One of the benefits about traveling is stepping outside of your normal routine and having time to spend on the little things, like reading a good book. Whether you need a way to pass a long flight or your vacation creates some free time to relax, reading gets the job done! Books are the best travel companions, giving you an opportunity to unplug and unwind.
For a chance to immerse yourself in a different world and maybe even learn something new, check out these 5 books to take on your next trip.
1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Boder
A heartbreakingly beautiful story that follows the lives of a blind French girl and orphaned German boy through World War II.
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
An easy and touching read about family, loyalty, and hope, from the perspective of a dog.
3. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
An exciting drama that inspired the HBO series about 3 mothers whose lives unravel to the point of murder.
4. In the Woods by Tana French
A consuming mystery novel about a pair of Irish detectives and their investigation of the murder of a twelve-year-old girl.
5. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
A captivating book chronicling a young slave’s experiences as she makes a desperate attempt for freedom in the pre-Civil War era.
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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
