People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Summary

People We Meet on Vacation follows opposites Poppy and Alex, best friends who take annual summer trips for a decade until a rift separates them. Two years later, they attempt one last vacation to repair their friendship, navigating unresolved tension and romantic feelings. This friends-to-lovers romance blends witty banter, emotional growth, and nostalgic flashbacks of their adventures.

This book suits fans of slow-burn romances, travel-themed stories, and When Harry Met Sally-style dynamics. Readers who enjoy Emily Henry’s humor ("Book Lovers," "Beach Read") or opposites-attract tropes will appreciate Poppy and Alex’s journey from friends to lovers.

Yes – it won a 2021 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance and has a 4.1/5 Goodreads rating. Critics praise its mix of laugh-out-loud moments ("worst-trip-ever humor") and heartfelt vulnerability, though some note the slow-burn pacing requires patience.

Key themes include:

• Self-discovery: Poppy’s career success clashes with personal dissatisfaction
• Communication: Misunderstandings and unspoken feelings drive the central conflict
• Nostalgia: Alternating timelines contrast past adventures with present tensions

Both feature Emily Henry’s signature banter and emotional depth, but Vacation focuses on friends-to-lovers over a decade, while Beach Read centers on rival writers. Vacation has more travel scenes, while Beach Read emphasizes small-town settings.

“I’ve never met someone who is so perfectly my favorite person” became a popular social media caption. It captures the story’s core theme of deep platonic-to-romantic connection.

Yes – after confronting past mistakes during their final trip to Sanibel Island, Poppy and Alex confess their love and commit to a romantic relationship. The epilogue shows them married and expecting a child.

Some readers find the slow-burn pacing excessive, with the romantic payoff occurring ~90% into the story. Others note repetitive flashback structure, though many argue this mirrors real-life relationship development.

Locations like Nashville, New Orleans, and Sanibel Island act as emotional mirrors – vibrant destinations contrast with tense moments, while quieter settings intensify intimate conversations. The travel elements highlight Poppy’s career as a writer.

Their opposites-attract dynamic (extroverted Poppy vs. introverted Alex) creates humorous clashes and tender moments. The decade-long friendship foundation makes their romantic transition feel earned rather than rushed.

It subverts expectations by:

• Using non-chronological storytelling to reveal pivotal moments
• Focusing on personal growth beyond romantic tension
• Resolving communication barriers before the relationship escalates

While not officially confirmed, Emily Henry mentioned in a 2023 interview that film rights have been optioned. Fans speculate it could follow the success of her other adaptations like Beach Read.