Sometimes you don’t have to board a plane, train or bus to get to a new and exotic location. Get lost in these books that will take you abroad this summer. These are the perfect books for your upcoming staycation.

Travel to Hawaii with The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

This dynamic writing duo never disappoints. With witty characters, a charming story and a trip to Maui… what more do you need? Heartwarming and hilarious, I loved this story of antagonistic characters who find romance in beautiful Hawaii. 

Travel to the Netherlands with Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok

In Jean Kwok’s new novel, one sister is on a mission to track down her sister who has recently disappeared in the Netherlands. A page-turning mystery about a Chinese family that spans from New York to the Netherlands with sharp dialogue and family secrets… I’ll take it!

Travel to India with The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal

Estranged, British-born Punjabi sisters make the trip to India to fulfill their mother’s dying wish. From the author Balli Kaur Jaswal, whose book Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, this female-centric story is filled with the complexities of family dynamics, a rich setting, humor and beautiful writing.

Travel to New York City with City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

A dazzling, flawed, vibrant character in New York City is introduced in this book that you won’t be able to stop reading! This is an incredible read that’s perfect for the summer. If you haven’t read Elizabeth Gilbert before, it’s time to get acquainted.

Travel to the Mayan Riviera with The Last Resort by Marissa Stapley

A retreat set against the stunning backdrop of the Mayan Riviera, The Harmony Resort offers intensive therapy to struggling couples. With a focus on two couples, tension is heavy in the air as readers try to figure out if these fragile marriages will have what it takes to survive.

Travel to Greece with Honestly, We Meant Well by Grant Ginder

Honestly, We Meant Well is an intelligent story about a fractured family that goes on a vacation to the Greek Islands. As the family struggles in sunny Greece, you’ll be thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.

Travel to Montauk with Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer by John Glynn

A beautiful memoir about identity, loss and loneliness with a backdrop of a summer beach vacation in Montauk, this book is a unique summer read. The writing is beautiful and you won’t be able to stop reading until you reach the final page. 

Travel to Canada with The River by Peter Heller

A fast-paced, gripping story about two college friends that go whitewater canoeing in northern Canada, The River is a thrilling ride, proving Heller is truly a master writer!

Travel to Paris with The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer

In 1930s Paris, an American beauty goes from model to war photographer. If you love historical fiction novels based in Europe, you’ll love The Age of Light. Plus, author Taylor Jenkins Reid recommended it so what are you waiting for?

Travel to Buenos Aires with We Came Here to Forget by Andrea Dunlop

The main protagonist hops on a plane to Buenos Aires, Argentina to reinvent herself after a falling out at home that will haunt her for years to come. Dunlop is an auto-buy author for me so this is a no-brainer.

Travel to Bolivia with Into the Jungle by Erica Ferencik

An adventure in the middle of the Bolivian jungle will make you feel like you’ve been transported inside a National Geographic magazine. This unputdownable thriller is one that will take you for an adventure of a lifetime without leaving home.

Travel to Nantucket with Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

The Levin family loves to spend their summers at their grandmother’s home in Nantucket but the summer of ’69 is different as the country changes and the family’s children begin to grow up and form their own lives.

Travel to Italy with Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

A witty story with an eclectic cast of characters in the setting of an Italian resort town full of irony, coincidences and cynicism – it’s a fun read indeed for your summertime plans! 

Travel to Thailand with The Beach by Alex Garland

A story of madness filled with polarizing characters that reads at a thriller’s pace. Set against the intriguing backdrop of the beaches of Thailand, The Beach is an intoxicating novel that will have you hooked this summer.  

Travel to Australia with In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is an expert traveler and this book is filled with facts, insight and humor about the harsh but beautiful land of Australia. If you’re dreaming of taking a trip to Australia this book will take you there without you having to leave your couch!

Travel to Alaska with The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

If you want to be transported to Alaska, this is the book for you. Not only is the story mesmerizing with gorgeous writing, but by the end, you will be able to envision the landscape of this magical place.

Travel to Cape Cod with The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess

It’s the 1980s, and in beautiful Cape Cod, we spend the summer with an engaging protagonist with literary ambitions. With writers, a beautiful setting and an annual bookish party, it’s every book lover’s dream novel. 

Travel to Russia with Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips 

In the remote Russian Kamchatka Peninsula, we follow a tightly-woven community as they cope with a chilling crime against two young sisters. This incredible, multifaceted story set in Post-Soviet Russia organically shines a light on racism against natives, homophobia and Russian culture. It’s a literary mystery with beautiful writing that you won’t want to miss. 

Travel to New Orleans with Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys 

Set in 1950s New Orleans in the rich and vibrant neighborhood of the French Quarter, we follow a sharp, spirited protagonist who dreams of going to college. For a sweet Southern historical fiction novel, Out of the Easy will be your perfect summer match.

Travel to Africa with Whatever You Do: Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison

A fearless memoir about a young Australian who travels to Africa and takes a job as a safari guide, Don’t Run, Whatever You Do is an inspiring read for a staycation. Allison is a vibrant and witty master storyteller and has created a book that those with wanderlust will love. 

Travel to Sag Harbor with Drawing Home by Jamie Brenner

The perfect beach read! When an artist unexpectedly dies and leaves his estate to our main character, some residents aren’t too happy and tension begins to rise in the historic Long Island tourist town of Sag Harbor.

*Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. These picks are editorially selected, but if you purchase, She Reads may get something in return. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.