Theoretically, you could listen to any AudioBook, podcast, or audio performance while driving, but the ideal fit for any road trip requires more than just excellent narrative. Something that suits you well for a short day excursion might not be appropriate for a cross-country journey. Listening to music with your partner could not be the same as listening to music while driving with a group of children. Additionally, when driving alone, you want a little company. It might be the comforting voice of a favorite celebrity or the excitement of discovering a friend’s favorite things. (Incidentally, I enjoy seeing what my fellow editors love to listen to when they’re out and about, so I’ve added some of their favorites below.)
With this selection of the best road trip tunes, we have you covered for any adventure you have planned. Look into what is advised for the kind of vacation you intend to take.
The Best AudioBook for Long or Cross-Country Road Trips
The Road Trip
Beth O’Leary
Set in the most chaotic circumstances, “The Road Trip” presents a fascinating and funny take on a second-chance relationship. After a minor collision, picture yourself squeezed into a Mini Cooper with many strangers, including an ex you haven’t seen in a long time. This is the reality for five British people traveling to a Scottish wedding. The narrative deftly examines whether or not this claustrophobic voyage was a random event or a stroke of destiny. Complete with miscommunication, humor, and unquestionable appeal, the AudioBook perfectly conveys the spirit of adventure and the complexity of previous relationships. This touching and enjoyable book is ideal for everyone who appreciates an excellent romantic comedy with a distinctive locale and a cast of interesting characters. “The Road Trip” is a pleasant journey into the world of love, laughter, and life’s unexpected turns, thanks to its captivating narrative and humorous circumstances.
The Fellowship of the Ring
J. R. R. Tolkien
“The Lord of the Rings” is a fantasy epic masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkien. This remarkable audiobook, narrated by Andy Serkis, who played Gollum/Sméagol in Peter Jackson’s films, enhances its grandeur. Serkis precisely voices each character and beast, adding a new layer to the plot. Listeners can explore Middle-earth like never before with his engaging narrative. Editor Alanna M. correctly praises Serkis’s talent for bringing this classic story to life. Fans of the series and newbies alike will enjoy this audiobook’s fresh and engaging voyage through Tolkien’s vast world.
World Travel
Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever
“World Travel: An Irreverent Guide” is Anthony Bourdain’s account of his favorite global destinations, recounted by his loved ones. This trip, AudioBook is a personal journey through the world through one of the most influential culinary storytellers. The book covers transportation, dining, lodging, and Bourdain’s usual candor on what to avoid. It’s necessary for seasoned travelers armchair explorers, and a touching memorial to Bourdain. Fans will love “World Travel”‘s unique blend of comedy, honesty, and insight, making it more than a guide—it’s an excursion filled with one of food and travel’s most charismatic figures.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared
Rod Bradbury, Jonas Jonasson
Jonasson’s “The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” is a fascinating option for those looking for fun in their audiobook. This whimsically fantastical and endearingly unpredictable novel revolves around a centenarian who escapes his nursing home and sets out on an impromptu adventure. The story is enhanced with a whimsical touch by Steven Crossley’s narration, which brilliantly captures the lighthearted and amusing mood of the book. His voice gives the narrative a new depth, heightening the interest in the individuals and their strange adventures. This AudioBook promises an exciting listening experience that will amuse and enchant you. It is a beautiful blend of comedy, adventure, and surprising turns.
Bird Box
Josh Malerman
Josh Malerman’s riveting audiobook “Bird Box” is perfect for fans of horror mixed with suspense. It depicts a horrifying situation in which an unseen evil drives people insane in a dystopian future. The gripping atmosphere of the novel, which explores the limits of survival and dread, is not for the weak of the heart. With a chillingly effective voice, narrator Cassandra Campbell intensifies this unsettling environment and evokes a tangible sensation of fear. “Bird Box” stands out in the genre because of the way she narrates, drawing the audience into a viscerally unsettling experience. The audiobook offers a terrifying voyage into a world where the unseen poses the most significant threat, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for excitement.
Me Talk Pretty One Day
David Sedaris
In this collection of witty nonfiction short stories, David Sedaris, one of our generation’s most prolific and brilliant voices, shines. These stories, which would be great as an audiobook, feature everything from his hilarious attempts to learn French to his accurate Billie Holiday portrayal. In addition to being a writer, Sedaris is a gifted storyteller who reminds readers of literary giants like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde with his distinct charm and humor. His witty, perceptive autobiographical tales will enthrall and entertain many listeners. For individuals who value humor combined with wisdom and introspection, Sedaris’s narration elevates each story to a pleasurable experience, whether you’re looking for a good chuckle or an insight into life’s oddities.
Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered
Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark
This dual memoir by the makers of “My Favorite Murder,” one of America’s most popular podcasts, brings it to life. A captivating mix of humor, sadness, and uplifting narratives, the audiobook follows two extraordinary women. The memoir is unique because it tells their success and struggle experiences with honesty and flair. Self-advocacy and personal safety are stressed over cultural pressures to be “nice” or “helpful.” This impactful topic offers road travelers insights and reflections. Anyone seeking inspiration, grit, and a good story should listen to the narrators’ genuine and realistic stories.
Failure Is An Option
H. Jon Benjamin
The comedian behind “Archer” and “Bob’s Burgers.” will delight David Sedaris fans. In his memoir, Benjamin chronicles his life’s ups and downs with comedy and self-awareness. He discusses his ‘epic failures,’ showing how they led to future successes. Benjamin’s narration distinguishes this audiobook. He sounds like a wise, insightful friend telling stories informally. The intimate, relatable, and endlessly amusing experience is excellent for folks who enjoy humor and real-life insights. Benjamin’s book is a journey through life’s highs and lows told with touching and funny comedy.
