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Book Lovers: Vacation Reads

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:03:44 GMT

Books to Bring on Vacation

Vacations are places to relax and unwind from life’s stressors and packed schedules. Sometimes catching up on your TBR list (To Be Read) can seem like a daunting task when it’s a mile deep. That’s why vacations are a perfect opportunity to catch up on your carefully selected books of choice. From swash buckling pirates to historical romances, books can provide you with a means to escape, even while on a remote beach sipping unlimited cocktails.

For those avid readers who prefer physical copies of their favorite novels, like me, you might find yourself bound by the constraints of your suitcase or carryon. It may be wise to invest in a reading tablet or downloading your favorite books and intended TBR selection to your phone. Occasionally, you might get lucky and your favorite author creates some mini books that you can tote anywhere (Thank you Sarah J. Maas). But if this isn’t you, and you’re traveling light, then digital books or audiobooks may be for you.

While I love some Fantasy Romance, I also enjoy and recommend some Classics and Historical Fiction for your reading pleasure. Those will be farther down, so keep scrolling! (Amazon affiliated links)

Fantasy/Romance Genres:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)

An in-depth series, affectionately called ACOTAR, that can suck you in from the first few pages. Fall in and out of love while rooting for the main heroine in this delectable series featuring human and fae conflict, love, and friendship. Experience astounding world-building, with hidden “easter eggs”, that connect across a multi-universe with sister-series Throne of Glass and Crescent City.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao (2025)

A twisting, dark fairy tale that was hauntingly beautiful by the end. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down, and it is now one of my all-time favorites. It starts in a magical pawnshop and takes you through a Studio Ghibli style adventure that you are bound to remember forever.

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card (1999)

The first non-Young Adult fantasy I ever read that opened my eyes to a reading world of truly imaginary places, people, and intrigue. I was never the same. By the author of Ender’s Game and the Lost Boys, this well-crafted fairy tale gets its origins from Sleeping Beauty brought into the modern era.

Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (2023)

First in a series, this laugh-out-loud fantasy romance is truly one-of-a-kind. When an unemployed Evie quite literally runs into the most notorious villain, who then offers her a job, who is she to refuse? Of course, chaos ensues. Complete with a hot boss and a talking frog, expectations are out the window.

Mystery/Romance:

Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutano (2021)

This was a laugh out loud romper that I was not expecting to come into my life. I was definitely in a reading slump before I was pleasantly pulled into the humourous shenanigans of 4 meddling, but helpful(?), Aunties. A tad bit of romance thrown in and it’s a great vacation read!

Mystery/Thriller:

Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera (2024)

A young women grows up thinking she murdered her best friend, but did she? Enter podcaster, Ben Owens, who is searching for the truth; because everyone thinks she did it, and the lie is in the details. Perfect for a quick read or your next flight’s audiobook.

Horror/Thriller/Fantasy:

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires (2020)

I picked this up at an airport for my cross-country flight and almost finished it by the time we landed. I felt so many things while reading this, including fear and anxiety, due to MANY unexpected circumstances…like gore non-chalantly tossed in when you least expect it. Thank you, vampires. But also, vindication and justice for the housewife heroine’s who are tough as nails. I got the creeps plenty of times and even had to pause reading for a bit **trigger warnings** before I could finish it. Overall, this hit the mark in terms of a horror/thriller for my trip.

Science Fiction:

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi (2015)

Traveling to the Southwestern United States? Bring this dystopian thriller along while you traverse the dry, desert landscape and note the declining water levels at Lake Mead in Las Vegas. This water source controls the river and the lives of the inhabitants of Phoenix, the last major city in Arizona, where a journalist and a water knife tangle paths over water rights and morality in an effort to protect what little is left. Set in a not-so-far-off future, with real stories mixed in, you can get chills from the harrowing circumstances and eye-opening scenarios that push sustainability to the forefront of your mind.

Historical Fiction:

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris (2018)

A dark setting where love endures, even during the most extreme circumstances of World War II. As the tattooist of Auschwitz, Lale encounters a prisoner who he must mark; only she marks him irrevocably, and he intends to survive the Holocaust so he can marry her. This one may make you cry, but it’s a somber reminder of days past and a love we wish for.

Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah (2022)

This book came to me highly recommended and it did not disappoint. Set near my family’s home in Oklahoma, this novel is told from many perspectives of the narrators family. Incorporating multi-tribe traditions, expectations, and the need to solidify his own identity among the chaos of life is ultimately heartwarming, despite the trials faced.

Historical Fiction/Classics:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Who hasn’t heard of Pride & Prejudice? It is a much-adapted story for TV and movies alike, but have you read the original novel? Meet the characters that have captured the attention of readers for centuries, with witty banter and tales ahead of her time, Jane Austen’s novel will surely remain a popular classic forever. >>P.S. The 2005 film is my favorite adaptation yet.

Classics:

The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)

A popular novel for animal lovers and adventurers alike. Set in the Alaskan wilderness during the gold rush, the story of Buck being stolen from his home and forced to work as a sled dog can be brutal, but worth it. Suitable for older children, preteens and up due to some violence, but it can be a short read.

Historical/Non-Fiction:

Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII by Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila (2011)

A poignant memoir of the top-secret group who created the only unbroken code in modern history. Hearing the first-hand encounters of the destruction and violence of World War II battlefields gets you deep in the feels, while the military stories are nostalgic for today’s veterans. I’ve been a huge history buff of WWII since living on Kaneohe Bay as a child and visiting Pearl Harbor 7 times over the span of 3 years. Seeing the still-there holes in buildings and old tarmacs does something to a 10-year old, but reading this made me feel it in a way I hadn’t before. I’m glad this veteran was able to share his story so the world could listen and remember.

Self-Help/Non-Fiction:

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (2012)

An eye-opening book into the world of joy in your life, or lack thereof. Learn how to identify that feeling within yourself when encountering things in the wild and when sorting through your clutter at home. Despite reading this book nearly a decade ago, I still utilize its core principles in my daily life and remind myself to seek and nurture joy at every opportunity. You can quick-read it on the go or deep dive at home, either way this message is sure to sit with you.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World by William H. McRaven (2017)

Based on his renowned speech to a graduating class at university, this former Navy Seal tells his tale of struggles in military and civilian life. By keeping his determination, compassion, honor, and courage, he was able to overcome the obstacles of life and leadership using 10 principles he learned from Navy Seal training. Put into a 2-hour audiobook or compact book, this story is perfectly sized to put in a carry on or consume on a quick flight to your vacation.

Hopefully these stories can get you where you’re going, and then some. Travel well, Caitlyn.

GRAND CANYON

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:24:26 GMT

Grand Canyon: Ultimate Experience After North Rim Closure

Photo credit: Joyspirations Company LLC, 2025

Grand Canyon National Park is known by tourists around the world and receives an average 4 million visitors annually. Unfortunately, in July 2025, the Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed 106 structures on the North Rim, forcing the National Park Service to close this area for the rest of the 2025 season while emergency repairs are conducted. While trails and tourist areas of the North Rim are closed, the South Rim remains open with fire restrictions for above and below-rim campers (National Park Service, 2025).

Despite the North Rim closure, visitors can still experience an ultimate Grand Canyon vacation with all the bells and whistles should they not want to camp out under the stars, or in a travel trailer. With multiple options for lodging both on and off the South Rim, vacation packages for budget-travelers and spare-no-expense vacationers are readily available.

Want to stay on the North Rim and explore the entire trip?

Stay in Grand Canyon Village at one of the historic lodges or hotels, like the El Tovar. Hike the Grand Canyon’s trails above and below the rim or book a tour with Canyon Adventures Bike Tours. Then, eat at the El Tovar Dining Room or Yavapai Lodge Restaurant before heading back to your room or relaxing under the stars. In Tusayan, south of the village, Pink (Jeep) Adventure Tours run daily and offer 2-3 hour group tours, as well as premium private tours.

Want to see the Grand Canyon, but want to visit the local area too?

