Eight Travel Books to Keep You and Your Family Busy at Home and On the Road

It’s Time to Pick Up a Good Book

Sitting at home in front of the TV once sounded like a luxury. Now, though, many of us may very well be finding ourselves running out of shows and movies to watch. It seems natural to pick up a book, but seeking out the right one can be daunting, so we’ve made it a little easier. Whether you’re at home or planning a road trip by yourself or with your family, we’ve created a list of the perfect books to keep you entertained. Let’s Read!

Solo Reads

  1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey

    Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
    Photo by Amazon.

If you’re looking for a bit of guidance, look no further than this self-help book. Each habit will capture your attention with its remarkably feasible ways to integrate themselves into your everyday life. By the end of the book, you’ll have goals to help you make the most of your days, both during and after quarantine.

  1. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
catcher in the rye book cover
Photo by Amazon.

Here’s one you might remember from your high school days. This coming-of-age novel follows the main character, Holden Caulfield, who struggles with mental health as he tries to connect with others through his misguided worldview. One of the primary themes in J.D. Salinger’s novel is isolation, which, as we know, has shown up throughout the world over the last few months. 

  1. How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free – Ernie J. Zelinski
How to Retire Happy, Wild, Free
Photo by Amazon.

If you’re in a stage of your life where retirement is near, this is the book for you. Ernie J. Zelinski’s book will take you through all the ways retirement is a new beginning, and not solely based on financial security. It discusses how to get the most out of your life after work and how to follow what you want to do rather than what you think you should be doing post-retirement. 

  1. Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
read Eat, Pray, Love book
Photo by Amazon.

This last solo read is perfect for our current climate; many of us are longing to travel, but we’re running into roadblocks. This travel memoir follows the journey of author Elizabeth Gilbert who finds herself in somewhat of a midlife crisis. She seems to have it all, yet is ridden with grief and confusion when she realizes her life isn’t going according to plan. Gilbert’s novel is one of self-discovery; it chronicles her yearlong journey around the world as she figures out who she is and what she wants out of life. 

Family Reads

  1. Last Stop on Market Street – Matt de la Peña
Last Stop on Market St. Book Cover
Photo by Amazon.

The first family-friendly book on our list covers themes of diversity, justice, and well-being. Through its creative illustrations by Christian Robinson, Newberry Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña’s story is an excellent lesson for children to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings. Just because the world looks different right now doesn’t mean we can’t teach our children to value the little things. 

  1. Love – Matt de la Peña
Love book cover
Photo by Amazon.

Although in the family genre, this next book, also by de la Peña, can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Through a combination of de la Peña’s words and bestselling illustrator Loren Long’s graphics, Love uses poetic prose not just to tell children about love but also to show and help them feel the emotion. 

  1. See You at the Campground – Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi
See you at the campground book cover
Photo by Amazon.

Thinking of planning your next family camping trip? We have the book for you. Hosts of The RV Atlas podcast and parents Stepanie and Jeremy Puglisi authored this family-friendly guide about camping and how those trips can help families connect.

 

  1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End – Jeff Kinney
Cover of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Deep End - book
Photo by Amazon.

Although not scheduled to release until October 27, 2020, this is a book your family won’t want to miss. The main character, Greg Heffley, and his family embark on a cross-country camping trip that turns awry when they find themselves stranded at an RV park. This story takes readers through how they try to save their summer vacation, or we may find out the family can’t salvage it. While you’re waiting for Jeff Kinney’s new book, you and your family can stay busy by reading the previous 14 books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. 

More Entertainment  

While we love cozying up or taking any of these books on the road with us, there’s still a place for a good movie in our hearts. If you feel the same, check out our Top Twelve Movies to Inspire Your Next Road Trip and Fuel Your Movie Marathon