Dry
Neal Shusterman, Jarrod Shusterman
The suspenseful audiobook “Dry,” which takes place in a drought-stricken California, puts the stakes of survival high as the main character, Alyssa, picture wakes up to discover that every tap is out of water. Alyssa is forced to make difficult decisions that no adolescent should ever have to make when she finds herself suddenly in charge of her younger brother and away from her parents. The audiobook’s narrators build suspense and tempo while skillfully capturing the young protagonists’ awful surroundings and growing despair. Their performances give “Dry” a visceral, dramatic sense of urgency that transforms the narrative into an immersive, terrifyingly realistic experience. This audiobook captures the core of youth’s tenacity and survival in the face of tremendous adversity, making it a riveting listen.
Outlander
Diana Gabaldon
“Outlander,” Diana Gabaldon’s time-travel romance, has a vast readership and inspired a lucrative TV series. The audiobook is an excellent introduction to the books. The audiobook makes the 600-page novel fascinating. Davina Porter’s brilliant accents bring the characters to life, especially Jamie’s seductive Scottish brogue. She brings the romance and adventure to life with her narration. As you get immersed in “Outlander,” you’ll fall for Jamie and await the next novel impatiently. Audiobooks transport listeners to the heart of grand, romantic sagas.
A Game of Thrones
George R. R. Martin
The books in George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” series are great for people going on long road trips. This series, already famous worldwide, has more detailed stories than the popular TV show. People who have never heard of the series will be immediately drawn into the complicated world of Westeros, where dragons, power struggles, betrayals, and sudden deaths make for an enthralling story. For people who like the show but have yet to read the books, they give you a deeper look at the characters and their complicated world. Roy Dotrice’s narration improves the experience by adding more drama and stress to this intense story. His captivating reading makes the “Game of Thrones” podcast series an exciting and unforgettable journey like a road trip.
American Gods [TV Tie-In]
Neil Gaiman
“American Gods” by Neil Gaiman is a great book to listen to because it tells a unique story about a road trip while combining humor, mystery, and adventure. In this story, old gods need help staying relevant in a world where new gods of money and media rule. At its heart, the story is an exciting look at how cultures and religions change over time. Narrator George Guidall does a great job of capturing Odin’s rough image, giving the story a unique noir feel. His narration makes the novel’s world-building and character growth even better. One of the best things about “American Gods” is that it’s not just a trip across America but also into a fantastical world where old and new ideas meet. Listening to this audiobook would help because it will be exciting and thought-provoking.
Everything I Never Told You
Celeste Ng
The book “Everything I Never Told You” has been named to more than 15 “Best of the Year” lists, including those by NPR and Entertainment Weekly, and is a profound experience to listen to. This powerful story goes deep into the complicated ways that families work. It takes place in Ohio in the 1970s and is about Lydia, the favorite child of a white mother and a Chinese father. Lydia represents her parents’ hopes for a better future in a time of racism. Sadly, those hopes are dashed when her body is found in a nearby lake. The family’s fragile balance falls apart, bringing out pressures and feelings that have been pushed down for a long time. Cassandra Campbell reads the audiobook, and her voice is soft and engaging. She brings the story’s complex and intellectual themes to life. Her reading gives the book a deep, emotional layer that makes it unique and speaks to the complicated feelings of love and loss in families.
The Four Winds
Kristin Hannah
The audiobook “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah is a powerful story of survival and strength during the Great Depression. The famous Julia Whelan reads the story of Elsa and her kids, who are forced to move west by terrible dust storms in search of a better life. Elsa’s journey shows how strong people can be as they fight the complex elements of nature and rely on the strength of their friendships to protect their family’s future. Whelan’s telling gives the story more depth and realism, putting the listener in the middle of Elsa’s world. “The Four Winds” is a genuinely engaging and worthwhile listen that will make you feel like you’re on Elsa’s life-changing journey as you hear in your car.
Fairy Tale
Stephen King
“Getting lost in a new Stephen King book is a special thrill, especially on a long trip.” One great example is “Fairy Tale,” narrated by the very skilled Seth Numrich, which is a fascinating addition to the King multiverse. The story is about Charlie Reade, a troubled high school student who does something nice for an elderly guy who lives alone and has many strange adventures. This good act not only gets him a loyal dog named Radar as a friend, but it also gives him an inheritance: a key to a vague shed that leads to another world. When Charlie digs deeper, he finds secrets and gets caught in an unimaginable war. With its mix of mystery and fantasy, this book is excellent for listening to while riding a bike for a long time. Nicole R., the editor, says that Stephen King’s writing is perfect for car trips because of how smoothly the story is told and how gripping the plot is.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
JESSE Q. SUTANTO
“Mystery and thriller AudioBook are great for long car rides because they let you escape. This is wonderfully shown in Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. This book takes you on a funny, strange journey that will quickly make the miles go by. The story is about Vera Wong, who owns a tea shop and gets caught up in a murder probe. There is more to the story when a dead body is found in her shop. You’ll be smiling as you read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s stories because they are so exciting and full of humor and energy. The main character, an experienced internet detective, solves the riddle, clarifies her name, and maybe even finds the killer. She makes new friends along the way, which shows how strong and funny she is. There are more than just mysteries in this book. It’s a journey of self-discovery with surprising turns that will keep you interested on long drives.