Best Books to Read While Traveling
There’s something magical about getting lost in a good book while traveling. Whether you’re waiting at an airport, relaxing on a beach, or unwinding in your tent after a day of hiking, the right book can transport you even further than your physical journey. At Camp New York, we believe that the best books to read while traveling enhance your adventures and create lasting memories.
We’ve curated this collection of travel-friendly reads across various genres to suit different trips and reading preferences. From lightweight paperbacks perfect for backpacking to immersive stories that complement your destination, these books will be your faithful companions on the road.
Why Reading Enhances Your Travel Experience
Reading while traveling isn’t just about passing time—it’s about enriching your journey in ways you might not expect. A good book can provide context for your destination, inspire you to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, or simply offer a moment of peaceful reflection amid the excitement of travel.
Many travelers find that the books they read on their journeys become forever linked with those experiences in their memories. That novel you devoured on a train through Europe or the memoir you read while camping in the Adirondacks becomes part of the travel story itself.
Finding the perfect reading spot makes your travel experience even more memorable
Practical Tips for Reading While Traveling
Physical Books vs. E-Readers
While there’s nothing like the feel of a physical book, e-readers like Kindle or Kobo can store thousands of books without adding weight to your luggage. They’re also backlit for reading in low light—perfect for camping! If you prefer physical books, paperbacks are lighter than hardcovers and can be exchanged at hostels or little free libraries along your journey.
Audiobooks for Active Adventures
When hiking trails or driving between destinations, audiobooks keep your hands free and your mind engaged. Services like Audible or Libby (which connects to your library card) offer thousands of titles you can download before heading to areas with limited connectivity. They’re perfect companions for long drives through the scenic New York countryside.
Choosing the Right Book Length
Consider your trip duration when selecting books. Short story collections or novellas work well for weekend getaways, while epic novels or series might be better for extended journeys. Always have a backup book (or several on your e-reader) in case you finish faster than expected or your selection doesn’t grab you.
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Light Reads for Short Trips
When you’re on a quick weekend getaway or need something you can easily pick up and put down between activities, these lighter reads are perfect travel companions. They’re engaging enough to hold your attention but won’t demand hours of uninterrupted focus.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This charming contemporary romance follows two best friends who take annual vacations together. With its witty dialogue and vacation settings, it’s the perfect light read to enjoy while traveling. The story jumps between past trips and the present, making it easy to read in short bursts between your own adventures.
Fiction Romance Contemporary
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s memoir of his road trip across America with his poodle Charley is divided into short, digestible chapters perfect for picking up between activities. His journey includes beautiful descriptions of New York State, making it especially relevant for visitors to the region. The episodic nature makes it ideal for reading in short bursts.
Non-fiction Memoir Classic
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This beloved fable about following your dreams is both short and profound—perfect for contemplative moments during travel. The story of a shepherd boy on a journey to find treasure resonates deeply with travelers. Its simple prose and philosophical insights make it easy to digest in short reading sessions while offering food for thought.
Fiction Fable Philosophy
Finding a peaceful spot by an Adirondack lake creates the perfect reading environment
Epic Journeys for Long Hauls
For extended trips or those long transoceanic flights, you need books that can fully immerse you in another world. These epic reads will keep you engaged for hours and might just make you forget you’re in transit altogether.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
This 900+ page novel about an Australian fugitive who finds a new life in the underworld of Bombay is the ultimate immersive travel read. Its rich descriptions of India and complex characters will transport you completely. The length makes it perfect for long journeys, and many travelers report this book changing their perspective on travel itself.
Fiction Adventure Cultural
The Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo
Follow Jessica Nabongo’s journey as she becomes the first Black woman to visit every country in the world. This travelogue is filled with stunning photography and fascinating stories from both popular destinations and rarely-visited countries. The episodic nature allows you to read it in sections, but you’ll likely find yourself unable to put it down.
Non-fiction Travel Photography
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
This defining work of the Beat Generation chronicles Kerouac’s road trips across America and Mexico. Its stream-of-consciousness style and themes of freedom and discovery resonate deeply with travelers. Kerouac’s journey includes significant time in New York, making it especially relevant for visitors to the state who want to connect with its literary history.
Fiction Classic Americana
Travel Memoirs to Inspire Your Journey
Sometimes the best travel companions are stories of others who have embarked on remarkable journeys. These memoirs will inspire your own adventures while giving you insight into different cultures and travel philosophies.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Strayed’s memoir of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a solo female traveler with no previous experience is both harrowing and inspiring. It’s particularly resonant for those embarking on outdoor adventures or solo trips. Her honest portrayal of both the physical and emotional challenges of the journey makes this a transformative read for many travelers.
Non-fiction Memoir Hiking
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Bryson’s humorous account of hiking the Appalachian Trail is perfect for anyone interested in outdoor adventures in the eastern United States. The trail passes through New York State, making this particularly relevant for visitors to the region. His self-deprecating humor and fascinating historical asides make this both entertaining and informative.
Non-fiction Humor Hiking
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Another Bryson classic, this exploration of Australia combines humor with fascinating facts about the country’s history, wildlife, and culture. Bryson’s accessible style makes complex information entertaining, and his sense of wonder at the natural world is contagious. It’s the perfect read for long flights to distant destinations.
Non-fiction Humor Australia
A perfect evening in the Catskills: camping, books, and nature
Books That Enhance Your Destination
Reading books set in your destination can deepen your connection to the place and provide cultural context that guidebooks often miss. Here are some recommendations for popular travel destinations, including New York State.
Here is New York by E.B. White
This timeless love letter to New York City captures the essence of the metropolis in just 56 pages. Written in 1949, White’s observations remain remarkably relevant today. It’s the perfect companion for visitors to NYC, offering insights that will enhance your experience of the city. The slim volume is easy to carry in a day bag while exploring.
