Summary:

In “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry, Poppy and Alex are best friends who have been taking summer vacations together for the past twelve years. However, after a falling out two years ago, they haven’t spoken since. Determined to mend their friendship, Poppy convinces Alex to take one last vacation together. As they embark on a two-week trip across Europe, they reflect on their past adventures, confront their unresolved feelings, and discover that sometimes love can be found in unexpected places.

Rekindling the Friendship:

The story begins with Poppy and Alex, who couldn’t be more different from each other. Poppy is spontaneous, adventurous, and always seeking new experiences, while Alex is reserved, cautious, and prefers routine. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely bond during their college years and decide to take a summer vacation together. This tradition continues for twelve years until a falling out leaves them estranged.

After two years of silence, Poppy decides to reach out to Alex and suggests they take one last vacation to repair their friendship. Reluctantly, Alex agrees, and they embark on a journey across Europe. As they revisit their favorite destinations and explore new ones, they reminisce about their past adventures and slowly start to rebuild their connection.

Unresolved Feelings:

Throughout their trip, Poppy and Alex confront their unresolved feelings for each other. It becomes evident that their friendship was built on a foundation of unspoken romantic tension. As they spend more time together, they begin to question whether they can be more than just friends. However, both are hesitant to risk their friendship for the possibility of something more.

As they navigate the complexities of their emotions, they also face external obstacles that test their bond. From missed flights to unexpected encounters with strangers, their journey is filled with unpredictable twists and turns. Through it all, they learn to trust each other and themselves, ultimately discovering what truly matters in their lives.

Love in Unexpected Places:

While the main focus of the story is the rekindling of Poppy and Alex’s friendship, “People We Meet on Vacation” also explores the theme of finding love in unexpected places. As they travel through picturesque European cities, they encounter a diverse cast of characters who challenge their preconceived notions about love and relationships.

From a free-spirited artist to a charming local tour guide, Poppy and Alex meet people who inspire them to embrace new possibilities. These encounters serve as catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery, allowing them to question their own desires and what they truly want from life.

Key Takeaways:

• Friendships can withstand the test of time and distance if both parties are willing to put in the effort to repair and rebuild.
• Love can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes it’s worth taking a risk to pursue what truly makes you happy.
• Traveling allows us to broaden our horizons, challenge our perspectives, and discover new aspects of ourselves.

“Sometimes you have to travel back in time, skirting the edges of memories and the people you used to be, just to figure out who you are now.” – Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation

In “People We Meet on Vacation,” Emily Henry crafts a heartwarming and captivating story about friendship, love, and self-discovery. Through the adventures of Poppy and Alex, readers are reminded of the importance of cherishing the people we meet along life’s journey and the transformative power of travel.