People We Meet on Vacation: A Sun-Soaked Journey of Friendship, Love, and Self-Discovery

Introduction: Why Everyone Is Talking About This Travel Rom-Com

If you have scrolled through BookTok, browsed a summer reading list, or simply love a good slow-burn romance, you have probably seen Emily Henry’s bestselling novel People We Meet on Vacation. Part friends-to-lovers tale, part postcard from far-flung destinations, the book follows Poppy and Alex—two opposites who share one week of vacation every year. When a mysterious fallout silences their tradition, Poppy hatches a plan to fix everything with one last trip. The result is a witty, warm, and wanderlust-inducing story that has captured readers’ imaginations and dominated bestseller charts. Below, we explore why this novel is worth packing in your carry-on.

Plot Summary: Ten Summers, One Unforgettable Friendship

Henry structures the narrative around a dual timeline, toggling between past vacations and the present day. Each chapter drops readers into a different locale—Croatia, New Orleans, Vancouver Island—while slowly unraveling the rift that ended Poppy and Alex’s friendship two years earlier. In the present, Poppy convinces Alex to join her in sweltering Palm Springs under the guise of an interview assignment. As misadventures pile up—broken air conditioning, flat tires, poorly timed thunderstorms—the tension between yearning and unresolved hurt grows. The story culminates in an emotionally cathartic confession that finally answers the question: Can a decade of platonic tradition survive the leap to romantic commitment?

Main Characters: Opposites With Magnetic Chemistry

Poppy Wright is a vibrant, extroverted travel writer who thrives on spontaneity. Her neon wardrobe, quick wit, and open heart make her both hilarious and relatable. But beneath the sunny veneer lies imposter syndrome and deep loneliness, themes that surface as she questions whether her dream career truly makes her happy.

Alex Nilsen, in contrast, is a khaki-wearing high-school English teacher with a tidy apartment, a penchant for classic literature, and a calendar full of responsibilities. His grounded personality balances Poppy’s impulsive nature, creating sparkling banter and genuine tenderness. The push-and-pull dynamic between the two, underscored by private jokes and quiet gestures, fuels the novel’s addictive charm.

Key Themes: More Than Just a Beach Read

On the surface, People We Meet on Vacation is a feel-good romantic comedy perfect for a poolside lounge chair. Dig deeper, and you will find thoughtful commentary on millennial burnout, the hollowness of social-media perfection, and the courage it takes to admit you are not as happy as you pretend to be. The book also celebrates travel as a vehicle for personal growth: every destination functions as a mirror reflecting Poppy and Alex’s evolving relationship and inner conflicts. Finally, Henry explores how platonic love can be as profound—and as frightening to risk—as romantic love.

Why Readers Can’t Get Enough

Emily Henry’s hallmark is banter that feels both razor-sharp and effortlessly natural. Fans laud the novel’s humor, emotional payoff, and slow-burn pacing that keeps the pages turning late into the night. Critics have compared the reading experience to watching a top-tier rom-com: think When Harry Met Sally with a passport. The book’s cinematic scenes—karaoke bars in Nashville, scooter rides in Tuscany, rooftop pools in New York—invite readers to daydream about their own future adventures, while the relatable insecurities keep the story grounded.

Travel Inspiration: Destinations That Steal the Spotlight

If you finish the novel itching to book a flight, you are not alone. Henry’s sensory descriptions capture everything from the salt-tinged breeze of a Florida beach to the lavender-scented air of the Croatian coast. For armchair travelers, the book offers a cost-free vacation in vivid color. For more adventurous souls, it doubles as an itinerary of under-the-radar eateries, quirky hostels, and scenic hikes. Whether you add Palm Springs’ mid-century motels or Vancouver Island’s rugged shoreline to your bucket list, you will be chasing the same thrill of possibility that Poppy and Alex find each summer.

Conclusion: Should You Add This Novel to Your TBR?

With its sun-drenched settings, lovable characters, and poignant insights, People We Meet on Vacation earns its place as a modern rom-com classic. The novel delivers escapism without sacrificing emotional depth, making it perfect for readers who crave both laughter and sincerity. If you are seeking a story that reminds you of the transformative power of friendship—and the magic that happens when you finally speak your heart—Emily Henry’s breakout hit deserves a top spot in your weekend tote bag.