worth watching or reading? makes u want a vacay
Watch the movie for a light, comforting experience.
Read the book if you want to sit in the slow-burn feelings a little longer.
Personally, I’m really glad I did both.
My thoughts on the book:
I really, really enjoyed this book — even though I could predict the ending to some extent. What surprised me was how little that bothered me.
Reading it felt like flipping through personal journal entries. Maybe it’s because Poppy is a blogger, but the story felt intimate and reflective rather than plot-driven. Each summer trip was exciting in its own way, yet what stayed with me were the small what if moments, the five minutes where something almost happens, and then doesn’t.
It’s slow, but intentionally so.
And honestly, it’s the perfect embodiment of Taylor Swift’s “ruin the friendship” energy.
My thoughts on the movie:
The movie was genuinely fun and light-hearted. The cast chemistry was strong - you could feel it immediately and it made the relationship feel believable and warm. It’s the kind of rom-com you can watch multiple times because it just gives you the happy, goofy vibe. That said, it felt more rushed. The emotional beats landed differently, and some of the quiet depth from the book didn’t fully translate on screen. While watching, I kept wondering how they would adapt such an internal, reflective story and overall, I think they did a good job, just in a different way.
But yeah, this is one of those films that you can read the book after watching the movie and still be excited. Happy reading / watching 🎬📚
If you’re someone who loves travel stories embedded with genuine emotional moments, "People We Meet on Vacation" is a truly satisfying read. The book’s slow-burn narrative allows you to really sink into the characters’ evolving relationship, making the hesitant, lingering feelings resonate more deeply. It’s like peeking into someone’s personal journal, filled with intimate reflections and those small, almost fleeting momentos that capture the complexity of friendship and love. On the other hand, the movie offers a lighter, more immediate vibe. With a strong cast chemistry, it delivers warmth and goofiness that makes it easy to watch multiple times, perfect for when you want a feel-good experience without too much intensity. It’s understandable that some of the book’s quiet emotional beats don’t fully translate to the screen—adapting internal reflections visually is always a challenge—but the film does a commendable job of bringing the story to life in its own way. Personally, I found that consuming both versions enhanced my appreciation for the story. Watching the movie first gave me that joyous, easy-going feeling, and reading the book afterward deepened my understanding of the characters' inner worlds, making the story linger longer in my mind. Plus, if you love travel narratives, the book’s depiction of summer trips filled with ‘what if’ moments adds a relatable layer of wistful nostalgia. In short, if you want a light, comforting watch, go for the movie. If you crave emotional texture and slow-burn romance, the book is your best bet. And if time allows, experiencing both will make you want to pack your bags and embark on your own summer getaway!
