Your Suitcase Called, It Wants Better Books…
The best books for every type of holiday!
Not every holiday calls for the same kind of book. The novel that feels impossible to put down on a long-haul flight might sit untouched beside a bustling hotel pool, while the slow, reflective memoir you wouldn’t normally pick up at home somehow becomes exactly what you need during a quiet weekend away. Travel changes the way we read, and the books we connect with often depend as much on the journey as the destination.
Whether you’re escaping on a city break, setting sail on a cruise, embracing a solo adventure or switching off on a beach holiday, these recommendations are chosen to match the pace, atmosphere and feeling of each type of trip.
My top picks for your next trip:
The Around-the-World Cruise
Lauren’s pick: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
When sixteen-year-old Pi Patel survives a shipwreck, he finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with only a tiger for company. What follows is an unforgettable story of survival, faith, and the power of storytelling, set against the vastness of the open sea.
Reading it while crossing oceans yourself makes the experience even more immersive, as the water becomes as much a character as Pi himself. Thought-provoking and beautifully written, it’s the kind of novel that will have you looking out at the horizon in a completely different way.
The All-Inclusive Escape
Lauren’s pick: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set over the course of one unforgettable summer’s day, Malibu Rising follows the famous Riva siblings as they prepare for their annual end-of-summer party on the California coast. As the celebrations spiral out of control, long-buried family secrets surface, making for a compelling story of love, loss and reinvention.
With its sun-soaked beaches, glamorous setting and laid-back holiday atmosphere, it’s the perfect read for an all-inclusive escape. Settle into your sun lounger with a cocktail in hand, and you’ll feel as though you’ve checked into Malibu yourself.
A Whistle-Stop City Break
Lauren’s pick: Paris for One & Other Stories
When Nell impulsively travels to Paris alone after her boyfriend lets her down, an unexpected weekend in the City of Light begins to change the way she sees herself and the world around her. The title story is joined by a collection of warm, witty, and heartfelt tales, perfect for reading in short bursts between sightseeing stops.
Whether you’re wandering cobbled streets, lingering over coffee in a pavement café or hopping on your next train, each story feels like a little escape of its own. Charming, uplifting and effortlessly readable, it’s the perfect companion for a whistle-stop city break.
A Soul-Searching Solo Trip
Lauren’s pick: The Alchemist - Paolo Coehlo
When a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago leaves home in search of hidden treasure beneath the Egyptian pyramids, he discovers that the greatest journey is the one within. Along the way, he meets unforgettable characters who challenge his beliefs, encourage him to trust his instincts, and remind him to follow his dreams.
Part adventure, part philosophical fable, The Alchemist is the perfect companion for a soul-searching solo trip, where there’s space to reflect as much as explore. Simple yet profound, it’s the kind of book that leaves you with as many questions as answers.
A Holiday Full of Adventure
Lauren’s pick: Into the Wild - Jon Krakeur
When Christopher McCandless leaves everything behind to venture into the Alaskan wilderness, he embarks on a journey of adventure, freedom, and self-discovery. Based on a true story, Into the Wild is an inspiring read for anyone embracing the thrill of the unknown on their own holiday.
Whether you’re hiking, road-tripping or exploring somewhere new, it’s the perfect reminder that the greatest adventures often begin outside your comfort zone.
A Romantic Escape
Lauren’s pick: Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding
Few books capture the excitement, awkwardness and hopefulness of falling in love quite like Bridget Jones’s Diary. As Bridget navigates disastrous dates, family expectations and her famously complicated love life, her wit and self-deprecating humour make her impossible not to root for.
It’s the perfect companion for a romantic getaway, whether you’re sharing lazy breakfasts, wandering hand in hand through a new city or simply enjoying a glass of wine on the balcony. Warm, funny and ultimately uplifting, it’s a reminder that love is rarely perfect, but that’s often what makes it worth finding.
The Digital Detox Retreat
Lauren’s pick: We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
When old friends Ash and Edi are reunited after a devastating diagnosis, they begin to reflect on the lives they’ve built, the choices they’ve made and the moments that matter most. We All Want Impossible Things is tender, funny and deeply human, exploring friendship, grief and the beauty of ordinary life with remarkable honesty.
It’s an ideal read for a digital detox, encouraging you to slow down, be present and appreciate the world beyond your screen. Gentle yet profoundly moving, it’s the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
The Family Holiday You Were Forced to Be On
Lauren’s pick: The Killer Question by Janice Hallett
Told through Janice Hallett’s signature mix of messages, emails and documents, the story invites you to piece together the mystery yourself, making it an addictive holiday read that’s hard to put down. It’s the perfect choice for the family holiday you didn’t exactly choose, offering plenty of escapism, dark humour and twists to enjoy whenever you need a little break from togetherness.
A Book is the Best Companion
The best holiday souvenirs aren’t always the ones you can fit in your suitcase. Sometimes they’re the stories that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked, forever tied to a particular beach, train journey or sunset. A great book has a way of becoming part of the trip itself, bringing back memories every time you see it on your bookshelf.
So, wherever you’re heading next, don’t just think about what to wear or where to eat. Think about what you’ll read. You never know – your next favourite book might become as unforgettable as the holiday itself.
