Sometimes, the best getaway isn’t a plane ticket—it’s a really good book. If you’re craving palm trees, cobbled lanes, or spontaneous road trips but can’t drop everything for a holiday, these books that feel like a vacation will do the trick. They whisk you away from the everyday and drop you into sun-drenched towns, dreamy coastlines, and adventures that smell of sunscreen and fresh air.
From heartfelt romcoms and breezy summer tales to offbeat travelogues and philosophical journeys, we’re serving up 13 stories for wanderers at heart. This one’s for holiday-goers, armchair travellers, and anyone whose soul itches for new sights and stories.
The Ultimate Literary Boarding Pass
No boarding pass, no problem. Whether you’re beach-bound or sofa-stuck, these books that feel like a vacation are your passport to somewhere unforgettable.
By Emily Henry
Two best friends, ten summer trips, one love story that sneaks up on them. Poppy and Alex’s escapades across vacation destinations—from beachy getaways to chaotic city breaks—capture the magic of travel and the heartache of what-ifs. Sun-soaked, witty, and full of longing.
By Che Guevara
Before he was a revolutionary, Che was a 23-year-old on a road trip across South America. This diary is all wanderlust, wild terrain, and youthful discovery. A reflective ride through breathtaking landscapes and bigger questions—perfect for a deep vacation mood.
A hilarious and quirky account of group tours across India and beyond. From temple towns to bizarre travel companions, this travelogue is your all-access pass to the chaos and charm of group tourism. Light, laugh-out-loud, and utterly relatable.
A timeless classic of three men (and a dog) attempting a leisurely trip up the Thames—with absurd results. This Victorian travel misadventure is comic gold and an ideal pick if your idea of a holiday includes laughter and lightness.
By Nina George
Set in the sun-kissed south of France, this tale of a girl who finds solace and connection in books is heartwarming and whimsical. It’s like strolling through lavender fields with a charming bookshop tucked nearby—pure holiday in pages.
Set in 1970s Cyprus, this is a poignant tale of love, loss, and upheaval during political conflict, all set against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop. The descriptions transport you straight to sun-drenched shores even as history unfolds.
Four English women escape their dreary lives for a month in an Italian castle. The result? Blossoming friendships, self-discovery, and plenty of pasta. A classic feel-good escape filled with charm, citrus groves, and soul-soothing scenery.
By K.L. Walther
A family wedding on Martha’s Vineyard turns into a game of love and secrets. With summer vibes, soft romance, and lots of water fights, it’s the kind of read that feels like a sunny afternoon with a lemonade in hand.
By Jack Kerouac
A beatnik classic that defined a generation. Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty criss-cross post-war America, hitching rides and chasing freedom. A wild, poetic, restless read that’s made for road trip dreamers and free spirits.
Lila’s summer plans go awry, but life has other adventures in store. A warm, feel-good read set in a dreamy beach town, this book is a slice of summer cake—light, sweet, and unexpectedly comforting.
By Lucy Foley
A glamorous journalist is invited to cover a luxury yacht journey along the Italian Riviera. Romance, secrets, and drama unfold under golden sunsets—making this mystery-drama feel like a luxurious European escape.
By Bill Bryson
Curated by the king of humour-filled travel writing, this anthology features stories from around the world—from the bizarre to the beautiful. Each essay is a quick, immersive journey—ideal for bite-sized vacation feels.
Books are the best kind of windows—they show you the world, one page at a time. This list of books that feel like a vacation includes both fiction and non-fiction, each story a passport to somewhere unforgettable.
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