People We Meet on Vacation

misshomebased
May 21
10 min read

1. BOOK DETAILS

2. SYNOPSIS

3. SUMMARY

4. ANALYSIS

5. REVIEW

6. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

7. BOOK X MOVIE

1. BOOK DETAILS

Full Title:

People We Meet on Vacation

Genre:

Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction

Category:

Adult Fiction

Author:

Emily Henry

Point of View:

First-person (Poppy Wright’s perspective)

Setting:

Various vacation destinations (Palm Springs, New Orleans, Tuscany, etc.)

Characters:

Poppy Wright – A free-spirited travel writer who feels lost despite her dream job.
Alex Nilsen – Her reserved, bookish best friend and complete opposite.
Rachel – Poppy’s co-worker and friend.
Sarah – Alex’s ex-girlfriend.
Poppy’s Parents – Loving but not central to the story.

2. SYNOPSIS

Poppy and Alex have been best friends since college, despite being polar opposites—she's adventurous and spontaneous, while he’s quiet and prefers routine. For years, they took an annual summer trip together, making unforgettable memories. But two years ago, something happened that caused a painful rift, and now they barely speak.

Longing to fix things, Poppy convinces Alex to take one last vacation together. As they revisit old destinations and share new experiences, past emotions resurface. Through alternating timelines, the story reveals their decade-long friendship, the trips that shaped them, and the moment that nearly broke them.

As they struggle to define their relationship, Poppy realizes that her happiest moments have always been with Alex. But with their complicated past and fears of losing each other, can they risk turning friendship into love? Or will this trip be their final goodbye?

3. Summary

Chapter-Wise Summary

Chapter 1: Present Day – A Broken Friendship

Poppy Wright, a travel journalist, hasn’t spoken to her best friend, Alex Nilsen, in two years. Once inseparable, they used to take a summer trip together every year. Now, Poppy feels lost and unfulfilled, despite having her dream job. On a whim, she texts Alex, hoping to reconnect.

Chapter 2: Then – How They Met

Poppy and Alex met in college at the University of Chicago. Though opposites—Poppy is free-spirited and adventurous, while Alex is reserved and responsible—they become best friends.

Chapter 3: Present – Planning One Last Trip

Poppy convinces Alex to take one last trip together to Palm Springs. She hopes to fix whatever went wrong between them. However, their interactions are awkward and strained at first.

Chapter 4: Then – The First Summer Trip

Years ago, Poppy and Alex took their first trip together to Vancouver. They set travel traditions, like finding cheap stays and indulging in new experiences.

Chapter 5: Present – A Rocky Start

In Palm Springs, Poppy and Alex arrive at a terrible rental with no air conditioning. Forced into close quarters, they share awkward but nostalgic moments.

Chapter 6: Then – New Orleans Trip

A flashback to their New Orleans trip reveals how deeply connected they were. Poppy was dating someone at the time, but her bond with Alex always felt stronger than romance.

Chapter 7: Present – Forced Proximity

Due to the heatwave, Alex and Poppy must sleep in the same bed. This stirs old feelings and unresolved tension between them.

Chapter 8: Then – Croatia Trip & A Hint of Jealousy

During a past trip to Croatia, Alex was dating someone, and Poppy felt jealous for the first time. It was the moment she started realizing she might want more than friendship.

Chapter 9: Present – The Unspoken Feelings

Poppy and Alex continue their Palm Springs trip, pretending everything is fine. However, their growing tension is undeniable.

Chapter 10: Then – The Trip That Changed Everything

A flashback to two years ago: During their summer trip to Italy, Poppy and Alex finally crossed the line and slept together. However, when they returned home, everything fell apart.

Chapter 11: Present – Confronting the Past

Poppy finally asks Alex why he distanced himself after their night together. He confesses that he’s always loved her but was afraid of ruining their friendship.

Chapter 12: The Fallout

Poppy realizes that fear kept her from fully accepting her love for Alex. She returns to New York, thinking she’s lost him for good.

Chapter 13: The Grand Gesture

After weeks apart, Poppy finally tells Alex she loves him and wants to be with him for real. Alex, who has loved her all along, accepts, and they reunite.

