and audiobooks for free. It’s my go-to for finding the best books to read while traveling.
- Kindle & Amazon Prime Reading: Download books to your Kindle or use Amazon Prime Reading for a selection of eBooks that are included with your Prime membership.
- Audible: Audiobooks make road trips fly by. For a limited time, Audible offers the first three months for just 0.99 cents—a deal too good to pass up.
- Book Swaps: Trade books with friends or participate in book swaps at hostels or hotels. It’s a great way to discover new books to read while traveling. Hopefully, you can leave one behind for the next traveler.
- Libraries on the Go: Holland America cruise ships have libraries, which makes choosing your next read while sailing surprisingly easy. You might also be surprised to find that many hotels have libraries. I found one in Hotel Emma, a San Antonio hotel, and one in the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut.
Discover New Reads Through Social Media
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are perfect for discovering new books.
They’re filled with people sharing their latest reads, hidden gems, and must-reads for travelers.
Many of the books that have become my five-star favorites were recommendations I stumbled across in online communities. And since my reading list is always changing, there’s no shortage of inspiration for my next trip.
Community Connection
I’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to travel books or some of the best books you read while traveling?
Share your favorites so we can keep this list growing.
After all, there’s nothing better than discovering a new book that becomes a travel companion and leaves you with unforgettable memories.
