Cover Enjoy a journey within your journey with these audiobooks. (Photo: Freepik)
Enjoy a journey within your journey with these audiobooks. (Photo: Freepik)
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These audiobooks turn travel time into something richer—no Wi-Fi, hands or extra luggage space required
Whether you're navigating airport queues or settling into a window seat, audiobooks can make even the most mundane parts of travel feel cinematic. They offer a hands-free way to read, ideal for long drives, sunlounger sessions or late-night city walks. But not all audiobooks are created equal. From atmospheric narrators to full-cast productions, the best ones pull you in and don’t let go. Here are nine expertly chosen audiobooks to suit every kind of traveller, from the armchair philosopher to the thrill-seeker chasing altitude. Load them up before your next trip—you may not even notice the Wi-Fi is spotty.
Read more: 7 upgraded travel essentials for the savvy flyer's wellness kit
1. For the transatlantic flyer: ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers, narrated by Suzanne Toren
Above ‘The Overstory’ (Photo: Recorded Books)
‘The Overstory’ (Photo: Recorded Books)
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A layered, ambitious novel that traces the emotional lives of trees and humans alike, The Overstory spans generations, continents and environmental movements. Powers builds interconnected narratives around a cast of strangers whose lives are forever altered by their relationships with trees. Suzanne Toren’s narration is measured and immersive, never rushing the material. It’s a slow, powerful listen—ideal for long-haul flights when you want your brain to wander far beyond the cabin walls.
2. For the solo backpacker: ‘Into the Wild’ by Jon Krakauer, narrated by Philip Franklin
Above ‘Into the Wild’ (Photo: Random House Audio)
‘Into the Wild’ (Photo: Random House Audio)
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This nonfiction classic follows Chris McCandless, a young man who abandoned his privileged life to journey into the Alaskan wilderness with nothing but idealism and a rucksack. Krakauer, a mountaineer and journalist, pieces together McCandless’ final months with a mix of investigative reporting, personal reflection and philosophical musing. Philip Franklin’s narration avoids drama, letting the starkness of the story speak for itself. It’s a sobering yet compelling audiobook that resonates deeply in moments of solitude.
3. For the wellness escapee: ‘Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?’ by Dr Julie Smith, narrated by the author
Above ‘Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?’ (Photo: Harper Audio)
‘Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?’ (Photo: Harper Audio)
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Dr Julie Smith’s audiobook is a practical toolkit for managing anxiety, self-doubt and low motivation—perfect for the traveller hoping to reset more than just their out-of-office e-mail. Each chapter offers concise, no-nonsense psychological advice grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy. Smith narrates with the clarity and calm of someone who’s spent years in therapy rooms. You can listen in short bursts or all at once, making it especially fitting for spa retreats, wellness sabbaticals or quiet mountain getaways.
4. For the design-obsessed urbanite: ‘101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think’ by Brianna Wiest, narrated by Abby Craden
Above ‘101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think’ (Photo: Tantor Audio)
‘101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think’ (Photo: Tantor Audio)
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Wiest’s essays have become a fixture on the minimalist-chic reading lists of Gen Z and millennials alike, and there’s more substance here than the Instagram-friendly packaging might suggest. Topics range from emotional intelligence to identity and self-sabotage, with a tone that strikes a balance between philosophical and accessible. Narrator Abby Craden brings smooth, unhurried confidence to the delivery. Whether you’re wandering art galleries in Tokyo or sipping espresso in Milan, this audiobook pairs well with a curated aesthetic and self-aware itinerary.
5. For the island hopper: ‘Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia’ by Christina Thompson, narrated by the author
Above ‘Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia’ (Photo: Harper Audio)
‘Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia’ (Photo: Harper Audio)
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Christina Thompson’s exploration of how the early Polynesians navigated vast expanses of the Pacific using only the stars, currents and intuition is both scholarly and deeply human. The audiobook combines archaeology, anthropology and maritime history without ever becoming dry. Thompson’s voice is clear and authoritative, bringing both passion and precision to the story. It’s an illuminating listen that adds cultural texture to your time in the South Pacific—or anywhere the ocean is more than just a backdrop.
6. For the sleepless in Santorini: ‘Mythos’ by Stephen Fry, narrated by the author
Above ‘Mythos’ (Photo: Penguin Audio)
‘Mythos’ (Photo: Penguin Audio)
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Stephen Fry’s retelling of the Greek myths is witty, intelligent and surprisingly easy to follow. He gives personality to gods, monsters and mortals with the flair of someone who clearly adores the material. His narration is impeccable: warm, articulate and full of wry humour. It’s the kind of audiobook that works well after a long dinner and a little too much Assyrtiko—familiar stories made vivid, told by a voice that could put even insomniacs to sleep (in a good way).
7. For the road-tripper: ‘The Lincoln Highway’ by Amor Towles, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and others
Above ‘The Lincoln Highway’ (Photo: Penguin Audio)
‘The Lincoln Highway’ (Photo: Penguin Audio)
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Set in 1954, Towles’ sprawling novel follows an 18-year-old parolee and his younger brother as they attempt to start fresh across the country. What begins as a simple journey turns unpredictable, thanks to the arrival of two escaped friends from a work farm. The audiobook uses a cast of narrators, with Edoardo Ballerini leading a strong ensemble. Their performances bring nuance to the novel’s shifting points of view. The episodic structure makes it ideal for road trips, with detours and surprises that mirror the physical act of travel.
8. For the art-inclined flâneur: ‘The Story of Art Without Men’ by Katy Hessel, narrated by the author
Above ‘The Story of Art Without Men’ (Photo: Tantor Audio)
‘The Story of Art Without Men’ (Photo: Tantor Audio)
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Hessel’s reframing of art history spotlights overlooked women artists across centuries, cultures and movements. She challenges the Eurocentric, male-dominated canon with sharp research and an eye for curation. Narrated by Hessel herself, the audiobook feels like a private museum tour given by someone who’s tired of hearing the same names on every plaque. It’s especially fitting if your itinerary includes art districts, contemporary galleries or off-the-beaten-path exhibitions.
9. For the culturally curious nomad: ‘The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida’ by Shehan Karunatilaka, narrated by Shivantha Wijesinha
Above ‘The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida’ (Photo: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd)
‘The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida’ (Photo: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd)
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Set in 1990s Colombo, this novel takes place in the afterlife, where war photographer Maali Almeida must unravel the mystery of his own death. It’s an audacious blend of political thriller, ghost story and black comedy, grounded in Sri Lanka’s tumultuous history. Shivantha Wijesinha’s narration of the audiobook captures the story’s shifts in mood and tone, handling satire, sorrow and absurdity with equal skill. It’s a challenging but rewarding listen for those who prefer depth and complexity in their fiction.
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