People We Meet on Vacation is a romance novel written by Emily Henry. It was published on May 11, 2021, by Berkley Books. In the UK and Australia, the book is called You and Me on Vacation. The book is a New York Times best seller.

Summary

People We Meet on Vacation tells the story of Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen, two best friends who are very different from each other. Poppy is outgoing and loves traveling, while Alex is calm and quiet. Every summer, they spend a week together on vacation until a trip to Dubrovnik causes them to stop talking for two years.

Poppy now works as a travel writer for R+R, a popular magazine. She realizes she was happiest when traveling with Alex. She tries to reconnect with him and invites him to join her on a vacation to Palm Springs for his younger brother David’s wedding.

During the trip, Poppy shares memories of their friendship. Both grew up in Linfield, Ohio, and met in college. Poppy was bullied in school and used writing about travel to escape. She and Alex traveled together on a tight budget, and she kept her feelings for him hidden.

Later, Alex returned to Linfield to teach, while Poppy left college, moved to New York City, and started working for R+R. Their trips became more planned and less spontaneous, and both faced romantic challenges: Alex had an on-and-off relationship with Sarah, and Poppy dated several people.

In the present, Poppy and Alex arrive at a rented apartment with only one bed and a broken air conditioner. The heat makes them uncomfortable, and Poppy tries to visit tourist spots, but they are unhappy. During a rainstorm, they sleep together and admit they care about each other. They attend the wedding together, but at the airport, Poppy says she saw the trip as an escape from her life, which upsets Alex.

Poppy remembers that in Croatia, she and Alex kissed while drunk, but they both thought it was a mistake. Back in New York, she starts therapy and realizes she avoids problems and feels unfulfilled at work. She returns to Linfield to fix things with Alex. He admits he is afraid they are too different and worries about losing her like he lost his mother. In the end, Poppy and Alex become a couple, spending time in both New York and Linfield.

Characters

The main character of the novel, Poppy, is a travel blogger who writes for a magazine. She is described as outgoing and adventurous, always seeking new experiences. She left her hometown in Linfield, Ohio, because of bullying.

Poppy’s best friend, Alex, is in his 30s and has a very different lifestyle than Poppy. He prefers to stay in his hometown, where he lives and works as an English teacher at a high school in Linfield.

Poppy’s other best friend, Rachel, lives in New York. She is a social media influencer and an artist. Rachel encouraged Poppy to reconnect with Alex to help her understand what would make her happy.

Alex is Poppy’s on-and-off girlfriend throughout the story. They first meet at a library, and both work at the same school.

Poppy’s boss at her magazine company supports her travels. She is described as stylish and very careful in her work, serving as a role model for Poppy.

Reception

People We Meet on Vacation is a top-selling book listed on the New York Times and IndieBound bestseller lists.

The book received special praise in starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews, and it also earned positive feedback from The Washington Post, the Associated Press, and Publishers Weekly.

In its starred review, Kirkus Reviews called the novel a "heartwarming and successful modern version of the movie When Harry Met Sally that hits all the right notes." Library Journal noted in its starred review that the story appeals to readers who enjoy "emotional stories, poetic language, and vivid descriptions of places," and compared it to Kate Clayborn’s Love Lettering. Alicia Rancilio from the Associated Press praised the author’s writing, especially her ability to create realistic conversations. Angela Hurt from The Washington Post said the author "skillfully shows the uncertainty and stress of being in your early 30s, adding a meaningful personal growth element to the story." However, Hurt also said the book does not match the energy of the author’s earlier novel, Beach Read, stating, "People lacks the special spark that made Beach Read stand out." Publishers Weekly agreed, saying the book "does not have the same energy as Beach Read, but still provides enjoyable, light-hearted summer fun."

Film adaptation

In October 2022, a film version of the story was announced. Brett Haley will direct the movie, and Temple Hill Entertainment will produce it. In August 2024, Netflix and Sony Pictures said they would produce the film. Tom Blyth and Emily Bader were chosen to play the characters Alex and Poppy. Filming began in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the fall of 2024. The movie had its first showing on January 9, 2026.