Summary: Today I've compiled 20 of the best travel romance books that will transport you to breathtaking destinations while weaving unforgettable love stories. Here are my top 3:
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
TOP 20: Best Travel Romance Books
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
- Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
- The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
- The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
- Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
- The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
- The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
- The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
1. Eat, Pray, Love
- Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
- About: This memoir chronicles Elizabeth Gilbert's year-long journey around the world after a difficult divorce, exploring Italy for pleasure, India for spirituality, and Indonesia for balance and love.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and personal with an engaging, conversational tone.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words (350 pages)
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Highly inspirational, promoting self-discovery and healing.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; accessible language.
- Why Read It: Offers a heartfelt blend of travel, personal growth, and romance, inspiring readers to seek their own paths to happiness.
2. Under the Tuscan Sun
- Author: Frances Mayes
- About: A memoir detailing Frances Mayes' experiences renovating an old villa in the picturesque countryside of Tuscany, Italy, where she finds love and a new sense of purpose.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and evocative with a warm, inviting narrative.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (350 pages)
- Year Written: 1996
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and charming, fostering a sense of tranquility and hope.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; engaging prose.
- Why Read It: Combines stunning descriptions of Tuscany with a heartwarming story of rebuilding life and finding love.
3. Before We Were Strangers
- Author: Renée Carlino
- About: A poignant romance that spans years and continents, following two former lovers who reconnect years after parting ways, exploring themes of destiny and second chances.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and lyrical with intertwining timelines.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words (400 pages)
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on themes of love and fate.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally intense.
- Why Read It: Offers a beautifully crafted story of enduring love and the impact of time and distance on relationships.
4. The Night Circus
- Author: Erin Morgenstern
- About: A magical romance set within a mysterious, traveling circus that appears without warning, where two young illusionists are bound in a competition that entwines their fates.
- Style of Writing: Richly descriptive with a whimsical, enchanting tone.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words (500 pages)
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Immersive and captivating, evoking a sense of wonder and magic.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; intricate and poetic.
- Why Read It: Combines fantasy and romance in a unique setting, offering a mesmerizing escape into a world of magic and love.
5. The Rosie Project
- Author: Graeme Simsion
- About: An endearing story of Don Tillman, a genetics professor with Asperger's syndrome, who creates a scientific survey to find the perfect partner, only to meet Rosie, who challenges his systematic approach to love.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and heartwarming with a quirky, unique perspective.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words (300 pages)
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Lighthearted and uplifting, with moments of genuine emotion.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; engaging and witty.
- Why Read It: Offers a charming and unconventional take on romance, highlighting the beauty of unexpected connections.
6. Outlander
- Author: Diana Gabaldon
- About: A historical romance where Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, time-travels to 18th-century Scotland, where she becomes entwined with the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser.
- Style of Writing: Detailed and immersive with a blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements.
- Length: Approximately 300,000 words (800 pages)
- Year Written: 1991
- Emotional Impact: Intense and passionate, with deep emotional connections.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; extensive historical details.
- Why Read It: Combines time travel, rich historical settings, and a powerful love story, creating a compelling and epic romance.
7. The Sun Is Also a Star
- Author: Nicola Yoon
- About: A contemporary romance that unfolds over a single day in New York City, following Natasha, a Jamaican-American teen facing deportation, and Daniel, an aspiring poet, as their lives intersect.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and poignant with alternating perspectives.
- Length: Approximately 70,000 words (270 pages)
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and heartfelt, exploring themes of fate and identity.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; lyrical prose.
- Why Read It: Offers a beautifully written love story that intertwines personal struggles with the magic of a chance encounter.
8. Love in the Time of Cholera
- Author: Gabriel García Márquez
- About: A sweeping love story that spans over fifty years, following Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza as they navigate love, loss, and destiny in a vibrant Caribbean setting.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and richly descriptive with magical realism elements.
- Length: Approximately 170,000 words (350 pages)
- Year Written: 1985
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and nostalgic, leaving a lasting impression on enduring love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; poetic and intricate language.
- Why Read It: A masterful exploration of love's endurance and transformation over time, set against a beautifully crafted backdrop.
9. The Alchemist
- Author: Paulo Coelho
- About: A philosophical romance that follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on his journey across deserts and oceans in search of his personal legend and true love.
- Style of Writing: Simple yet profound with allegorical storytelling.
- Length: Approximately 50,000 words (200 pages)
- Year Written: 1988
- Emotional Impact: Inspirational and introspective, encouraging personal dreams and love.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; accessible and meaningful.
- Why Read It: Combines a universal quest for meaning with romantic elements, offering deep insights into love and destiny.
10. A Year in Provence
- Author: Peter Mayle
- About: A delightful memoir about Peter Mayle's experiences living in the idyllic countryside of Provence, France, exploring local culture, cuisine, and unexpected romantic encounters.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and charming with vivid descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words (300 pages)
- Year Written: 1989
- Emotional Impact: Lighthearted and enjoyable, evoking a sense of warmth and charm.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; engaging and entertaining.
- Why Read It: Offers an enchanting glimpse into Provençal life, blending travel with heartwarming personal stories.
