Travel Through Pages: Your Next Read Is a Novel Set on Vacation

These literary getaways will last you through the fall!

We often take books with us on vacation to read on the beach or during our travels on planes or trains. But what about the stories that unfold while on vacation? A trip–whether solo or with loved ones–is a fantastic setting for a story. And novelists have known this for decades, setting their plots against the backdrops of a serene destination, a road trip, a family beach house, and more. We put together a list of literary vacation stories that run the gamut from romance to murder–so there’s something for everyone here! 

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

Jennifer E. Smith has written more than a couple of novels about finding love while traveling (see also: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and Field Notes on Love), but The Unsinkable Greta James is about a very special vacation. Greta, an indie musician, is reeling from the sudden death of her mother and a public breakdown that jeopardizes her career. In an attempt to heal and reconnect, Greta reluctantly agrees to accompany her estranged father on an Alaskan cruise, originally planned for her parents’ anniversary. As the ship navigates through stunning wilderness, Greta grapples with her grief, her strained relationship with her father, and her uncertain future. Along the way, she finds an unexpected connection with a charming historian dealing with his own life challenges. This isn’t just any vacation: it’s a journey of self-discovery, reconciliation, and the search for Greta’s true voice.

The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Need a vacation-setting book? You can pick from Emily Henry’s entire collection! But The People We Meet on Vacation is about a particular kind of vacation: the annual trip with old friends. Poppy and Alex are two unlikely best friends: Poppy, a spontaneous and adventurous travel writer, and Alex, a reserved and bookish schoolteacher. They’ve always maintained a platonic relationship despite their deep connection, so their vacations have consistently been fun without complication–until an awkward event caused a rift between them. When Poppy realizes her happiest memories are tied to these trips, she persuades Alex to join her for one final vacation to repair their friendship. The story alternates between past and present, gradually revealing how their relationship evolved and what went wrong.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Another “annual vacation” story, Every Summer After by Carley Fortune follows the story of Persephone “Percy” Fraser and Sam Florek, who spend six idyllic summers together in Barry’s Bay in Ontario, Canada as they grow from best friends into something more. Their bond shatters after a significant mistake by Percy, leading to a decade-long estrangement. The narrative alternates between the past summers and a present-day weekend when Percy returns to Barry’s Bay for a funeral, confronting the mistakes and emotions that have haunted her. The novel explores themes of love, regret, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of first love, as Percy and Sam navigate whether their connection can survive the passage of time and the pain of their past​

Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke

Vacations aren’t always blissful. Sometimes they’re…dangerous. Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke is a suspenseful thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship and trust. The novel follows three women—Ashley, Natalie, and Lauren—who take a trip to Tulum, Mexico, to mend their strained relationships. However, underlying secrets and unresolved tensions surface, leading to escalating conflicts. When Ashley disappears after a night out, Natalie and Lauren must piece together the events of the evening, all while grappling with their own guilt and mistrust. The story unfolds through alternating timelines, revealing the complex dynamics and mistrust among the women, and raising questions about betrayal, guilt, and the true nature of their friendships. 

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

A vacation with a touch of magical realism? Add an Italian vacation destination and we are in. In One Italian Summer, Katy is grieving the loss of her mother, Carol, who was her best friend and guiding light. Struggling with her grief and unsure of her future, Katy embarks on the mother-daughter trip to Positano, Italy, that they had planned together. Upon arrival, Katy is astonished to encounter a younger version of her mother, alive and vibrant. This magical experience allows Katy to explore her mother’s past, uncover hidden secrets, and gain a deeper understanding of her own life. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, the novel beautifully intertwines themes of love, loss, and self-discovery as Katy learns to navigate life without her mother while finding herself along the way. Tip: if you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, Lauren Graham narrates the audio book.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

The classic road trip novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, is a chaotic tale of a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas undertaken by journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo. The novel blurs the line between reality and hallucination as the protagonists plunge into a surreal and nightmarish journey through the city’s seedy underbelly. Set against the backdrop of 1970s counterculture, the story serves as both a darkly comedic adventure and a scathing critique of the hedonism, greed, and disillusionment that characterized the era. Through its wild, frenetic narrative and biting social commentary, the novel remains a powerful and influential work in American literature.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

A tale of a vacation gone horribly wrong, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith is a twisted psychological thriller. Tom Ripley, a young man with a talent for forgery, impersonation, and deceit, is hired by a wealthy businessman to bring his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, back from Italy. Upon arrival, Dickie invites Tom to stay with him in his Italian villa, and Tom becomes enamored with the lavish lifestyle he finds there. As his envy, obsession, and ambition spiral out of control, Dickie and Tom take a holiday excursion to San Remo–and a chilling event occurs that changes everything. Highsmith’s novel is a masterful study of a charming yet deeply disturbed protagonist.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

A destination wedding is a great excuse for a vacation, right? Maybe not…The Guest List by Lucy Foley is a captivating suspense novel set on a secluded Irish island, where the wedding of a high-profile couple quickly devolves into a nightmare. The guests all harbor their own hidden motives and past grievances. As a storm rages outside, the tension among the guests reaches a boiling point. Through shifting perspectives, the novel reveals a web of secrets and betrayals that culminate in a shocking murder. The narrative keeps readers guessing, peeling back layers of deceit and intrigue with every twist and turn. You’ll be on edge, longing for a more relaxing vacation to recover!

The great thing about vacation books is that you can read them to escape at any time–even when your feet are firmly planted at home! What are your favorite vacation-set books? We want to hear about them in the comments to add to our TBR piles!

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