Why We're Excited About Our Exclusive Audible Deal (and How Our Travelzoo Team Uses It)
At Travelzoo, our team members share diverse tastes like colleagues everywhere. Yet, visit nearly any nightstand, and you'll spot stacks of books showcasing our ambitions—alongside many unread ones reflecting our hectic travel-filled lives.
When colleagues shared details on our exclusive Audible deal, we dove right in. Who wouldn't love free audiobooks narrated for you, anytime? Ideal for those constant flights, trains, and drives.
We're now hooked and eager to recommend standout titles from Audible's vast library of over 400,000 audiobooks. If these don't appeal, you're sure to find favorites elsewhere in their collection.
First, check your email. We've emailed all Travelzoo members personalized promo codes redeemable for any two Audible titles. (Note: Codes won't apply if you're an existing Audible member or used a free trial in the past year.) As a bonus, every member gets a free download of the acclaimed "Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents" by Elisabeth Eaves—perfect travel inspiration.
Here are five recent staff favorites:
Staffer: Martin Cernosek, Sales Manager
Audiobook: “Four Seasons in Rome” by Anthony Doerr
Preparing for my first Rome trip, a friend suggested this memoir. Anthony Doerr recounts moving from Idaho to Rome with his wife and newborn twins to write the novel that won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize. I began listening en route; Doerr's vivid descriptions primed me perfectly. Finishing post-trip deepened its geographic, historical, and emotional impact—creating a lasting impression.
Staffer: Tanya Freund, Sales Manager
Audiobook: “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry” by Fredrik Backman
This novel's quirky characters, hilarious prose, and poignant message kept me glued. A fairy tale amid harsh realities, it evokes laughter and tears—drawing odd looks during my public commutes, like walks home from work.
Staffer: Erin Mara, Associate Producer
Audiobook: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
This touching yet funny tale of a teen with Asperger's investigating a neighbor's dog's death shines in audio. The narrator's spot-on comedic timing captivates faster than print. Plus, easy pauses fit busy days, offering perfect escapes into unfolding stories.
Staffer: Kevin Kitchen, Executive Producer
Audiobook: “The Innovators” by Walter Isaacson
A must-listen for its chronicle of innovations birthing the personal computer. Beyond history, it's a guide to inventive problem-solving. Its episodic structure suits audiobooks perfectly.
Staffer: Carina Stebbins, Hotel Planner
Audiobook: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
This timeless classic gains new life via Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek's narration. Her vivid character voices immerse you in this coming-of-age story from a young girl's perspective in the Deep South.
