One of the things I look forward to most is lounging by the pool or beach with a good holiday book on a warm summers day! Can you relate? Maybe it’s personal preference, but I think there’s nothing that says I’M. ON. VACATION more than sitting down with a captivating book – something fun, travel related (of course) and easy to read while sipping on an iced coffee – or aperol spritz, whatever takes your fancy!
So let’s get to it – here’s my five non-fiction recommendations that I’m sure you’re going to love!
Need a new kindle for the beach? Have a look at this Kindle Paperwhite.
FIVE BEST HOLIDAY READS
WHEN IN ROME by Penelope Green
When In Rome is one of my all-time favourite books written by Penelope Green, an Australian who relocated from vibrant Sydney to the most historical and romantic city in the world: Rome. This inspiring Italian memoir is just like reading a friend’s email detailed with fun adventures and some very highly relatable dating dilemmas – the language and house share stories are particularly great!
If you’ve ever fantasized about starting a new life in a beautiful country (yes please) thousands of miles away from home with no real plan or language skill then this book is made for you! There’s also a blog (heartrome) with up to the minute restaurant, bar and café reviews plus a second book to get stuck into called See Naples and Die.
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LUNCH IN PARIS by Elizabeth Bard
Lunch In Paris is your classic summer romance book – with a twist. Centered around Paris the New York author paints an amazing picture of the city with all the extra little details she writes about and in-between there’s a whole lot of straight-talking, romance and delicious sounding French cuisine.
It’s the perfect treat for anyone who actually believes in fate – who knew that lunch in Paris with a handsome Frenchman could actually be a life changing experience? A hopeful memoir (probably the right word to use here) peppered with recipes at the end of each chapter.
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A YEAR IN PROVENCE by Peter Mayle
I have to include this classic best seller onto the holiday reading list! I completely devoured this easy-going book in two days – whilst sunbathing in Spain actually and could really picture every scenario just like a film. A Year in Provence is definitely worthy of the hype, it has detail, wit and quirky descriptions – all the way through!
Expect an honest account of the French countryside and the humorous restoration of a 200 year farm house – season by season. I absolutely loved reading this story and if you like paper books, it’s slim enough to slot into any sized beach bag.
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Going on a trip soon? You might like to read what else I take along to the beach or pool for a relaxing day! From sound-proof head phones to sand-free towels, find out HERE.
TOUT SWEET by Karen Wheeler
Tout Sweet – Hanging up my high heels for a new life in France is the first hilarious memoir written by former fashion editor Karen Wheeler. It’s thanks to this book and the unbelievable writing that I can totally imagine what it’s like to visit someplace idyllic then on a whim decide to live there!
I was instantly hooked on this French adventure, including all the quirky characters that drop in and out of each chapter. I read this first book and the next three in quick succession, they are completely un-put-downable!
TIP! Make sure you read them in the correct order!
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FINDING MYSELF IN PUGLIA by Laine B Brown
Finding myself in Puglia is a charming journey of self discovery under the warm Southern Italian sun – isn’t that the dream? This is another one of those enviable female travel memoirs, where I found myself thinking maybe I should throw caution to the wind and move to Italy, where everything sounds pretty.
There’s more to this story though as the author sets out on a mission to write a book (this one), learn a new language (Italian of course) and make friends with someone other than her beloved Basset Hound! This book is so much fun, a must holiday read!
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READ: 10 SUMMER BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS
As you may now have discovered – seeing as I’ve written this post, I take my holiday reading material seriously (I always have at least three books to read on the shelf) and spend hours browsing the net to find the best for my precious day’s at the beach! Do you have a favourite holiday book or two to share? Please leave me your comments and recommendations below.
READ MORE FEMALE TRAVEL TIPS
- THE ULTIMATE CARRY-ON CHECKLIST
- TRAVEL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
- 12 SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL TIPS
- 10 SUMMER BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS
- HOW TO STAY HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY
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