20 beach reads perfect for your tropical honeymoon

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One of the best parts about any vacation is the time you spend looking forward to your trip. Of course, your honeymoon may be the most exciting adventure of them all! If you’re counting down until a tropical honeymoon in the Caribbean or a beloved spot by the water in the U.S., we have you covered. We are leaving your outfit planning up to you, but we’re going to dive into another topic so many of us love – what to read when you’re lounging on the beach!

 

Below, we’re sharing not five, not 10, but 20 (!) books perfect for a beach honeymoon. Some you have likely heard about before while others will be new additions to your “to read” list. From books that have been made into movies to sleeper hits, and from a YA to an upcoming release, our list is carefully curated and filled with books we have read ourselves. With all of this in mind, we hope you find one (or many) books to add to your beach bag!

1. The Beach Club- by Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand is often hailed as the Queen of the Beach Read, so we obviously have to include one of her books on our list. The majority of Elin’s books are set on Nantucket, and “The Beach Club” is one of them. Published in 2010, Elin’s first release centers around the characters who work at The Beach Club, a beloved hotel on Nantucket. In it, we meet Mack, Maribel, Love and Gem, whose lives intertwine throughout the summer when a hurricane may have other plans for The Beach Club and all who work there.

The Beach Club

2. Beach Read – by Emily Henry

When the book has the same title as the purpose it’s meant to serve, it has to be a great choice! Emily Henry’s “Beach Read” helped to place this newer author onto the romance map. It shares the story of Augustus Everett and January Andrews. He’s been trying to write The Great American Novel, and she’s due to turn in a new romance manuscript. So, what happens when Augustus and January attempt to write the other’s genre? Read and find out!

3. Eight Hundred Grapes – by Laura Dave

Laura Dave’s books are favorites among those who are searching for reads they don’t want to put down. If you’ve never read one of her novels, “Eight Hundred Grapes” is a great one to begin your foray into her books. In it, we meet Georgia Ford, a bride one week away from walking down the aisle who learns a life-changing secret about her fiancé. So, she returns home to her family’s winery … only to learn another secret. Filled with love and family (and wine!), this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

4. The Grace Kelly Dress – by Brenda Janowitz

From cover to cover, the best way to describe “The Grace Kelly Dress” is to say it’s a heartwarming read. The book shares the story of three women from three different generations – Rose, a masterful seamstress who sews look-a-like Grace Kelly dresses for brides; Rocky, a CEO who is not interested in wearing the wedding dress that’s been in her family for decades; and Joan, Rocky’s mom, who adored wearing her wedding dress. Every chapter shares a different story from each woman’s perspective, and it’s a complete joy to read.

5. Hey Ladies! – by Michelle Markowitz & Caroline Moss

We love when a book’s entire story takes place over letters – we always feel like we can’t put it down! In this book, you won’t be reading letters. Instead, you’ll be enjoying the emails, text messages, DMs and more shared between eight friends in their 20s and 30s. They’re celebrating holidays, traveling, dating and even planning a “disastrous” wedding. This book will make you laugh – truly. Isn’t that the best kind of beach read?

Hey Ladies

6. The Idea of You – by Robinne Lee

“The Idea of You” became known as a “sleeper hit” throughout 2020 because it takes place across different cities throughout the world. In it, you’ll uncover what happens when Solene, a 39-year-old divorcee, takes her daughter, Isabelle, and her friends to a boy band concert in Las Vegas only to hit it off with one of the boys in the band. The only problem? Hayes Campbell is 20. This book is a (steamy!) page-turner that shares how Solene and Hayes’ relationship unfolds.

 

P.S: Elizabeth Banks, Gabrielle Union, The Skimm and Vogue are all fans. It’s a good one!

7. In Five Years – by Rebecca Serle

Whether it was asked by a friend or during an interview, many of us have at least some experience with the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” But what happens if you have a dream that shows you the future, and you’re in a different apartment with a different partner? “In Five Years” toggles between the present and the future and ultimately shares how and when the two collide.

 

Warning: You will (likely) cry. But, it’s worth it.

8. Malibu Rising – by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If the author’s name sounds familiar, it’s because Taylor Jenkins Reid is behind another hit you’ve likely heard of – “Daisy Jones and the Six.” “Malibu Rising” is her sophomore release that hit shelves on May 25. The book follows four siblings who throw a party in Malibu only to have that party change their lives forever … in just 24 hours. “Malibu Rising” sounds like a complete page-turner, and we are here for it!

