I’ve wanted to write about some of the best books of 2026 to take on your travels for a while, especially considering I spent the best part of my travels around Central America and Argentina carrying three books around in my backpack (and they were certainly not lightweight reads). Yes, a Kindle would have been much easier, and of course you can download all of these books digitally, but I’m someone who loves the feeling of turning real pages and taking a break from staring at a screen, even if it did result in some rather aching shoulders.

The 5 best books of 2026 to take on your travels

Some of these books I read while travelling, and others I read back home in the UK. However, each one has a connection to travel in its own way which is why I believe they’re some of the best books to take on your travels. Some transport you to a different country and culture, some offer a deeper understanding of a nation’s history, and others are simply the perfect books to get lost in during a long bus journey, a beach day, or a quiet afternoon in a hostel hammock

So, if you’re searching for the best books to take on your travels, here are my five recommendations. Happy reading!

First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung

I first watched the film adaptation after it was recommended to me by a couple I met on an overnight bus in Southeast Asia when I mentioned I was considering skipping Cambodia. The story was so powerful that it completely changed my travel plans, and I eventually visited Cambodia, where I had the privilege of meeting Bou Meng, a survivor of the Cambodian genocide.

First They Killed My Father is Loung Ung’s heartbreaking memoir, told through the eyes of her five-year-old self as the Khmer Rouge rise to power in Cambodia in the 1970s. The book follows her childhood, the devastating separation from her family, the starvation and brutality inflicted under the regime, and her eventual escape to the United States.

What stayed with me most was the way Ung writes about family, particularly the bond she shares with her father. Amidst unimaginable suffering, the love and connection between her family members make the story even more moving. It is not an easy read, but it is one that will stay with you long after you finish the final page.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Another book I think is one of the best books to take on your travels, introduced me to a part of history I sadly knew very little about, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a powerful historical fiction novel that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila.

Set against decades of Afghanistan’s changing political landscape, from the Soviet invasion to the rise of the Taliban, the novel explores friendship, resilience, love, and survival in the face of oppression.

One of the aspects I loved most was Hosseini’s vivid descriptions of Afghanistan, its landscapes, and the everyday realities of life for ordinary people during periods of conflict. It is a beautifully written, emotional novel that provides both an unforgettable story and a greater understanding of a country’s recent history.

The Wrong Knickers by Bryony Gordon

Although this one is not a travel book, it is the perfect companion for anyone feeling slightly lost in their twenties or thirties, whether you’re at home or figuring life out on the other side of the world.

In this hilarious and brutally honest memoir, Bryony Gordon reflects on her chaotic twenties in London, filled with questionable decisions, hangovers, heartbreak, anxiety, and the pressure of trying to become the person she thought she was supposed to be.

What makes this book such a brilliant travel read is Gordon’s ability to combine difficult experiences with humour. It’s funny, relatable, and reassuring, particularly during those moments of solo travel when you inevitably start questioning your own life choices.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

I picked up The Housemaid in WHSmith at the airport after seeing it everywhere and wanting to understand the hype. Two days later, I had finished it and I think it’s one of the best books to take on your travels due to how easy it is to read.

The novel follows Millie, a young woman recently released from prison who takes a job working as a housemaid for the wealthy Winchester family. But behind the doors of their beautiful home, something is very wrong.

It is fast-paced, creepy, and packed with twists that make it almost impossible to put down. At times it can feel slightly predictable or a little simple, but honestly, that’s exactly what makes it such a great holiday read. For those days when you want to relax on a beach, spend a quiet afternoon in a hostel, or recover from a long travel day, this is the perfect page-turner.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

In a world where it can feel like everyone around you is achieving milestones before you whether that’s finding their dream job, buying a house, getting married, or settling down, Everything I Know About Love offers a refreshing reminder that life rarely follows a straightforward timeline.

Dolly Alderton’s memoir of friendship, heartbreak, growing up, and navigating your twenties is incredibly relatable. She explores the messy parts of becoming an adult with warmth, honesty, and humour.

For me, this is the kind of book that feels like a conversation with an old friend. Whether you’re reading it in your childhood bedroom or on a beach thousands of miles away, it gently reminds you that you’re not alone in wondering whether everyone else has life figured out.

What are your favourite books to take travelling?

I’d love to know the recommendations you have for the best books to take on your travels, which books you always pack in your backpack or the ones you save for long journeys. Whether it’s a gripping thriller, an inspiring memoir, or a novel that transports you somewhere completely different, leave your recommendations below, I’m always looking for my next travel read. ❤️