Holiday reads · 6 min read · October 9, 2025

Travel lighter: how audiobooks free up space in your suitcase

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

Audiobooks are a smart way to travel light, letting you pack stories without stuffing your suitcase. From BookTok thrillers like Verity and gripping classics like 1984, to inspiring non-fiction like Atomic Habits and hidden gems like Norwegian Wood, there's something for every type of journey. Whether you're flying long-haul, road-tripping with the family, or wandering solo through a new city, audiobooks keep you entertained, thoughtful, or even spooked – without weighing you down. Just press play and let the stories come with you.

Stories that travel well

If you're anything like me, packing means sitting on top of the suitcase to zip it shut. That's where audiobooks come in. They're the ultimate travel hack – no lugging around heavy hardbacks, just great stories in your pocket.

Thanks to BookTok, some titles have taken off (get it?), creating a library of binge-worthy thrillers, fantasy escapes, and inspiring non-fiction. Whether you're flying long-haul, heading off on a road trip, or just hopping on a train for the weekend, these listens will keep you entertained, inspired, and immersed – without adding a single kilogram to your bag.

Thrilling BookTok staples

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alicia Berenson is a famous painter with a seemingly perfect life – until she shoots her husband and never speaks another word. Why did she do it? What's she hiding? And who can we really trust? That's the mystery at the heart of this modern psychological thriller – and the audiobook makes it even more gripping. The mix of tense narration and diary-style entries makes it feel like you're piecing together a puzzle in real time.

Best for: Long-haul flights or train journeys.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Romance fans know Colleen Hoover for heartstring-tugging love stories – but Verity is her dark side. It's disturbing, twisty, and full of obsession, with a narrator you won't know whether to love or fear. Listening feels like falling down a rabbit hole – in the best way.

Best for: Weekend getaway.

Classic fiction

1984 by George Orwell

Orwell's masterpiece might feel heavy on the page (and the suitcase), but the audiobook transforms it into a chilling, immersive experience. Big Brother, thoughtcrime, dystopia – it's perfect if you want something that makes you think while you travel.

Best for: Solo city breaks or reflective evenings away.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

A classic for a reason. The Hobbit is Tolkien at his most fun, and this audiobook brings the charm, wit, and magic of Middle-earth to life. Whether you're going on a solo journey or kicking back with the kids, it's a wonderful choice for everyone.

Best for: Family road trips or anyone craving adventure.

Spooky season

Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Creepy, slow-building dread – this one's for the brave. Few authors compare to Stephen King, and Pet Sematary is one of his darkest and most unsettling stories. Michael C. Hall's excellent narration makes the horror hit even harder, especially if you're listening in the dark.

Best for: Night-time hotel listening or anyone who loves a scare.

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Non-fiction

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Improving your life doesn't have to mean changing everything. Atomic Habits shows how small daily shifts can lead to big long-term results – and the audiobook makes it easy to stay motivated, even on the go. Easy to dip in and out of, even with travel interruptions.

Best for: Short commutes, airport waits, or layovers.

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

If you're always tired or wondering why jet lag hits so hard, Why We Sleep connects the dots. Written by neuroscientist Matthew Walker, this book reveals the science behind one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of our lives: sleep. It's science-backed, engaging, and surprisingly calming.

Best for: Long-haul flights or adjusting to a new time zone (especially when you're wide awake at 2am).

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Ever wondered how humans went from hunting mammoths to scrolling TikTok? This one takes you through the story of humankind – from ancient ancestors to modern civilisation. Harari somehow makes 70,000 years of history feel easy to follow – ideal if you want something smart but not heavy.

Best for: Long road trips and deep thinking on the move.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

The story behind the global empire that is Nike, told by the guy who started it all. It's honest, fast-paced, and full of funny and inspiring lessons. Feels like a relaxed coffee convo with an interesting friend.

Best for: Business-minded travellers or anyone looking for inspiration mid-journey.

We'll find your next holiday read

Tell us your favourite book, or where you're going on your next trip, and we'll come up with the perfect holiday read for you.

In Audiobooks Oct 2, 2025

Lesser-Known Gems

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

One of Murakami's most accessible novels, Norwegian Wood explores love, loss, and memory in a melancholic yet beautiful way. The audiobook brings a deeper intimacy to the story, making it feel like a quiet conversation with someone who's lived through it all – perfect for travellers in a reflective mood.

Best for: Quiet train rides or evenings alone abroad.

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga

This one's part self-help, part philosophy, and surprisingly easy to listen to. Framed as a dialogue between a frustrated young man and a wise philosopher, The Courage to Be Disliked challenges the way we think about happiness, freedom, and the need for approval. It's clever, but conversational – and almost podcast-like in audiobook format.

Best for: Morning walks in a new city or anyone craving a mindset shift.

Buy your favourite book from this list

Any of these books catch your eye? Buy it now on the Waterstones website and get ready for your next getaway.

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The end... or just the beginning?

Audiobooks let you pack a whole library without using an inch of suitcase space. Whether you're into TikTok thrillers like Verity, thoughtful gems like Norwegian Wood, or non-fiction that gets your cogs turning, there's something here for every kind of journey. So next time you're packing, leave the paperbacks at home (room for more outfits). Pop in your headphones – and let the stories travel with you.