What to Read This Summer Based on Your Vacation Type

Heading out this summer and wondering which book to pack in your suitcase (or beach bag)? Whether you're camping under the stars, sipping cocktails at a luxury resort, or exploring a buzzing new city, there’s a perfect book to match the mood. Here’s your ultimate book rec list, tailored to your type of trip, so you can make the most of every page and every moment.

Beach Vacation: light, feel-good romance

You're here to soak up the sun, sip something fruity, and flip through a book that feels like a warm breeze.

Try:

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Perfect for: beach towels, tan lines, and low-effort, high-emotion reads.

City Trip: sharp, addictive page-turners

You're always on the go, café-hopping, museum-hopping, and fitting in reading between adventures.

Try:

The Last Word by Taylor Adams
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Perfect for: fast-paced reads that keep up with your energy.

Camping or Nature Getaway: cozy fantasy or atmospheric thrillers

Disconnecting from the digital world? Choose a story that feels like storytelling around a campfire, mysterious, magical, or just plain cozy.

Try:

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin

Perfect for: chilly nights, forest vibes, and a little escapism.

Luxury Resort: spicy romance & high drama

You’ve got poolside cocktails and endless hours to read, time for something addictive with a little spice and a lot of tension.

Try:

King of Wrath by Ana Huang
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

Perfect for: steamy scenes, sizzling chemistry, and zero distractions.

Backpacking Adventure: short stories or fast duologies

You’re living out of a backpack and always in transit,  so pack something short, sharp, or serialised to keep the pages turning without the baggage.

Try:

Assembly by Natasha Brown
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

Perfect for: train rides, airport delays, and reading under the stars.