For the beach lounger: page-turners that stick
On the beach, the winning book is the one you can't put down. That means fast, plot-driven reads with short chapters and a hook that pulls you straight in – the kind of book where turning the page becomes a reflex. High-stakes thrillers and post-apocalyptic stories are ideal beach reading, because they keep working even through sun, waves and the occasional nap.
To switch off: feel-good and cosy escapes
Some people want just one thing on holiday: to unwind. This is the moment for cosy fantasy – warm, low-stakes stories set in comforting worlds, where the worst that can happen is a failed recipe. It is the literary equivalent of a hammock in the shade, and the perfect antidote to a stressful year.
For rainy days: get lost in a series
Not every holiday is sunshine. When the weather turns, a gripping romantasy is the ideal companion – big worlds, big feelings and enough pages to carry you through an entire grey afternoon. If you loved the viral dragon bestsellers, our list of books like Fourth Wing has your next holiday binge ready.
For the road trip: let audiobooks drive
Not all holiday reading happens on a lounger. On a long drive or flight, an audiobook turns dead time into story time – and works for the whole car at once. It is also the most forgiving format when the kids need attention every five minutes, because you can pick the thread straight back up. A gripping thriller or a warm cosy tale keeps everyone quiet until the next service station.
How to pack your reading list
- Mix it up: one page-turner, one feel-good read, one non-fiction book for rainy days. That way you are ready for any mood.
- Take more than you planned: you read faster on holiday. Better one book too many than a dull afternoon with nothing left.
- Match the format to the place: paperback for the beach, e-reader for hand luggage.
A tip from publishing practice: a holiday is the best cure for any reading slump. If no book tempts you at home, wait for that first beach lounger – suddenly you'll devour three in a row.
If a story still won't grab you, our guide on how to beat the reading slump will help. Browse the full Orbita catalogue for your next holiday read.