9.  Nine Women, One Dress – by Jane L. Rosen

We read “Nine Women, One Dress” at the beach, so we can confirm it makes a wonderful beach read! Through it, the author weaves together the story of nine women – Natalie, Felicia, Andie and more – who all have ties to the same little black dress. Some of the women are falling in love, while others are trying to fall out of love. One is a model, another is about to make her Broadway debut, and there’s also a college grad trying to make her life seem more fabulous through the lens of social media. Just like “The Grace Kelly Dress,” “Nine Women, One Dress” is a happy delight.

10.  One Day in December – by Josie Silver

Back when it first debuted in 2018, “One Day in December” was chosen as Reese’s Book Club’s pick for December 2018. In short, it 100% deserved to nab that spot! Author Josie Silver shares the story of Laurie and Jack whose eyes catch each other through a bus window. They don’t see each other again for a year, and when they do it’s because Jack is dating Sarah, Laurie’s best friend. What happens next? A story that spans 10 years. Whether you’re reading this on a honeymoon near Christmas or in the middle of July, you will enjoy every page.

One Day in December

11. People We Meet on Vacation – by Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s latest release has been much talked about, so we knew we needed to include both of her books on our list! Poppy and Alex are two polar opposites who have somehow remained best friends, and every year, they go on vacation together … until one trip ruined their travel streak two years prior. Now, Poppy and Alex decide to take one more trip together to see if they can repair their relationship. Will they?

12. Playing with Matches – by Hannah Orenstein

We love when a book is set in New York City, and “Playing with Matches” hits all of the right city notes.

 

After graduating from NYU, Sasha Goldberg accepts a job as a matchmaker, thanks to a family secret. What follows is a series of missteps and wins as Sasha attempts to find matches for her clients … and maybe herself. Even though you’re reading from the beach, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in the middle of New York City, too!

13. The Wedding Date – by Jasmine Guillory

“The Wedding Date” has topped plenty of “must-read” and “best-of” lists for everyone from Entertainment Weekly to Cosmopolitan. We can confirm it does not disappoint! What happens when Drew Nichols asks Alexa Monroe to be his date to his ex-girlfriend’s wedding while riding an elevator?  A rom-com that takes place between a wedding, Los Angeles and Berkeley! The great news is after you fall in love with “The Wedding Date,” there are four more books to read in Jasmine Guillory’s series aptly named “The Wedding Date Series.”

14. The Royal We – by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

If you’ve ever wondered how Kate met and fell in love with William, “The Royal We” offers a perfect fictional taste! Bex Porter is from America, and she decides to study abroad for a semester at Oxford. During the first days of her stay, she meets Nick, who happens to be Britain’s heir to the crown. “The Royal We” offers a peek back at the relationship that develops between Bex and Nick from their first moments until now, the night before their wedding day. Also, great news: Once you finish “The Royal We,” you can move right on to the sequel, “The Heir Affair!”

15. Rush – by Lisa Patton

In 2018 when it debuted, “Rush” by Lisa Patton was dubbed as a wonderful beach read. If you haven’t read this book club favorite, make sure to add it to your list, especially if you were in a sorority in college or you’ve ever been curious about sorority life.

 

“Rush” takes place at Ole Miss, where Cali Watkins is poised to join Alpha Delta Beta. Then, Cali’s path crosses with Lilith Whitmore. What happens next will make you want to keep reading, and you’ll also fall in love with Miss Pearl, the housekeeper at the Alpha Delta Beta sorority house. We mean it when we say we’re jealous of anyone who is about to read this book for the first time.

16.  This Time Next Year – by Sophie Cousins

When Minnie Cooper’s mom was in labor, she was supposed to deliver before Quinn Hamilton’s mom at the stroke of midnight as the new year began in order to win a contest. But when Quinn is born first, thus winning the prize, Minnie’s bad luck streak begins. They never thought they would meet again, but then their paths cross again on their 13th birthdays. Will their worlds stay intertwined this time? A fabulous book to read in between Christmas and New Year’s Day, “This Time Next Year” promises to be a favorite during any other week throughout the year, too.

 

P.S: “This Time Next Year” is an Editors’ Pick on Amazon in the Best Literature & Fiction category!

This Time Next Year

17. Slightly South of Simple – by Kristy Woodson-Harvey

Of the 900+ ratings “Slightly South of Simple” has racked up on Amazon, almost 75% of readers have given it five stars, including Elin Hilderbrand, who said she’s a fan. When Ansley left her small Southern hometown for New York City, she swore she would never go back. With all of the family together again, they try to uncover whether they’re best apart or together in the town they all thought they wanted to leave. Similar to other picks on our list, “Slightly South of Simple” is a part of a series (Peachtree Bluff), so you’ll have plenty more books to read from Kristy Woodson-Harvey!

