Updated May 27, 2020.

This Motivation Monday, I’m letting you all in on some of my favorite books to inspire travel! Summer is here, and I don’t know about you, but I love a good beachside, poolside, bedside, or plane-side book to grab my attention and whisk me away from any stressors in real life. Here’s a suggested summer reading list for the traveler in you. Just click the images below to get your copy from Amazon!

The Magnolia Story

Chip and Joanna Gaines

This was a super fast read–and I am not a super fast reader! Whether you’re headed to Waco this summer (like me!) or just dreaming of seeing the Silos for yourself, this is an inspirational read. The Gaineses faith, perseverance, and commitment to each other is excellent book material, and even if you don’t watch the show (like I didn’t before I read the book), you will quickly see why this power couple is as successful as they are.

Belgravia

Julian Fellowes

I read this book before going to London last year, and it got me all geared up for the trip! Like other Julian Fellowes works, the storyline is intricate, the characters are complex, and the plot twists are unbelievable. If you’re missing Downton Abbey, want a book with a little more meat than your typical poolside novel, or are just interested in historical fiction, this is the book or you. This is not only a trip to England, but a trip back in time. That’s the perfect combination!

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time 

Mark Adams

Looking for something totally rough, completely rugged, and laugh out loud hilarious? Please read this book! Machu Picchu is more than just the Inca Trail and centuries-old ruins. This writer-turned-adventurer was in search of a story, but in the process he discovered his own physical and mental stamina. And he brings you along on every step, misstep, and embarrassing fact of life he encountered on the trip. Need to get excited about your own trip to Machu Picchu? Can’t go for yourself but want to feel like you’ve been there? Just want to laugh out loud? This is the book you’re looking for.

Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku

David Davis

Talk about a traveler ahead of his time! Duke Kahanamoku is the father of modern surfing, an Olympian, would-be movie star, sheriff, and restauranteur! His life was definitely an interesting and inspiring read. Making a name for himself from O’ahu to Stockholm and every whistle stop along the way, Duke’s life is well-documented in this easy to read biography. If you’re headed to Hawaii (or any beaches) soon, you will be doing yourself a favor by reading this book before you go or while you’re there! I wish I’d read it before our trip to O’ahu a few years ago!

The Last Aloha 

Gaellen Quinn

I love a good fictional story based on true events. Want to know why Americans on the Mainland don’t know a lot about our most recently added state? This book explains the happenings in an interesting and informative way. Many of the characters were real people, and to be perfectly honest, the way Hawaii was handled is embarrassing–and I never learned about it in school. This is a great beach book, so grab a copy before your next trip to the sandy shores!

What’s on your summer reading list? Check out more of my favorites in my Online Shop!

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