Books to Read on Vacation: Must-Have Reads for Your Getaway

The Priory of the Orange Tree is a sweeping standalone fantasy perfect for long trips or quiet travel days. Its dragons, magic, and political intrigue will keep you entertained for hours. However, the best part is how deeply you can dive into its lush world-building during uninterrupted travel time.

If you enjoy epic tales, this book feels like a complete adventure in one volume. Moreover, its length makes it ideal for long flights or lazy vacation mornings. You’ll finish your trip feeling like you’ve journeyed through another world alongside its fierce heroines.

Spells for Forgetting blends magical realism with a gripping mystery, making it ideal for slow vacation mornings. Its moody, atmospheric setting feels like a getaway in itself. However, the twists and secrets keep you turning pages, whether you’re on a beach or a mountain retreat.

If you love stories with a touch of magic and suspense, this one is perfect for quiet travel moments. Moreover, its smaller size makes it easy to pack and finish on a single trip. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you close it.

Fourth Wing is a fast-paced dragon rider fantasy filled with danger, romance, and unexpected twists. Its gripping plot and fiery characters make it impossible to put down during flights or poolside afternoons. However, the true standout is Xaden Riorson—a brooding, unforgettable book boyfriend fans can’t stop talking about.

If you want a story that blends high-stakes action with swoony romance, this is the perfect pick. Moreover, its short chapters and addictive pacing make it easy to devour while traveling. You’ll be thinking about Xaden long after you finish your trip.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a delightful blend of cozy academia and whimsical magic. Its journal-style narrative feels like reading secret field notes on fae lore. However, its slower, charming pace makes it perfect for quiet vacation nights or relaxing afternoons with a cup of coffee.

If you enjoy gentle humor and enchanting discoveries, this book is an ideal travel companion. Moreover, its cozy tone and short chapters make it easy to pick up between sightseeing or on a peaceful train ride. It’s like carrying a little bit of magic in your suitcase.

The Night Circus is a dreamlike, magical tale that feels like stepping into another world. Its enchanting circus setting and slow-burn mystery are perfect for quiet vacation mornings. However, the vivid descriptions and whimsical atmosphere make it feel like an experience rather than just a story.

If your vacation is about wonder and new adventures, this book is the perfect companion. Moreover, its beautifully written chapters are easy to savor while relaxing at the beach, on a balcony, or during long flights.

Caraval is a dazzling story set in a magical competition where nothing is as it seems. Its carnival-like atmosphere and fast-paced twists make it impossible to set down. However, its vivid world and addictive suspense are perfect for matching the excitement of a vacation adventure.

If you want a book that feels as fun and unpredictable as your trip, this is the one. Moreover, its short chapters and gripping plot make it ideal for reading during flights, train rides, or poolside breaks.

People We Meet on Vacation is a fun, heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance that feels like a love letter to exploring new places. The story alternates between past vacations and a present-day trip, making it perfect for getting into the travel spirit. However, it’s the charming banter and emotional depth that make it a standout beach read.

If you love stories that mix humor, heartfelt moments, and wanderlust, this one’s a perfect pick. Moreover, its easy pacing and relatable characters make it ideal for flights, poolside afternoons, or cozy evenings on your getaway.

The Guest List is a gripping whodunit set during a glamorous wedding on a remote island. The tension builds with every chapter as secrets and lies unravel. However, its short, twist-filled chapters make it easy to read in quick bursts while traveling.

If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries, this one is perfect for long flights or quiet vacation evenings. Moreover, the atmospheric setting makes you feel like you’re right there on the windswept island, piecing together the clues.

Malibu Rising is a glamorous summer story set in the 1980s, packed with family drama and sun-soaked secrets. The book follows four famous siblings during one unforgettable night of parties and revelations. However, its mix of tension and breezy writing makes it perfect for beach or poolside reading.

If you love books with strong characters and California vibes, this one feels like a vacation in itself. Moreover, the vivid coastal setting and nostalgic atmosphere make it easy to get lost in while relaxing on your trip.

The Unhoneymooners is a hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance set on a tropical getaway. When two sworn enemies have to fake being a couple, sparks fly and chaos follows. However, its playful banter and laugh-out-loud moments make it an easy book to breeze through on vacation.

If you love lighthearted romances with sunshine vibes, this one is a perfect pick. Moreover, the tropical setting and fun plot twists make it ideal for beach days, poolside afternoons, or lazy flights.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is the ultimate feel-good book for a relaxing trip. With its heartwarming story of found family and acceptance, it feels like a warm hug in book form. However, its gentle pacing and whimsical characters make it perfect for reading in peaceful moments.

If you’re looking for a story that will leave you smiling, this one is ideal. Moreover, its uplifting tone pairs beautifully with cozy vacation spots—whether you’re lounging in a hammock or watching a sunset by the ocean.