Are you looking for the BEST audiobooks for your solo road trip?
Whether you are traveling by plane, train, boat or by car, you will generally need an entertaining way to stay occupied.
The safest and popular way is to listen to an audiobook.
An audiobook is what it sounds like: a book you listen to. It is a great way to stay safe if driving particularly.
Audiobooks tend to be cost efficient and widely available on various sites like Audible, Spotify, Amazon Prime and even your local library.
As an avid reader, I am happy to share some of my most recent favorite books that I have read that I feel would be great to indulge in as an audiobook.
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1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
A great way to focus your mind is to listen to self help books that allow you to better your lifestyle. James Clear is one of the global leading experts on habit formation.
He reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
Jame Clear uses resources from the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible.
You will gain inspiration with true stories from:
- Olympic gold medalists
- Award-winning artists
- Business leaders
- Life-saving physicians
- Star comedians
All who have used the science of small habits to master their craft!
No matter what your goals, Atomic Habits will assist you in achieving habits to better your life and become the best!
Making it one of the best audiobooks for solo road trips.
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2. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
You may have heard of this book series or have indulged in the Shonda Rhimes television adaptation on Netflix.
The Bridgerton series follows the Regency era Bridgerton family as they make their debuts in society and live day-to-day while under the eye of the mysterious town gossip, Lady Whistledown, who spills all the tea of the ton in her weekly column.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
Each book in the series follows one of the seven Bridgerton children and their journey to finding their true love, along with their varied interests, friends and family experiences.
These are romance books and great for those who love period pieces as well. This takes place during the time period of King George and Charlotte in London.
The Bridgerton books have grown in such popularity over the years that spinoff books have been made.
And of course the extremely popular show adaptation has come to be with its own spinoff based on the king and queen.
3. Terminal List by Jack Carr
The Terminal List is part of a series of books, with this one being number 6 in the “Terminal List” series.
The book series is considered action and thriller and was recently adapted into a prime video television series.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
The books follow he story of a Navy SEAL named Lieutenant James Reece who seeks revenge on the people who murdered his family.
Plus, the inspiration for the books come from Carr’s experiences as a Navy SEAL. Carr joined the United States Navy in 1996.
He spent over 20 years in Naval Special Warfare Command, initially serving for six and a half years as an enlisted Navy SEAL sniper.
Carr doesn’t shy away from the action as he combines his experience with the true intensity, accuracy and battle wisdom and knowledge to craft an amazing and exhilarating tale.
Jack Carr consistently is a #1 NY Times bestseller with this series and will definitely keep you entertained while traveling.
Making it one of the best audiobooks for solo road trips!
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4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reid has grown in popularity over the years with her talent for spinning and crafting amazing tales of love and life.
She is especially known for her ability to create complex characters.
If you are a fan of old Hollywood, you will find this book, which is soon to be a tv series, very likable.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
We follow Monique, who has been specifically requested to interview the aging but reclusive and glamorous Evelyn Hugo.
It turns out Evelyn wants Monique to pen her autobiography. It is a great chance for Monique to start her journalism career.
We then take the journey as Evelyn tells her tale from her traveling to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 1980s. And, of course, the seven husbands along the way.
As we learn more about Evelyn, we uncover truths that will bond the two women forever.
The Seven Lives Husbands of Evelyn Hugo takes inspiration from Elizabeth Taylor’s life and her experiences with her numerous husbands.
It also is inspired by Ava Gardner, who took similar steps with crafting her personal autobiography.
5. Spare by Prince Harry
If you follow celebrities, this page turner will be for you. This autobiography is written by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, as he tells his story for the first time.
He details his experiences as a young boy and how he felt and dealt with the loss of his mother, Princess Diana of Wales.
He goes on to share his thoughts and feelings about his family and the challenges he faced.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
What is most fascinating is hearing about his military experience and how it affected his world view.
And of course, he covers his time with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and how their life together has been affected by the lifestyle of being in the royal family, afterwards and their new life.
Spare broke the internet mainly because it was narrated by Prince Harry and the drama circulating the harassment of his wife and his family, along with the estrangement it caused with his family.
It is fascinating to hear the duke tell his side while hearing his trauma, grief and how he is still working through it all to this day.
Making it one of the best audiobooks for solo road trips!
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6. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you are into fantasy and don’t mind a bit of Young Adult (YA), award-winning Rebeccas Yarros has something for you!
Reviews clamored for Fourth Wing stating it was breathtaking, exhilarating and epic.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon rider with twenty-year-old Violet.
She was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history.
Now, the commanding general otherwise known as her mom has ordered Violet a group of applicants to become Dragon Riders.
Violet is at a disadvantage due to her stature and with fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets.
