Whether you’re gearing up for a Spring Break trip or daydreaming about your next Euro Summer, there’s no better way to kick off a trip than with a great book for your plane ride. I’ve got some favorite reads that take place in different locations around the world so that you can be transported before you even arrive. Don’t overlook the plane ride during your travel planning – let’s dive into some of my favorite book recommendations by destination!
Greece
Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a modern retelling of the story of Achilles, narrated by his lover, Patroclus. It follows their deep bond from childhood to the battlefields of Troy, exploring love, fate, and sacrifice amid the brutal realities of war. The writing in this book is mesmerizing and completely transports the reader to Ancient Greece.
New York City
The Sweet Spot
The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel is a lighthearted read about three women who’s lives become intertwined in Greenwich Village in New York City. Filled with humor and charm, the story explores family, friendship, and the messiness of life, proving that sometimes the most unexpected connections lead to the sweetest outcomes.
Mexico City
They’re Going to Love You
They’re Going To Love You by Meg Howrey teeters between New York City and Mexico City. This book is absolutely beautiful, there’s no other way to describe it. The reader follows Carlisle, a dancer and choreographer, as she navigates the fractured relationship with her father and his partner.
London
The Rose Code
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn is a stunning historical fiction novel that focuses on three women who were working at Bletchley Park in London breaking the German codes during World War 2. The author takes us back and forth between World War 2 and the royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. This one is a bit longer at about 600 pages, but it’s an amazing read.
Palm Springs
The Guncle
The Guncle by Steven Rowley is an adorable, fun read. We read about a former sitcom star turned unexpected guardian to his young niece and nephew after a family tragedy. As โGUPโ (Gay Uncle Patrick), he navigates grief, healing, and family dynamics with plenty of sass. Itโs a touching story about love, loss, and finding strength in family.
Paris
The Nightingale
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is an incredibly powerful and moving novel set in Nazi-occupied France during World War 2. It follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as one fights for survival at home while the other risks her life with the Resistance. This is one of our favorite books ever and is sure to stick with you for years to come.
These are just a few of my favorite plane reads! By the time you land, you’ll have more context and more of a connection to your upcoming destination. If you want to save space in your suitcase, get a Kindle! I’ve always left my books at Airbnbs and hotels for other readers to shed weight along my travels, but having a Kindle really does change the game.
I’m always looking for my next book, so please comment your favorite book recs down below!
