Find the Right Books for Your Vacation
Savor vacation reading beyond the words.
Beyond Beaches helps you plan vacations with books in mind— because vacations are less about the distance you travel and more about the sensations you arouse.
Our Literary Cats work behind the scenes to connect stories echoing the landscape and pace of where you're headed with the mood you’re hoping to slip into.
Start by Knocking the Socks Off Ordinary
Surprise your ordinary vacation with books that quietly influence the rhythm of the day…perhaps reshaping your whole vacation in unexpected ways.
You deserve a vacation, reading books that invite you to escape wherever you are and get you where you want to be.
"Once you open a book's cover, the story inside whisks you away quicker than an airplane takes flight."
Let Literary Cats guide you toward the right books for the way you actually travel—long flights, quiet mornings, relaxing on a beach, or curled in a comfy chair at home—because reading the right book changes everything.
Kick Your Vacation Up a Notch-->(how does reading benefit you)
There’s no right place to begin — simply choose what feels closest to the mood you want to feel while on vacation.
Cherry-Pick Books Right for Your Vacation
Vacation possibilities explode when your book's mood, ambiance, and tempo match the direction you want your story to take. Sneak a look at how Literary Cats wrap literary settings and plot twists around vacations to turn ordinary trips into delightful memories.
Open Your Vacation to Possibilities (books to read on vacation)
Let the Cat Out of the Literary Bag
Reading what you like is the rule on vacation, no matter the genre, format, or form. Enjoyment is your goal. Fill you carry along bag with stories that make you smile, whether they appear on paper or screen, or as whispers in your ear.
Stuff Fun into Your Book Bag(types of books to read)
There is no wrong way to travel with a book at hand.
Spill the Beach Vacation Beans
Far beyond beach books and bestsellers, Gulf Coast stories reach from Hemingway's Key West to Harry's South Padre mysteries, exposing tall tales, local lore, and cultural charm. But you've no limit on how far you can travel. On a beach vacation, reading can take you anywhere.
Poke Your Nose into Southern Settings
Start a Southern literary journey by visiting real places, reading stories that bring them to life. The South’s most memorable stories unfold in small towns, courthouse squares, and hidden places steeped in literary history and heart---like Harper Lee's hometown in Alabama, the Zydeco energy of New Orleans streets, and the beauty of Mississippi's vast Delta landscapes.
Hi, I’m Susan – a reader and traveler who has enjoyed a few memorable journeys that began in books. The Literary Cats and I share the Beyond Beaches mission to never let a curious reader run low on books to read or places to go. Read more about us
The Right Book Changes Everything
The stories you bring along on vacation often shape how you remember a place, a journey, or a moment of rest. Reading becomes a travel companion...so choosing a book to share your vacation requires mindful consideration. Beyond Beaches exists to help you choose those companions with care, so your reading doesn’t compete with your vacation, but gently adds layers enjoyment to your memories.
When You Next Need a Book to Read, We'll Be Here
Vacation reading isn’t a single moment — it’s something you return to again and again as new trips take shape and new quiet hours appear. Beyond Beaches is here whenever you need fresh inspiration, thoughtful pairings, or simply a reminder that the right story can make even ordinary days feel like a small escape.
The Literary Cats are always quietly gathering new stories to share.
Boldly Go Where You Have Read
Some stories jump from pages, sparking curiosity and tickling imaginations…and then quietly grow into vacation journeys. Such trips to places you first meet in a story, Literary Cats call Inspired Vacations.
If a book’s setting has ever called your name to visit an irresistible destination, tell us about your book-inspired adventures. You could be a Literary Cat, too!
We don’t review books or tell you what to read.
We offer you the joy of reading.