9 Wonderful Novels About Adventures Away From Home

9 Wonderful Novels About Adventures Away From Home

Things To Bring on Your Next Vacation

• Travel size toiletries that won't take up too much space
• Keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones with a laundry bag
• A money belt for easy access to cash & cards
• If you're traveling with kids, you might want to bring along some games
• Depending on your preference, either a backpack or some nice luggage
• Cozy pillows can improve any long flight or car trip
• If you're going to a country where you don't know the language, a translator can be a big help
• A travel mug for your coffee or tea

8 Great Travel Movies

1. Eat Pray Love (2010)
2. Wild (2014)
3. Tracks (2013)
4. A Good Year (2006)
5. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
6. Easy Rider (1969)
7. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
8. The Bucket List (2007)

The Key to Living a Life of Adventure

In Depth

When we're feeling stuck, sad, or stifled, there's nothing like setting sail for a new place. Some of the most enduring stories, from "Eat Pray Love" to "Under the Tuscan Sun," start with a character leaving home to explore new surroundings and cultures. If you love page-turners from all genres that feature far-off adventure, here, in no particular order, are nine wonderful books that you'll love getting lost in.

At #1, we find "The Paris Effect" by K.S.R. Burns. When Amy's best friend Kat dies of cancer, she bids farewell to the Paris adventure they'd planned years before. But as Amy tries to make sense of her friend's death, she finds that a Parisian getaway is just what she needs to snap out of her depression and start living her fullest life. Featuring a curious, questioning heroine who just wants to find her place in the world, this pick is perfect for those who love stories of self-exploration.

For #2, we find Sara Taylor's "The Lauras." Non-binary teenager Alex has always been on the run. When Alex was 13, their mother uprooted them from their lives in Virginia to start fresh. Now, as Alex and "Ma" set off on a cross country journey together, they'll learn truths about each other as they retrace Ma's complicated past. Will the journey tear them apart, or will it make them closer than ever?

When Alex was 13, their mother uprooted them from their lives in Virginia to start fresh.

In the #3 spot is Sheila O'Flanagan's "The Hideaway." When Juno's fiancee Brad dies suddenly, all his past secrets come to light. Distraught by Brad's death and the tales of his past betrayals, Juno leaves her small town for a villa in Spain. With the help of a colorful cast of characters, Juno starts to feel life returning to her body, but she's not sure if her scars will ever truly heal.

For #4, we have "In Bloom" by Katie Delahanty. Olivia Bloom decides to shake the dust of Pittsburgh off her heels and set out for glamorous Los Angeles. Once she arrives, she lands a job at a top lingerie company and starts making contact with the Hollywood elite. Despite having a rock star boyfriend and a nearly perfect life, Olivia struggles with the urge to self-sabotage. With characters that leap off the page, this book is an adventurous addition to the "new adult" genre.

At #5 is "It's Nice Outside" by Jim Kokoris. John is a weary father of three. His teenage son, Ethan, is autistic and won't ever be able to live an independent life. During the course of a road trip from Chicago to Charleston to attend his oldest daughter's wedding, John has to come to terms with his role as a family man.

His teenage son, Ethan, is autistic and won't ever be able to live an independent life.

Coming in at #6 is Tahir Shah's "Paris Syndrome." Miki was born and raised in Japan, where she falls prey to the ailment that causes thousands of Asian tourists to flock to the city of light each year. Miki fell in love with her grandfather's story of the faraway land. But when she gets a chance to travel there for real, the city overtakes her in ways both dangerous and enchanting. Will she survive her vacation, or will Paris prove her undoing?

In #7 is "Siracusa" by Delia Ephron. When two New York couples head out to Italy for a getaway, the strain proves too much for at least one of the marriages. With the Italian atmosphere causing discord between mates and encouraging passions to rise, the quartet has a tough time keeping their families intact. This thriller combines marital strife with shocking intrigue to keep readers guessing.

For #8, we have Leah Stewart's "What You Don't Know About Charlie Outlaw." Breakout actor Charlie is recovering from a rough breakup. He heads out to a remote, tropical island to regain some clarity. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Josie is preparing for a reunion of the cult TV show that made her famous back in her early twenties. But she's having trouble getting over Charlie, who is facing more danger than he anticipated on his secluded vacation.

But she's having trouble getting over Charlie, who is facing more danger than he anticipated on his secluded vacation.

Finally, at #9, we find "Life's What You Make It" by Theresa Troutman. Teenager Sebastian is on a destructive streak. He hooked up with his best friend's girlfriend, got expelled from his English boarding school, and is all but disowned by his mother. When he's sent to America to get some perspective, he meets the woman of his dreams. But has Sebastian changed enough to be worthy of her love? Fans of John Green will be enchanted by this romantic tale.