A good book has the magical ability to transport you to a different world, bringing joy and relaxation akin to taking a vacation. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or curled up in your favorite reading nook, here are 15 captivating books that will make you feel like you’re on vacation.
1. The Beach by Alex Garland
Set in Thailand, this novel follows the adventures of an American backpacker named Richard in search of an idyllic and secluded beach that remains untouched by tourism.
2. On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves
This love story unfolds on a remote tropical island, following two people who survive a plane crash and must learn to navigate life together as they wait for rescue.
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Enter an enchanting world of illusion, intrigue, and wonder through the pages of this mesmerising story about a magical circus that only opens at night.
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Travel through time to 18th century Scotland in this historical fiction masterpiece that follows a 20th-century nurse who finds herself transported back in time.
5. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Embark on a soul-searching journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia with Elizabeth Gilbert as she searches for meaning after a painful divorce.
6. The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell
Explore Denmark’s secrets to happiness with author Helen Russell as she navigates her first year in this Scandinavian nation known for its high quality of life.
7. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Dive into the extravagant lives of Asia’s ultra-rich with this hilariously entertaining novel that follows family drama, romance, and lavish lifestyles across Singapore.
8. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Follow Santiago’s journey through Spain and Egypt as he searches for his personal legend and discovers the true meaning of life and love.
9. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Delight in the quirky and refreshing romance between a socially awkward genetics professor and an unpredictable woman named Rosie as they search for her biological father.
10. Midnight in Paris by Pamela Druckerman
Experience the allure of Paris through an American expat’s eyes as she dives into life, love, and work in the City of Light.
11. The Vacationers by Emma Straub
Join an American family on their two-week vacation in Mallorca as they explore their personal relationships, old secrets, and a stunning backdrop.
12. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany as author Frances Mayes restores an abandoned villa and learns to embrace Italian culture.
13. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Escape to a coastal Australian town where kindergarten drama intertwines with dark secrets, laughter, and suspenseful twists.
14. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Travel to post-WWII Guernsey where a London writer discovers a remarkable group of people who share their wartime experiences through letters.
15. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Experience life on a remote island off the California coast through the eyes of a young Native American girl who must learn to survive on her own after her tribe is forced to leave.
These incredible books offer perfect escapes into fascinating worlds, with stories that will set your imagination free and provide you with a much-needed holiday from everyday stress. So grab your favorite book from this list, settle in for a good read, and let these literary vacations begin!
