I like to carve out some time to read every morning to center myself for the day, but I also love to read on long flights or road trips-only if I’m not behind the wheel. These 5 books for personal growth are perfect to toss in your bag and the kind I always go to when I need some refreshing advise. The best books are the ones that stick with us long after we’re done reading them and these five are always on my shelf. These books will move you in more ways than one and will completely elevate your self-development so that you can become a better version of you. With summer vacations just around the corner, these books should definitely make the cut when narrowing down your packing list. 
5 Books for Personal Growth to Bring on Your Travels
1. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
This book taught me the true meaning of connection and no matter my destination or the cultural boundaries that limit me. The pillars of this book have helped me learn how to embrace the messiness of life.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic taught me how to be courageous in my creativity and to remain true to myself when creating content. My creative expression is unique to me and the tools in this book have really helped me to harness them and remain true to myself.
3. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
From this book, I learned so many lessons about the journey and overcoming obstacles. Whether you’ve missed a flight, are lost in a foreign destination or have fallen into some other mishap, the takeaways from The Alchemist will help you push past your boundaries both self-imposed and not.
4. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Face your fears. These challenges were presented to you because you were meant to overcome them.
5. Grit by Angela Duckworth
Grit continues to remind me that success is about the long game. Taking challenges one step at a time will always get you further than no steps at all. This book is one that challenges you right on the spot.
Here’s hoping at least one of these novels makes it into your carry-on! I promise you won’t be disappointed. For more personal development take-aways and some inspiration to step outside your comfort zone on your next trip check out the post 7 Words I Removed From My Vocabulary.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
