My Top Beach and Plane Reads as a Solo Female Traveller
Finding the perfect book to read on the beach or plane or while stuck on a night bus can sometimes feel like a feat. To make it easier for you, here are some of my favourite reads that fit different situations and moods!
Over the past years of solo travel, I have realised that reading is one of the big joys that solo travel brings. Whether it is a quiet morning on the beach or a long plane ride across the world, diving into a fictional world has expanded my views of the real world a ton and improved my own writing.
I often spend way too much time searching for the exact right book that I feel like reading right now, so I thought you might feel the same. Here are 8 of my all-time favourite books that are fantastic reads but different enough that they should fit any mood/vibe you are looking for.
Please also leave a comment with your favourites, I am currently looking for new books to read!
This blog may contain affiliate links to support the running of the blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
My favourite books to read on the beach or on a plane
You know how some books are exciting to read, have a great story but at the same time, encourage you to think of your own life and ambitions? This was one of those for me.
Chimamanda is an incredible writer and I loved the protagonist in this story. Reading about her blog and her passion of writing somehow ignited my own again and is part of the reason this very blog has grown.
I think this makes for an incredible plane read! Most recently I have been reading mostly on my phone as I am trying to travel with only a 40l backpack, so Kindle has been a great way to still have affordable access to all the books I’d like to read.
I have read a couple of books by Jodi Picoult and really enjoyed all of them. The Book of Two Ways was one of the most recent and I think it’s a great book to read while travelling.
It delves into topics of how your choices affect who you are and what your life may look like (common themes in her books), all relevant when you are off to another corner of the world. I think I read this book in like two days, it was just that good.
Jodi Picoult has also written some amazing other books like My Sister’s Keeper and small great things, which are worth checking out.
One of my most recent reads and a fantastic read about building the life you want while not letting go of your old life. I thought the book was a great lesson about balancing different areas of your life and that one can truly have it all, at least in some ways.
As a solo, female traveller who often leaves family and friends behind to see the world, this book hit close to home in some ways and I really think I learned something from it.
You can check it out here.
If I want a book to read on the beach that is well written with a great story but still something I can put down to go exploring and it won’t feel disconnected to read on the next day (if you know, you know), then Emily Henry is always my choice.
Two of my favourites by her are Beach Read and Book Lovers, though I have read almost all of her books at this point!
This book is a little different as it isn’t a story, but a book about happiness and the secrets that lead to a happy life. While it may sound cliché and I was VERY wary before reading, it is life changing in the most real ways possible.
To this day, I apply some of the principles mentioned in the book in small ways that have improved my life, especially related to my anxiety. It is an amazing read for travellers!
You can get it here.
This book took me a second to get into, but once I did, it was such a great book for the beach. There are a lot of elements and characters to the story which keeps it super interesting and it is set in Malibu, giving you those beachy vibes.
Overall, I found this a not-too serious book that was perfect to read when I had the time. Check it out here.
If you are a traveller, an explorer, someone who likes to learn about all corners of the world – this is the book for you. I found it in a random thrift shop abroad and fell in love.
The story is set in Afghanistan and explores daily life there in the most elaborate tangle of stories from the point of view of several women. It is such a great read for my solo, female travellers!
Get it here.
This is more of a plane or bus read than beach read in my opinion, but a thrilling one. Again a thrift store find and one I picked because I had heard of the movie, but the book turned out to be a page-turner and the story was unique and hard-hitting.
While I would take some of the historical/political commentary in this book with a pinch of salt and do proper research if you are interested in the Cold War, I liked the book as it was one that kept me engaged the whole way through. And that’s what I’m really looking for in a plane read.
You can buy it here.
FAQ about Solo, Female Travel
How do I deal with loneliness while traveling alone?
When I first started solo travelling, meeting people felt super difficult. Even in hostels, everyone already seemed to be in their little groups and I was struggling. I remember being on week 3 of my Australian East Coast trip and calling my mum sobbing because I felt so lonely.
The more I solo travel, the more I have learned about loneliness and making friends. First of all, I am much more comfortable being with myself now. If I don’t find anyone to hang out with, that is okay. FOMO is sometimes still there, but I always remind myself that I am doing my best.
I usually do meet other people though. A good way is booking hostels with activities as it is SO easy to meet others during say a trivia night or a city tour. Another great way is choosing a female dorm – I often find myself bonding quicker with the girls in there. I also use Bumble BFF. That may sound awkward but I have met some of my now closest friends on there and it has been so great while travelling, especially if I am longer in one place. Finally, Facebook Groups – there are hundreds of travel groups out there and so many other solo travellers just waiting to meet you!
Sometimes though, loneliness prevails. Over the years I have learned that when the feeling refuses to leave, it is my time to go home. It’s a sign from my body that I need a break from travelling and constantly meeting new people. I need familiarity and my family. And that’s okay! Trust me, it took me a while to learn this but stopping a trip early is not failure, especially if it has already been a few months.
What are the benefits of solo travel as a woman?
I have grown immensely as a person since I have started solo travelling – in my overall confidence, trust in my own abilities and also people skills. Making friends used to be hard, now I am very comfortable talking to new people and have met so many of my closest friends while travelling. The best part about the people you meet while travelling is that they have a similar mindset to you and also often a lot to share about their own culture and traditions, meaning your worldview opens up a lot.
Travelling solo also means I get to choose where I go when, I can change plans last-minute and if I don’t like something, I will simply leave. These are all things you can’t do as much when travelling with another person. In addition, you get a lot of time for self-reflection but also to take in this new destination. I have noticed that I experience a place much more intensely when I am solo travelling, compared to when I am with e.g. friends.
Overall, I think solo travel truly changes you as a person. Once you have navigated a new country by yourself, you feel like you can do anything. I would recommend any woman to solo travel at least once in her life! Learn to trust yourself and that you don’t need anyone else to do things for you. Obviously it is nice to have someone else to rely on, but solo travel teaches you that it is not necessary – and that will change your whole perspective on life and relationships.
How do I choose affordable but safe accommodations?
The first thing I do when choosing accommodations in a new destination is research the area. Which areas are safe for tourists, especially solo travellers. There are usually lots of resources about these things. If you are unsure, you could also reach out to accommodations for advice.
Second, I usually stay in hostels or hotels that are rated well amongst solo-travellers. This is so I can meet other travellers but also so I know that the location is good etc. Hostel dorms are usually your cheapest option though some countries also have affordable AirBnBs – for those I always make sure it is a female host.
Reviews are crucial!! Check several sites such as booking, Google, Tripadvisor, etc. Some red flags are people talking about stuff being stolen, no women leaving reviews, bedbugs and any negative comments about staff. A huge red flag for me is also when a hotel responds rudely to complaints – it’s unprofessional and will probably affect you if something goes wrong.
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Hi, I'm Bell
My blog is here to show you that there isn’t one correct way to travel the world. Together, we can figure out what that means for you. Learn more about me here!
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