Epilogue: A New Chapter

Poppy and Alex no longer need annual summer trips to feel close—because now, they’re building a life together.

4. Analysis

Analysis of People We Meet on Vacation

Characters

Poppy Wright

Poppy is a free-spirited, adventurous travel writer who thrives on spontaneity and new experiences. Despite her seemingly perfect job, she struggles with feelings of emptiness and uncertainty about what truly makes her happy. Her character arc revolves around self-discovery, learning to appreciate stability, and confronting her true feelings for Alex.

Alex Nilsen

Alex is Poppy’s best friend and opposite in almost every way—reserved, practical, and content with routine. As a teacher, he values structure and comfort. His steady presence contrasts with Poppy’s wanderlust, yet he also harbors deeper emotions that he’s hesitant to express.

Rachel and Swapna

Rachel is Poppy’s best friend from work, offering support and guidance. Swapna is Poppy’s boss, representing the pressures of her career and the expectations she feels she must meet.

Sarah

Alex’s ex-girlfriend, Sarah, represents the kind of life Alex initially believes he wants—predictable, safe, and traditional.

Setting

The novel moves between various vacation destinations over the years, highlighting the differences in Poppy and Alex’s evolving friendship. The contrast between their past exciting trips and the present awkward tension in their latest vacation underscores their emotional distance and unresolved feelings.

Palm Springs

The most recent trip, where they attempt to rekindle their friendship, is set in Palm Springs, a beautiful yet sweltering location that mirrors the tension and heat between them.

Other Travel Destinations

The novel takes readers through different vacations—New Orleans, San Francisco, Tuscany, and Nashville—each marking a different stage in their friendship. These settings serve as backdrops for pivotal moments in their relationship.

Hometown (Linfield, Ohio)

Alex’s small, quiet hometown represents the stability he craves. Poppy, who once rejected it in favor of adventure, begins to see its appeal as she questions what truly makes her happy.

Themes

Love and Friendship

At its core, the novel explores the fine line between deep friendship and romantic love. Poppy and Alex’s relationship challenges the idea that love must be passionate and grand, showing that comfort and understanding are just as meaningful.

Self-Discovery and Fulfillment

Poppy’s journey is about realizing that happiness isn’t just about adventure but also about who she shares her life with. She struggles with the fear that settling down means giving up excitement, but she ultimately learns that love can be its own adventure.

Opposites Attract

Poppy and Alex’s dynamic is a classic case of opposites attracting. While Poppy lives for adventure, Alex seeks stability. Their story challenges the idea that two very different people can’t build a life together.

Nostalgia and the Past vs. the Present

The novel flips between past vacations and the present, emphasizing how memories shape relationships. It shows how past moments can be romanticized while the present reality forces characters to face difficult truths.

Emotional Baggage and Fear of Change

Both characters struggle with emotional baggage—Poppy fears losing herself in a relationship, while Alex hesitates to embrace something that could end in heartbreak. Their reluctance to change keeps them apart until they finally confront their fears

Symbols

Vacations

Each trip represents different stages in Poppy and Alex’s relationship—excitement, comfort, tension, and eventual realization of their love.

Poppy’s Job as a Travel Writer

Her career symbolizes her desire for constant movement, but as she questions what makes her happy, it becomes clear that traveling isn’t enough if she doesn’t have meaningful connections.

Linfield (Alex’s Hometown)

Linfield represents a grounded, stable life that Poppy once rejected. Over time, she realizes that happiness doesn’t always come from constant change but from the right person.

Narrative Structure and Style

The novel alternates between past vacations and the present, gradually revealing how Poppy and Alex’s friendship changed. This dual timeline builds suspense, making readers wonder what caused their rift.

Emily Henry’s writing blends witty banter with emotional depth, making the romance feel authentic. The slow-burn tension, combined with humor and nostalgia, makes the love story feel real and deeply satisfying.

Audience and Reception

People We Meet on Vacation was widely praised for its heartwarming romance, relatable characters, and engaging narrative structure. Many readers loved the realistic portrayal of friendship evolving into love, as well as Henry’s ability to balance humor with emotional sincerity. Some compared it to When Harry Met Sally due to its exploration of whether best friends can become lovers.