Stay in Williams, AZ on the historic Route 66 and drive an hour north for a day trip on the South Rim. Explore Williams’ shops and restaurants along Route 66 and Railroad Avenue before heading to Bearizona Wildlife Park to see bears, wolves, sea otters, and more! Relax in town with the family or enjoy the coaster and zipline at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park with the family.

Want the ultimate Grand Canyon experience?

Combine the options above and travel to Williams, AZ where you will stay the night at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel before riding the train to the South Rim the next morning. Experience a lively western show along the rail while riding in your choice of train car classes. Indulge in the adults-only Luxury Parlor Car, or Luxury Dome, where snacks and soft drinks are provided with plush seating and a private bar. If traveling with kids, a traditional railway experience can be had in the coach class car, or with an upgrade to first class, travelers can ride in comfort with double-seat facing rows. If traveling during winter, be sure to inquire about Polar Express tickets.

Travelers can book overnight stays in Grand Canyon village and explore on their own, or book tours for guided exploration and history discussions. With options to stay at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel’s South Rim site or upgrade to the historic lodges along the rim, there is a package for everyone to enjoy. Once you return to Williams, AZ via the departing evening train, you can opt to stay a few more nights in Williams and explore the historic downtown of Route 66. With local breweries, retro diners, and upscale restaurants & steakhouses, there is sure to be a culinary experience for everyone.

Our experiences in Williams, AZ and Grand Canyon National Park:

My family booked a 2-night trip through Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel back in 2018 and it was better than expected for our small family. We stayed overnight in Williams with the train ride the next morning, both dinner and breakfast were included on night 1 and day 2. We ate dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge on Day 2 before spending the day hiking the trails above the rim around Grand Canyon Village. To maximize savings, we stayed overnight at the sister hotel for Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel instead of opting for the historic timber lodge nearby, El Tovar. For lunch on day 3, we ate at the El Tovar Dining Room before boarding the train back to Williams that afternoon.

At the time, we had young children and didn’t want to venture below the rim, so it was enough for us to explore the village and see the wildlife walking around. The kids hadn’t ever been so close to deer before within a town, but the wildlife walked about 15 feet from us along the train tracks, completely unafraid of humans. It was awesome!

Since this was the first time we had been in Williams, we hadn’t planned on exploring downtown after we got off the train. We didn’t realize before booking that this was truly a Route 66 destination town which had every shop open and filled with treasures and eateries. We ended up exploring Williams multiple times throughout the seasons over the years, but I wish we had added it to our itinerary the first time.

Most Recently:

In August 2025, we went back to Williams to bring some family members to our favorite haunts. We did a weekend getaway, making the trip early in the day on a Friday so we could explore for 3 days and stay for 2 nights. We stayed in Williams the first two days, walking around downtown and bringing our family to Bearizona Wildlife Park. For meals we ate at Station 66 (2-Stars), Brewed Awakenings Coffee Co. (4-Stars), Pine Country Restaurant (5-Stars) and the Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery (4-Stars).

On day 3, we drove an hour north to the South Rim and spent the day walking the rim and exploring the shops and lookout points. With August being at the height of tourist season, it was incredibly busy in all the parking lots. However, there were way more cars parked than there were people around the shops above the rim, so many tourists were hiking elsewhere which made it seem less busy overall. While we forgot our reusable water bottles at home, the lodges have water dispensers you can utilize to refill your water bottles, including any purchased aluminum bottles you get. For our parent fail, we paid $14 for 4 ice cold bottles on the rim, and it was worth every penny under that Arizona sun.

For dinner, we left Grand Canyon Village and headed a few minutes south to Tusayan, AZ to eat at the Wagon Wheel Saloon (5-Stars). It is located inside the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel and was decorated in the expected Western themed memorabilia. There is a hotel entrance inside as well as an entrance around the back in the parking lot. We were fortunate enough to be allowed to bring our dogs inside, but I don’t think that was typical. The food was great, standard American fare, and the service was excellent and fast.

(Star-reviews are on Yelp under Caitlyn S.)

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