Non-fiction Essay New York
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set on Long Island’s North Shore, this classic novel brings to life the Jazz Age in New York. Reading it while visiting the region adds a fascinating historical dimension to your trip. The novel’s exploration of the American Dream remains relevant, and its vivid descriptions of New York in the 1920s will enhance your appreciation of the state’s history.
Fiction Classic New York
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
This novel moves between a tiny coastal village in Italy in the 1960s and modern-day Hollywood. It’s the perfect read for travelers to Italy, capturing the magic of the Italian Riviera. The story’s exploration of dreams, disappointments, and second chances resonates with many travelers, and the vivid descriptions of the Italian coast will enhance your appreciation of the region.
Fiction Italy Historical
Books for Outdoor Adventures
For those camping in New York’s beautiful state parks or hiking the Adirondacks, these books celebrate the natural world and outdoor adventures. They’re perfect companions for evenings around the campfire or mornings watching the sunrise from your tent.
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
This collection of essays about conservation and the natural world is perfect for reflective moments in natural settings. Leopold’s observations about the changing seasons and wildlife will enhance your own observations of nature during your camping trip. His land ethic philosophy has influenced generations of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Non-fiction Nature Essays
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge in this celebration of our relationship with the natural world. Reading this while camping in New York will deepen your connection to the land and its history. Her beautiful prose makes complex ecological concepts accessible and inspiring.
Non-fiction Nature Indigenous
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
This classic adventure novel about a dog named Buck who is stolen and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon is the perfect fireside read during camping trips. London’s vivid descriptions of the wilderness and survival will resonate with outdoor enthusiasts. The short length makes it perfect for a weekend camping trip in the Adirondacks or Catskills.
Fiction Classic Adventure
Finding a quiet reading spot by a waterfall in the Finger Lakes region
Best Audiobooks for Road Trips
When driving through New York’s scenic byways or hiking its beautiful trails, audiobooks keep your hands free while your mind travels. These selections feature engaging narrators and stories that work particularly well in audio format.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Noah’s memoir about growing up in South Africa during apartheid is brilliantly narrated by the author himself. His ability to perform different accents and languages makes this audiobook exceptional. The episodic structure works perfectly for road trips, as each chapter stands alone while contributing to the larger narrative.
Non-fiction Memoir Audiobook
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain
This audiobook features Bourdain’s voice from archival recordings alongside narration by Laurie Woolever. It’s a fitting tribute to the beloved traveler and a great way to experience his unique perspective on destinations around the world. The episodic nature makes it perfect for dipping in and out during different segments of your journey.
Non-fiction Travel Audiobook
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (narrated by Tom Hanks)
This novel about siblings, their childhood home, and family dynamics is elevated by Tom Hanks’ warm, engaging narration. His storytelling makes long drives feel shorter and creates an immersive experience. The story’s exploration of home and belonging resonates with many travelers reflecting on their own sense of place.
Fiction Family Audiobook
Books with a New York Connection
For visitors to New York State, these books will enhance your understanding of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene wilderness of the Adirondacks, these reads capture the diversity of the Empire State.
Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe
This satirical novel captures the excesses and social divisions of 1980s New York City. Reading it while visiting NYC provides fascinating context for how the city has changed—and how some issues remain. Wolfe’s detailed descriptions of different neighborhoods make this a literary companion to exploring the city’s diverse areas.
Fiction New York Satire
Woodstock: Three Days that Rocked the World
This illustrated history of the legendary 1969 music festival is perfect for visitors to the Catskills region. The book combines photographs, interviews, and essays to capture this pivotal cultural moment. Reading it while camping in the area where the festival took place creates a unique connection to this piece of American cultural history.
Non-fiction Music New York
Forever Wild: A Cultural History of Wilderness in the Adirondacks
This exploration of the Adirondack Park’s history and conservation is essential reading for visitors to this magnificent wilderness area. The book explains how this unique “forever wild” preserve came to be and why it remains so important. Reading it while camping in the Adirondacks will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable protected landscape.
Non-fiction History New York
Finding a quiet reading spot in Central Park offers a perfect blend of nature and city
Practical Considerations for Travel Reading
Protecting Your Books
When traveling with physical books, consider these tips to keep them in good condition:
- Use a waterproof book cover or ziplock bag for beach or camping trips
- Pack books in the center of your bag, away from items that might leak
- Consider bringing books you’re willing to leave behind or exchange
- For valuable books, reinforcing the spine with book tape before travel can prevent damage
Finding Books While Traveling
Running out of reading material? Here are some ways to find new books on the road:
- Look for Little Free Libraries in neighborhoods (there are many throughout New York State)
- Visit local independent bookstores for regional literature and recommendations
- Check hostel or hotel book exchange shelves
- Download e-books from your local library using apps like Libby or Hoopla
A well-prepared traveler always has reading options ready for the journey
Your Journey, Your Story
The best books to read while traveling are those that resonate with you personally and enhance your journey. Whether you prefer losing yourself in fiction, gaining insights from memoirs, or learning about your destination, the right book can become an integral part of your travel experience.
As you explore New York’s diverse landscapes—from the vibrant streets of Manhattan to the tranquil forests of the Adirondacks—we hope these reading recommendations enrich your adventures. The books you read while traveling often become souvenirs of the mind, forever linked with the memories you create.
What are your favorite books to read while traveling? Have you discovered any literary gems during your journeys? Share your recommendations in the comments below or tag us on social media with #CampNYReads!
Plan Your Reading Adventure in New York
Discover the perfect camping spots in New York State where you can enjoy your favorite books surrounded by nature.