The book further cemented Emily Henry as a standout in the contemporary romance genre, following the success of Beach Read.

5. Review

REVIEW: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

My Opinion

People We Meet on Vacation is a heartfelt and beautifully written friends-to-lovers romance that perfectly captures the magic of travel, deep friendships, and personal growth. Emily Henry delivers an engaging story about Poppy and Alex, two best friends who have taken annual summer trips together for over a decade—until a falling out leaves them estranged. When Poppy convinces Alex to take one last vacation together, unresolved feelings resurface, forcing them to confront what they truly mean to each other.

What makes this novel stand out is its dual timeline structure, alternating between past vacations and the present. This format keeps readers engaged while slowly revealing the depth of Poppy and Alex’s bond. Henry’s witty dialogue, rich descriptions, and emotional depth make this more than just a love story—it’s also a tale about self-discovery and learning what truly makes us happy.

Why It Is Worth Reading

This book is a perfect mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth. The friendship between Poppy and Alex feels authentic, making their slow-burn romance all the more satisfying. The travel aspect adds a unique charm, with vivid settings that make each vacation feel immersive and memorable.

Emily Henry’s writing is engaging, blending sharp banter with heartfelt moments. The novel also explores themes of longing, fear of change, and the struggles of finding happiness in adulthood, making it more than just a light romance.

For Whom It Is Recommended

People We Meet on Vacation is ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burn romances and deep character-driven storytelling. If you loved Beach Read, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, or One Day by David Nicholls, this book will likely be a great fit.

It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate travel-themed romance novels or stories about best friends navigating the transition to something more. Fans of witty banter and emotional storytelling will find this book especially rewarding.

Criticisms

While People We Meet on Vacation is a beautifully crafted romance, some readers may find the pacing slow, particularly with the back-and-forth timeline. The story builds gradually, which may not appeal to those looking for a faster-moving plot.

Additionally, the main source of conflict—why Poppy and Alex stopped speaking—feels drawn out, and some readers may find the resolution a bit predictable. However, for those who enjoy deep, emotional storytelling and slow-burn romance, these aspects won’t detract from the novel’s charm.

6. About the Author

About the Author

Biography

Emily Henry is a bestselling American author known for her contemporary romance novels that blend humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters. Raised in the Midwest, she developed a love for storytelling early on and later pursued a career as a writer.

Her breakthrough novel, Beach Read (2020), established her as a standout voice in the romance genre. Following its success, she released People We Meet on Vacation (2021), another bestseller that further cemented her reputation. Henry’s novels often explore themes of love, friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships.

What Inspired the Author to Write the Book

The idea for People We Meet on Vacation stemmed from Emily Henry’s own experiences with travel and the unique way friendships evolve over time. She wanted to write a story that captured the magic of traveling with someone you deeply care about and how those shared experiences shape relationships.

Henry was also inspired by the classic When Harry Met Sally trope—the idea of two best friends gradually realizing they are in love. She wanted to explore what happens when life, distance, and misunderstandings get in the way of something that feels inevitable.

The novel’s structure—jumping between past vacations and the present—was designed to highlight the way memories influence our emotions and decisions. Henry has mentioned that writing this book allowed her to explore the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the fear of losing something important.

Influences from the Author's Life in the Book

Much of People We Meet on Vacation is inspired by Emily Henry’s love of travel. She has spoken about how different destinations leave lasting impressions on people and how traveling with someone can deepen bonds in unexpected ways. The novel’s vivid descriptions of various locations reflect her appreciation for exploration and adventure.

The dynamic between the two main characters, Poppy and Alex, is also drawn from real-life friendships. Henry wanted to portray a relationship that felt authentic—filled with inside jokes, deep conversations, and the kind of effortless connection that develops over years. Their contrasting personalities (Poppy being spontaneous and fun-loving, Alex being reserved and structured) were influenced by the natural balance that often exists in long-term friendships.

With People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry delivers a heartfelt story about love, travel, and the importance of finding someone who feels like home, no matter where you are in the world.

7. BOOK X MOVIE