11. Me Before You
- Author: Jojo Moyes
- About: A heartwarming and tragic romance between Louisa Clark, a quirky caregiver, and Will Traynor, a wealthy man left paralyzed after an accident, exploring themes of love, choice, and personal growth.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and character-driven with poignant moments.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words (400 pages)
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression on love and loss.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally intense.
- Why Read It: Delivers a powerful love story that challenges readers to think about the complexities of relationships and personal decisions.
12. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
- Author: Rachel Joyce
- About: A moving tale of Harold Fry, a retired man who impulsively sets out on a cross-country walk across England to reconnect with a dying friend, discovering love and purpose along the way.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and heartfelt with a contemplative narrative.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (350 pages)
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Inspirational and touching, emphasizing human connections and personal journeys.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; engaging and thoughtful.
- Why Read It: Combines a journey of self-discovery with themes of love, friendship, and redemption, offering a deeply emotional experience.
13. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
- Author: Cheryl Strayed
- About: A memoir that intertwines Cheryl Strayed's personal journey of healing with her physical trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, exploring themes of loss, love, and self-discovery.
- Style of Writing: Honest and raw with vivid, descriptive passages.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (300 pages)
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Empowering and cathartic, leaving a lasting sense of resilience and hope.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally intense and introspective.
- Why Read It: Offers a powerful narrative of overcoming personal hardships through the transformative power of nature and self-exploration.
14. The Bridges of Madison County
- Author: Robert James Waller
- About: A poignant romance set in rural Iowa, following Francesca Johnson, a lonely housewife, and Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer, as they share a brief but impactful love affair.
- Style of Writing: Elegant and succinct with deep emotional resonance.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words (300 pages)
- Year Written: 1992
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression on love and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; emotionally engaging.
- Why Read It: Explores the complexities of love, duty, and the choices that define our lives, set against a beautifully crafted rural backdrop.
15. Letters to a Young Poet
- Author: Rainer Maria Rilke
- About: While not a traditional romance, this collection of letters delves into themes of love, passion, and personal growth, offering profound insights that inspire many travelers and romantics.
- Style of Writing: Philosophical and poetic with introspective reflections.
- Length: Approximately 40,000 words (150 pages)
- Year Written: 1929
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and inspiring, fostering deep introspection.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; poetic and abstract.
- Why Read It: Provides timeless wisdom on love and life, enriching readers' understanding of personal and romantic relationships.
16. The Great Alone
- Author: Kristin Hannah
- About: A gripping tale of love and survival set in the remote wilderness of Alaska, following a family seeking a fresh start while facing the harsh realities of their new environment.
- Style of Writing: Intense and vivid with strong emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words (400 pages)
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Powerful and emotional, leaving a lasting impression of resilience and love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally charged and descriptive.
- Why Read It: Combines a thrilling survival story with a deeply emotional exploration of family and love in extreme conditions.
17. The Time Traveler's Wife
- Author: Audrey Niffenegger
- About: A unique love story that follows Henry, a man with a genetic disorder causing him to time travel unpredictably, and Clare, his wife, as they navigate the challenges and depths of their relationship.
- Style of Writing: Creative and non-linear with a blend of romance and science fiction.
- Length: Approximately 150,000 words (600 pages)
- Year Written: 2003
- Emotional Impact: Deeply emotional and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on love and fate.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; complex narrative structure.
- Why Read It: Offers a distinctive and moving exploration of love's endurance amidst extraordinary circumstances.
18. Big Little Lies
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- About: Primarily a mystery, this novel features intricate romantic relationships set against the backdrop of a coastal Australian town, exploring themes of friendship, love, and secrets.
- Style of Writing: Witty and sharp with multiple perspectives.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words (450 pages)
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and suspenseful, with emotional depth in relationships.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; intertwining storylines.
- Why Read It: Combines compelling character dynamics with romantic elements, offering a captivating and multifaceted narrative.
19. The Light Between Oceans
- Author: M.L. Stedman
- About: A heartbreaking romance set on a remote Australian lighthouse island, following a couple who make a devastating decision to raise a child found adrift at sea.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and emotionally intense with rich character development.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words (400 pages)
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and tragic, leaving a lasting impression on love and morality.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; emotionally heavy themes.
- Why Read It: Explores the complexities of love, loss, and ethical dilemmas in a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story.
20. Beach Read
- Author: Emily Henry
- About: A charming romance between two writers with contrasting genres—January, a romance novelist, and Gus, a literary fiction writer—who embark on a summer of writing and unexpected love in a lakeside town.
- Style of Writing: Witty and engaging with a lighthearted, contemporary tone.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (400 pages)
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and enjoyable, leaving readers with a sense of hope and happiness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to read; fast-paced and entertaining.
- Why Read It: Combines romance with literary humor and personal growth, offering a delightful and relatable love story.
Conclusion
In my view, Eat, Pray, Love, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Before We Were Strangers are top travel romance picks. Eat, Pray, Love takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and love across Italy, India, and Indonesia. Under the Tuscan Sun enchants with its beautiful Italian countryside and heartfelt romance, while Before We Were Strangers offers a moving story of rekindled love over time and distance. These books not only transport you to amazing places but also explore deep emotional connections, making them perfect for anyone seeking both adventure and romance.