18. Something Borrowed – by Emily Giffin

Another master at writing romantic comedies (and women’s fiction as a whole!) is Emily Giffin. “Something Borrowed” was her debut novel, and it follows Rachel and Darcy’s friendship. When Darcy shares she’s getting married, her childhood friend, Rachel, is her choice to be her maid of honor. But then Rachel admits she may want to be more than friends with Darcy’s fiancé. Discover if these two will remain friends (and if the wedding will even happen). Then read the sequel “Something Blue!”

 

P.S: You’ll want to add “Something Borrowed” to your to-watch movie cue, too!   

19. The Switch- by Beth O’Leary

Similar to a few other books on our list, the best way to describe “The Switch” by Beth O’Leary is to say it’s a complete delight from start to finish. Leena Cotton escaped the countryside for London and spends most of her time working. Her grandmother, Eileen, stayed in the countryside but questions not following her dream to live in London. So, when Leena’s boss tells her to take a leave of absence, she suggests she and her grandmother switch lives – Leena will live in the country while Eileen explores to city. Will they stay switched for good? Find out!

20.  To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – by Jenny Han

Jenny Han’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” may be the only YA pick on our list of the best books to read while you’re on your beach honeymoon, but we like to think it’s because it’s the best of the best! Since she was little, Lara Jean has written letters to the boys she’s fallen in love with and stashed them in her hatbox rather than a mailbox. But, one day, her letters find their way into the hands of the boys they star. Now, this 16-year-old really has a problem.

 

P.S: Once you finish “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” keep reading the series – there are two more books and three movies on Netflix!

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

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This article originally appeared on TheBudgetSavvyBride.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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10 gorgeous honeymoon destinations you could actually afford

 

No one wants to hold back when planning their honeymoon, right? However, a budget-savvy couple can still achieve a dreamy honeymoon even on a tight budget. If that sounds like you, sit back and read our favorite stunning, yet affordable honeymoon destinations for 2021.

 

It’s possible to have an incredible trip on a reasonable budget even if you’re going international. Don’t miss these tips for saving money on honeymoon flights, and then get to planning! In no particular order, here are the best budget-friendly honeymoon destinations for your post-wedding vacay!

 

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Famous for its culture and Renaissance art, this small Italian city certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Wander hand in hand through this walkable city for an amazingly romantic experience. The Tuscan capital offers so much to see, and you’ll love to marvel at the glorious architecture.

 

Be sure to head to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery and see works by Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Then, by night, you can feast on delicious Italian food and toast your honeymoon while watching the Florence sunset over a glass of Tuscan wine.

 

Of course, the flights will likely make up the largest portion of the expense for this trip. As for saving money, why not stay on the city’s outskirts to save on accommodation costs, and take part in some of the city’s free walking tours?

 

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For a small country, Belize sure packs a punch. If you want spectacular beaches and Mayan sites, Belize has it all. Not only that, but it also boasts glorious scenery in the form of jungles, the second largest reef system in the world and other natural wonders.

 

There’s also extraordinary wildlife to be spotted, such as wildcats and jaguars. That’s as well as plenty of scenic mountains and waterfalls to take in.

 

There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options at the beach; you just need to spend a little time researching them. Why not opt for an affordable all-inclusive package that covers free activities, food and drink? That way, you won’t have to worry about shelling out for much when you get here. Just soak up the sun and scenery.

 

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No honeymoon list is complete without a mention of this forever romantic French capital city. Of course, we can’t pretend it’s our cheapest option, but there are ways of making it easier on your wallet.

 

Although traveling on the Paris Metro doesn’t cost the earth, you get to see loads more by simply walking around the city at your leisure. For example, you could take in the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, the famous flea market and the river Seine, just by gambling around the city on foot.

 

To further cut costs, try registering your home on a home swap or pet sitting website and see if you can find yourself some free accommodation. This goes a massive way to cutting down on the cost!

 

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If you’re looking for an exotic destination that offers a little bit of everything at amazing prices, Thailand might be among the cheapest places to consider for your romantic trip! The weather is at its best between November and April, so if you happen to be having a winter wedding, Thailand’s an excellent choice for your honeymoon.

 

Flights are more expensive than staying on home turf. Still, the food is cheap, and you can find reasonable accommodation without busting the budget. Compare prices on all the usual search sites such as Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia.com to find the best rates.