Most would harm Violet to better their own chances or for simply who her mother is. Between the war and fighting to survive, her journey is a tough one.
7. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah has put out one of the currently most popular YA fantasy book series on the market right now!
Myself along with millions have devoured the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, which bears similarity to “Beauty and the Beast.”
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
The 19-year-old huntress, Feyre, takes out a wolf in the woods, but a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it.
Dragged to a magical land she only knows about from stories, she quickly discovers that her captor is not an animal, but a lethal, immortal faerie who once ruled their world.
As she lives with him, her feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion that burns through everything she’s been told about the world of Fae.
Danger lurks over this fantastical land and its up to Feyre to save the world of fae.
Currently this book in the series is a number 1 bestseller so you can use your solo travels to find out what the hype is about!
Editor’s Note: This was such a fun article for me to read that I decided to add 3 of my favorite audiobooks that I think will be perfect your solo road trip in addition to Victoria’s picks. Check them out below. NikkyJ
8. The Last Apprentice by Joseph Delaney
I discovered this book series almost ten years ago and it’s one of the most well-written and engaging YA fantasy novels I’ve ever read.
Although it can be for tweens and teens, this series is actually pretty intense as far as being extremely spooky.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
We follow Tom Ward on his journey to becoming the last apprentice under the Spook, Old Gregory.
As he masters his craft he goes up against witches, boggarts, fiends, ghosts and other ghastly creatures in order to keep the country safe.
He’s the last hope in the line of Spooks and if he fails so does mankind…
Get ready to go on a fantasy roller coaster with Old Gregory, Tom Ward and Alice. Making it one of the best audiobooks for solo road trips!
9. Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery by Charlaine Harris
If you’ve ever watched the True Blood series on HBO, then you’re probably familiar with the character Sookie Stackhouse and her love triangle with the vampires, Bill and Eric.
I became a huge fan of the show when it premiered and when the first season was over, I needed more!
That’s when I discovered the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery novels. After listening the first book, I was officially hooked!
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
I fell more in love with the books because they went deeper into the plots and backgrounds of the characters we’d come to love on the HBO show.
The pacing wasn’t as rushed as the television show, so you really got to explore the world of the super natural.
There are currently 15 books in the series and you will love getting lost in the old-fashioned Southern charm and the hidden secrets of vampires, humans, werewolves, fairies and more!
10. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Now if you know me or if you’ve been reading our articles on ThemeParkHipster, then you know how much the Potter series inspired me to write and start this blog.
The Harry Potter book series is a collection of seven books written by J.K. Rowling, which follows the life of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he navigates through the magical world of witches and wizards.
In the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Rowling introduces you to Harry’s world as he discovers his true identity and begins his journey at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Throughout the series, Harry faces numerous challenges, such as battling the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, and saving the wizarding world from destruction.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
What I love about the Potter audiobooks, is that the series is a blend of adventure, fantasy, and mystery, with each book building upon the previous one, revealing secrets and plot twists that keep the reader engaged and captivated.
Plus, Jim Dale does an excellent job narrating the stories.
Alongside Harry, you’ll fall in love with unforgettable characters, including Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, and Severus Snape (my favorite character).
Overall, the Harry Potter series is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages.
I love this book series because it not only entertains but also addresses important themes such as love, friendship, sacrifice, and the courage to fight against evil.
Rowling’s vivid descriptions create a world that feels real and tangible, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in Harry’s adventures.
The final installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, ties up all loose ends and provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.
This series has since been adapted into blockbuster films and has become a cultural phenomenon that has impacted popular culture in numerous ways.
From Hogwarts-themed merchandise to Wizarding World theme parks, the Harry Potter series has left a wonderful mark on fans worldwide (including myself).
It is no wonder that it continues to be beloved by generations of readers who are enchanted by its magical charm.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Audiobooks for a Solo Road Trip
Audiobooks are fantastic companions for solo travelers, providing entertainment, inspiration, and a sense of connection during their journeys.
Whether you’re exploring unfamiliar landscapes, embarking on long flights, or simply looking for some company on your solo adventures, audiobooks offer a wealth of captivating stories and valuable knowledge.
Ultimately, the best audiobooks for solo travelers vary based on personal preferences, interests, and the nature of the journey.
However, a well-chosen audiobook can transform a solitary journey into a vibrant and enriching experience.
Whether you’re embarking on a physical or metaphorical journey, let the power of storytelling and knowledge accompany you, making every step more meaningful and enjoyable.
What’s your favorite audiobook when going on a road trip? Let us know in our Solo Travel Facebook Group!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
(Original Article Date: June 16, 2023/Updated by Editor on January 30, 2024)