Every vacation aims to transport you to a different environment, allowing you to unplug and escape reality. Whether it’s the allure of a vibrant city or the tranquility of a sunlit beach, books can provide that much-needed getaway when travel isn’t feasible.
If you’re yearning for a European escape, seeking some peaceful introspection, or craving an imaginative journey, here’s a selection of books that will whisk you away—no plane ticket necessary.
13 Books That Feel Like a Vacation
The Invitation by Lucy Foley
Set in Rome, 1953, a chance meeting at a rooftop bash leads to a passionate night. A year later, the couple reunites on a yacht sailing the Italian coast. This suspenseful tale will awaken your summer spirit and inspire thoughts of stylish silk scarves and Italian getaways.
$12.79 at AmazonThe Summer Book by Tove Jansson
This gentle narrative captures moments of a summer spent on a Finnish island between a grandmother and her granddaughter. It reveals the depth of simple joys, showcasing how life intertwines sorrow and happiness, urging us to appreciate the present with loved ones.
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
$13.08 at AmazonHow to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Spanning from New York to Los Angeles, this engaging story follows Helen and Grant, whose lives intertwine again as adults due to work. Kuang, a director and screenwriter, crafts a relatable and heartfelt love story that feels like a delightful escape.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
$9.86 at AmazonA Week at the Airport by Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton offers a unique perspective on airports in this reflective narrative. As he spends a week at Heathrow as its “writer-in-residence,” his poetic observations reveal a deeper appreciation for travel and the hidden stories behind these bustling terminals.
A Week at the Airport by Alain de Botton
$18.95 at AmazonFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you haven't yet explored Yarros' Empyrean series, now is the perfect moment. This exhilarating first installment is filled with fast-paced action, dragons, and romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
$15.90 at AmazonA Wizard of Earthsea by Ursala K. Le Guin
For those who might shy away from fantasy, Le Guin's Earthsea novels are highly acclaimed and beloved. This coming-of-age story of a young wizard offers profound insights and reflections on life, making it a timeless classic.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursala K. Le Guin
$8.99 at AmazonA Wreath for the Enemy by Pamela Frankau
This novel, set in 1954, tells the story of two teens—one from a Bohemian hotel family and the other vacationing nearby. Their evolving perspectives amid a stunning French Riviera backdrop create an engaging read.
A Wreath for the Enemy by Pamela Frankau
$12.31 at AmazonNeither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson
This witty memoir takes you on a nostalgic backpacking trip through Europe. Bryson humorously recounts his experiences from the 70s with a charming, self-reflective tone, perfect for those who miss the simplicity of travel before smartphones.
Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson
$10.99 at AmazonThe Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
This captivating narrative explores friendship on the Korean island of Jeju, diving into the lives of the haenyeo—female divers who harvest seafood. A blend of historical fiction and heartfelt storytelling that honors resilience.
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
$9.99 at AmazonFrom Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke
This heartfelt memoir recounts the author’s journey from Florence to Los Angeles to Sicily, weaving a tale of love and family. It serves as a touching reminder of the connections we forge throughout our lives.
$9.99 at AmazonSandwich by Catherine Newman
A delightful and quirky tale, this story follows Rocky, a 50-something navigating a summer in Cape Cod with her adult children and aging parents. It humorously addresses the complexities of family life and growing older.
$13.09 at AmazonHusbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
This intricate tale intertwines two timelines, exploring love and loss from post-WWII Egypt to modern-day New England. As Mallory searches for a donor for her son, Hannah confronts her own challenges, revealing the strength of womanhood.
Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
$15.23 at AmazonOutline by Rachel Cusk
If existential musings capture your interest, you’ll appreciate this narrative of a writer teaching in Athens. Cusk's lush descriptions of Greece create a dissociative reading experience, allowing for deep introspection.
$11.34 at Amazon