 

After landing in Bangkok, spend a few days getting to know Thai culture, its floating markets and its temples. If it’s an adventure you’re after, Chiang Mai offers amazing hikes, mountains and even an elephant sanctuary. Thailand also offers honeymooners a tropical getaway vibe– don’t hesitate to explore some of its stunning islands with beautiful beaches like Phuket and Koh Samui.

 

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Puerto Rico is easy to reach from most U.S. cities, making it land among the top budget-friendly Caribbean destinations. In fact, you don’t need your passport if you’re a U.S. citizen, and there are plenty of affordable hotels to stay in. Choose from a wide range of gorgeous beach resorts with golden sands, turquoise sea and palm trees. Not only that, but getting around doesn’t cost a ton. For starters, the Ubers are cheaper.

 

We also like some of Puerto Rico’s offshore islands, which you can visit for romantic day trips. As for the evenings, Puerto Rico offers great nightlife. All you need to do is don your honeymoon wardrobe, put on your makeup – feel your best most fabulous self and head out to the bright lights.

 

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Mexico is another wallet-friendly and popular honeymoon destination. Again, you could opt for the classic beach-side all-inclusive hotel for your honeymoon. Or you could try something more alternative like a couple’s retreat packed full of healthy food, meditation, and adventures.

 

If you like a tropical vibe, Riviera Maya has tons of options with Resort-style accommodation. Cozumel is attractive for couples who love scuba diving and other adventurous activities, combined with plenty of beach lounging opportunities if you want to relax.

 

Or if you prefer dry heat, cities like Cabo on the west coast of Mexico are popular choices for honeymooners in search of a luxurious stay. Puerta Vallarta is also another popular Mexican honeymoon destination.

 

Whichever type of honeymoon you choose in Mexico, you’re sure to be impressed with the sun, sand, local cuisine, cultural sites and amazing cocktails. Just remember to pack your sunscreen and swimsuit!

 

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There are many beautiful and affordable honeymoon destinations here on home soil. For outdoor lovers, there’s camping in the Grand Canyon or one of the many U.S. National Parks. For instance, Sequoia National Park or Lake Tahoe in California or the Glacier National Park in Montana. Just imagine yourself and your beloved star-gazing after a day’s hiking, and you get the picture.

 

Or for more romantic vibes, head to Savannah, Georgia, and stroll beneath trees laden with moss. Also be sure to check out the city market or relax on the beach on Tybee Island. You won’t be disappointed.

 

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This beautiful, sunny and welcoming ancient land boasts 227 islands that can be reached by direct flights, internal flights or boats. So why not do a little research and pick a small group of islands to explore? Usually, ferry prices are pretty low and dining out for two can cost as little as 35€.

 

We recommend the Cycladic islands if you want to Insta every moment, including a Santorini sunset. However, if culture is how you get your kicks, try Crete, the birthplace of the Minoan civilization. Here you’ll find palaces and museums galore as well as 650 miles of coastline.

 

If you’re considering Greek island hopping – why not learn a bit of the language before you go and live like a local? This is great if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy a more authentic Greek experience.

 

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Also in the Indian Ocean, while your most considerable outlay will be your flights, it’s possible to live well and cheaply on this stunning and friendly island. While there are tons of expensive boutique hotels, especially in the fortified old city, Galle, it’s also possible to book an all-inclusive beach-style honeymoon.

 

Visit elephant sanctuaries, hilltop villages, temples, and the ancient city of Sigiriya. Trust us: You’ll never run out of things to do. You can travel almost everywhere by train for super cheap – even in first class (although it’s wise to book ahead to avoid disappointment)!

 

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Dip your toes in the Indian Ocean with a honeymoon in tropical Mauritius. It’s no surprise this place is often referred to as Paradise Island – it’s absolutely gorgeous! In fact, Mauritius won the coveted Best Wedding and Honeymoon destination crown presented by the World Travel Awards in 2013.

 

There are many things to do in Mauritius, including visits to wild waterfalls, mountain ranges and, of course, exploring the underwater world surrounding the island.

 

If Mauritius tickles your fancy and you’re watching those pounds, shillings and pence. be on the lookout for discounted deals online. It’s also worth researching all-inclusive hotels, as these tend to be lighter on the wallet and take your own toiletries; it’s an expensive island, and these ‘small’ costs can really rack up!

 

Robertobinetti70 / iStock

 

Are you looking for a stunning and affordable honeymoon destination in 2021? If you can’t afford an expensive honeymoon, this list should inspire you to think outside the box and experience something new!

 

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This article
originally appeared on 
TheBudgetSavvyBride.comand was
syndicated by
MediaFeed.org.

 

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