Top 5 books to pack for your next trip

To lose yourself in the pages of a brilliant story is a wonderful way to unwind and revive your spirit, especially when travelling. Whether it’s a saucy romance, sprawling history or pulse racing thriller, you should always make space in your suitcase for the perfect literary companion.
Here are my top five books for travelers right now:
If you feel like something a little risqué… 50 Shades of Grey by E.L James
For unadulterated escapism don’t go past the 50 Shades trilogy by E.L James, easily the biggest series in the world right now. It’s the story of naïve student Ana, controlling billionaire Christian and their explicit BDSM bedroom antics- though as the books progress it seems they could also fall in love. This is truly explosive reading which has women entranced worldwide. Don’t be embarrassed about having this in your suitcase- with over ten million copies sold the stranger next to you has probably read it already.
If you feel like a classic tale… The Daughters of Mars by Tom Keneally
Perhaps you prefer a more classic tale? If so, Tom Keneally’s new Daughters of Mars will suit you. Set during WWI, it chronicles two sisters who enlist as war-time nurses and experience the chaos and horror of war firsthand. But out of the violence will rise courage, friendship and love. It’s an epic, sprawling tale from one of this country’s favourite storytellers.

If you feel like something uplifting… The J.M. Barrie Ladies’ Swimming Society by Barbara J. Zitwer
How can you go past a book with a title like The J.M Barrie Ladies Swimming Society? Joey is a young woman tasked with renovating a country estate but the locals and the brooding caretaker can’t stand her. It seems crazy to take a dip in the freezing lake everyday but when she does, she finds her life beginning to transform and feels love blossoming. It’s a charming, colourful story to warm your heart no matter how cold the climate.

If you feel like a thriller… Guilty Wives by James Patterson
If you like pulse racing thrillers, look no further than thriller king James Patterson. In Guilty Wives, young Abbie and her friends have won the opportunity of a lifetime: four days of complete sundrenched luxury in Monte Carlo. Yet by the trip’s end she will be suspected of a terrible crime and out to clear her name. There’s romance, jealousy, and stinging betrayal in this suspenseful guilty pleasure.

If you feel like something a little new age… Treasure Yourself by Miranda Kerr
For some, travel is all about achieving inner clam and peace of mind. Treasure Yourself by Miranda Kerr is the book for you. It’s a small volume where the delightful Miss Kerr has compiled her thoughts and inner musings on life, love, health and more. Filled with inspirational quotes and encouraging the reader to focus on themselves for once, this is the perfect companion for those of you who want to use their getaway time to recharge their energy and zest for life.