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 presents effective methods designed to guide you in developing positive habits, eliminating negative ones, and mastering the small actions that contribute to significant outcomes.
Why this is One of the Best Audiobooks for Your Solo Road Trip
James Clear pulls together the best stuff from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to whip up a super simple guide that makes good habits a breeze and bad habits a total no-go.
You will gain inspiration with true stories from:
- Olympic gold medalists
- Award-winning artists
- Business leaders
- Life-saving physicians
- Star comedians
Everyone who’s used the power of tiny habits to level up their skills!
No matter what your goals, Atomic Habits is a great book to listen to to help you achieve your habits to better your life and become the best!
Making it one of the best audiobooks for solo road trips.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
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 Bridgerton fam during the Regency era as they dive into society life and navigate their daily dramas, all while being watched by the enigmatic town gossip, Lady Whistledown, who dishes out all the juicy details 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 siblings and their quest for true love, while also diving into their hobbies, friendships, and family moments.
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 tell the story of a Navy SEAL named Lieutenant James Reece who’s out for revenge against those who killed his family.
Also, the ideas for the books are based on Carr’s time as a Navy SEAL. Carr signed up for the United States Navy back in 1996.
He dedicated more than 20 years to Naval Special Warfare Command, kicking things off with six and a half years as a Navy SEAL sniper.
Carr dives right into the action, blending his experience with genuine intensity, precision, and battle smarts to create an awesome and thrilling story.
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 sought out to interview the aging but mysterious and glamorous Evelyn Hugo.
And guess what? Evelyn wants Monique to write her life story! This is an awesome opportunity for Monique to kick off her journalism gig.
We’ll follow along as Evelyn shares her adventures, from moving to LA in the ’50s to choosing to step back from the spotlight in the late ’80s. And, of course, we can’t forget about those seven husbands she had!
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 shares what it was like growing up and how he coped with losing his mom, Princess Diana of Wales.
He also talks about his feelings about family and the tough times he had.
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 really took the internet by storm, mostly because Prince Harry was the one telling the story. The whole drama around the harassment of his wife and family, plus the fallout with his relatives, really got people talking.
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
Dive into the intense and exclusive realm of a dragon rider war college with twenty-year-old Violet.
She thought she’d just chill in the Scribe Quadrant, surrounded by books and the past.
But her mom, the commanding general, has thrown her into a mix of hopefuls vying to be Dragon Riders.
Violet’s got it tough because of her height, and there are way fewer dragons looking to team up than cadets.
A lot of them would go after Violet just to boost their own odds or for knowing 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 down a wolf in the woods, but a beastly creature shows up to demand some payback for it.
Dragged into a magical place she’s only heard about in stories, she soon learns that her captor isn’t just any animal, but a dangerous, immortal faerie who used to rule their realm.
As she spends time with him, her feelings for Tamlin turn into a fiery passion that breaks all the rules she thought she knew about the Fae world.
With danger lurking all around this amazing land, it’s up to Feyre to save the faerie realm.
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.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
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 Contributors
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.
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: June 16, 2023/Updated by Editor on January 30, 2024)